Top 5 tips for negotiating a cheaper home loan if your fixed-rate is ending

As hundreds of thousands of fixed-rate home loans are set to expire in the next 12 months, existing borrowers have a few strategies at their disposal that could mean the difference between expensive rollover rates and a better deal.

According to Zippy Financial, 40% of fixed-rate loans from 2022 are due to expire by the end of 2023, with an additional 20% expiring by the end of 2024. 

Zippy Financial Director, Louisa Sanghera says this may leave many borrowers unable to refinance their home loans due to interest rate rises that price them out of finding a new lender. This is also known as being a home loan hostage.

“The rapid increase in interest rates since May last year means many existing borrowers are stuck with their current lenders because they simply don’t qualify to refinance elsewhere at present,” Sanghera said.

“However, that doesn’t mean that borrowers need to just accept any old ‘offer’ from their lender or – worse still – simply allow their home loans to roll over to the advertised variable rates.

“Rather, by being proactive and undertaking some simple research, existing borrowers can give themselves a better chance of securing a much better home loan rate.” 

1. Compare home loans to find the best rates on offer 

Sanghera suggests that borrowers should take the time to research and compare home loans to find the lowest rates currently available. 

“Find the best rate in the market then take that rate to your bank and ask them to beat it,” she said.

Some of the lowest variable rates in the Mozo database for owner-occupiers with a loan-to-value ratio (LVR) of 80% or less are below. (This is based on principal and interest on a $400,000 loan):  

• Pacific Mortgage Group Standard Variable Home Loan | 5.54% p.a. (5.54% p.a. comparison rate*)
• Firefighters Mutual Bank Your Way Basic Variable Home Loan | 5.64% p.a. (5.70% p.a. comparison rate*)
• Health Professionals Bank Your Way Basic Variable Home Loan | 5.64% p.a. (5.70% p.a. comparison rate*)
• Teachers Mutual Bank Your Way Basic Variable Home Loan | 5.64% p.a. (5.70% p.a. comparison rate*)
• Community First Bank Basic variable Home Loan | 5.69% p.a. (5.74% p.a. Comparison rate*). 

2. Speak to your lender’s retention team 

Sanghera says that a common mistake made by those trying to negotiate their rates is that they’re speaking to the wrong people. 

“Always ask for the bank’s retention team directly as they have the best rates, rather than someone who may just be in the home loan call centre,” she said. 

3. If at first you don’t succeed… 

Sanghera says that if your first attempt at renegotiating your home loan rate doesn’t work out the way you’d hoped, you shouldn’t give up. 

“If the rate they offer you is still underwhelming, don’t give up, and repeat the same process every six months,” she said.

A lot can change in six months, especially when it comes to interest rates. By calling your lender every so often, you may find that you can successfully get your interest rate shaved down in increments. 

Plus, as you pay down your mortgage over time and accrue equity, your LVR will drop, which could result in lenders offering lower interest rates.   

4. Use the equity you’ve built as leverage 

Sanghera says that homeowners can use home equity to get cheaper rates. 

By ‘name-dropping’ your LVR, you can actually use it to your advantage when negotiating, she said. 

“Lower loan-to-value ratios, or LVRs, do carry lower rates with lenders. So, if your property has gone up in value, you may qualify for a cheaper rate, so make sure you know your current LVR before calling,” she said. 

5. Ask your lender to waive fees 

If your lender won’t offer you a lower interest rate, there are still other ways to save, according to Sanghera.

“If they say they can’t lower the rate, then ask if they can waive the annual fee instead,” she said. 

Of course, if your lender won’t budge and the option is still there to refinance your home loan, that might be your best bet for a lower rate.  

But before you jump at the cheapest home loan you can find, compare your options to ensure there isn’t a better fit out there for you and your property. 

You can start by comparing home loans with Mozo and checking out some of the featured products below, or browsing through the best home loans in Australia.