Top 5 resolutions for property success in 2018

By Tom Watson · · 3 min read
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Each new year brings with it new goals and aspirations, but when it actually comes to thinking about resolutions for 2018 where should you begin?

For many Australians property will be their most valuable asset and financial commitment, which means reviewing your home loan and property goals is a great place to start.

So whether you're looking to buy your first home, your fifth, or you just want to add value to the property you already have, these are five resolutions you’ll want to keep.

1. Keep on top of the market

To give yourself the best chance for success in 2018 you’ll need to do your research. Whether that’s the likelihood of an RBA rate change if you’re an owner-occupier, the property hotspots to keep an eye on if you’re looking to invest, or the changes to government grants and schemes for first home buyers, keeping up to date with the latest developments is key.

2. Reassess and refinance

Is your home loan rate still competitive? When was the last time you checked? Mortgage rates are even lower now than they were 12 months ago, so now is the ideal time to compare options and snare a red hot rate. The lower your rate, the faster you’ll be able to pay down your loan and build equity in your property. Mozo calculations suggest that the average borrower* could be saving up to $2,039 each year by switching to the most competitive loan on the market.

Here are some some of the lowest rates on the market right now to help you get started.

Low Rate Home Loans 2018 - last updated 25 May 2022

Search promoted home loans below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Smart Booster Home Loan

    2 Year Discounted Variable Rate, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <80% LVR

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    2.10% p.a.variable for 24 months and then 2.50% p.a. variable
    2.46% p.a.

    New super low introductory rate home loan for two years. Min 20% deposit. No monthly or ongoing fees. Fast settlement times. Mozo award-winning online lender. Friendly, local Australian based team.

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    Details
  • Celebrate Variable Home Loan

    <60% LVR, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    2.14% p.a. variable
    2.14% p.a.

    Rates have moved in line with RBA. Fast and efficient online application. Automatic discounts as loan is paid down. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Zero fees. Min 40% deposit required.

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    Details
  • Basic Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, LVR<60%, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    2.39% p.a. variable
    2.39% p.a.

    No application or account management fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free withdrawals of your savings.

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    Details
  • Neat Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <60%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    1.89% p.a. variable
    1.90% p.a.

    Low variable rate. Ideal for buyers or investors. No annual fees to pay. Unlimited additional repayments. Free redraw facility available. Fast digital application. 40% deposit required.

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    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Variable Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    2.24% p.a. variable
    2.24% p.a.

    Purchase and Refinance. No upfront or ongoing fees. Fast digital application. 100% offset sub account with no account or redraw fees. Comes with a Visa debit card, mobile App, and digital wallet. 20% deposit or equity required. Mozo Experts Choice winner for Best New Home Loan and Low Cost Home Loan 2022. 18 years and over.

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    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Discount Great Rate Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR<90%, over $150k

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    2.19% p.a. variable
    2.20% p.a.

    A Great Rate Home Loan from Greater Bank is a low interest rate home loan that's easy to use. With no establishment fee, low interest and no monthly or annual fees, you could save thousands of dollars! You'll need 10% deposit to start. Mozo Experts Choice Awards - Home Lender Bank of the Year 2022.

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    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Variable Rate Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <80%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    2.09% p.a. variable
    1.99% p.a.

    $5000 refinance cashback. Owner-occupier refinancers only living in NSW/VIC/SA metro and inner regional areas. Receive up to an additional 0.15% off your rate as you pay off the loan. Receive bonus payments up to $2,500. T&Cs apply.

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    Details

* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate, loan amount and term entered. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.

3. Invest in your own home

You don’t have to become an investor to make great investment decisions. One savvy option for owners looking to increase the value of their own property in 2018 is to build a granny flat which could provide some extra rental income, or simply add anywhere between $100,000 to $200,000 to the value of your property. Consider other ways you can cost-effectively increase the value of your property, for instance by adding a carport or extra bedroom.

4. Make the most of your home’s equity  

Given the exponential rise in the value of property in recent years, you could be sitting on a potential investment gold mine. So why not use your home's equity in 2018 by starting a line of credit with your bank which you could use for anything from making renovations to improve the value of your existing home, to funding a deposit for your first investment property.

5. Supercharge your first deposit

If you’re looking at buying your first home, 2018 could certainly be a great opportunity for you to get into the market. To give yourself the best opportunity, fast track your way to a 20% deposit (which will help you avoid paying lenders mortgage insurance) by sitting down to reassess your budget and find ways to cut out any luxuries or expenses you can live without.

* Calculation based on an owner occupier borrower making principal & interest repayments on a typical $300,000 home loan over 30 years.