UBank’s new home loan to waive lenders mortgage insurance for 15% deposits

By Katherine O'Chee · · 2 min read
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Home loan costs

Saving for a 20% deposit could take more than four years for the average Australian, but online lender UBank is offering a solution to help home buyers get into the market sooner. 

UBank today announced it will provide home loans of up to 85% loan-to-value ratio (LVR) for owner occupiers, without charging an extra cost known as Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). 

LMI is usually required if you’re borrowing more than 80% of the property value, and this expense can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. 

One common way to waive LMI is to have a guarantor - usually that’s your parents or the government via its First Home Loan Deposit Scheme. But if neither option fits your situation, UBank’s new loan will give eligible borrowers with at least a 15% deposit another avenue for avoiding LMI. 

For customers with LVRs ranging from over 80% up to 85%, UBanks is introducing a variable rate of 2.49% (2.49% comparison rate*), available to owner occupiers making principal and interest repayments. Alternatively, the same borrower group could snag a three-year fixed rate of 2.05% (2.41% comparison rate*).

These are ultra low rates compared to the rest of the Mozo database, sitting 78 basis points below the variable rate average (3.27%) and 27 basis points below the three-year fixed rate average (2.32%) for 80% LVR owner occupier loans. 

How much time will UBank’s home loan save you? 

“We’re passionate about helping Australians get into their own homes but we know saving for a home deposit takes an average of 4.6 years, rising to over eight years for Sydneysiders,” UBank’s chief executive officer, Philippa Watson said. 

UBank says its 85% LVR home loan could help borrowers cut down that wait time by nearly seven months, than if they had to pay LMI upfront. 

Drawing on figures from insurance company Genworth, for an average loan of $480,000 at 85% LVR, borrowers could save about $5,000 on LMI with UBank’s new loan. 

Want to compare UBank’s offer with other deals in the market? If you’ve saved up as little as 10% of the property value, these low deposit home loans below might be of interest to you. Or head on over to Mozo’s low deposit home loans comparison hub for even more options.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click the products below. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Promoted

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.22 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
    Go to site

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • >80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.29 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.32 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,328
    Go to site

    BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
    Interest rate
    6.75 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    7.09 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,540
    Go to site

    Get a flexible loan structure with up to six loan accounts with different rate types. Make free extra repayments. Enjoy free redraw facility. No upfront or ongoing fees. Option to earn Qantas points.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
    Interest rate
    6.75 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    7.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,540
    Go to site

  • Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
    Interest rate
    6.84 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.88 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,582
    Go to site

    Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.22 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
    Go to site

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.43 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
    Go to site

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* 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. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. 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.

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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.

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