RBA keeps rates on hold at 3.00%

At its first board meeting of 2013, the Reserve Bank has kept rates on hold at 3.00%, despite calls from Australia's housing developers that an additional interest rate cut is needed to stimulate the declining housing market.

In his statement, Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens said that, "sentiment in financial markets has continued to improve, with risk spreads narrowing and funding conditions for financial institutions becoming more favourable."

However he noted that "the inflation outlook, as assessed at present, would afford scope to ease policy further, should that be necessary to support demand."

Why wait for the RBA to get a rate cut?

Borrowers don't need to wait until next month's RBA meeting to get a rate cut on their home loan. Right now, home owners can snap up a great interest rate and save on their home loan repayments. Two of the market's most aggressive lenders UBank and loans.com.au have current variable rate offers of 5.12% (refinance only) and 5.09% respectively.

How much would you save by switching? Let's assume you are on Westpac's Rocket Repay Home Loan  with an interest rate of 6.51%. On a $300,000 home loan over 25 years, by switching to the Loans.com.au 5.09% Blackboard Special you would save $257 a month or $80,293 over the life of your loan.

To find out how much you can save try Mozo's Home Loan Comparison Calculator or talk with one of our expert home loan negotiators. Mozo has negotiated exclusive home loans deals with some of Australia's leading home loan lenders and we will negotiate on your behalf to get you a top deal on your home loan.

Market's top home loan rates:

Best Variable Rate Loans:
Loans.com.au: Blackboard Special 5.09% (5.12% comparison rate)
UBank: UHome Loan (Refinance Only) 5.12% (5.12% comparison rate)
mymortgage freedom: low rate (up to 75% LVR) 5.23% (5.54% comparison rate)
iMortgage: Propack 75 (up to 75% LVR) 5.24% (5.59% Comparison rate)
Rate Busters Ultimate 5.34% (5.35% comparison rate)

Best 1 year fixed rates (nb: some loans require variable / fixed split)
4.99% : Resi Flexi Fix, Greater Building Society Fixed Ultimate Home Loan Package, Newcastle Permanent Fixed Rate, ME Bank Fixed Members Package

Best 2 year fixed rate
5.04% iMortgage

Best 3 year fixed rate
5.12% Resi

Good news for Savers

No rate cuts means good news for savers who were slammed by the back to to back rate cuts of 2012.  There are still a few accounts out there offering over 5% but the banks are demanding a bit of loyalty from you to get it.

Top 3 savings rates
ME Bank  Online Savings Account: 5.10% special rate (12 month bonus rate)
ING Direct Savings Maximiser: 5.00% (4 month welcome rate)
Citibank Online Saver: 5.00% (4 month welcome rate)

Compare savings accounts.

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Top home loans - last updated 29 March 2024

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

    Package, Owner Occupier, LVR<60%, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.15% p.a. variable
    6.40% p.a.

    Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.

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    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Express Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <90%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.01% p.a. variable
    6.14% p.a.

    Get fast online approval from the award-winning Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan. Multiple offset accounts and redraw available. 100% offset on variable rate loans and partial offset on fixed rate. Flexible repayment options. New home loans only.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    5.99% p.a.
    fixed 2 years
    6.24% p.a.

    Secure a low rate and enjoy the certainty of repayments, with the BCU Fixed Rate Home Loan. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Pay up to $25,000 extra during a fixed period (T&Cs apply). Lock in for up to 5 years.

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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. 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.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards

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