RBA holds interest rates steady at 1.75% amidst global uncertainty
With global markets unsettled in the wake of Brexit and the Federal Election shaking up the domestic scene, the Reserve Bank of Australia has opted to keep interest rates on hold for now, at 1.75%.
The decision comes as no surprise, with 25 economists interviewed by Bloomberg unanimously predicting that this month’s RBA announcement would hold rates steady. However, most experts, with the notable exception of NAB, have forecast a rate cut for August.
In a statement, outgoing Governor Glenn Stevens said that, “In Australia, recent data suggest overall growth is continuing, despite a very large decline in business investment. Other areas of domestic demand, as well as exports, have been expanding at a pace at or above trend."
He added that "Financial institutions are in a position to lend and credit growth has been moderate. These factors are all assisting the economy to make the necessary economic adjustments, though an appreciating exchange rate could complicate this."
Whether or not an August interest rate drop actually happens may come down largely to both the new global market conditions as regulators navigate Brexit developments, and the June quarter consumer price inflation (CPI) report which will be released on July 27.
What does it mean for your home loan?
During the month we’ve seen the lingering effect of the last RBA rate cut on home loan interest rates, with further cuts - particularly on fixed rate home loans - trickling through from lenders. So for any home buyers considering locking in a low rate, now may be a good time to make a move - unless you’re betting on another RBA rate cut in August.
Although already low home loan rates are looking even sweeter, and seem unlikely to rise again in the next month or two, it’s not time for borrowers to become complacent. Savvy Aussies should still keep one eye on the market and stay up-to-date on the best home loan deals.
Best fixed rate home loan offers- 1 year fixed rate: Illawarra Credit Union - 3.65% (comparison rate 4.10%)
- 2 year fixed rate: 3.74% - Suncorp (comparison rate 4.45%), Newcastle Permanent (comparison rate 4.84%)
- 3 year fixed rate: loans.com.au - 3.67% (comparison rate 3.88%)
- 4 year fixed rate BCU - 3.80% (comparison rate 4.38%)
- 5 year fixed rate: 3.99% - Greater Bank (comparison rate 4.48%), Teachers Mutual Bank (comparison rate 4.77%), UniBank (comparison rate 4.77%)
Best variable rate home loan offers
Product | Variable rate |
---|---|
FreedomLend Variable Home Loan | 3.73% |
Newcastle Permanent Discounted Variable Home Loan (Premium Plus Package) | 3.74% |
UBank UHomeLoan - Value Offer | 3.74% |
*All home loan rates based on owner occupiers with an LVR of 80% or higher
Check out other great home loan offers on the market over at our home loan comparison table.
And what about your savings?
Although the RBA has opted to keep interest rates on hold for now, with experts predicting another cut on the horizon savers will need to be on the lookout for all the best deals in order to secure a decent return on their cash stash.
Luckily, Mozo are here to help, and we’ve rounded up some of the best high interest savings accounts to park your rainy day fund in.
Best savings accounts
Product | Interest rate | Special conditions |
---|---|---|
ME Online Savings Account | 3.35% | Make a weekly Tap & Go purchase with the debit card attached to your ME Everyday Transaction Account |
CUA eSaver Reward | 3.15% | Deposit $1,000 into a CUA transaction account in the month. |
RAMS Saver Account | 3.15% | Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month. |
UBank USaver with Ultra Transaction Account | 3.12% | Minimum deposit of $200 into either account in the month. |
Bank Australia Bonus Saver | 3.00% | Minimum deposit of $100 and no withdrawals in the month. |
For more great savings options, visit our saving accounts comparison table.
Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.
Top home loans - last updated February 27, 2021
Smart Booster Home Loan
1 Year Discounted Variable Rate, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <80% LVR
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment
1.99% p.a.variable for 12 months and then 2.48% p.a. variable2.47% p.a.A super low introductory rate home loan with no monthly or ongoing fees. Unlimited free redraws and unlimited additional repayments to help you build your equity and own your home sooner. Multiple loan splits available. (Rates revert after introductory period ends). 20% minimum deposit required.
CompareCompareSmart Booster Home Loan
A super low introductory rate home loan with no monthly or ongoing fees. Unlimited free redraws and unlimited additional repayments to help you build your equity and own your home sooner. Multiple loan splits available. (Rates revert after introductory period ends). 20% minimum deposit required.
- interest rate
- 1.99% p.a.variable for 12 months and then 2.48% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 2.47% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $520
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- Optional - with 0.10% additional interest
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $50,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $1,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Smart Booster Home Loan
Basic Home Loan
Fixed, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR 70-80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment
2.09% p.a.
fixed 2 years2.56% p.a.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.
CompareCompareBasic Home Loan
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.
- interest rate
- 2.09% p.a.
fixed 2 years
- comparison rate
- 2.56% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $400.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $750,000
- type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Basic Home Loan
UHomeLoan - Discount Offer
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment
2.34% p.a. variable2.34% p.a.Enjoy a super low rate, $0 fees and easy application with the Mozo Experts Choice Home Lender Bank of the Year.^ Free redraw with flexible repayments. Min 20% deposit.
CompareCompareUHomeLoan - Discount Offer
Enjoy a super low rate, $0 fees and easy application with the Mozo Experts Choice Home Lender Bank of the Year.^ Free redraw with flexible repayments. Min 20% deposit.
- interest rate
- 2.34% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 2.34% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $100,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- -
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the UHomeLoan - Discount Offer
Celebrate Variable Home Loan
<60% LVR, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment
2.19% p.a. variable2.19% p.a.Fast online application with no fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Min 40% deposit. Crowned Best New Home Loan for 2020 by the Mozo Experts.^
CompareCompareCelebrate Variable Home Loan
Fast online application with no fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Min 40% deposit. Crowned Best New Home Loan for 2020 by the Mozo Experts.^
- interest rate
- 2.19% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 2.19% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $100,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $2,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Celebrate Variable Home Loan
Special Fixed Rate Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment
1.99% p.a.
fixed 4 years3.45% p.a.Ability to split your loan between fixed and variable. $2,000 cashback offer for investor & owner occupied home loans over $250k with LVR ≤80% when refinancing to Newcastle Permanent. Limited time offer extended, T&Cs apply
CompareCompareSpecial Fixed Rate Home Loan
Ability to split your loan between fixed and variable. $2,000 cashback offer for investor & owner occupied home loans over $250k with LVR ≤80% when refinancing to Newcastle Permanent. Limited time offer extended, T&Cs apply
- interest rate
- 1.99% p.a.
fixed 4 years
- comparison rate
- 3.45% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $395.00 yearly
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free up to $25,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $5,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- -
- type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- $2,000 cashback when you refinance your home loan from another financial institution when you apply by 31 March 2021 and are funded by 31 May 2021, min $250k, LVR
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Special Fixed Rate Home Loan
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loans Awards
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