Refinancing: what you need to know

September 21, 2018 Sameer S

Confused about the ins and outs of mortgage refinancing? There are two key considerations when you’re looking at taking the step – why and how. Here, we examine both.

A home loan is generally a long-term proposition, but in some situations it can be suitable to refinance your mortgage. Refinancing involves taking out a new mortgage and using those funds to pay off your existing mortgage. Doing it right could deliver significant financial gains over time.

The two key things you need to know and understand before you go ahead are your reasons for doing it and how to go about it.

Good reasons to consider refinancing

You want a lower interest rate

The loans market is highly competitive and interest rates can vary significantly between lenders, so one of the most common reasons for refinancing is to get a lower rate. This could help you pay off your home loan sooner and save you thousands of dollars over time.

Even if interest rates haven’t fallen since you first took out your loan, you can sometimes access a better rate if your financial situation has improved. This is where a broker can be invaluable; they can help find a better interest rate and advise you of lending facilities that may suit your lifestyle. Rather than moving banks, this could mean renegotiating a better deal with your existing lender.

Keep in mind, however, that not all mortgage products are the same. A mortgage with a lower interest rate may not have all the benefits of your existing loan, so be sure to carefully consider all rates, fees and features.

You want to change your loan type

You may want to switch from a variable loan to a fixed loan to lock in a low interest rate with either your existing lender or a new one. Depending on the type of mortgage you have, this may require refinancing into a different product. You might also have to refinance if you want to change to a split loan, which has part variable and part fixed rates.

You’d like to access the equity in your home for other uses

As you pay down your mortgage and property values increase, the equity you have in your property builds up and becomes a valuable asset. By refinancing, you can access that equity to generate funds to use in wide variety of situations – to renovate or extend your home, for a deposit on another investment property, or even to invest in shares.

Your circumstances have changed

Things change. Perhaps you’ve had a significant rise (or fall) in your income. Refinancing can help to manage your new situation. By taking out a new mortgage (or increasing your limit on the existing one) you may be able to consolidate other debts such as personal loans and credit cards, into one facility, lowering your monthly repayments and saving you interest. If your finances have improved, on the other hand, you may want a different kind of loan product with alternative features, such as a mortgage offset or extra repayment facility to allow you to pay off your mortgage sooner.

Starting the refinancing process

Once you’ve determined your needs and done your research, including speaking to a broker, beginning to refinance will be straightforward

The application

Your broker will evaluate your circumstances and help you submit your application. You’ll need to provide identification documentation, proof of income (such as pay slips) and list your assets and liabilities. If you’re staying with your existing lender, you may not need to provide as much information.

Getting a valuation

Lenders will often require a valuation on your home to determine how much you can borrow. This bank valuation generally requires an inspection of the property by a licensed valuer. Remember to prepare for the valuation, ensuring your property is presented in its best light to gain an accurate valuation price. Tidy the garden, reduce clutter in the house and finish those small maintenance jobs you’ve been putting off.

Receiving approval

Once your lender is completely satisfied, full loan approval is granted. In many cases you’ll receive an approval letter with a copy of the loan contract to review, sign and return to the lender. Your funds will usually be cleared once all signed documentation is reviewed. Your lender will then arrange settlement of your existing loan and establishment of your new one.

While refinancing can save you money, it may not be the right move for everyone. Take care and get advice on whether it’s the best route for you. Before taking any action, talk to your broker, as they can help you select a suitable loan product for your needs and circumstances.

Towards 2019: what next for the housing market?

September 21, 2018 Sameer S

The Australian residential housing market has been highly variable this year, and we’ve seen some highlights as well as lowlights. We look ahead at what’s expected for the remainder of 2018 and beyond.

It’s been a tale of mixed fortunes in the nation’s housing market over the past 12 months. There’s been a downward slide in what were previously booming markets, as well as delight over growth in other areas.

Capital cities have mostly continued to soften – particularly Sydney, which has had a tough start to the year – yet some of our regional areas have reaped the rewards as homebuyers look further afield for value.

While houses have felt the pressure, apartment values in some areas have risen.

What’s more, whilst value declines were recorded for the more expensive half of the market, the most affordable end grew in value. It’s an interesting time, so we’ve taken a look at the key trends to be aware of in 2018.

The big winner: regional markets

Over the first quarter of the year, capital city values were down almost 1 per cent compared to a 1.1 per cent lift in regional dwelling values, according to NAB’s April 2018 Australian Housing Market Update.

The combined regional markets have been outperforming the capital cities since October last year, with the strongest annual growth rates recorded in the regions around Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.

Victoria’s Geelong recorded the highest capital gains in the country over the past 12 months, with dwelling values up 10 per cent, followed by NSW’s Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven region, which rose 9.5 per cent.

The Capital region in south-east NSW including Queanbeyan rose 8.3 per cent in the same period, as did the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions.

Driving the reduced demand in the cities is widely acknowledged by commentators nationally as recognition of opportunities in regional areas.

As NAB’s Housing Update team put it in the April Australian Housing Market Update, “it seems buyer demand has rippled away from the capitals… towards areas where housing is more affordable but also jobs, amenity and transport options are reasonably plentiful”.

Apartments gain attention

Interestingly, there has been a demand for units over houses, with unit values now outperforming house values in certain areas.

It’s a subtle difference when you look at the combined capital city figures over the March quarter – while house values are down one per cent, units are down a more moderate 0.7 per cent.

But those differences are more significant if you look at Sydney and Melbourne, where housing affordability pressures are clearer. As the report also shows, Sydney’s unit values are up 1.9 per cent over the past 12 months while house values are down 3.8 per cent.

Despite more positive results, the trend in Melbourne over the last 12 months is similar, with house values only rising 4.9 per cent, compared to the 6.6 per cent climb of units.

However, the trend is less pronounced or even reversed outside of Sydney and Melbourne.

The Brisbane housing market was flat over the first three months of the year, continuing the sedate pattern of a decade that’s seen dwelling values rise at an annual rate of just 0.9 per cent. Over the last 12 months, houses have performed better in value – with a rise of 1.8 per cent compared to a fall of 1.4 per cent for units. This is likely due to concerns of an apartment surplus in the city.

However there are predictions that this situation soon change, with unit construction having peaked in 2016. “Population growth is ramping up which will help support an improvement in the unit market’s performance,” according to NAB’s April update.

State by state: a breakdown

Perth is showing signs of improving conditions – a turnaround for a market that peaked in June 2014 and has since seen dwelling values fall 10.8 per cent. The median dwelling value here is the lowest of the four largest capital cities. Dwelling values posted a rise in March (up 0.3 per cent) but units continued to fall (down 2.2 per cent over the quarter).

Hobart is the star performer and it’s a trend that’s expected to continue this year. Dwelling values were 1.7 per cent higher in March to be 13 per cent higher for the year. Adding more fuel to the fire is the plummeting listing numbers in the market – down 36 per cent compared to a year ago – leading to rapid sales. “With low stock levels and high demand, Hobart is truly a sellers’ market” according to the update.

In Adelaide, growth has been flat but dwelling values are up 1.7 per cent on 12 months ago and there are some positive signs. “Jobs growth has been ramping up across SA, which should help support a turnaround in migration that could buoy housing demand” the update predicts.

What’s next?

While there’s unlikely to be a major upturn in Sydney and Melbourne any time soon, signs point to a reasonably soft landing and stabilisation in other markets, according to the Housing Market Update.

Property experts are predicting further house price falls in NSW and Victoria but are more optimistic about Western Australia and Queensland.

NAB Chief Economist Alan Oster says stronger performances in some markets won’t make up for the decline in Sydney and Melbourne, predicting little improvement in the overall house price for the year.

“Strong performance in Tasmania and to a lesser extent in regional areas, along with higher confidence in the West and Queensland, won’t offset the aggregate effects of lower prices in Sydney and Melbourne,” he says.

Budget breakdown: implications for property buyers and sellers.

September 21, 2018 Sameer S

The 2017 Budget had a strong focus on housing supply and affordability. This year, housing took a back seat with no new, direct measures for first homebuyers or renters. However, some of the changes will likely have an indirect effect on both the residential and commercial sectors.

Stable interest rates
Homebuyers can take comfort from the fact that the Budget isn’t likely to put immediate pressure on interest rates. President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia Malcolm Gunning says: “This expected interest rate stability comes at a time when housing prices in some of our major cities are showing signs of easing, leading to improved affordability for first homebuyers.

Download REIA Budget Media Release

No change to negative gearing
The government’s decision to leave negative gearing alone brought sighs of relief from the real estate and development industries. Gunning described this as an ideal outcome for the housing market, considering the stringent changes introduced last year to quell investor demand.

“[It was] pleasing to see that the government recognises the important role the current taxation arrangements for negative gearing and capital gains tax play in increasing supply, keeping rents affordable and easing the burden on social housing by leaving these unchanged,” he said.

Download REIA Budget Media Release

More land for home building
The budget did commit to establishing a $1 billion National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation and to release more land suitable for housing.

As well as unlocking some Commonwealth land for development, the government has taken steps to discourage investors from holding on to land that could be used for new homes. From July 2019, investors will no longer be able to claim expenses such as council rates and maintenance costs for vacant land that could be used for housing or other development. The aim is to reduce so-called ‘land banking’, a process that allows investors to hold on to land in the hope that its value will rise while simultaneously enjoying tax benefits granted on the basis that the land would be used for homes or commercial buildings. Under the new rules, the deductions will only apply once a property has been constructed on the land and is available for rent.

Download Budget 2018 – 2019

Easier access to cheaper housing
Housing is cheaper outside the major cities but lack of access can make it an unrealistic option, particularly for those who work in commercial centres. The government’s allocation of billions of dollars in transport infrastructure upgrades could help resolve this problem over the longer term.

Projects designed to attract homebuyers into less expensive areas include upgrades to roads on the Gold Coast, the North South Rail Link in Western Sydney, the Melbourne Airport Rail Link and continuing upgrades to the Bruce Highway in Queensland. Nationally, there are also plans to reduce the congestion that can make a daily commute from the suburbs so frustrating.

Download Budget 2018 – 2019

http://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/mcveigh/releases/2018/may/budget-infra_01-2018.aspx

Helping Australians age at home
In last year’s Budget, the government introduced the Downsizer Contribution so that, from July 1 this year, homeowners over 65 will be able to invest up to $300,000 from the proceeds of the sale of their family home into their superannuation fund. Along with a higher income in retirement, the move could also be seen as encouragement for singles and couples to sell, freeing up more family homes.

There was some speculation that in this year’s Budget the government would use changes to capital gains charges for sellers as further motivation to downsize but, instead, it introduced a measure designed to help retirees stay where they are.

Now every homeowner over the age of 65 has the option of taking out a reverse mortgage worth up to $11,799 a year for the rest of their lives. A reverse mortgage is effectively a loan that allows homeowners to access the equity they have built up in their home without selling their property. The loan is usually repaid when the house is eventually sold and there are limits in place to prevent people from owing more than their property is worth.

https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/Super-housing-measures/Downsizing-contributions-into-superannuation/

https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2018/05/10/budget-treasurer-expands-governments-reverse-mortgage-scheme-to-full-pensioners/

More information
If you’re thinking about buying, selling or taking out a reverse mortgage in 2018 or 2019, you might want to talk to your mortgage broker about the recent Budget and how it could affect you personally.

Finding a home loan when you’re self-employed

May 24, 2018May 24, 2018 Sameer S

There are many perks to working for yourself, but when it comes to applying for a home loan, it seems being your own boss sends up a red flag to banks and other lenders. Why? A salaried employee has a regular, steady income and is less likely to experience the cash flow volatility of a small business owner, contractor, entrepreneur, tradesperson or freelancer.

Yet by being proactive and accessing specialist advice, self-employed applicants can also enjoy a successful and hassle-free road to securing a home loan. Try these top tips for starters.

1. Seek expert advice

Trying to navigate the home loan landscape solo may not produce the outcome you desire. There are many experts who can help self-employed people access a home loan, and a mortgage broker is a good first port of call. They will be able to provide you with an up-to-date overview of which lenders on their panel are most comfortable lending to the self-employed, and also explain what sorts of loan products are available. They can also provide valuable advice around the sort of documentation you will need to have ready before you submit your application.

2. Get your affairs in order

Many lenders will lend to self-employed borrowers who provide their full business financials. This generally includes your personal and business tax returns for the past two years. If you have these documents on hand – and they reveal a fairly consistent income – applying for a loan should be relatively straightforward.

However, the hectic schedule that comes with running your own business means many self-employed borrowers’ tax returns are not up to date. If you have time on your side, consider working with your accountant to lodge your outstanding returns. If you’re in a hurry, you may wish to explore the option of applying for a low doc loan.

3. Consider a low doc loan

Low doc loans are offered by a wide range of lenders and, as the name suggests, require less documentation than traditional loans. Many low doc loans only require 12 months of business activity statements instead of full financials, for example. A downside of some low doc loans is that they may only be available at a lower loan to property value ratio (LVR), which means you may need a larger deposit.

4. Do your homework

Checking your credit history is a good step for anyone applying for a home loan. If you’re self-employed, it’s definitely worth taking the time to make sure your credit history doesn’t include any defaults or errors – these can hold up your loan application if they are not rectified in advance.

Taking the time to work out exactly how much you’d like to borrow is also a good idea. That way, you can hit the ground running when you meet with lenders or your mortgage broker.

5. Think outside the square

It may be possible to apply for a home loan using a Certificate of Income Declaration – a document that verifies your income and is signed by your accountant. It’s wise to consult a mortgage broker before applying for a loan in this way, as he or she can advise which lenders will accept an income declaration. It should be noted, however, that applying for a loan using such a document may mean that the required LVR (the portion of the property value you can borrow) may be lower, so you may need a larger deposit.

While it’s a little more complicated for self-employed borrowers, getting a home loan can be easier than you’d imagined with a mortgage broker in your corner. Speak to your broker to find out how a broker could help you secure a home loan.

Things that could trip you up when applying for a home loan

May 8, 2018 Sameer S

Buying your dream home is exciting, so the last thing you want is for your home loan application to be held up. While many factors are considered in assessing an application, showing stability and consistency is key for lenders to determine whether you will be able to repay the loan. But sometimes what’s happening in your life can trip you up. Here are some things to be aware of.

If you’re at the other end of your kid-wrangling years and looking at returning to work after an extended break, it may be best to wait until you’ve been back at work for a few months before applying for a loan. This will give you time to show stability and consistency in your employment record.
Having a consistent employment record doesn’t mean you need to have the same job for years, but if you’re planning on applying for a home loan, it might be best to hold off changing jobs. If you do have to, it’s worth knowing that with some lenders you’ll need to show at least two pay slips with the same employer.¹ If you can show over 12 months in the same job that’s even better.
If you have a probationary period in your new role, it could also be difficult to have a loan approved until you’ve completed it and the role is made permanent.
For the self-employed, demonstrating a stable income can be particularly difficult, which is why it’s a good idea to have an accountant. They can help you put together financial statements, which you’ll need to include as part of your loan application. Generally you’ll need at least one year’s history to support your application.
If overtime or shift allowances are a significant part of your income, your broker will be able to provide advice on which lenders may take these into account for loan repayment ability, as not all do.

Did you know… about non-bank lenders?

March 21, 2018 Sameer Shrestha

Deciding where to go for your home loan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. While many prospective property owners will choose to use a mainstream lender, non-bank lenders also have their advantages.

What are non-bank lenders?

Essentially, a non-bank lender is a lender that’s not a bank, credit union or building society. It has its own source of funds, which it lends out with a margin for profit.

A non-bank lender may also be a company or individual who borrows money from a bank at wholesale rates and then lends the money with a profit margin added.

Most mortgage brokers work with both banks and non-bank lenders.

Potential benefits of a non-bank lender

There are several benefits associated with taking out your home loan through a non-bank lender, including:

Lower overheads, generally meaning lower fees. Non-bank lenders usually have smaller overheads, because they have fewer offices and fewer expenses when it comes to marketing and labour. This should lead to lower fees and better rates.
Customer service. Non-bank lenders try to offer a more personalised service because they tend to have a smaller database. It’s likely that you’ll be given more attention right through your home loan process, even after you’ve signed on the dotted line. Also, while you sometimes might deal with multiple people at a bigger bank, with non-bank lenders it’s more likely that you’ll be dealing with one person from the beginning.
Approvals. Sometimes it can take a while to get a home loan approved by a big bank. With a smaller, non-bank lender, you may be approved more quickly because you’re potentially talking to the loan decision-maker.
Range of choice. Given the range of non-bank lenders out there, you have a decent chance of finding one that suits your particular needs and circumstances. Go with what works for you.

There are pros and cons for both big banks and non-bank lenders, so finding the right lender for you is what’s most important. You’ll be the one making the repayments, so you need to be happy with the rates, service and fees that are offered. Your mortgage broker is an ideal go-to person to discuss your situation and what might be right for you.

More than meets the eye – white-label loans are more than a good price

March 3, 2018March 3, 2018 Sameer Shrestha

For those unfamiliar, a white-label loan is essentially a home-branded loan. Just like your favorite home-branded products you see in supermarket aisles there is more than meets the eye – the white-label loan is more than its competitive price tag. White-label products are high quality and are developed by leading lenders – they are just packaged differently and therefore available at a sharper rate.

White-label loans are exclusively available through mortgage brokers and have rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years. So much so that over 85% of brokers now have a white-label offering for their clients. And, as brokers and customers both demand more from white-label, the products have evolved to be about much more than price, to also focus on flexibility, service and quality.

Flexibility

There is a range of choice in white-label – you can get variable, fixed or combo rate loans. They are particularly suitable for home-buyers looking for a simple, straightforward product as through white-label you can have access to the loan features you need (like redraw, debit card access and a customer care facility) and you don’t have to pay for bells and whistles you won’t use.

Service

In addition, service is increasingly becoming a differentiator for white-label. Sourcing a home-loan can be the biggest financial decision a person ever makes and understandably then, customers demand support from their brokers and rely on them as trusted advisers to guide them through the process.

A common misconception is that because the loan’s rate is more competitive, it does not come with the same level of support. Through a white-label loan, brokers can still access dedicated support teams – and ultimately give their customers quick responses to their queries and every chance of first touch unconditional approval.

Quality

Essentially, white-label delivers many of the same great features as bank-branded home loans, but for a lower cost to the customer. The quality remains the same, and the growing popularity of white-label is evidence that consumers are tapping into the opportunity and high-value of this product.

If you’re not sure if white-label is right for you, your mortgage broker can help you with this important decision. Because brokers have access to a myriad of loans from a range of different lenders – you can receive independent, unbiased advice based on their expertise and experience in the industry.

What you can borrow or what you should borrow?

February 21, 2018February 21, 2018 Sameer Shrestha

The amount you can borrow and the amount you should borrow are sometimes two very different things. Before you apply for a home loan, it makes sense to realistically assess your financial situation. Here’s how to do it.

Understand your borrowing capacity
Generally speaking, your borrowing capacity – what you can borrow – depends on a number of factors, including:

your income
your monthly expenses
your existing debts
how much deposit you have saved
current interest rate
type of loan
whether it’s a principal, or principal and interest loan
the term of the loan
estimated repayments.

However, knowing the difference between what you can borrow and what you should borrow is very important. As a general rule, it’s not a good idea to allocate more than 30% of your monthly household income to repaying your home loan.

Build a budget
To fully understand what your realistic borrowing limit might be, first of all create a budget – and stick to it. Once you understand exactly what’s coming in and going out you can properly assess how much you can afford to repay – and therefore what you should borrow.

If you don’t feel comfortable drawing up the budget yourself, it’s wise to seek help. A financial planner can assist you in preparing a budget.

Expenses to include in your budget include, but are not limited to:

council rates
body corporate fees (if applicable)
insurance costs
maintenance costs
utility bills
estimated groceries
medical bills and health fund payments
school fees
phone and internet costs
petrol and transport payments
entertainment, travel and clothing
other loans or credit card debts.

Future-proof your figures
Remember to leave a bit of wiggle room in your budget in case circumstances change. People can lose their jobs or get sick, or interest rates can rise, which could impact your ability to honour your repayments.

It’s also important to think about some other things that may happen: Is your income likely to increase within the next few years? Are you likely to have children and lose an income? Do you plan to retire shortly? These are all questions that only you can answer, and they will all have an impact on how much you should borrow.

Remember, lenders tell you how much you can borrow, but you know your personal circumstances better than anyone else – it’s up to you to decide how much you should borrow. If you need support and advice, a mortgage broker may be helpful during the decision-making process.

Home loans 101

February 6, 2018 Sameer Shrestha

There are a range of home loans available in Australia, so it can be hard to understand their features and whether they are right for you. This guide explains all you need to know.

Variable loans

Variable loans are loans that are subject to interest rate fluctuations. Whenever your bank increases or decreases interest rates, you will end up either paying more or less for your loan, depending on what the bank has decided to do.

A typical owner-occupied mortgage is taken out over 25 or 30 years, although you can reduce the overall term by making higher or more frequent payments. Mortgages are either based on principal (the amount you borrowed from the bank) and interest (the amount you pay back for having borrowed that money) loan repayments, or interest-only repayments (generally available for 1-5 years for owner occupied loans and 1-10 years for investment loans) where none of the principal component of the loan is paid down.

Fixed-rate loans

Fixed loans allow you to lock in a specific interest rate over a set period of time, generally between one and five years. This loan is popular among borrowers who want to ensure their repayments don’t rise. The main risk is that if variable rates fall, you are locked in at a higher rate. The cost of breaking a fixed rate loan contract can be substantial, and there can be financial penalties for making additional payments.

Split-rate loans

You can take out a mortgage with one portion of the loan variable, and the other fixed. In many ways, this offers the best of both worlds and you have the flexibility to repay more on the variable loan and reduce risk through the fixed loan.

Low-doc loans

Mortgage lenders require you to provide evidence of your ability to meet loan repayments, but this can be a problem for non-salaried workers such as the self-employed. Low-doc loans require less proof-of-income paperwork, but the interest rate levied is often higher than the standard variable rate.

Professional or packaged loans

Some lenders offer mortgages that provide ‘lifetime’ discounted interest rates, fee waivers and linked savings accounts and credit cards. These options are generally offered on high loan amounts.

Non-genuine savings loans

Lenders prefer borrowers to show they have the ability to save funds over time to cover their repayments. If a deposit is accrued quickly due to an inheritance or from other sources, lenders may provide less funding and require lenders mortgage insurance. Lenders mortgage insurance is a one-off insurance payment that covers the bank in case you can’t make your repayments. It is usually required for home loans with a loan-to-value ratio (LVR) over 80%.

Construction loans

These loans allow amounts of finance to be drawn down progressively to cover the various stages of a construction project. Repayments (generally only on interest for the first 12 months, then principal and interest thereafter) are only made on the amount of the loan facility that has been drawn down. However, there are line fees on the undrawn amount, or in most cases on the total facility limit.

Line-of-credit facilities

This is a way of tapping into equity in an existing home and drawing down funds as required for different purposes, such as renovations. Similar to a credit card, repayments are only made on the amount drawn down. Line-of-credit loans are often interest-only for a significant period, but can revert to principal and interest repayments down the track. Most lenders charge extra for line of credit accounts, either through a facility fee, undrawn funds fees and/or a higher interest rate.

Bridging loans

Bridging loans are designed as short-term financing options for borrowers who need funding to buy a new residence before selling their existing home. The interest rates on these loans are higher than the standard variable interest rate.

SMSF loans

The rules around borrowing funds within a self-managed superannuation fund are complex. Borrowings with a SMSF must be undertaken through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement, which limits the recourse of the lender to a single asset.

With mortgage lenders offering so many different products, getting professional advice is a must. A mortgage broker will support you with recommendations about what’s best for your personal circumstances.

For more information on home loans, talk to a mortgage broker today.

Smart tips for paying off your home loan sooner

January 29, 2018 Sameer Shrestha

Wondering how to pay off your home loan sooner? We look at some things you could do.

Australian home loan interest rates remain at historic lows, and the opportunities for paying off a mortgage early are better than ever. Used in conjunction with low rates, here are some extra steps that can speed up loan repayments and reduce your loan balance.

Make higher repayments

One of the easiest ways to quickly reduce the balance of your mortgage is to make larger loan repayments. The minimum repayments required on a loan are calculated on the amount owing and the prevailing home loan interest rate. Repaying more than the minimum can cut the overall term of the loan and save you thousands of dollars in interest. A mortgage repayments calculator will quickly show what savings can be achieved.

Some lenders may charge you an early payment cost for paying your loan in advance. This is particularly the case with fixed-interest loans, so it’s always best to check up-front. These costs can be large.

Make more frequent repayments

Home loans are often structured so that you make monthly repayments. But making fortnightly repayments instead can reduce the term of a loan and save interest. By making fortnightly repayments, you are paying the equivalent of half of your monthly repayment every two weeks. This allows you to make the equivalent of one extra monthly repayment per year. Extra repayments will ensure the loan balance is lower at the time of the month the interest is calculated.

Use an interest offset account

Most lenders allow you to package a mortgage with an interest offset account. An offset account allows you to reduce the amount of interest paid on your loan by offsetting the amount in the (offset) account against your loan balance. Wages and other income can be deposited into your offset account. Note that you don’t earn interest on the funds in the offset account, and that offset is usually only available on variable rate loans.

Seek out lower rates

Although obvious, many borrowers take out a mortgage and then stop following the home loan market. With interest rates constantly changing, it pays to monitor the latest rates. If rates go down, contact your lender or broker and ask if they can reduce the rate on your loan.

Don’t take the rate cut

When a lender reduces the interest rate on its home loans, usually in line with a cut in official interest rates, your first thought may be to reduce your loan repayments accordingly. However, by maintaining your loan repayments, you effectively repay more than the minimum loan repayment. If it’s possible to do so, this will help you cut the term of the loan and save on interest.

Pay both principal and interest

While you can make lower repayments by choosing an interest-only loan, doing so means the principal component of the loan will not be repaid while you are only paying interest.

Pay fees upfront

When initially taking out a mortgage, lenders will often roll the establishment costs and charges into the loan. While this may help the short-term budget, it’s worth paying these costs separately to lower the overall balance of the loan from the start.

Use your home equity

As home prices rise, you build more equity in your property. Redrawing funds from a home loan to pay for renovations and other costs can be a much cheaper source of funds than others.

Set up a split loan

A split loan, sometimes referred to as a combination loan, enables borrowers to divide their mortgage into both variable and fixed components. By doing this, you can not only make extra payments on the variable component, but also lock in a lower fixed rate. Extra payments can often be made on the fixed loan too, up to a limit specified by the lender.

Get a financial package

You can often lock in a discounted loan rate with a financial package and also find special rates on other products and services. Putting those savings into your mortgage is a great way to get the best of both worlds.

With just a few easy steps, borrowers can significantly reduce the length of their mortgage and save thousands of dollars in the process. A mortgage broker can assist you in setting everything up.

For more information on how you can pay off your home loan sooner, contact your mortgage broker.