With interest rates on home loans falling to record lows, Australians aren't wasting any time in refinancing.

A recent survey from Mortgage Choice found that two in five (38%) of homeowners are either in the process of refinancing or are considering it.

However, the research found over half (53%) of borrowers are skeptical about receiving unbiased advice from their bank when it comes time to refinance, and don't believe they would be advised if they could get a similar or better home loan deal elsewhere.

Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.

Update resultsUpdate
Filters
LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees Max LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.04% p.a.
6.06% p.a.
$3,011
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
4.6 Star Customer Ratings
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Quick and easy online application process.
Disclosure
5.99% p.a.
5.90% p.a.
$2,995
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
Apply in minutes
  • No application or ongoing fees. Annual rate discount
  • Unlimited redraws & additional repayments. LVR <80%
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender. Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
 Disclosure
6.09% p.a.
6.11% p.a.
$3,027
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$250
60%
  • No annual fees – None!
  • Get fast pre-approval
  • Unlimited additional repayments free of charge
 Disclosure
5.69% p.a.
6.16% p.a.
$2,899
Principal & Interest
Fixed
$0
$530
90%
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Flexibility to split your loan with both fixed and variable rates
 Disclosure
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

One in two (49%) homeowners believe banks don’t always have their best interests at heart, but on the flipside, 94% of borrowers say they trust the home loan recommendations made by a mortgage broker.

Mortgage Choice CEO Susan Mitchell says many borrowers find refinancing overwhelming and want an unbiased opinion they can trust.

“Faced with what can be an overwhelming choice of home loans, homeowners want to be confident they are making the move to a loan that will improve their financial wellbeing through a lower rate, improved loan features, or both," Ms Mitchell said.

“While banks can provide information on their own product suite, they do not have an in-depth understanding of competitors’ products. That is why I urge borrowers in the market for a better deal to engage the help of an experienced mortgage broker to learn what other options they have.”

See also: 9 things to look for in a mortgage broker

For over half (55%) of those surveyed, the biggest benefit of using a mortgage broker when refinancing is the professional support comparing home loan options, rates and features.

Meanwhile, 45% said a mortgage broker streamlines the process, "saving time and hassle".

In February last year, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) issued guidance on new 'best interests duty' obligations for mortgage brokers following a recommendation made by Commissioner Kenneth Hayne in the banking royal commission to ensure brokers do the right thing by customers.

The new rules were aimed at stamping out some mortgage brokers from pushing borrowers into taking out unsuitable loans or encouraging them to go with credit providers who pay the mortgage broker a fatter commission.

At the time, ASIC Commissioner Sean Hughes said the new rules would remove any potential for conflicts of interest and ensure the interests of the borrower were looked after.

"The obligations properly align the interests of mortgage brokers with the interests and expectations of their clients - the borrowers," Mr Hughes said. 

"Consumers should feel confident that their broker is offering the best loan for their circumstances and we expect that consumer outcomes will improve as a result of this reform."

Photo by mentatdgt from Pexels



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