7 housing and mortgage trends since the pandemic ended
![Image: Housing costs](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/15787/GettyImages-1403580645.jpg)
Reading the property and home loan market can be difficult without considering what’s already happened.
Below we list 7 trends to note since the pandemic ended, a helpful guide as you step forth into the world of homebuying, from CoreLogic’s research director, Tim Lawless.
1. Housing values have spiked since the onset of COVID
Home values surged 32.5% between March 2020 and February 2024, adding approximately $188,000 to the median value of an Australian home, as per Corelogic’s home value index. (It goes without saying that home loan amounts climbed too).
Peaks and troughs followed. But as housing inventory dried up and migration boomed, housing values started a new growth cycle in February 2023, rising 9.5% through to the end of February this year.
2. Rental markets have tightened with vacancy rates holding at 1% and rental growth surging
Nationwide rents have jumped 32% since March 2020, adding approximately $150 per week to the median dwelling rent.
3. Monetary policy helped stimulate housing demand, but also quelled activity with interest rates rises
A record portion of borrowers took advantage of fixed mortgage rates falling below 2% through the middle of 2022, fueling speculation of a ‘fixed rate cliff’ as the wave of fixed rate home loans expired.
So far borrowers have navigated higher mortgage rates much better than expected with repayment arrears holding below pre-pandemic levels.
4. Inflation surged on the back of fiscal stimulus, low interest rates and global supply chain issues
As pandemic restrictions eased, global demand strengthened. Inflation is now beating forecasts, fueling speculation we could see rate cuts later this year.
5. Once lockdowns and social distancing eased, labour markets tightened
Although labour markets are now loosening, RBA forecasts have the unemployment rate holding below 4.5% through to at least mid-2026.
6. Demographic factors have influenced housing trends
Housing demand remained strong through the pandemic despite closed borders. Internal migration trends favoured regional markets through the pandemic but have since normalised.
Overseas migration spiked to record highs.
7. Despite unprecedented housing demand, a supply response is yet to be seen
New builds have been flat through the pandemic to now, with supply chain constraints, materials and labour shortages, and a surge in construction costs creating a challenging environment for new housing supply.
If you're ready to get into the property market, you'll want to start with some home loan research. Start by comparing some of the top home loan rates available below.
*Note: This article was adapted from Corelogic's original list and some commentary was shortened.
Home loan comparisons on Mozo
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Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
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5.99
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Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
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- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
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- Comparison rate
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5.90
%
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- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
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$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$0.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
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yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
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- 80.00%
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- $10,000
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- $10,000,000
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Basic Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
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- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
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6.14
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Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
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- Initial monthly repayment
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$3,043
Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.
- Interest rate
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6.14
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- Comparison rate
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6.16
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- Upfront fees
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$350
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$0.00
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$400.00
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yes - free
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yes - free
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no
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- 60.00%
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- $150,000
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- $10,000,000
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- Variable
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
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Neat Home Loan
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- Interest rate
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6.09
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Variable
- Comparison rate
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6.11
%
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- Initial monthly repayment
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$3,027
Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.
- Interest rate
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6.09
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- Comparison rate
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6.11
%
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- Upfront fees
-
$250
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$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
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yes - free
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yes - free
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-
no
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- 60.00%
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- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
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- Variable
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Special Real Deal Home Loan
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- Interest rate
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6.09
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- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
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Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
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- Owner Occupier
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Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
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5.69
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Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
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6.34
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
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$2,899
Lock in a competitive interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period. Available for owner occupied new and refinanced home loans with at least 20% deposit. Split option available as well as offset and redraw. Noapplication, ongoing or banking fees. Third Party fees may be applicable - payable within loan repayments. Extra repayments up to $20K per annum permitted. Apply online, 100% member owned credit union.
- Interest rate
-
5.69
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Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to $20,000 p.a. during fixed rate term
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $2,500,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this South West Slopes Bank Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan
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Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
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
- $10,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
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OMG Home Loan
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- Interest rate
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5.99
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Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.02
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
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.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
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Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.02
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$300
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$395.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $20,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $1,500,000
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- Variable
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Flex Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
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- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
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Express Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <90%
- Interest rate
-
6.01
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,001
Get 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.
- Interest rate
-
6.01
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$134
- Ongoing fees
-
$10.00 monthly
- Discharge fee
-
$350.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $5,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $3,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
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- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
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Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan
-
Neat Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
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- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Neat Home Loan
-
Special Real Deal Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $2,000 online cashback when for refinance or purchase loans of $250,00 -$499,999.99, $3,000 for loan amounts of >$500,000.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Newcastle Permanent Special Real Deal Home Loan
-
Basic Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
-
Flex Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.38
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.38
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
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- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ubank Flex Home Loan
-
Offset Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
-
Basic Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR<70%
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,079
No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Basic Home Loan
-
Offset Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <70%
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,079
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Macquarie Offset Home Loan
-
Fixed Rate
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- <80% LVR
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,174
Enjoy up to $3000 cashback for eligible first home buyers and $2000 cashback for refinancers on eligible home loans with the ANZ Fixed Rate Home Loan. Get the security of repayment certainty with a competitive locked in rate. No ongoing fees to pay. Offset account on 1-year fixed loans ($10/month fee applies). Interest-only payments allowed.
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$160
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$160.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to to lesser of 5% of original fixed loan amount, or $5,000 each year
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
Optional - $10 per month - 1 year fixed term only
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $20,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $3,000 cashback for eligible First Home Buyers, $2,000 cashback when you refinance loans of $250k+, apply from 1 Dec 2022, settle within 180 days.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this ANZ Fixed Rate
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