How to choose a home loan: A NAB and Citi loan comparison

By Maria Gil · · 2 min read
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woman on a couch checking out some home loans

It can be overwhelming looking at home loans. Tools like our home loan calculator or comparison hub can be very good starting points to give you key numbers, though there’s still more you can do. 

The overall repayment costs are important but when deciding between home loans you also need to consider extra features and potential fees. These can tip the scales for you.

As an example, we’ve compared two basic home loans with the same starting interest rate but with slightly different features and fees.

Home loanNAB Base Variable Home Loan Special OfferCiti Basic Variable Home Loan
Interest rateFrom  2.29% (2.33% comparison rate*) for 80% LVRFrom 2.29% (2.34% comparison rate*) for 80% LVR
Maximum loan amountNo maximum$4,000,000
Upfront feesUpfront fee of $0Upfront fee of $649
Extra repaymentsFreeFree
Redraw facilitiesFree with a $500 minimumFree
Repayment frequencyWeekly, fortnightly or monthlyWeekly, fortnightly or monthly
Offset accountNoNo
Maximum LVRUp to 95% LVRUp to 90% LVR
Discharge fees$350$350

Let’s look at a basic example.

Mariano and Dolores are looking to buy a three bedroom home in the suburbs. The house they want is selling for about $1,000,000 and they only have a 10% deposit of $100,000 saved up, which means they have to borrow $900,000.

With the NAB Base Variable Home Loan Special Offer, the couple won't get the 2.29% (2.33% comparison rate*) rate because they don’t have a 20% deposit. Instead, with a 10% deposit their interest rate would be 2.99% p.a (2.99% p.a. comparison rate*).

Here are the estimated numbers for the 90% LVR rate:

  • Monthly repayment: $3,790
  • Total interest payable : $464,250
  • Total paid in 30 years: $1,364,250

Alternatively, with the Citi Basic Variable Home Loan, the interest Mariano and Dolores would get with a 10% deposit starts at 2.54% p.a. (2.59% p.a. comparison rate*) rather than the 2.29% (2.34% comparison rate*) rate.

Here are the estimated numbers for the 90% LVR rate:

  • Monthly repayment: $3,575
  • Total interest payable: $386,940
  • Total upfront fees paid: $694
  • Total paid in 30 years: $1,287,634

Which home loan works better here?

Even with upfront fees the Citi Basic Variable Home Loan is actually $76,616 cheaper! This is assuming Mariano and Dolores receive the lowest possible rate for their 90% LVR for the examples given. We are also not taking into account that variable rates fluctuate during the life of the loan, so take note of that.

If you are interested in comparing more home loans, look at some of the best home loans in Australia. If you’re looking for more low rate variable home loans, check out the chart below.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo - last updated 18 April 2024

Search promoted home loans below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Featured Product
    Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Unloan Variable

    Owner Occupier, LVR <80%

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    5.99% p.a.
    5.90% p.a.

    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.

    Compare
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    Details
  • Offset Home Loan

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

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

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

    Compare
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    Details
  • Neat Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <60%

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.14% p.a.
    6.16% p.a.

    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.

    Compare
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    Details
  • Basic Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, LVR 60-70%, Principal & Interest

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.15% p.a.
    6.17% p.a.

    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. 30% Deposit required.

    Compare
    Go to site
    Details
  • Flex Home Loan

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

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    p.a.
    6.37% p.a.

    Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

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    Details
  • Elevate

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <80% LVR

    variable rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.09% p.a.
    6.20% p.a.

    Get competitive rates on loan terms of 5 to 30 years with the Aussie Elevate Home Loan. Structure your loan with up to five splits. Make additional repayments (T&Cs apply). Offset accounts available. Unlimited redraw using your online banking account. Choose from weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments For loan amounts from $10,000 to $5 million.

    Compare
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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

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

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