07/08/2023
The 2020 pandemic saw a boom in fixed-rate borrowing, as lenders slashed their fixed rates to record-low levels and many borrowers took advantage. At the peak, almost 40% of outstanding home loans in early 2022 were fixed, which was โroughly twice their usual share from prior to 2020,โ according to a research paper published by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
2023 is a completely different mortgage environment than 2020 was though.
There is currently a significant shift happening, with many homeowners coming off (or set to come off) 2 or 3-year fixed-rate loan agreements, and reverting to variable rates loans with *much* higher interest rates and repayment requirements.
By the end of this year, 65% of fixed-rate loans outstanding in early 2022 will have expired. And by the end of 2024, another 20%.
If youโre in this percentage, here are three tips we really want you to knowโฆ
โ You may be able to refinance with a new lender with a more suitable fixed or variable rate, you just need to know what products are out there and whether you qualify
โ And if this is the road you want to go down, limit your spending *now* to increase your chances of qualifying for a new loan
โ With interest rates about to go up and coupled with the rising cost of living, itโs imperative that you start budgeting for higher mortgage repayments regardless. A new loan will still most likely see a repayment increase from your current fixed rate.
Have questions or what to know about the current best mortgage products on the market? Give us a call today.