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Six reasons why you might refinance your home loan

Every homeowner has their own reason for refinancing their home loan. The most common and obvious one is switching your home loan to a new one with a better rate. But there are a plenty of other reasons too. Maybe you want to access your home’s equity to go on a big holiday. Or you might want to consolidate your debt.

We’re going to explore six different reasons you might refinance your home loan, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

Why refinance a home loan?

1. Better interest rate

Getting the best interest rate possible on a home loan is a common reason people refinance. Having a lower interest rate often means you can lower your repayments, save money in the long-term and pay off your loan sooner.

It’s always a clever idea to compare home loan rates to see which one is best for your situation. And remember to look at the comparison rate too. This rate is inclusive of the interest rate and any fees or charges that are associated with the loan.

2. You want a loan that suits your needs

If you bought a home years ago with a loan, there might be new features on a different home loan that you want to access. For example, if you refinance to a new home loan, you might have nifty features to help you pay it off sooner, like linking the loan to an offset account or being able to make extra repayments.

At Great Southern Bank, our home loan features are designed to help you get savvy with your repayments, such as flexible payment options and using The Boost5.

3. Your fixed rate term is ending

The right time to refinance depends on your personal situation and reasons for doing so. For some people, it’s when their home loan’s fixed term is about to end. Refinancing once your fixed rate has ended can allow you to move forward with the best flexible home loan for you.

Remember, there are some things to consider when switching from a fixed rate home loan. To avoid paying any fees for switching during the term, look out for better rates in the lead-up to the end of your term. That way, you can comfortably make the switch to a better deal once your term is up – no break fees apply.

4. Consolidating debt

Most lenders will allow you to consolidate your debts into one repayment if you’re refinancing your home loan. This simply means you can combine other loans, such as a car or personal loan, into one.

Consolidating is a clever way to stay on top of your regular repayments and manage your money. It can also reduce the amount of interest you accrue and payments you need to make overall.

5. Accessing home equity

One of the reasons people refinance their home loan is that they can access the equity from their property. This means you can withdraw the amount that you’ve paid back so far, which you can use for something else (within reason).

For example, you might use the equity in your property for a big renovation. Or you might use it to go on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

6. More investment opportunities

You can access the equity in your property and invest it too. For example, investing your equity into your super or using it to buy an investment property.

Do what’s best for your investment goals, and chat to a financial advisor if you need some guidance.

What should you consider when refinancing?

So, you’ve worked out why you want to refinance. Great! Now it’s time to consider other aspects of refinancing that might affect your finances, to help you feel confident in your decision.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

One thing to consider when refinancing is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which you’ll have to pay if you have less than 20 per cent of equity in your home. If this is the case, then you’ll have to pay LMI when you take out the new loan. LMI will also protect the lender if you can’t keep up with your new repayments.

Fees and costs

There are some costs involved in the refinancing process, especially if you’re moving from one lender to another. You may have to pay discharge costs, loan application fees and more. But you can prepare for these costs by budgeting for them, so you’re not caught off guard during the refinancing process.

Loan features

Refinancing your home loan allows you to access new features to make paying off your loan easier. It’s important you work out how these new features will work best for you.

Some features you might consider when choosing a loan include:

  • Making additional repayments.
  • Choosing repayment frequency, such as monthly, fortnightly or weekly.
  • Bank-specific features, like The Boost.5

More from the refinance hub

Discover the property investment essentials that all beginners need to know.

The dos and don'ts of refinancing a home loan

When it comes to refinancing your home loan, there are some common mistakes people might make. Discover the do's and don'ts of refinancing in our article.

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Which refinancing option is right for you?

With so many different refinancing options out there, it might be tricky to pick the right one. But fear not – we explain the different options in our article.

Read more
Cost of refinancing your home loan

Refinancing often means you can get a sweet deal on your interest rate. But how much does it cost? We break down the cost considerations to factor in, so you know if it's worth it.

Read more
HOME LOANS
Switch to a better home loan
  • The Boost can help you pay off your loan as you spend5
  • Fee-free extra repayments
  • Free redraw4
  • Flexible repayment options

Explore your home refinancing options

Basic Variable Home Loan
Discounted rates from
6.14
%
p.a.
Comparison rate^
6.20
%
p.a.
Find out more
Owner occupier, principal & interest, LVR 70% or less. Includes discount on new and additional lending. Min. loan amount applies.1,2,3
Connect to a Home Loan Specialist
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Speak to one of our Home Loan Specialists via live online chat.

Fill out our online enquiry form and one of our Home Loan Specialists will get back to you to start the process.

Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4:00pm (AEDT)

Important Information

Rates are current as at 20 August 2024 and subject to change.

Great Southern Bank, a business name of Credit Union Australia Ltd ABN 44 087 650 959, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 238317. Lending criteria, limits, conditions, and fees apply. Applications are subject to credit approval.

Published interest rates are inclusive of any discounts off the respective Reference Rates. Interest rates and discounts vary based on the loan purpose (owner occupier and investor), repayment type (principal and interest, interest only, construction) and Loan to Value Ratio (LVR). Maximum LVR applies and includes Lenders' Mortgage Insurance and Great Southern Bank loan setup fees where applicable.

1 Discounts off the Basic Variable Reference Rate are available to (a) new home loans with a minimum application amount of $100,000; or (b) switching or restructuring of the home loan you already have with us when it includes new borrowing of at least $10,000; for new home loan applications unconditionally approved on or after 9 June 2024.

2 Great Southern Bank may withdraw or amend this offer at any time without notice. A change in your loan purpose, your repayment type or your loan product will permanently end your entitlement to the discount.

3 LVR means ‘Loan to Value Ratio’. It is the amount of your loan divided by the valuation of your property, calculated as a percentage. For example, if you apply for a loan of $400,000, which will be secured by a property valued at $500,000, your LVR is 80%. We calculate your LVR at the time we approve your loan and your discount won’t change because of changes to the LVR during the life of your loan.

4 A $200 minimum withdrawal amount applies for redraws conducted in-branch.

5 The Boost is not available on business accounts.

^ Comparison rate accurate for $150,000 secured loan over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

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