What you need to know about home loans in 2024

Deciding on a home loan is never an easy undertaking. When adding it to the growing checklist of things to do to either jump on or move up the property ladder—amid rising interest rates and soaring property prices, nonetheless—doing your home loan due diligence is imperative in order to gain the greatest benefits your individual circumstances.

In 2024, the average home loan in Australia was $615,174, showing a 2.3% increase when compared to January 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data. For first-time home buyers, the average loan amount rose from $485k to $514k, revealing borrowers are taking on bigger debts than ever before to secure their dream of home ownership.

For those seeking to refinance their mortgage, activity remains high as borrowers look to switch lenders to better manage persistently high interest rates. In June 2023, the value of total refinancing between lenders was 12.6 per cent higher compared to June 2022, according to ABS data.

While Australian borrowers started the year with a 4.35 % rate, Dean Sacco, director and finance specialist at Urban Finance Co, says that the Reserve Bank of Australia has changed its language in recent months, with the expectation that the cash rate has peaked, giving buyers more confidence with their home loan repayments.

“Low stock levels are proving difficult for buyers but those who are motivated, with good incomes and good credit, will be successful in 2024,” says Sacco.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is a home loan?

When purchasing a home, a bank or a loan provider will lend money to the borrower in order to finance the purchase of a property. This is what home loan is, at its core. Of course, home loans come with certain caveats, such as a timeframe that the lender and borrower will agree on for the loan to be paid back. A payment schedule will also be decided on, which could be fortnightly or monthly, which can impact the amount of money repaid over time. And in addition, a borrower will be required to pay interest, which will be determined by the lender.

And what is refinancing? How does it work?

In its simplest form, refinancing is when you switch from your current loan to a new one, either with the same provider or a new one in order to obtain better terms on your mortgage. There are two types of refinances, which include external refinance, when you leave your current lender and switch to a new lender, and internal refinance, when you stay with your current lender, but make changes to your loan agreement.

In 2024, which bank is best for refinancing options?

While each case will be different and specific to the individuals at hand, according to Sacco, there are several banks in Australia currently offering great cashbacks for refinancing, such as ANZ and ME Bank.

“Gateway Bank, Heritage Bank and Adelaide Bank are also offering some competitive variable rates at the moment for owner occupiers,” he adds. “And Teachers Mutual, Beyond Bank and ubank are offering some competitive variable rates at the moment for investors.”

Is it better to refinance with the same lender?

If you’re looking to refinance, often, you can avoid certain refinancing costs if doing so with the same lender, but it’s always smart to shop around and compare offers available. When looking to refinance, certain lenders will also offer competitive products and rates which could prove beneficial.

Is it good to refinance a loan?

At the end of the day, you want your loan (your mortgage) on terms that work best for you. Refinancing a loan allows you to obtain better terms on your mortgage, and in the process, can not only save you money but can help you pay off your home loan sooner. “You can also access equity to pay out higher interest debts, purchase a car or invest in property,” adds Sacco.

There are some drawbacks, however. Most notably, the potential for refinancing fees which, in some cases, are unavoidable.

Does refinancing hurt your credit?

There’s a misconception that refinancing automatically affects your credit score – it’s not always the case.

“Multiple credit enquiries in a short period of time or applying for buy now, pay later debts are two examples that lower your credit score,” explains Sacco. “This signals to new lenders that you are potentially a higher risk borrower.”

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If you are looking to for the very best home loans to consider right now — or perhaps looking to refinance to suit your current needs — here are ten home loans to consider in 2024.

1. ANZ

Variable home loan
Variable rates from 6.64% p.a.
No ongoing fees
$0 ANZ set up

2. ubank

Variable home loan
Variable rates from 6.14% p.a.
Free extra repayments
$0 application
$0 ongoing fees
Redraw available

3. Macquarie Bank

Fixed home loan
3 year fixed rates of 5.99% p.a
$0 application fee
$0 ongoing fee

4. IMB Bank

Fixed home loan
2 year fixed rates of 5.99% p.a
$449 application fee
$0 ongoing fee
Eligible refinancers can get $2,000 cashback when switching their loan of at least $500k to IMB

5. ING Bank

Variable home loan
Variable rates from 6.14% p.a.
$0 application
$0 ongoing fees

6. Bendigo Bank

Variable home loan
Variable rates from 6.01% p.a.
$0 application
$10 per month ongoing fees
Redraw available

7. Newcastle Permanent

Variable home loan
Variable rates from 6.04% p.a.
$595 application fee
$0 ongoing fees
Eligible refinancers who apply online and borrow $250K+ (LVR 80% or lower) can get a $3,000 cashback

8. BCU Bank

Fixed home loan
2 year fixed rate of 5.99% p.a.
No establishment or annual ongoing fee
5% deposit required

9. HSBC

Variable home loan
Variable rates from 6.09% p.a.
Enjoy free extra repayments, online redraw and no ongoing monthly service fees

10. UP

Fixed home loan
4 year fixed rate of 5.80% p.a
10% deposit required
No application, monthly or annual fees

Talk to a broker or financial advisor for advice specific to your needs

The post-COVID return to CBD offices continues across Australia, with the average office occupancy rate climbing to 76 percent of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024, according to new CBRE figures. Workers are gradually responding to their employers’ requests to attend their offices more regularly to enable greater collaboration with workmates. The occupancy rate has risen from 70 percent in the December quarter and 67 percent 12 months ago.

Occupancy rates improved across all capital cities during the March quarter, with Perth and Adelaide maintaining the strongest rates of 93 percent and 88 percent respectively. CBRE analysis suggests shorter commuting times and less structured working-from-home arrangements in these cities have contributed to higher rates of return. Brisbane’s occupancy rate is 86 percent of pre-COVID levels, weighed down by a slower return within the public sector, which represents 35 percent of the city’s office space. This same trend is being seen in Canberra, where the occupancy rate is just 66 percent.

In Sydney, the occupancy rate has risen to 77 percent, largely due to major banks and professional services firms pushing for more staff to return to the office this year. There has been a significant increase in workers returning to offices in Melbourne, with the occupancy rate up from 57 percent last quarter to 62 percent now. However, this is still the lowest attendance rate in the capital cities.

Businesses are increasingly pushing workers to return to the office because they are concerned working from home over multiple years will have a negative long-term impact on company-wide productivity. Part of the problem is new employees not having regular access to senior staff so they can learn and work more effectively and productively. CBRE says lower levels of collaboration and interaction reduce innovation, which is a particular concern for technology firms. They were quick to embrace remote working during COVID, but are now seeing dampened creativity among staff.

Tuesday is the peak day for attendance at CBD offices and Friday is the lowest day. Two-thirds of organisations that have moved their corporate headquarters since COVID have chosen to upgrade to premium office buildings, according to CBRE’s research. Premium blocks typically feature retail, restaurants, and recreational amenities on the ground floor, and command a higher rent. Companies are deciding it’s worth the cost to entice workers backand keep them feeling happy and engaged.

Jenny Liu, Director of Workplace Consulting at CBRE, said a vibrant workplace experience is essential.

“A workplace experience isn’t just environment, cool furniture and tech anymore,” she said. “It’s the culture, ways of working, leadership, and how vibrancy is created.”

Some companies are using apps that inform staff who will be in the office tomorrow. CBRE Research Manager Thomas Biglands said:

“It’s important that you achieve a critical mass of visitation so that employees come in and feel as though the office is vibrant and full,” he said.

Some firms are linking salary and promotions to office attendance to reward those workers providing higher contributions to corporate culture and mentoring younger staff.

The rate of return to offices in Australia is much higher than in the United States, where occupancy rates have remained at about 50 percent over the past year. CBRE analysis suggests this may be due to better public transport, shorter commutes and lower inner-city crime rates in Australia.