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

Tucked away in Byron Bay’s coveted hinterland, Whimsy Farm is a traditional rural homestead surrounded by more than 16ha of lush fertile grounds with equestrian facilities and a host of whimsical additions including a fairytale-inspired maze.

Just listed with Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay, agents Denzil Lloyd and Will Phillips are running an expressions of interest campaign on the glamorous getaway with a price guide of $5.25 million to $5.75 million.

The romantic estate in Federal, 25 kms from Byron Bay dates back more than a century, but has been meticulously renovated by its current owners to attain modern day dream home status.

Back in 2016, the enviable property even featured on Foxtel’s short-lived reality TV show I Own Australia’s Best Home. The picturesque parcel has also been appreciated by location scouts and has appeared in a long list of fashion brand and magazine shoots such as Country Style and Queensland Homes.

Owner Melinda Boundy, founder of boutique interiors firm Melinda Boundy Design, was instrumental in reviving the historic Federal homestead. She has described the rural property as a “a respite from the world” where she and her husband have raised their two sons over the past decade.

“I brought my boys down 10 years ago to nurture their creativity, their boyhood,” Boundy said in a recent Instagram post announcing the impending sale.

“We found our farm with its double-storey treehouse and 40 acres the perfect place for two young boys to thrive.”

In addition to hiring out the estate for formal events, Boundy said the family had celebrated several milestones at the address.

“Many parties, sleepovers, friends staying and events have been held [here]. It has seen the filming of a TV show or two, music videos, location shoots and weddings,” she added.

“Now it’s time to pass the baton to another family to share the magic and wonderment of this beautiful compound.”

Lloyd agreed that the listing is a magical estate, ripe for the picking.

“It’s a wonderland. There’s the maze, but it’s also got the treehouse, teepee, dams, beautiful established veggie gardens and it’s perfect for those who love horse riding,” Mr Lloyd said.

“It really is an oasis with plenty of classical charm as well. It’s not an ostentatious home; it’s an original Queenslander from 1910.”

Living up to its storybook name, Whimsy Farm is home to a preserved traditional Queenslander residence with five bedrooms, plus a freestanding guest cottage. There is also a separate pool house and a combined shed or office on site, all capturing scenic hinterland views.

The main single-storey residence has a choice of entertaining spaces inside and out as well as bedrooms opening to private alfresco areas. A grand kitchen and the large living room both open to a vast terrace and pool area.

In the primary bedrooms suite there is a bay window overlooking the natural surrounds, an ensuite with double vanities, and out on the covered deck an outdoor bathtub is an idyllic spot for soaking under the stars.

The playful property has also operated as a holiday rental and offers up unique bonus features including a solar-heated semi circle pool, a double-storey treehouse, a teepee, horse stables, paddocks and a an Olympic-sized dressage arena.

A true tree change destination, the Federal address is home to 10 acres of regenerated forest, eight water tanks, two lagoons, extensive raised veggie gardens and a citrus orchard.

It is conveniently located a scenic 30-minute drive to Byron Bay and 20 minutes to Bangalow.

Whimsy Farm at 711 Federal Dr, Federal is listed through Sotheby’s International Realty Byron Bay through an expressions of interest campaign closing February 20, 5pm.