In light of the recent interest rate increases and the rising cost of living in Australia, choosing the right home loan has become more challenging as many consider the question, “do I pick a fixed or variable interest rate?” Many homeowners expect rate reductions in the near future. Therefore, they considered the impact of variable interest rates and opted to pay higher rates temporarily. While many have opted for this option, is it the type of home loan that is best for you?

In this article, we explore fixed and variable interest rates on home loans to help you make an informed decision in the face of market fluctuations.

What are Fixed Interest Rates?

Fixed interest rates are home loan rates that remain constant for a predetermined period, usually ranging from one to five years. During this term, the rate will not be affected by any market rate fluctuations.

Pros and Cons of Fixed Interest Rates

Fixed interest rates offer specific advantages that might appeal to some homeowners:

  • Budgeting Ease: With a fixed-rate loan, you have the certainty of knowing your exact monthly repayments, making it easier to plan your finances effectively.
  • Protection from Rate Rises: If interest rates soar above your fixed rate, you can rest assured that you are paying less than those on variable rates.

However, fixed-rate loans also have some drawbacks:

  • Missed Rate Decreases: If market interest rates drop during your fixed term, you won’t benefit from the reduced rates, potentially missing out on potential savings.
  • Limited Extra Repayments: Many fixed-rate loans have restrictions on extra repayments or impose fees for additional payments, limiting your ability to pay off the loan faster.
  • No Redraw Access: A redraw facility is often off the table for fixed-rate loans, preventing you from accessing any extra funds you’ve paid into the loan.
  • Break Fees: Should you choose to change or pay off your loan during the fixed term, you may face break fees imposed by the lender.

What are Variable Interest Rates?

Home loan variable interest rates can change over time based on market conditions. When the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) adjusts the official cash rate, your variable interest rate and home loan repayments will fluctuate.

Pros and Cons of Variable Interest Rates

Variable interest rates offer their own set of pros and cons:

  • Flexibility with Extra Repayments: Variable-rate loans typically allow additional repayments without extra costs, helping you reduce interest and pay off your home loan sooner.
  • Potential Rate Reductions: When market interest rates decline, your variable rate will decrease, leading to reduced loan repayments.
  • Additional Features: Variable loans often come with added features such as unlimited redraws on extra repayments and the option to set up an offset account.

However, variable-rate loans also have some drawbacks:

  • Rate Increases: If market interest rates rise, your loan repayments will also increase, potentially affecting your budgeting.
  • Uncertain Budgeting: Fluctuating interest rates can make it harder to budget accurately as repayments may change over time.

Which is Best for Me?

Deciding between fixed and variable rates depends on your individual financial circumstances, risk tolerance, and future predictions of interest rate movements. If you value stability and want to safeguard against potential rate increases, a fixed-rate loan might be suitable. On the other hand, if you can handle market fluctuations and are optimistic about potential rate decreases, a variable-rate loan could be more appealing.

To better understand interest rates and their long-term implications, it is essential to seek advice from mortgage brokers. Consider reaching out to us to discuss your financial goals and preferences to receive advice tailored to your circumstances.

 

To learn more about your home loan options and find the best fit for your financial situation, get started with Simplify Finance today.