Two rate hikes in 2026. Is your home loan still working for you?

The clearest signal is your rate. If your loan is more than two years old and you haven't renegotiated, you're likely paying above the current market. A rough guide: if the interest savings within 12 months would cover your refinancing costs, it's worth doing. We'll run the exact numbers - break-even point, total interest saving, and cost of switching - so the decision is straightforward. If refinancing doesn't make sense, we'll tell you that too.

No. However, better rates are generally available to new-to-bank borrowers rather than existing customers. Lenders tend to reserve their sharpest rates for new business. We'll assess whether your current lender will match the market, or whether moving gives you a materially better outcome - and we'll run the numbers either way so the decision is clear.

When a fixed rate term ends, your lender automatically rolls your loan onto their standard variable rate - which is typically well above the market's most competitive rates. This is sometimes called the "loyalty tax". With the RBA now at 4.10% and standard variable rates elevated, the gap between what you'll be rolled onto and what's available through a broker can be significant. We recommend starting the refinance process 6-8 weeks before your fixed term ends so everything is in place on the rollover date and you don't pay an unnecessary premium for even a month.

On a 25-year P&I loan, moving from a post-hike variable rate (6.09%) to a competitive broker rate (5.79%) reduces your monthly repayment by approximately $146/month on an $800k loan, or $219/month on a $1.2m loan - representing annual savings of $1,756 and $2,634 respectively. These are actual repayment reductions, not just interest savings. Exact figures depend on your remaining balance, term, and the rate we negotiate for your profile - which is why the free rate review is the right first step.

From application to settlement, refinancing typically takes 2-4 weeks. The timeline depends on how quickly your current lender discharges the loan and how promptly property valuations come back. We manage every step - application, valuation, document preparation, and settlement coordination - so you're not chasing anyone. You'll be kept informed throughout, and settlement will occur on a date that suits you.

On a variable rate loan, there is no break fee. Fixed rate loans may involve break costs depending on the remaining term and current rates - we calculate this upfront. Other costs typically include a discharge fee (around $350), legal fees ($0-$300), and a new lender application fee (often waived). Valuation fees are generally waived by the incoming lender. We present a full cost analysis before you proceed, and many lenders offer cashback incentives that offset these costs entirely.

Yes. If your property has grown in value, you've accumulated equity (the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe). Refinancing allows you to access that equity by increasing your loan amount. For example, if your home is worth $1.5M and you owe $700K, you have substantial equity to draw on. Common uses include renovations, an investment property deposit, or consolidating other debts. We'll arrange a valuation, confirm your usable equity, and structure the refinance accordingly.

Refinancing involves a credit check, which creates a hard enquiry on your credit file. A single enquiry typically has a minor, temporary impact (usually just a few points), and the effect fades over the following months. The enquiry remains on your file for five years but becomes less significant over time. The long-term financial benefit of moving to a lower rate typically far outweighs any short-term credit impact.

Yes. Self-employed borrowers are assessed differently - typically using tax returns and financial statements rather than payslips - but refinancing is equally achievable. We work with lenders experienced in self-employed applications and know which offer the most competitive terms and most flexible assessment criteria. We'll advise on documentation upfront to make the process as smooth as possible.