Fixed vs Variable — Which Home Loan is Right for You?
Fixed or variable? Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your budget, flexibility needs, and how you'd handle a rate rise. Here's a clear breakdown to help you decide.
Property and finance insights to help you make smarter decisions.
Fixed or variable? Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on your budget, flexibility needs, and how you'd handle a rate rise. Here's a clear breakdown to help you decide.
There's a quiet penalty in the Australian mortgage market that almost nobody talks about. It doesn't show up as a fee on your statement. Your bank won't call to warn you about it. And the longer you ignore it, the more it costs you. It's called the loyalty tax — and if you've had your home loan for more than two years without reviewing it, it's worth checking whether you're paying it right now.
If you've been researching home loans, you've probably come across the term LMI and had a moment of confusion. Is it a fee? Insurance for you? Something the bank charges just because it can? The short answer: LMI is a one-off cost that protects the lender, not you — and with the right strategy, many first home buyers can avoid it entirely.