It may be an admirable trait in personal relationships, but in the world of lending, loyalty can come at a cost.
Sticking with the same loan longer than three years can cost borrowers thousands, with competition to win business resulting in new customers paying lower rates than existing ones.
This so-called loyalty tax has become such a hot topic, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has recommended mortgage holders review their options regularly and consider switching to secure better terms. Now is a great time to follow that advice and get in touch.
Homeowner refinancing has hit an all-time record in the past six months, and it’s easy to see why, with interest rates at long-term lows. But it’s not just fixed rates borrowers should have their eye on. Homeowners with variable rates need to check they aren’t unwittingly paying a loyalty tax too.
Reserve Bank figures show owner-occupiers who took out new variable loans in October 2021 paid, on average, 2.63 per cent interest, while those with existing variable loans paid rates around 0.37 per cent higher rates at 3 per cent.1 On a loan around $350,000, that’s potentially adding an extra $1,295 in interest each year.
As a customer there’s few things more galling than finding out someone who came to the party late has been given a bigger slice of cake than you. That’s why the most empowering thing you can do is to simply shop around, which is what I can do for you.
Being financially savvy is about developing good habits, and one of the best for homeowners is to book an annual appointment to review your home loan arrangements.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to dive in. People usually have a little more headspace before the year really ramps up and finding savings can be a great cure for that summer spending hangover.
Speak to me to check how current variable rates compare, or perhaps it’s a good time to consider locking in a deal. Fixed rates have increased recently and speculation is mounting about a possible official interest rate rise in late 2022 or early in 2023.
Of course, refinancing isn’t always about interest rates alone, although they are a big part of the equation. It may be about building more flexibility into your loan with offset and redraw facilities, the ability to make additional repayments, or unlock equity for a renovation, a major purchase or holiday.
Some borrowers may even want to consider options such as splitting a home loan between both fixed and variable options.
It’s all about what your goals and priorities are right now, and we all know that can change unexpectedly year on year.
The home loan market has never been more competitive and we’re adding more lenders to our panel each year, with more loan products and features. It can be daunting, but it’s also where I can offer you an advantage in guiding you through what’s out there to meet your needs.
I can also help calculate how any potential savings stack up in the short and long term against any search and switch costs. It’s important to stay on top of rates and offerings in a fast-moving market. So, get in touch to arrange a quick check-up for your home loan.
Need some help working out if you can get a more suitable rate for your mortgage?
Get some professional advice from our Mortgage expert Leigh Morris, call 02 9328 0876 to arrange a meeting.
Article by Leigh Morris - SFP Financial
1 Lenders’ Interest Rates, Reserve Bank of Australia (published monthly online: rba.gov.au/statistics/interest-rates/#lenders-rates-table)
General Disclaimer: While every care has been taken in the preparation of this document, Sydney Financial Planning and Charter FP make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any statement in it.This article contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. Please seek personal financial advice prior to acting on this information.