Some common loan features and benefits:
Of course, not all these features will be available on every loan. We will work together to determine which features are best for you and find the loan that fits with your situation.
Interest Only Repayments: With an interest-only home loan, you only pay the interest on the borrowed amount for a certain period, usually around 5 years. This can make your initial repayments lower, but keep in mind that you'll still need to pay back the full amount later.
Extra Repayments: If you pay more than the required regular repayment, the extra amount may be deducted from the principal. This not only reduces the amount you owe but lowers the amount of interest you repay. Making extra repayments regularly, even small ones, is the best way to pay off your home loan quicker and save on interest charges.
Weekly or Fortnightly Repayments: Instead of a regular monthly repayment, you pay off your home loan weekly or fortnightly. This can suit people who are paid on a weekly or fortnightly basis and will save you money because you end up making more payments in a year, which potentially cuts the life of the loan.
Redraw facility: This typically allows you to access any extra repayments you have made. Knowing you have access to funds can provide peace of mind. Be aware lenders may charge a redraw fee and have a minimum redraw amount. There might also be other restrictions on when funds can be redrawn.
Repayment holiday: You may be able to take a complete break from repayments, or make reduced repayments, for an agreed period of time. This can be useful for travel, maternity leave, or a career change.
Offset account: This is a savings account linked to your home loan. Money paid into the savings account is deducted from the balance of your home loan before interest is calculated. The more money you save, the lower your regular home loan repayments. You can often access your savings in the usual way, by EFTPOS and ATMs. This is a great way to reduce your loan interest. Be aware the account may have higher monthly fees or require a minimum balance or have other restrictions.
Direct debit: Your lender automatically draws repayments from a chosen bank account. Apart from ensuring there is enough cash in the account, you don’t have to remember to make repayments.
All-in-one home loan: This combines a home loan with a cheque, savings, and credit card account. You can have your salary paid into it directly. By keeping cash in the account for as long as possible each month you can reduce the interest charges. Used with discipline, the all-in-one feature offers both flexibility and interest savings. Interest rates charged for these loans can be higher.
Professional package: Home loans over a certain value are offered at a discounted rate, combined with discounted fees on other banking services. These can be attractively priced, but if you don’t use the banking services you may be better off with a basic variable loan.
Portable loans: If you sell your current property and buy somewhere else you can take your home loan with you. This can save time and set-up fees, but you may incur other charges.
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