Can I change my mortgage to interest only?

February 7, 2023

When it comes to home loans, one of the most common questions people have is whether or not they can change their mortgage to an interest-only loan. The answer is yes, but it’s important to understand the implications of doing so before making the switch.

Interest-only home loans are a type of loan where the borrower only pays the interest on the loan for a set period of time. This means that the borrower does not pay any of the principal balance of the loan. After the interest-only period ends, the borrower must begin paying both the interest and the principal.

The main advantage of an interest-only loan is that it can lower your monthly payments. This can be beneficial if you’re having difficulty making your current mortgage payments. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll still be paying interest on the loan, so you’ll still be paying more in the long run.

Another advantage of an interest-only loan is that it can give you more flexibility when it comes to your finances. You can use the extra money you save on your monthly payments to pay off other debts or invest in other areas.

However, there are some drawbacks to switching to an interest-only loan. The most obvious is that you’ll be paying more in the long run. Since you’re not paying any of the principal balance, you’ll be paying more in interest over the life of the loan.

Another potential drawback is that you may not be able to refinance your loan once the interest-only period ends. This means that you’ll be stuck paying the higher interest rate until you pay off the loan.

Finally, it’s important to remember that interest-only loans are not for everyone. If you’re already having difficulty making your current mortgage payments, switching to an interest-only loan may not be the best option.

If you’re considering switching to an interest-only loan, it’s important to speak with a financial advisor or mortgage broker to make sure it’s the right decision for you. They can help you understand the implications of switching and make sure you’re making the right decision for your financial situation.

In conclusion, switching to an interest-only loan can be beneficial in some cases, but it’s important to understand the implications of doing so before making the switch. Speak with a financial advisor or mortgage broker to make sure it’s the right decision for you.

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February 2024 Cash Rate

February 6, 2024

Property and cash rate predictions for 2024

Banks “stand ready to help” people with home loan problems

January 3, 2024

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has launched a campaign encouraging borrowers struggling with loan repayments to seek help, in a valuable reminder there are options available if you're finding it hard to keep up with your mortgage. Your bank may be able to: Reduce your home loan repayments. Pause your repayments temporarily. Switch your repayments from principal and interest to interest-only temporarily. Increase the length of your loan (thereby reducing the repayments). ABA CEO Anna Bligh said banks understood many borrowers were facing challenging circumstances. “Banks stood by their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, deferring payments for people who for the first time in their lives found themselves unable to pay. Banks stand ready to help people again now,” she said. “People who are finding their finances are stretched should not feel they have no options and they have to do it on their own. Banks have dedicated, highly experienced teams ready to help.” As your broker, I'm also here to help. You're welcome to contact me for advice; I can then speak to and negotiate with your lender on your behalf. The key thing is to move fast, because the further you get ahead of the problem, the more flexible and helpful banks tend to be.

Is 2024 the year to buy property?

January 2, 2024

The Reserve Bank of Australia has rounded out 2023 with the decision to hold the nation’s cash rate at 4.35%. 2023 hasn’t been an easy year for homeowners or ambitious first-home buyers. The cash rate increased from 3.10% to 4.35% over the course of eleven months in the RBA’s bid to bring inflation back within its target range. According to data from the RBA, the average home loan rate at the start of the year (for existing home loans) was 5.46% p.a.. If the lender passed on interest rates in line with the increased cash rate, that would make the interest rate 6.71% p.a.. Based on the average Australian mortgage of $599,000 on a 25-year term paying principal and interest, that equals an additional $459 per month simply to service the mortgage (from $3,661 to $4,123 per month). For first-home buyers, the average time to save for a deposit has increased to 14 years, according to a recent paper by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Limited, with the national ratio of median house price to median income now sitting at 8.5. That is the hard reality many Australians are currently facing. So the question is, what will 2024 bring? Short of looking into an Australian-economy crystal ball, we can’t predict exactly what will happen with inflation, the cash rate and therefore interest rates. However, there are a couple of factors to consider. The RBA will meet only eight times in 2024 to determine whether to move the cash rate, down from the eleven in 2023. This means potentially less movements through the year. The next cash rate announcement will be 6 February. Economists from the Big Four predict the cash rate is at, or near, its peak. Some predict at least one more rate hike in 2024 and rate cuts likely not happening until at least December. Despite predictions of a decline in house prices in 2023, they have actually continued to increase in most areas around the country. This could be good news for refinancers as we enter 2024, as they could find their equity has grown. Why 2024 could be a good time for first-home buyers Despite some potential challenges, 2024 could actually be a good time to get into the housing market. Here’s why. Savings interest rates are up - the pro of the cash rate going up is that savings interest rates also tend to go up. This can help expedite saving for a deposit. It could be cheaper to be a homeowner - according to PropTrack data, it is now cheaper to buy an apartment rather than renting one in most capital cities (based over a ten-year period with a 20% deposit). In fact, a third of properties nationally are cheaper to buy than rent. The First Home Guarantee has expanded - in 2023 the eligibility criteria for the First Home Guarantee, Family Home Guarantee and Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee was expanded, enabling eligible buyers to get into the market sooner. This means if you have a 5% deposit (or 2% if you are a single parent or guardian), you may be able to use one of the schemes to purchase property without paying lenders mortgage insurance. ‘Help to buy’ scheme to be introduced - the federal government has announced plans to rollout a new scheme that will help up to 40,000 eligible buyers with as little as a 2% deposit get into the housing market with lower repayments. If 2024 is the year you want to purchase your first home, it is a good idea to speak with your broker to find out how much you may be able to borrow and set a plan in place to achieve your goal.