Variable rates explained

Which is better: fixed or variable?

A variable rate home loan is one where the interest rate will vary based on the market. If the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) puts the cash rate up, your interest rate will most likely rise too. If the cash rate goes down, so will your interest rate. Lenders offer it as an alternative to fixed-rate loans. If you go for a fixed-rate loan, the interest rate will remain the same for a set time, usually one, three or five years. Some experts point out that variable home loan rates are better in the long run. If the interest rate goes up, your interest will go up, too and so will your repayments. However, if it goes down, the interest rate will decrease and your repayments will also decrease. In this second case, you’ll end up paying less in the short term. There’s another thing to consider when choosing what type of rate to go for. When you take out a fixed-rate loan, the interest rate you get reflects the state of the market at that time. If the interest rates are on the rise when you get a loan, you’ll end up saving more than you would at a variable rate. Find a deal

The benefits of variable rate home loans

When interest rates are declining, your repayments will be lower. Variable rates can prove to be a good choice in this uncertain economic climate. With variable rate home loans, banks often offer extra features, too, such as:

• Unlimited redraws

on repayments made early. This allows you to withdraw any money you have deposited in advance from your account.

• An offset account.

The banks subtract the offset account balance from the mortgage account balance. This difference is the net balance for which they charge interest. As a result, your repayments will be lower. • The option to make extra repayments at no extra cost. This allows you to repay your loan faster if you have the means. If you do this, you will also save on interest.

• Charging less to change loans.

When you have a variable rate loan, changing to a different loan is easier. If you find a better loan somewhere else, it will cost you less to get out of your current deal.

The downsides of variable rate home loans

It’s the uncertainty of the market that makes taking out variable rate loans risky. If there’s a sudden increase in the rates, you will have to pay more to meet the terms and conditions of the loan. The negative aspects of these loans reflect onto your budget. First, it’s impossible to plan your spending in advance. Loan interest rates will often change, as will the value of your repayments. When you applied for a home loan, you planned according to your budget at the time. With rates on the rise, your payments will have to be larger. If your budget is still the same as it was then, you may even fall behind on your repayment schedule. How much can I borrow?Use UNO's calculator to estimate your borrowing capacity. Calculate Now

Calculating home loan repayments

With variable rate home loans, it’s difficult to determine how much the loan will cost you in the end. UNO’s home loan repayment calculator works on all loan types, including those with variable rates. You can enter the amount of your loan, its purpose, and its term. The calculator shows you how high your repayment instalments will be. You can also use it to compare different loans to find out which one gives you the best deal on the whole. Find a dealBook in a quick call with our customer care teamIt’s important to note that the information we give here is general in nature – no matter how helpful or relatable you find our articles. Even if it seems like we’re writing about you, it’s not personal or financial advice. That’s why you should always ask a professional before making any life-changing decisions.Book a call in with UNO

5 stars for our service reviews from clients

Book Call Now

UNO home loans

Try Plans, by UNO
Mortgage calculators completely reimagined
Get Started
Considering a purchase or refinance?

Try Plans by UNO

Mortgage calculators completely reimagined
Get Started
☎️ 🚫 No cold call promise

Related Articles

TESTIMONIALS

What our customers are saying

Kathryn Cretney
November 14, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Paul helped us from day one before we even arrived in Australia so we knew exactly what we needed to prepare. He’s got a tonne of knowledge and was really lovely and supportive to deal with. Helpful and easy going. Would highly recommend - now in our first Aussie home and Paul made the process all very easy!
Read more
Sean O'Neill
November 14, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
We received excellent service and a tailored solution to our home loan requirements from Uno. Paul kept us informed at all milestone stages and throughout the process he demonstrated a ‘can do’ attitude that ultimately allowed us to get over the line and meet our deadline. We’re most grateful and very impressed. Highly recommend
Read more
Crush Huston
November 8, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Paul is an amazing broker. Communicative, responsive and knows his stuff! Highly recommend
Read more
Amanda Pearce
November 7, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
After just four months in Australia, our New Zealand home sold, prompting us to stop renting and invest locally. We found Paul through a Kiwi Facebook group, and his exceptional service exceeded our expectations. From initial contact, Paul provided clear explanations, friendly communication, and prompt responses to our queries, making our mortgage process remarkably smooth. We highly recommend him.
Read more
Dom Saric
November 3, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Mike Parsons went above and beyond to ensure that our refinancing journey was painless and successful. He was communicative, accessible (even working while on holidays!), and his knowledge of the systems at play meant that he picked up on things that other brokers missed. Would 100% recommend Mike, and will definitely be back next time we need a broker.
Read more
Ashleigh Breaden
October 31, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Mike Parsons handled our refinance of our home loan with ease and a depth of knowledge that ensured we got the best deal possible for our situation. We didn't have an easy one to solve for with my husband being self employed and we were consolidating finances as well for a car loan. But Mike handled it all for us and once we had provided him with all the documents we literally didn't have to do a thing after that, it was so easy and so quick we are super happy with the experience! Top notch! Highly recommend!!
Read more
Kyle Richards
October 10, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Absolute legend, helped me through the first home buyers scheme, explained everything in a way that made sense, was very knowledgeable and a joy to work with.
Read more
Chloe S
October 8, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Mike Parsons made it possible for us and the in laws to get 2 pretty complicated home loans. He helped us through everything and we'd be happy to use Mike and the team again for anything we needed. Thanks again!
Read more
Sam Rezai
October 2, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
I have gone through 6 different mortgage brokers prior to meeting Andrew Wyers. He is the most patient mortgage broker I’ve encountered and also the most knowledgable about the bank’s lending process and products available. It took me 1 year to find a house I was happy with and Andrew was always there to assist with any issues or questions I had; he always return my phone call, even on the weekends or when his away on holidays. The loan process was smooth and I had no complications. The process with Andrew was again nice and easy, he took the time to find and put together the right package that was suited to my situation. I have recommended Andrew to my family & friends and everyone have been grateful and completely satisfied with his service.
Read more
S Wilko
September 23, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
I had not dealt with Scott or UNO before finding them on the internet. Even as an Australian citizen living and working overseas, I knew obtaining a loan would be difficult. However, Scott went above and beyond what I expected from a mortgage broker. I genuinely don’t think you could find another company that works as hard as they did to get my home loan approved. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Everyone I dealt with at UNO were extremely professional and helpful. If you are looking for a broker, you would be mad not to give them a go. Thanks to Scott Wilkinson, Dalby Bajwa, Jena Lasquite and Andrew Pacini. Shaun.
Read more
Shan Liao
September 3, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
I had an outstanding experience with Tian Liu. He was incredibly professional and attentive, going above and beyond to meet my needs. His expertise and dedication made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Tian's deep knowledge of the market and commitment to finding the best solutions for his clients truly sets him apart. He was always available to answer my questions and provided invaluable guidance throughout. I highly recommend Tian Liu to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled broker!"
Read more
Nathanael Chin
September 3, 2024
5 stars for our service reviews from clients
Tian Liu provided exceptional service throughout the entire process. His professionalism and keen attention to detail were evident from the start. Tian consistently kept us informed and offered insightful advice that made us feel confident in our decisions. He truly cares about his clients and works tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome. We couldn't be happier with his assistance and highly recommend Tian to anyone looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable broker.
Read more