Jera Conde

What happens when you refinance your home loan?

Jera Conde · Apr 14, 2026 ·

With interest rates rising in recent months, many Australians have seen their mortgage repayments increase. As a result, more homeowners are starting to ask whether refinancing their home loan could help them reduce costs or improve their loan structure.

In fact, refinancing activity has surged. Last year, more than 640,000 homeowners switched their home loan, representing a 20 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

So, what exactly does refinancing involve, and how do you go about doing it?

Reasons to refinance

Refinancing involves taking out a new home loan to replace your existing one, either with your current lender or with a different provider. Once approved, the new lender pays off your existing loan and establishes the new mortgage in its place.

Common reasons to refinance include:

To access a more competitive rate.
To potentially reduce your mortgage repayments.
To change loan terms – for example, a shorter loan term may help you pay off your loan sooner, although the repayments may be higher.
To access available equity – for renovations, debt consolidation, or for other big-ticket expenses.
To change your loan structure – e.g. from variable to a fixed-rate mortgage.
To access interest-saving loan features like offset accounts or redraw facilities.

What’s the process?

The refinancing process is similar to applying for a new home loan, but it can feel much simpler when you know what to expect. Here’s how it typically works:

1. Review your goals

Start by chatting with your broker about why you’re looking to refinance – whether it’s to get a more competitive rate, access equity, or improve your loan features. We can also help you weigh up the potential costs involved, such as valuation fees, exit costs, or break fees if you’re on a fixed rate.

2. Compare your options

We’ll compare a range of lenders on your behalf to help identify loan options that may suit your needs and circumstances.

3. Get your documents ready

Similar to your original application, you’ll need to provide supporting documents like proof of identity, income details, employment information, and a summary of your assets and debts.

4. Submit your application

Once everything is ready, we’ll submit your application. The lender will usually arrange a valuation of your property, and if you’re borrowing more than 80% of its value, lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) may apply.

5. Approval and paperwork

If your loan is approved, you’ll review and sign the final documents before the new lender arranges to pay out your existing loan.

6. Settlement and next steps

Once your old loan is paid out, your refinance is complete. From there, you may be able to benefit from a more competitive rate, improved features, or access to available equity to support your financial goals.

Can I stay with the same lender?

If you’re happy with your current lender, you can absolutely stay with them – especially if your loan still suits your needs and you’re comfortable with the service you’re receiving.

But it’s still worth taking the time to see what else might be available, as rates, features and offers can change over time, and there may be opportunities to improve your overall loan setup.

Some long-term customers may find that newer borrowers are offered sharper rates or promotions – a difference sometimes referred to as the “loyalty tax”. Exploring your options, whether that’s negotiating with your current lender or considering a new one, can help you understand what’s out there and whether you’re still getting a competitive deal.

Like any major expense, it pays to shop around and compare your options to see what might suit you best.

What about cashback offers?

Some lenders may offer incentives, such as cashback offers, to attract new customers – which can be appealing depending on your circumstances.

You should be aware that there may be strict eligibility criteria attached, such as a minimum loan size. Importantly, the loan may not necessarily be better for you financially in the long run, so it’s important to consider the big picture before jumping on a cashback offer.

Is now a good time to refinance?

The decision about whether to refinance depends largely on your individual circumstances and goals. However, with mortgage rates increasing, it may be worth reviewing your home loan at the very least, to consider refinancing if it makes financial sense.

To find out whether refinancing could be the right move for you, get in touch with us today!

3 tips to navigate the risks and rewards of interstate investing

Jera Conde · Apr 8, 2026 ·

When it comes to buying an investment property, you don’t necessarily need to limit yourself to your own backyard.

Looking beyond your local market, including interstate, can open up new opportunities when the timing is right. Often referred to as “borderless investing”, this approach allows you to tap into growth in different regions.

However, investing in a different state comes with its own considerations. Understanding how it works, where the opportunities may be, and what to watch out for can help you make more informed decisions.

Here are three reasons borrowers are interested in interstate investing.

Diversify your property portfolio

One way some investors attempt to manage risk with their investments is to diversify. By spreading your investments across different locations, you’re not relying on just one market. If one area slows down, another might still be performing well. It may be a helpful way to balance your portfolio over time, reduce the impact of local downturns, and tap into a wider range of growth opportunities.

That said, diversification doesn’t remove risk entirely. Property markets can shift due to factors like economic conditions, housing supply and demand, and changes in interest rates.

Seize opportunities

Investing interstate can give you access to markets that may be more affordable or experiencing stronger growth at different points in the cycle. Because conditions can vary across states, looking beyond your local area may help uncover opportunities you might not find closer to home.

For example, some markets have recently outperformed others. Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide have seen solid growth over a recent rolling quarter, with housing values rising 6.8%, 4.8% and 4.3% respectively, while Sydney and Melbourne recorded slight declines of -0.1% and -0.4%.

This highlights how opportunities may emerge within different parts of the country at different times. That said, markets can shift, and past performance isn’t always an indicator of what’s ahead.

Benefit from tax perks

Another reason some property investors consider buying interstate is the potential difference in land tax thresholds and rates across states or territories.

Land tax is an annual levy based on the value of your investment property (excluding your principal place of residence). This tax is managed independently by each state or territory (not applicable in the Northern Territory).

Keep in mind that Australian stamp duty rates and thresholds may also differ by state or territory.

Land tax laws are complex and change frequently. As tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances, it may be worth speaking with a qualified tax professional before making decisions based on tax considerations.

Key considerations to help balance the risks and rewards

Before investing interstate, it’s important to take a step back and assess both the potential upsides and the risks involved.

With that in mind, here are some key considerations before getting started.

1. Do your research

Before buying interstate, it’s important to do your homework. This means understanding the broader market, the city or town, and the specific suburb.

What are the rental yields and vacancy rates like? How is capital growth tracking? What infrastructure is planned? What is the expected population growth, and how might it affect housing supply and demand?

Having access to this kind of insight can help you make more informed investment decisions, rather than relying on market sentiment or short-term trends. If you’d like a clearer picture of where opportunities may lie, get in touch for a personalised property report.

2. Choose your strategy

Before buying interstate, it’s important to consider your overall goals.

Do you plan to buy and hold, and ideally benefit from capital growth? Maybe you want to buy and flip, and hope to turn a profit in the short term by adding value through renovations? Perhaps you’re a rentvestor intending to rent where you want to live, while owning an investment property in a more affordable or high-growth area.

It may also be worth thinking about whether the property is likely to be negatively geared, where losses may be offset against your income. Or perhaps your property is positively geared, where rental income exceeds expenses.

Taking the time to define your strategy upfront can help guide your decisions, keep your investment on track, and ensure the property you choose aligns with your long-term goals.

3. Get a reliable local team

If you’re buying interstate, you’ll need a team of professionals on your side.

A reputable buyer’s agent can offer local market insight, help identify suitable properties, and negotiate or bid on your behalf. You may also need a conveyancer or solicitor to help with the legal transfers, as well as a building and pest inspector to assess the property’s condition.

Lastly, it may also help to speak with an experienced finance broker when considering your borrowing options.

How we can help

Navigating interstate investing and finding a loan that suits you can feel complex, but having the right support can make a difference. A broker can help you understand your options, compare lenders, and explore loan structures that may align with your goals.

We work with a wide range of lenders and can help you get a clearer picture of what may be available based on your individual circumstances. If you’d like to explore your options, feel free to reach out – we’re here to chat and help you figure out what might work for you.

Property market update – March 2026

Jera Conde · Mar 31, 2026 ·

With autumn now underway, many prospective buyers may feel like turning over a new leaf with a home or investment property purchase.

This time of year can present unique opportunities. There is often less competition compared to the busy spring market, and some sellers may be more motivated to secure a sale before winter, which may create more favourable conditions to negotiate.

As interest rates and property market conditions continue to evolve, staying informed is key. In this update, we take a closer look at the latest interest rate changes and what’s happening across the property market, so you can better understand the trends shaping today’s lending environment.

If you’re looking to purchase or considering refinancing, get in touch and we’ll compare the market for you.

Interest rate news

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the cash rate to 4.10% at its latest meeting, following a rise in February.

The move reflects ongoing concerns that inflation may remain above the target range for longer than expected. While the Consumer Price Index (CPI) held at 3.8% in the 12 months to January, more recent data suggest price pressures have picked up again.

RBA governor Michele Bullock said the decision was largely driven by stronger-than-expected demand in the economy, supported by a resilient labour market and solid economic growth.

“The data suggests there is slightly more excess demand in the economy than we thought in February, and inflationary pressures are therefore somewhat greater,” she said.

While rising fuel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East are expected to contribute to inflation, they were not the primary reason for the rate increase.

The RBA has indicated it will continue to monitor economic conditions closely and adjust policy if needed.

With interest rates shifting, it may be worth reviewing your home loan and consider whether your current rate remains competitive. If you’re curious about your options, give us a call – we may be able to find a more competitive rate or renegotiate your home loan with your current provider.

The next cash rate decision will be announced on 5 May.

Home value movements

February’s interest rate hike did little to dampen property prices in many Australian markets, with national dwelling values increasing 0.8% in February. Across the country, we’re seeing property values diverge.

Perth continues to show strong growth, with prices up 2.3% in February, adding $22,500 to the median property value over the month. Stock in the Western Australian capital is nearly 50% below the five-year average.

Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart also posted solid gains throughout the month, each recording a rise of more than 1%.

Sydney and Melbourne’s prices were flat in February, compounded by increasing interest rates and weaker sentiment. Sydney’s prices were down -0.1% over the rolling quarter, while Melbourne’s were down -0.4%.

Cotality research director Tim Lawless said that while Sydney and Melbourne had traditionally led Australia’s housing cycles, there had also been periods where the market had moved in a counter cyclical way.

“The clear slowdown in housing conditions across Sydney and Melbourne could signal an easing in growth conditions elsewhere down the track, but for now, the mid-sized capitals continue to see support from extremely low inventory levels, which is boosting the growth in values,” he said.

“Vendors are looking more motivated in Sydney and Melbourne, possibly looking to beat a further softening in selling conditions as clearance rates ease and demand slows. If the typical seasonal pattern holds, the flow of new listings is likely to strengthen leading into Easter.”

Regional markets are outperforming the capitals across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Regional demand has remained resilient due to lower price points and internal migration.

	All dwellings Auctions	Clearance Rate	Private Sale	Monthly home values change
VIC	1131	59%	1355	—
NSW	1223	53%	1850	—
ACT	129	58%	100	▲ 0.8%
QLD	244	58%	1093	▲ 1.6%
WA	13	54%	537	▲ 2.3%
NT	2	100%	21	▲ 0.2%
TAS	0	—	174	▲ 1.2%
SA	155	77%	252	▲ 1.3%

* Monthly Home Values figures as of 28 February 2026
* Australian auction results, clearance rates and recent sales for the week ending 15 March 2026
* The clearance rate is preliminary and current as of 5:00 pm AEDT, 16 March 2026

Ready to buy?

If you’re planning an autumn property purchase, chat to us about your finance options. We can organise pre-approval on your finance, so that you’re prepared and financially ready to dive in.