The array of mortgages available helps a good finance broker to tailor a package to suit your needs. Here are just some of the options.
Fixed-rate MortgagesWith a fixed-rate loan, you know exactly how much you’ll pay per fortnight or month for the fixed period of the loan (usually one to five years). | Variable Rate MortgagesRepayments can change during the life of a variable-rate loan, so you may pay more or less as interest rates rise or fall. If you’re fairly sure that rates are set to fall, this is a good option. | Principal and Interest MortgagesIn this mortgage, you are paying the amount lent to you plus the interest. | Interest-only MortgagesWith interest-only, you are paying just the interest on the loan – you are not paying off any of the original principal. | Split Home Loan (fixed and variable)You can choose to have part of your loan at a fixed rate and the other part can be at a variable interest rate. If rates do fall, the interest will go down on the variable part of your loan, but you aren’t taking as big a risk should rates rise. |
Redraw FacilityIf you have a variable-rate loan and you make extra repayments, then you can withdraw that additional money when you need to (you can’t do this on fixed-rate loans). | Low deposit homeWith the only 2% deposit the First home buyer can get into a home of your own sooner. You can use your first home owner grant (FHOG) towards your deposit if you decide to build a new home.
| Land loanA land loan lets you buy a block of land without the pressure to build on it as soon as possible. Land loans are usually variable interest for up to 30 years. | Construction loanFor buying land, building or renovating your home, a 12-month construction loan can be the best way to go. Usually, up to 90 per cent of the property value can be borrowed. | Self-employed loans.For self-employed people, a home loan can still be arranged using differing supporting documentation that shows your ability to service a loan and might include BAS and bank statements. You self-certify your income, which will need verification. You may be able to borrow up to 80 per cent of the property’s value. |