With home loan interest rates on the rise thanks to cash rate hikes from the RBA, mortgage holders sitting on fixed rates may be breathing a sigh of relief. But there’s a chance that there could be a sting in the tail at the end of each fixed rate term, which borrowers may need to watch out and prepare for.
The basics of variable versus fixed interest rates
Many Australian home loans have variable interest rates, where the amount of interest a lender charges may increase or decrease over time, depending on a wide range of economic factors. This means that the cost of monthly (or fortnightly or weekly) home loan repayments could change along with the interest rate, affecting Australian household budgets.
Some Australians choose to fix their mortgage rates for a set length of time, often between 12 months and 5 years. This means that even if their lender increases or decreases their variable interest rates, the borrower’s fixed interest rate will remain the same. This ensures that their repayments remain consistent for simpler budgeting during the fixed-rate term. Of course, exiting a fixed rate early (such as if you refinance with another lender) often means paying expensive break fees.
Cash rates, mortgage rates, and you
One of the most significant factors that influences variable interest rates is the national cash rate target, set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). This is the interest rate that banks charge one another on cash loans to supply financial products and services to their customers, making it serve as an effective benchmark for the “cost” of borrowing money.
In May 2022, the RBA increased the cash rate by 25 basis points, which was the first hike in 11.5 years. Several of Australia’s major banks announced within 24 hours that they would be raising their home loan interest rates accordingly.
At their next meeting in June 2022, the RBA board chose to hike the cash rate by a further 50 basis points; the first rate hike of this size since February 2000. Then again in its July meeting by yet another 50 basis points. This could lead an Australian with 25-year $500,000 home loan paying $260 more per month, or $323 per month when combined with the May hike.
Economists from the big banks are forecasting further rises in the near future, meaning mortgage holders on variable interest rates could soon be at risk of mortgage stress.
What happens when my fixed rate period ends?
Borrowers who took out a home loan with a fixed interest rate before the RBA’s announcements may be able to avoid some of this financial stress, as their interest rate (and in turn, their home loan repayments) should stay the same for the rest of their fixed rate period.
However, once that period expires, the mortgage will likely revert to a variable interest rate. This is often the lender’s standard variable rate, which is higher than the discounted variable rate that many lenders offer to attract new customers. And thanks to the rising cash rate, this variable rate could be higher than you expect, putting you at risk of bill shock and mortgage stress if you aren’t careful.
What are my options when my fixed rate period ends?
Stay on the variable rate: If you can still comfortably afford the mortgage repayments after reverting to a variable interest rate, you may be able to continue with your current home loan. Just be mindful that future rate rises could increase your risk of mortgage stress.
Re-fix: Some lenders will allow you to fix the interest rate on your home loan again once your fixed rate term expires. The new fixed rate may not always be the same as your old fixed rate, but you shouldn’t have to worry as much about your household budget being affected by rate rises. Not every lender will allow you to exercise this option, or allow you to exercise it multiple times.
Refinance: If your current lender’s variable revert rate has risen higher than you can comfortably afford, or if your options to re-fix your rate are limited, you may be able to switch your mortgage to another lender and refinance onto a lower fixed or variable rate. Keep in mind that you’ll need to fulfil the new lender’s eligibility requirements, such as having sufficient equity in the property, and there may be fees and charges involved when refinancing.
Contact an expert: If you’re not certain of the best choice for you and your finances at the end of your fixed rate period, your local home loan experts like the team here at MyFN can steer you in the right direction. We can look at your finances and recommend some of the best home loan options to suit your specific needs.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change. It is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, My Finance Network recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. MyFN recommends that you seek independent legal, financial, and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.
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