AUSTRALIA'S HOME LOAN GUIDE · 2026

Find Australia's Best Home Loan in Minutes

Compare rates from 40+ lenders, calculate your repayments, and get expert guidance — whether you're buying, investing, or refinancing.

Compare Loans → How Pre-Approval Works

LIVE RATES SNAPSHOT

Big 4 + Major Lenders · May 2026

CBA

Variable Owner Occ P&I

6.14%

Westpac

Fixed 2-Year Owner Occ

5.79%

ANZ

Simplicity Plus Variable

6.19%

NAB

Base Variable Rate

6.32%

Macquarie

Offset Variable

5.99%

6.14%

Lowest Variable Rate

5.79%

Best Fixed 2yr

90%

Max LVR Available

48hr

Pre-Approval Turnaround

LOAN TYPES

Find the Right Home Loan for You

🏡

First Home Buyer

5% deposit options, stamp duty concessions, First Home Guarantee — we explain every pathway.

Read guide →

Popular

📈

Investment Loans

Interest-only options, offset accounts, portfolio lending — maximise your investment returns.

Read guide →

🔄

Refinancing

Cashback offers, lower rates, equity release — we compare every major lender for you.

Read guide →

📋

Low Doc Loans

Self-employed? BAS or accountant letter may be enough. 40+ specialist lenders available.

Read guide →

🏗️

Construction Loans

Progress drawdown structure, interest-only during build, fixed-price contract required.

Read guide →

🏦

SMSF Lending

Use your superannuation to purchase residential or commercial property.

Read guide →

FIXED VS VARIABLE

Which Rate Type Suits You?

The choice between fixed and variable affects your repayments, flexibility, and total interest paid over the life of the loan. There's no universal right answer — it depends on your goals and risk tolerance.

Fixed Rate

Certainty — same repayment every month
Protected from rate rises
Break costs if you sell or refinance early
Usually no offset account

Variable Rate

Moves up or down with RBA cash rate
Offset accounts reduce interest
Extra repayments allowed any time
More flexibility to refinance

Read the full comparison →

STEP BY STEP

Home Loan Checklist

Assess Your Borrowing Power

Factor in income, existing debts, dependants, and living expenses. Most lenders use the HEM benchmark.

Save Your Deposit

20% avoids LMI. 5% may qualify for the First Home Guarantee. Some lenders accept gifts from family.

Get Pre-Approval

Conditional approval gives you confidence at auction. Usually valid for 90 days.

Apply Formally

Once you find a property, submit full application with contract of sale. Unconditional approval follows.

🏠

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LMI EXPLAINED

Lenders Mortgage Insurance — What You Need to Know

LMI is charged when your deposit is below 20% of the property value. It protects the lender (not you) if you default. The cost can be added to your loan.

95% LVR (5% deposit) ~$28,000 on $700K High

90% LVR (10% deposit) ~$14,000 on $700K Moderate

85% LVR (15% deposit) ~$6,500 on $700K Low

≤80% LVR (20%+ deposit) $0 None

Figures indicative only. Varies by lender and property state.

💡 Ways to Avoid LMI

→ Save a 20% deposit

→ Family guarantee (parents use equity)

→ First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI)

→ Some professions exempt: doctors, lawyers, accountants

→ Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee

Read full LMI guide →