Australian Lenders Cut Rates Post RBA Decision, Impact on Borrowers

Recent adjustments in home loan rates by several Australian lenders have sparked market changes following the Reserve Bank’s decision to cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 4.1%.

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Within the last week, four lenders have decreased 24 variable rates for owner-occupiers and investors by an average of 0.27%. Additionally, Horizon Bank has made cuts to 12 fixed rates for owner-occupiers and investors, with an average reduction of 0.18%, as reported by Canstar.

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The current average variable interest rate for owner-occupiers making principal and interest payments is at 6.81%. Unloan now offers the lowest variable rate at 5.74%, excluding introductory rates. Canstar’s database lists 200 rates below 5.75%, indicating a shift towards more competitive pricing in the home loan market.

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Australia’s recent cash rate reduction, the first in over four years, prompted swift responses from major banks. Within an hour of the announcement, all four major banks had committed to passing on the rate cut to their variable rate mortgage customers within a fortnight.

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Sally Tindall, Canstar’s data insights director, highlighted the proactive stance of the banks, stating that 35% of Australian borrowers are contemplating refinancing, with 14% already deciding to proceed based on Mozo’s data.

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While 60 lenders have announced rate adjustments post the RBA decision, only a handful, including Athena, Unloan, and Transport Mutual Credit Union, have already implemented these changes. G&C Mutual has rolled out cuts for new customers, with existing customers set to see adjustments by March 1.

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Brokers are advised to remind their clients, whether homeowners or investors, to inquire with their lenders about potential reductions in monthly repayments following the recent rate cuts. Tindall suggested that some banks may not see lower repayments until late March, potentially extending into April or May.

The evolving landscape of changing borrowing rates in Australia signifies a shift in the financial market dynamics, prompting borrowers to explore opportunities for savings and improved financial management in the wake of these rate adjustments.

As the industry adapts to these rate changes, borrowers and lenders alike are navigating a new terrain of possibilities and challenges, shaping the future trajectory of the mortgage market in Australia.

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