What happens when your fixed rate term ends?
Fixed rate terms last for a set period of time that is prearranged between you and your lender. Fixed rate periods last between one and five years.
When your fixed rate term ends, your loan will usually revert automatically to the standard variable interest rate unless you have provided instructions to refix your loan.
As the end of your fixed rate term approaches, it’s important to plan ahead and talk to your mortgage broker about what your new, or roll-off, interest rate and repayments might be and what your options are.
Repricing with your current lender
Lenders may not apply the lowest interest rate they offer when a loan reverts to a variable rate.
But, you can ask for a reprice to a more competitive rate. If you do find a more competitive rate with a different lender, you could also ask your current lender if they can match it.
Refinancing to a different lender
Once your fixed rate term ends, you may be able to refinance to a different lender.
While the interest rate is a key factor when choosing a loan product, it’s important to know the ‘true cost of switching’.
You may see tempting cashback offers from lenders, or lower rates advertised, but there are a myriad of fees and charges involved in setting up a new loan that you will need to consider.
If your loan-to-value ratio (LVR) is above a certain limit – usually 80% LVR – you may be required to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance if your refinance.
We can help you understand what it will actually cost you to change lenders, and how much you could save.
Licensing statement: Rayne Finance ABN [70 605 100 838] is authorised under LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd Australian Credit Licence 517192. Disclaimer: (1) As with any financial scenario there are risks involved. This information provides an overview or summary only and it should not be considered a comprehensive analysis. You should, before acting in reliance upon this information, seek independent professional lending or taxation advice as appropriate and specific to your objectives, financial circumstances or needs. This publication is provided on the terms and understanding that: (2) LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd, Rayne Finance (Seed Lending Pty Ltd) and the authors, consultants and editors are not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in this publication, nor for any error in or omission from this publication. (3) LMG Broker Services Pty Ltd, Rayne Finance (Seed Lending Pty Ltd) and the authors, consultants and editors, expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to the maximum extent permitted by the law to any person, whether a purchaser or reader of this publication or not, in respect of anything, and of the consequences of anything, done or omitted to be done by any such person in reliance, whether wholly or partially, upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication.
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