Get the Finder app 🥳

Connect your accounts & save

Install
finder.com.au

Fixed or Variable Home Loan

Fixed or variable home loans – it's a question of certainty versus flexibility.

Richard Whitten
Richard Whitten

Updated

Fact checked

A couple signing a home loan contract.There are two types of home loan interest rate, variable and fixed. In short:

  • Variable interest rates can change at any time (up or down) and tend to offer slightly lower rates and more repayment flexibility.
  • Fixed interest rates cannot go up (or down) for the fixed period (usually 1-5 years) but often have more fees and less flexibility.

Both rate types have strengths and weaknesses and it all depends on your needs as a borrower. It's usually a trade-off between flexibility on the one hand and certainty on the other.

Read on to find out more about the differences between fixed and variable rates.

Variable vs fixed rates
The split rate option
Compare mortgages

Variable versus fixed interest rates: what's the difference?

Both variable and fixed rates have strengths and weaknesses and it all depends on your needs as a borrower. It's usually a trade-off between flexibility on the one hand and certainty on the other.

Fixed ratesVariable rates
  • No change. Your interest rate won't change at all during the fixed period.
  • Changes. Your lender can change your interest rate at any time (up or down).
  • Less to worry about. You can "set and forget" your rate and never have to worry about it changing during the fixed period.
  • Watch your rate. You need to keep an eye on your interest rate and consider switching if it gets too high.
  • Higher fees. Fixed rate loans often have higher exit fees.
  • Lower fees. Competitive variable loans often come with lower fees than their fixed rate equivalents.
  • Refinancing. It's often harder to refinance to another loan during the fixed rate period because of fixed loan break costs.
  • Refinancing. It's easier to refinance a variable rate mortgage.
  • Fewer features. Fixed rate loans are less likely to have offset accounts or redraw facilities.
  • But you don't always need these features.
  • But do you need them? These features can come with a higher rate, so if you don't use them they're not really worth it.
  • Limited extra repayments. Some fixed loans allow extra repayments but these are often limited to a certain amount per year.
  • More flexible. Many variable rate loans come with flexible repayment options and don't charge you for making extra repayments. This lets you repay your mortgage faster.

Which rate type is right for you?

The real question is what do you want from your home loan. This helps you decide which rate type suits you best. Here are some examples to help you think about your own situation.

  • I want to know exactly what my repayments are each month. You might want to go with a fixed rate loan. With the certainty of an unchanging rate you can budget safe in the knowledge that your repayments won't vary. This means you can basically forget about your home loan for the fixed period.
  • I want the lowest possible rate and I'm happy to switch lenders. Go with a variable loan (probably). Variable rates are usually more competitive than fixed rates, although that's not always the case. But if you're a deal hunter who's always after a lower rate and is happy to compare and refinance regularly, then a variable mortgage probably gives you more options and is easier to refinance.
  • I want to repay my loan as quickly as possible. In this case you want the lowest interest rate and a mortgage which allows for extra repayments. This is more likely a variable rate but some fixed rate loans allow extra repayments too.

Split rate loans

If you really like the idea of fixing your interest rate, but you don't want to lose the flexible features available on your variable loan, you can choose to split your home loan. A split rate home loan is when you divide your loan into two (or more) portions; one locked into a fixed rate and the other variable.

This lets you enjoy some of the advantages of both rate types at the same time.

Compare fixed, variable and split rate loans

Data indicated here is updated regularly
$
Loan purpose
Offset account
Loan type
Repayment type
Your filter criteria do not match any product
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp Rate^ (p.a.) Application Fee Ongoing Fees Max LVR Monthly Payment Short Description
UBank UHomeLoan Variable Rate - Discount offer for Owner Occupiers, P&I Borrowing over $200,000
UBank UHomeLoan Variable Rate - Discount offer for Owner Occupiers, P&I Borrowing over $200,000
2.59%
2.59%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
Enjoy flexible repayments, a redraw facility and the ability to split your loan. Plus, pay no application or ongoing fees.
Go to site More info
HSBC Home Value Loan - Promotional Offer (Owner Occupier P&I)
HSBC Home Value Loan - Promotional Offer (Owner Occupier P&I)
2.65%
2.66%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
Get a low interest rate loan with no ongoing fees. Plus you can make extra repayments and free redraw online.
Go to site More info
loans.com.au Smart Home Loan - (Owner Occupier, P&I)
loans.com.au Smart Home Loan - (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.57%
2.59%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
Get a low variable interest rate and pay 0 application or ongoing fees with this convenient online lender.
Go to site More info
St.George Basic Home Loan - LVR 60% to 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
St.George Basic Home Loan - LVR 60% to 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.64%
2.66%
$500 (waived for loans above $150,000)
$0 p.a.
80%
Refinancers borrowing $250,000 or more can get a $2,000 cashback per property (Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply). A low variable interest rate for home buyers and refinancers. Application fee waived for loans above $150,000.
Go to site More info
Suncorp Back to Basics Home Loan - Better Together Special Offer $150k+ LVR<=90% Incl. LMI (Owner Occupier, P&I)
Suncorp Back to Basics Home Loan - Better Together Special Offer $150k+ LVR<=90% Incl. LMI (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.78%
2.79%
$0
$0 p.a.
90%
Get one free online redraw per month and pay no ongoing fees. Application fees are waived for loans above $150,000. Eligible refinancers can receive a cashback of $2,000 or more.
Go to site More info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Data indicated here is updated regularly
$
Loan purpose
Offset account
Loan type
Repayment type
Your filter criteria do not match any product
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp Rate^ (p.a.) Application Fee Ongoing Fees Max LVR Monthly Payment Short Description
Virgin Money Reward Me Fixed Rate Home Loan - 2 Year $300k+ Special offer (Owner Occupier, P&I)
Virgin Money Reward Me Fixed Rate Home Loan - 2 Year $300k+ Special offer (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.29%
2.91%
$300
$10 monthly ($120 p.a.)
80%
Buy your home and lock in a low rate for the first two years. Get a $2,500 cashback when you switch to Virgin Money with a loan amount of $300,000 or more with an LVR up to 80%. You must apply by 28 August and settle by 30 October 2020.
Enquire now More info
Commonwealth Bank Wealth Package Fixed Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate With Wealth Package (Owner Occupier, P&I, $150k+)
Commonwealth Bank Wealth Package Fixed Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate With Wealth Package (Owner Occupier, P&I, $150k+)
2.29%
3.99%
$0
$395 p.a.
95%
A competitive fixed rate package loan for home buyers. $2,000 cashback offer for eligible refinancers.
Go to site More info
ME Flexible Home Loan Fixed with Members Package - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR <= 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
ME Flexible Home Loan Fixed with Members Package - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR <= 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.49%
3.41%
$0
$395 p.a.
80%
Lock in a competitive rate for owner occupiers for two years. Comes with a 100% offset account.
Go to site More info
IMB Fixed Rate Home Loan - 3 Year Fixed (LVR 90% Owner Occupier, P&I, NSW and ACT borrowers only)
IMB Fixed Rate Home Loan - 3 Year Fixed (LVR 90% Owner Occupier, P&I, NSW and ACT borrowers only)
2.39%
3.08%
$449
$6 monthly ($72 p.a.)
90%
NSW and ACT customers only. 3 years fixed interest terms and free access to redraw facility online. Available with a 10% deposit.
Go to site More info
HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR 80% or below (Owner Occupier, P&I)
HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR 80% or below (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.09%
2.98%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
Lock in a competitive fixed rate for 2 years and buy your home with a 20% deposit.
Go to site More info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Data indicated here is updated regularly
$
Loan purpose
Offset account
Loan type
Repayment type
Your filter criteria do not match any product
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comp Rate^ (p.a.) Application Fee Ongoing Fees Max LVR Monthly Payment Short Description
Commonwealth Bank Wealth Package Fixed Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate With Wealth Package (Owner Occupier, P&I, $150k+)
Commonwealth Bank Wealth Package Fixed Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate With Wealth Package (Owner Occupier, P&I, $150k+)
2.29%
3.99%
$0
$395 p.a.
95%
A competitive fixed rate package loan for home buyers. $2,000 cashback offer for eligible refinancers.
Go to site More info
CUA Achieve Variable Home Loan - $500k+ (Owner Occupier, P&I)
CUA Achieve Variable Home Loan - $500k+ (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.73%
2.78%
$600
$0 p.a.
95%
Home buyers can get a competitive, low-fee variable rate plus a 100% offset account. Low deposit option available. Eligible new home buyers with low deposits can apply for the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme with this lender and avoid LMI costs.
Go to site More info
Suncorp Back to Basics Home Loan - Better Together Special Offer $150k+ LVR<=90% Incl. LMI (Owner Occupier, P&I)
Suncorp Back to Basics Home Loan - Better Together Special Offer $150k+ LVR<=90% Incl. LMI (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.78%
2.79%
$0
$0 p.a.
90%
Get one free online redraw per month and pay no ongoing fees. Application fees are waived for loans above $150,000. Eligible refinancers can receive a cashback of $2,000 or more.
Go to site More info
ME Flexible Home Loan Fixed with Members Package - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR <= 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
ME Flexible Home Loan Fixed with Members Package - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR <= 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.49%
3.41%
$0
$395 p.a.
80%
Lock in a competitive rate for owner occupiers for two years. Comes with a 100% offset account.
Go to site More info
HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR 80% or below (Owner Occupier, P&I)
HSBC Fixed Rate Home Loan - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR 80% or below (Owner Occupier, P&I)
2.09%
2.98%
$0
$0 p.a.
80%
Lock in a competitive fixed rate for 2 years and buy your home with a 20% deposit.
Go to site More info
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Image: Shutterstock

Related Posts

Canon EOS R5 vs EOS R6: Price, release date, specs and hands-on

Canon has revealed its 2020 EOS R cameras, with new entries in its 5 Series and 6 Series models. What's the difference? Let's compare the EOS R5 vs the EOS R6.

This week's big altcoin moves have been cooking since June

All the biggest cryptocurrency price moves of the week, including DOGE, have something in common.

Submission to the inquiry into Future Directions for the Consumer Data Right

In this submission to the Treasury inquiry into Future Directions for the Consumer Data Right being led by Scott Farrell, we focus on the topic of switching and how this could be encouraged through the introduction of write-access to the CDR. We also share some details on switching in the industries set to be covered by the CDR, as well as high-level views on how write-access could be used to enable payment initiation through the CDR.

Review: Crypto.com cryptocurrency app and exchange

Learn more about the Crypto.com platform in our complete review.

Bank of Melbourne Business Loans

Whether you're looking to grow your business, support company cash flow or purchase new equipment, Bank of Melbourne could have a loan option for you.

Home Loan Offers

Important Information*
Logo for UBank UHomeLoan Variable Rate - Discount offer for Owner Occupiers, P&I Borrowing over $200,000
UBank UHomeLoan Variable Rate - Discount offer for Owner Occupiers, P&I Borrowing over $200,000

Take advantage of a low-fee mortgage with a special interest rate of just 2.59% p.a. and a 2.59% p.a. comparison rate.

More info
Logo for HSBC Home Value Loan - Promotional Offer (Owner Occupier P&I)
HSBC Home Value Loan - Promotional Offer (Owner Occupier P&I)

Get a low interest rate loan with no ongoing fees. Plus you can make extra repayments and free redraw online.

More info
Logo for ME Flexible Home Loan Fixed with Members Package - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR <= 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)
ME Flexible Home Loan Fixed with Members Package - 2 Year Fixed Rate LVR <= 80% (Owner Occupier, P&I)

Lock in a competitive rate for owner occupiers for two years. Comes with a 100% offset account.

More info
Logo for Suncorp Back to Basics Home Loan - Better Together Special Offer $150k+ LVR<=90% Incl. LMI (Owner Occupier, P&I)
Suncorp Back to Basics Home Loan - Better Together Special Offer $150k+ LVR<=90% Incl. LMI (Owner Occupier, P&I)

Get one free online redraw per month and pay no ongoing fees. Application fees are waived for loans above $150,000. Eligible refinancers can receive a cashback of $2,000 or more.

More info

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

2 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    CathNovember 25, 2015

    If we sell our house after 5 years and our loan is variable over 25 years do we have to pay the whole interest owing for total of 25 years or does the bank work out interest owing for 5 years and penalty fees?

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      JodieNovember 25, 2015

      Hi Cath,

      Thank you for reaching out to finder.com.au a financial comparison website.

      If you have been repaying your loan with principal and interest repayments you will only be repaying the remaining principal and interest amount that you owe to the lender, they will not also work out how much interest you would have repaid during the life of your loan.

      You may be able to ask your lender for a payout amount for a specific date to give you an idea of how much you will repay.

      Regards
      Jodie

      Regards
      Jodie

      Reply
Ask a question
Go to site