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loans.com.au Essentials Home Loan review
The loans.com.au Essentials Home Loan offers a competitive rate and minimal fees, along with some basic features
The loans.com.au Essentials Home Loan is a basic home loan with minimal fees. Read this product review to find out if it's the right loan for you.
Product no longer on the market
This product is no longer available. Information on this page is not up to date and may not reflect accurate product information. You can find loans.com.au current mortgage offers here.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Review by
Shirley Liu
shirley@finder.comShirley Liu is Finder's global program manager. She was previously the publisher for banking and investments and has also written comparisons for energy, money transfers, Uber Eats and many other topics. Shirley has a Master of Commerce and a Bachelor of Media, Journalism and Communications from the University of New South Wales. She is passionate about helping people find the best deal for their needs.
Expert review
The Essentials Home Loan is available for purchasing or refinancing your home. Both owner occupiers and investors are eligible. You can also opt for interest-only repayments for a period, although keep in mind that switching to interest only repayments can change the interest rate you'll pay. There's also no offset account offered with this loan, although unlimited extra repayments are allowed and there's a redraw facility offered.
About this loan
What are the features and benefits of the loans.com.au Essentials Home Loan?
- Extra repayments. You can put as much extra cash as you like towards the Essentials Home Loan to help you pay your loan off sooner.
- Redraw facility. If you find that you need to access extra repayments you've made in the past, you can do this through the redraw facility. There's no minimum redraw amount, and it's free to redraw.
- Loan amounts. You can borrow from $50,000 to $2,000,000.
- Loan-to-value ratio (LVR). You can borrow up to 90% of the property's value with this loan. The value is determined by an independent valuer hired by loans.com.au and not the price that you have paid for it. This means you'll need at least a 20% deposit to qualify for this loan.
- Repayments. Principal and interest repayments are available with this loan. Interest-only repayments are available for up to five years.
- Split loan facility. You get up to five free splits or sub-accounts with this product. This means you can split this loan and take advantage of the other loans on offer from loans.com.au. Note that the Offset Variable is not available for this facility.
Who is loans.com.au?
loans.com.au is a 100% online lender. Communication is conducted mainly on the phone and online. Loans.com.au is an Australian owned and operated company. As a certified lender, it must adhere to ASIC laws and legal requirements.
Loans.com.au customers are protected under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCP) and the company is underwritten by Firstmac, one of the largest financial services organisations in Australia. Loans.com.au is also a full member of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), and has a 'strong' rating (the best possible) from Standard & Poor's for their loan serviceability abilities.
What fees and charges come with this loan?
- Application fee: $0. At the moment loans.com.au does not charge an application fee for this loan.
- Monthly fee: $0. You won't need worry about ongoing, monthly or annual fees for this loan.
- Government charges: varies. Depending on your borrowing situation, you may be eligible for a concession or exemption.
- Settlement fee: $300. This fee covers the cost of setting up your accounts once the loan is approved and established.
- Valuation fee: $220 or at cost. This fee is charged to cover the cost of sending a valuer to the property that is to bfie held as security to estimate its value.
- Discharge fee: $300. This is charged when you close all your loan accounts with loans.com.au.
- Discharge documentation fee: $250. This fee is charged to organise all the documents associated with closing your home loan accounts.
How to apply
If you would like to find out more information, apply, or just speak to someone about the loans.com.au Essentials home loan, please click on 'go to site' to be taken to loans.com.au's enquiry page. You'll be taken to a page that is similar to the one that is pictured, where you can enter a few of your details and a loans.com.au consultant will be in touch with you at a time that suits you. This enquiry is obligation-free and does not appear on your credit file.
The diagram below is courtesy of loans.com.au and represents the loan application process after you contact them.
February 5, 2019
I require to get a home loan.
February 6, 2019
Hi Sony,
Thanks for getting in touch with Finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
If you wish to apply for a home loan from loans.com.au, you may click on the “Go to site” button found on top of this page.
Alternatively, you may refer to our list of cheap home loans. On that page, you will see a table that allows you to conveniently compare home loans based on the interest rate, application fee, and monthly repayments, to name a few. Once you found the right one for you, click on the “Go to Site” green button to learn more or initiate your application.
Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the loan products before making a decision. Moreover, check the eligibility requirements as well and consider whether the product is right for you.
Finally, please consider speaking to a mortgage broker since they also have the experience and knowledge to help you explore other options.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
January 14, 2019
I like to get loan for white goods
January 15, 2019
Hi Raylene,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
If you are looking to take out a loan with loan.com.au, you may click the “Go to site” button on this page. You may also compare home loan providers using our comparison table. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
December 12, 2018
We have been attempting to refinance to pay out ex partner to get them off title. I have just wasted 3 months being told everything was fine by a broker only to be advised 2 days ago they didn’t believe we were serviceable (even though the repayments were less than we are currently paying). We have both self employment income and centrelink payments and a very complex situation. Can you advise someone who would be able to help please?
December 18, 2018
Hi El26,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder.
Sorry to hear about this, it must be frustrating to know that at the last minute, your loan got declined. I understand from your message that you’ve already sought helped from a mortgage broker in the past, however, given your circumstance, I’m afraid that only a mortgage broker is still the best person who can offer you a range of borrowing/refinancing options. You can refer to our guide in looking for a mortgage broker.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
November 24, 2018
Can I get a home loan when on a centrelink carer pension?
November 24, 2018
Hi Karen,
Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.
We have a page about home loans for pensioners which will guide you on how to go about getting a loan when you’re on a pension. Please compare the loan products listed on the page and click either the “Enquire Now” or “Go to Site” button to inquire or apply.
Please note that lenders consider your income and financial position in getting a home loan for your house renovation. A pension is lower than the normal income of other applicants who are applying and the income level required. If you have assets and believe you can meet lending requirements, it might be a good idea to discuss your options with the financial provider or mortgage broker, as applying online may be difficult if you can’t demonstrate your capacity to repay the loan.
Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)
Cheers,
Joel
June 13, 2018
Hey my hubby has just rejoined the workforce after being the stay at hom parent. Is there a minimum time he needs to be employed before his income is counted? He has a letter confirming his ongoing employment and he has been employed for 30+ hours a week?
Cheers
Belinda
June 16, 2018
Hi Belinda,
Thanks for your inquiry
Some lenders may require an applicant to be employed for a certain amount of time to be eligible for a loan. However, not all lenders require this. It would be best to speak with the lender directly to confirm if they require a minimum time of employment to apply.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold