educationJan 2026

Types of Home Loans Explained

Understand your options to make an informed choice.

Australia offers a wide variety of home loan products. Understanding the key types and features helps you choose a loan that matches your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Variable Rate Loans

Interest rate fluctuates with the market. Offers flexibility with unlimited extra repayments, redraw, and offset accounts.

Best for: Those who want flexibility and can handle rate changes.

Fixed Rate Loans

Rate locked for 1-5 years, providing repayment certainty. Limited extra repayments and significant break costs apply.

Best for: Those wanting budget certainty or expecting rates to rise.

Split Loans

Part fixed, part variable. Enjoy some certainty while maintaining flexibility on a portion.

Best for: Those who can't decide between fixed and variable.

Interest-Only Loans

Pay only interest for a set period (usually 1-5 years). Lower repayments but no equity built through principal payments.

Best for: Investors maximising tax deductions or those with short-term cash flow constraints.

Offset Accounts

Transaction account linked to your loan. Balance offsets loan principal, reducing interest charged.

Best for: Those with savings who want to reduce interest while maintaining access to funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

A fixed rate stays the same for a set period (1-5 years), giving repayment certainty. A variable rate moves with market rates—it can go up or down. Variable offers more flexibility (extra repayments, redraw) while fixed provides stability.
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