Question 1

What is Mortgage Refinancing?

Accepted Answer

Refinancing is the process where a homeowner replaces their existing home loan with a brand new loan, typically from a different lender or under different terms with their current lender. The proceeds from the new loan are used entirely to pay off the balance of the old loan.

Key Reasons to Refinance

The primary goal of refinancing is to achieve a more favourable financial outcome. The main reasons homeowners in Australia consider refinancing include:

• Securing a Lower Interest Rate: This is the most common reason. By switching to a lower Comparison Rate, homeowners can significantly reduce their monthly interest payments and save thousands over the life of the loan.
 • Accessing Equity (Cash-Out Refinance): Refinancing allows you to borrow more than your current outstanding loan balance, using the extra funds for major expenses like renovations, investments, or debt consolidation.
 • Debt Consolidation: Rolling higher-interest debts (like credit cards or personal loans) into a lower-interest home loan.
 • Changing Loan Features: Switching from a Variable Rate to a Fixed Rate (or vice versa), or accessing features like an Offset Account or Redraw facility.

Question 2

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance?

Accepted Answer

Refinancing may be worthwhile if you’re paying a higher rate than what’s currently available, your fixed rate has expired, or you want to reduce monthly repayments.

Example
If you have a $700,000 loan at 5.9% p.a.  and we can secure a new rate around 5.1%, your monthly repayment could drop by approximately $350 per month — that’s close to $4,200 in savings per year.

We can quickly compare your current loan against options from 40+ lenders to show you exactly how much you could save. Staying true to our commitment to treat every portfolio as if it were our own, we’ll only recommend refinancing if it genuinely benefits you.

Question 3

What Are the Top 5 Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Top 5 Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage in Australia

1. Secure a Lower Interest Rate (The #1 Driver)

The primary advantage is finding a more competitive interest rate. Even a small reduction can save homeowners thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan. This is critical in the current market, as it helps homeowners counteract the impact of RBA rate increases.

2. Reduce Monthly Repayments & Boost Cash Flow

A lower interest rate automatically results in a reduced minimum monthly repayment. This provides an immediate and tangible benefit by freeing up cash flow in the household budget. Alternatively, you can maintain your current, higher repayment amount to save even more and pay off the loan faster.

3. Consolidate High-Interest Debt

Refinancing allows you to roll expensive debts (such as credit card balances, personal loans, or car loans) into your home loan. Since mortgage interest rates are typically much lower than those of other consumer debts, this debt consolidation strategy simplifies your finances into one monthly payment and significantly reduces the total interest you pay.

4. Unlock Home Equity for New Projects

As you pay down your loan and your property value increases, you build equity. A cash-out refinance allows you to tap into this equity. This lump sum of funds can be used for:
 • Renovations (to increase property value).
 • Investment property deposits.
 • Funding major expenses or lifestyle goals.

5. Change Loan Structure to Suit New Needs

Your financial life changes, and refinancing lets your loan evolve with you. This includes:
 • Switching from a Variable Rate to a Fixed Rate (for budget certainty).
 • Adding valuable features like an Offset Account (to reduce interest paid) or a Redraw Facility.
 • Restructuring your loan to a Split Loan (part fixed, part variable) for a balance of security and flexibility.

Question 4

How Much Does it Cost to Refinance a Home Loan? Understanding the Fees and LMI

Accepted Answer

The Average Cost of Refinancing

While the total expense is highly dependent on your specific loan, the general upfront cost to refinance a home loan in Australia typically ranges from $600 to $800.
However, it is crucial to consider all potential fees—especially break costs and Lender Mortgage Insurance (LMI)—as these can significantly increase the total expense. The ultimate goal is ensuring the long-term savings outweigh these upfront costs.

Detailed Breakdown of Refinancing Fees

Refinancing involves paying fees to both your current lender (to leave) and your new lender (to join).

Fees Paid to Your Current (Existing) Lender:

• Discharge Fee (Settlement Fee): This is an administration fee charged to prepare the documentation required to finalise and pay out your existing loan.
 • Break Cost (Fixed-Rate Break Fee): This is a potentially significant fee charged only if you are breaking a fixed-rate loan early. The cost is calculated based on how interest rates have moved since you fixed your loan. Always contact your current lender for the exact payout figure before committing to refinance.

Fees Paid to Your New Lender:

• Application Fee (Establishment Fee): A fee charged by the new lender to process and set up your new loan application. This fee is often waived, especially during promotional periods.
 • Valuation Fee: The new lender will often require an independent, professional property valuation to assess the security for the loan. This fee may be charged to the borrower, though it is frequently covered by the lender.

Conditional Fees (Only Applicable to Certain Borrowers):

• Lender Mortgage Insurance (LMI): A one-off fee applicable only if you have less than 20% equity (i.e., your new loan-to-value ratio, or LVR, is greater than 80%). LMI protects the lender against default risk and can be substantial.
 • Government Fees (Registration & Transfer): State or territory government fees for legally registering the discharge of the old mortgage and the establishment of the new one.

How to Reduce or Offset Refinancing Costs

• Lender Cash back Offers: Many lenders offer cash back promotions (e.g., $2,000 or $3,000) to new customers, which can entirely or partially offset the upfront costs.
 • Negotiation: A good Mortgage Broker can use their relationship with lenders to negotiate the waiver of fees (like the Application or Valuation fee) or secure better promotional rebates.

Question 5

What Does the Refinancing Process Involve?

Accepted Answer

At Simple Easy Finance, we make refinancing fast, simple, and completely stress-free. We handle everything for you from start to finish so you can focus on what matters most. Here’s how our streamlined process works:

1. We review your current home loan and understand your goals.
2. We compare options from 40+ lenders to find the most competitive, suitable loan for your situation.
3. We prepare and submit your refinance application so you don’t have to deal with paperwork.
4. We manage the approval process, keeping you updated every step of the way.
5. We oversee settlement and switching, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free transition.

And our service doesn’t end there. We proactively review your home loan every 6 months, making sure you’re always on a competitive rate and well looked after.

Question 6

Will I Pay Lender Mortgage Insurance (LMI) When Refinancing My Existing Home Loan?

Accepted Answer

Whether you will pay Lender Mortgage Insurance (LMI) upon refinancing depends entirely on your new Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) at the time of the application.
 • Rule of Thumb: A new lender will typically charge LMI if your new loan amount is more than 80% of the property's current valuation.

LMI is a one-off, non-refundable premium that protects the lender against loss if you default on the loan.

Key Factors Determining Your LVR

1. Current Property Valuation: The new lender will commission an up-to-date professional valuation. If your property value has increased significantly since your original purchase, your LVR will be lower, helping you avoid LMI.
2. Paid-Down Loan Balance: The more you have paid off your existing loan, the lower your new loan amount will be, thereby lowering your LVR.

⚠️ When LMI is a Critical Concern

If you paid LMI on your first loan, you must expect to pay it again on the new loan unless one of two things has happened:
 • You have significantly paid down the principal.
 • The market value of your property has increased substantially.

If the interest savings from refinancing are small and the additional LMI cost is high, your Mortgage Broker will often advise you to wait until your equity position improves (i.e., your LVR drops below 80%) before proceeding.

Question 7

Are Home Loan Cashback Offers Worth It When Refinancing, and How Do They Work?

Accepted Answer

Understanding Lender Incentives

To attract new customers, lenders frequently offer incentives when you refinance. These promotions fall into two main categories: Cashback Offers (a lump sum payment) and Special Rate Offers (a reduced interest rate).

1. Cashback Offers

A cashback offer is a direct, one-time payment deposited into your account shortly after the new loan settles.
 • How it Works: Lenders typically offer between $2,000 and $4,000 cashback. This cash is designed to offset the upfront costs of refinancing (such as discharge and application fees) and put extra money in your pocket.
 • Key Condition: Cashback offers almost always have strict criteria, including a minimum loan amount (e.g., $400,000) and a maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR), often requiring your LVR to be 80% or less. They are also subject to specific application and settlement deadlines.

2. Special Rate Offers

These are the most valuable long-term incentives and include special fixed or variable rates that are often reserved exclusively for new customers or refinancers.
 • How it Works: The lender offers an interest rate significantly lower than its standard public rate. Other incentives may include waiving annual or application fees, or bonus programs like frequent flyer points.

⚖️ Cashback vs. Lower Rate: The Critical Comparison

While a cash back offer provides an immediate, attractive boost, the decision to refinance should always be based on long-term savings.

Because these offers are constantly changing and come with fine print, your Mortgage Broker is your most valuable resource. We track current cashback campaigns, promotional rates, and eligibility criteria across a large panel of lenders to ensure you secure the most beneficial offer overall.

Question 8

Should I Use a Mortgage Broker to Refinance My Home Loan, or Go Directly to a Bank?

Accepted Answer

While you can technically manage the process by going directly to a single bank, using a qualified Mortgage Broker is highly recommended for the vast majority of Australian homeowners. In today's highly competitive market, Mortgage Brokers are responsible for a record-high over 77% of all new residential home loans, solidifying their role as the borrower's preferred choice.
Brokers are professional financial intermediaries who work on your behalf and are key to finding the best refinancing outcome.

Top 5 Reasons to Use a Broker for Refinancing

1. Access to the Entire Market (Not Just One Bank): Banks will only offer their own products. Brokers have access to a large panel of lenders (including major banks and smaller institutions), allowing them to compare hundreds of deals to find the most competitive interest rate and features tailored to your unique needs.
2. Expert Advice on Complex Factors: Brokers will calculate the critical figures for you, such as your new LVR (to avoid unnecessary LMI) and the exact Break Costs on any fixed-rate loan. They ensure the long-term savings significantly outweigh all upfront costs and potential pitfalls.
3. Negotiating Power: Due to the volume of business they provide to lenders, brokers often have leverage to secure special discounts or negotiate for the waiver of fees (like application or valuation fees) that you may not receive on your own.
4. Save Time and Reduce Stress: Refinancing involves significant paperwork and complex communication between two lenders (your old one and the new one). A broker manages the entire application and settlement process, dramatically reducing your administrative burden and ensuring a smooth transition.
5. Bound by Best Interests Duty (BID): Mortgage brokers in Australia are legally bound by the Best Interests Duty (BID). This regulation mandates that they are obligated to recommend the most suitable product for your financial situation, ensuring their advice is always aligned with your best interests, regardless of which lender pays them.

Question 9

How Long Does Refinancing Take?

Accepted Answer

Most refinance applications take 3-4 weeks from application to settlement. Some lenders offer fast-track approvals within 72 hours.

Question 10

Will Refinancing Affect My Credit Score?

Accepted Answer

A single application has minimal impact. Multiple applications in a short period can lower your score.
With our 98% approval rate, we make sure your application is strong from the start — helping you avoid unnecessary enquiries and protecting your credit profile.

Question 11

What Documents Do I Need to Refinance?

Accepted Answer

* Payslips or income verification
* Recent home loan statements
* ID documents
* Rates notice

For self-employed clients, low doc and alternative income verification options are available.

Question 12

Can I Refinance If I'm Self-Employed or Have a Unique Situation?

Accepted Answer

Yes,  absolutely. At Simple Easy Finance, we specialise in helping self-employed borrowers, contractors, and clients with non-standard situations.

We work with lenders who offer competitive rates and can provide fast approvals within 72 hours for low doc home loans. This means even if your income or circumstances don’t fit mainstream lending criteria, we can help you refinance quickly and easily, with minimal stress.

Question 13

Can I Access Equity When I Refinance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can release equity for renovations, investment, business funding, or debt consolidation.

Question 14

What If My Property Value Has Dropped?

Accepted Answer

Even if your property value has recently dropped, refinancing may still be an option. It’s important to know that different lenders can value the same property very differently — sometimes by up to 10%.

At Simple Easy Finance, we work with a wide panel of 40+ lenders to explore options such as higher LVRs or alternative property valuation methods. This ensures you can still refinance your home loan and access competitive rates, no matter your property situation.

Question 15

Will Refinancing Extend My Loan Term?

Accepted Answer

It can, but doesn’t have to. We can structure your refinance to keep your current term, shorten it, or adjust it based on your financial goals

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ABOUT OUR SERVICE

Mortgage Needs

Professional Home Loans

Home Buying

Home Buying

Home Buying

Home Buying

Home Loans Explained

About Us

9am - 6pm Monday - Friday

Fast and Reliable Home Loan Refinance

Compare the Latest Home Loan Rates and Offers from 40+ Lenders

Why Refinance With Simple Easy Finance

Need More Information? Talk to Our Home Loan Experts Today.

Reviews From Our Happy Clients

ABOUT OUR SERVICE

Need More Information?
Talk to Our Home Loan
Experts Today.