Fixed rates drop amidst predictions

Fixed rates fall, February cut likely

Fixed rates drop amidst predictions

News

By Mina Martin

Variable and fixed home loan rates saw both increases and cuts this week, with fixed rates outperforming variable, and a potential cash rate cut anticipated by February, Canstar reported.

Home loan rate changes

Aussie Home Loans raised interest rates on two variable owner-occupier and investor loans by 0.05%, while five other lenders reduced rates across 50 variable loans for both owner-occupiers and investors.

Meanwhile, twelve lenders slashed fixed rates on 322 loans, with an average decrease of 0.24%.

Fixed rates outperform variable options

Abal Banking continues to offer the lowest variable rate at 5.75%, although a surge in rate cuts means that 112 fixed rates now sit below this, a significant increase from last week’s 64.

“There was yet another downpour of fixed rate cuts this week,” said Sally Tindall (pictured above), Canstar’s data insights director.

Major institutions like Adelaide Bank and Teachers Mutual Group are among those offering reduced rates.

Growth in lending amid cash rate projections

According to the latest data from APRA, home loan lending remains on an upward trend despite the current cash rate restrictions.

Among the big four banks, ANZ led percentage growth in August, while CBA expanded its mortgage portfolio by $2.9 billion.

In contrast, Westpac saw a small dip in its residential loan book, its first decrease since late 2020.

Cash rate cut predictions

Last week, the Reserve Bank (RBA) emphasised that no imminent cuts to the cash rate are expected. However, economists from three of the big four banks, including NAB, are now forecasting a cash rate reduction by February.

CBA remains the outlier, maintaining that the first cut will arrive as early as December.

Current rates and what lies ahead

With 112 rates now under 5.75%, lenders are adjusting to economic expectations and APRA data trends. Although no immediate cuts to the cash rate are likely, February  may mark the beginning of lower rates for borrowers.

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