Best Home Loans in Australia (2026 Update)

Choosing the right home loan is one of the most significant financial decisions most Australians will make. A difference of even 0.25% in interest rate can translate into tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage. Yet the lowest advertised rate is rarely the whole story

The best home loan for one borrower may be unsuitable for another. Factors such as deposit size, employment type, property use, and cash flow needs all influence which loan structure is appropriate. Fixed or variable? Offset or redraw? Principal and interest or interest-only? These decisions matter just as much as headline rates.

At New Times, we take an editorial approach to home loan comparison. We assess loans based not only on advertised rates, but on comparison rates, fees, flexibility, offset functionality, and refinancing value. We are not a lender. Instead, we connect readers with licensed mortgage brokers who can assess individual circumstances and identify suitable options across multiple lenders.

The guide below outlines some of the most competitive and well-structured home loan options currently available in Australia. Rates change frequently and lending policies vary. Use this page as a starting point – then speak to a broker to explore the best loan for you.

Why Comparison Tables Only Tell Part of the Story

Comparison tables are a useful starting point. They allow borrowers to scan headline rates, comparison rates and basic features quickly. But a mortgage is not a shelf product. It is a structured financial contract assessed against your individual income, debts, deposit size and long-term plans.

Two loans displaying the same comparison rate may deliver very different outcomes depending on how a lender treats overtime, bonus income, rental yield, self-employment history or existing liabilities. Serviceability buffers, valuation approaches and policy nuances are rarely visible in a table – yet they can determine whether an application is approved and how much you can borrow.

Features also matter. Offset accounts, redraw flexibility, fee structures and refinancing terms influence the true cost of a loan over time. A marginally higher rate with greater flexibility may prove more economical in practice.

For this reason, comparison tables should inform your research, not conclude it. The most effective approach is to review the market – and have the right questions .

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Quick comparison

Lender	Rate from	Comparison rate	Loan Type	Key features	Apply

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How We Assess Home Loans

We assess home loans using a combination of pricing, structure and policy considerations. A competitive rate is important, but it is only one component of overall value.

Interest rates: We consider headline variable and fixed rates, as well as how those rates compare within the broader market. We focus on consistently competitive pricing rather than short-term promotional offers.

Comparison rate: The comparison rate reflects certain fees and charges built into the cost of the loan. While not perfect, it provides a more realistic indicator of total borrowing cost than the advertised rate alone.

Fees: We review application fees, ongoing account-keeping fees, discharge fees and break costs. Even small ongoing charges can materially affect long-term value.

Offset and redraw flexibility: Access to an offset account or flexible redraw facility can reduce interest costs and improve cash flow management. We assess whether these features are included and how they operate in practice.

Repayment flexibility: We consider whether borrowers can make additional repayments without penalty, split loans between fixed and variable components, or restructure as circumstances change.

Policy strength for different borrowers: Lending policies vary. We assess how different lenders treat self-employed income, rental income, bonuses, debt levels and property types. A loan’s suitability often depends as much on policy fit as on rate.

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What Type of Borrower Are You?

Mini-sections linking to:

• First Home Buyer
• Refinancing
• Self-Employed
• Investment

Internal links are critical.

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Fixed vs Variable Loans Explained

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Choosing the right home loan can save tens of thousands over time. Speak to a licensed mortgage broker to explore options tailored to your situation.

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