Standard Variable Loan

Standard variable loans are Australia's most popular type of home loan. The interest rate varies throughout the loan term. These loans generally offer excellent flexibility, low fees and often offer great features such as an offset facility, redraw facility, no limits on additional repayments and in most cases, no early pay-out penalties.

Advantages:

• Flexibility
• Lump-sum payments can be made without incurring a penalty.
• If interest rates fall, your repayments will fall.
• Often offer extra features.

Disadvantages:

• If interest rates rise your repayments will rise.

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Basic Variable Loan

Basic variable loans typically offer lower interest rates and fewer features than the standard variable loans. You often have the option to pay for any additional feature required. Interest rates and repayments will vary throughout the loan term.

Advantages:

• Relatively low interest rate.
• Lower repayments.

Disadvantages:

• Many of these loans do not have the same features or flexibility as other variable loans.
  

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Fixed Rate Loan

Under a fixed rate loan, the interest rate is fixed for a specified period, usually between one and five years. This loan gives you the certainty of knowing exactly what your monthly repayments will be and peace of mind knowing the repayments won't rise. However you won't benefit if rates go down during the fixed term.

Advantages:

• Guaranteed rate, if interest rates rise your repayments won't.

Disadvantages:

• Reduced flexibility.
• Extra repayments may incur a fee or be limited.
  

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Line of Credit Loan

A line of credit loan provides you with access to the equity in your home or investment properties up to a pre-approved limit. You access the funds as you need to. The interest rate on a line of credit loan is usually a variable rate and repayments are interest only.

Advantages:

• You can use the money when you need it and pay it back when you can.
• Rates are generally lower than a personal loan or credit card.

Disadvantages:

• Unless care is shown it is possible to reduce the equity you have built in your home.
  

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Construction Loans

If you are building your own home or investment property, a construction loan may be suitable for you. This loan requires a fixed price building contract from a registered builder. These loans are usually interest only for the period of building and then become principal and interest once building is completed. A construction loan allows you to draw money as is required whilst building. Also, with the usual necessary documents required when applying for a loan, construction loans also require a 'fixed price building contract' and 'council approved plans'.

Advantages:

• Competitive variable interest rates.
• Facility to draw money when necessary whilst building.
• Interest only payments during the building period.
• Additional payments can be made.

Disadvantages:

• Requires a fixed price building contract leaving little room for change whilst building.
• Some lenders charge a fee for every time you draw money whilst building.
• Given it is a variable loan; loan repayments will increase if interest rates go up.

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Self Managed Super fund

If you want more control of your super and more tax effectiveness for your super a Self Managed Super fund with a property portfolio might be for you.  We can advise you whether this may be an option for you.

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