Lower your repayments
A lower rate or a longer loan term can reduce monthly repayments. A longer term may mean paying more interest over the life of the loan.
REVIEW YOUR HOME LOAN
Refinancing mortgage broker in Brisbane.
Your life has moved on.
Your home loan should, too.
Your income, goals and property value have likely changed since you took out your loan. We review your current mortgage, compare suitable options from our lender panel and show you whether refinancing makes sense. Personal guidance from Ausfirst Lending Group’s mortgage brokers in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast.
Excellent · 35 Google reviews
A loan that fits today.Let’s check whether yours still does.
REVIEWmore than
the rate.
the rate.
40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s broking experience
$0Broker fee for refinancing
Local careBrisbane & Sunshine Coast
HOW REFINANCING WORKS
A new loan, suited
to where you are now.
Refinancing replaces your current mortgage with a new one, either with a different lender or on new terms with your existing lender. Once the new lender pays out your old loan, you repay the new loan on its terms.
Pay your loan off sooner
Moving to a shorter term can cut total interest, provided the higher repayments suit your budget.
Access your home equity
Use equity for renovations, debt consolidation or investing. A larger balance can raise repayments or extend your loan.
Not sure refinancing is worth it? If staying with your current loan is the better option, we’ll tell you.
Get a free loan reviewREASONS TO REVIEW YOUR LOAN
Why refinance
your home loan?
The right reason depends on your circumstances. These are the most common ones we help Brisbane and Sunshine Coast homeowners with.
A more competitive rate
If your income or credit position has improved, you may qualify for a lower rate. Market conditions also affect what lenders offer.
More lenders to compare
We compare loans across our panel, not just your current lender’s range, and explain why an option may suit you.
Features that fit better
An offset account, redraw or penalty-free extra repayments can add flexibility. Some features come with higher fees or rates, so we weigh both.
One repayment for several debts
Rolling credit cards, personal or car loans into your mortgage can simplify repayments. Spreading short-term debt over a long term may cost more overall.
Funds from your equity
Equity is your property’s value minus your loan balance. Refinancing can release some of it for major plans, with higher repayments to consider.
A QUICK COMPARISON
Your lender, or a broker?
| What you compare | Your lender | Ausfirst |
|---|---|---|
| Loan choice | Its own products | Our lender panel |
| Rate review | One retention offer | Options across lenders |
| Switching | You manage the process | We help manage it |
| After settlement | When you ask | Ongoing loan reviews |
Our panel does not include every lender or every loan in the market. Your current lender may also offer a competitive rate.
Compare my refinance optionsWHAT COULD YOU SAVE?
A small rate gap
can add up.
Even a modest difference in rate can change your repayments over many years. The real saving is what’s left after the costs of switching.
We compare the rate, the comparison rate, fees and features, then show you whether the numbers stack up.
- Break costs if you leave a fixed rate early
- Discharge fees from your current lender
- Application, valuation, legal and settlement fees
- The comparison rate, not just the advertised rate
YOUR REPAYMENTS, AT A GLANCE
What could a lower rate mean?
$50k$2m
Illustrative monthly saving$185
Over a year$2,215
Illustration only, not a quote or borrowing assessment. Assumes principal and interest repayments and a rate that stays the same for the term. Excludes fees, break costs and other switching costs.
Check my actual optionsBEFORE YOU SWITCH
Will refinancing
save you money?
A lower rate is only part of the picture. We compare what you pay to leave your current loan, what the new loan costs to set up and what it costs over time.
THE COMPARISON RATE MATTERS
Compare the total cost, not just the rate.
The comparison rate combines the interest rate with certain upfront and ongoing fees, giving a clearer view of a loan’s true cost. We look at it alongside the features you’ll actually use.
If the switching costs outweigh the savings over the time you expect to keep the loan, refinancing may not be worth it. We’ll show you where the break-even point sits.
Exit costs to check
Break costs can apply if you leave a fixed rate before the fixed term ends. Most lenders also charge a discharge fee to close the loan.
We help you request the figures from your current lender before you decide.
Upfront and ongoing costs
Application or establishment fees, valuation, legal and settlement costs can apply. Some lenders offer refinance cashback or fee concessions; outcomes depend on the lender.
Ongoing package or account fees also count towards the real cost.
Fees, break costs and lender offers vary and can change. Confirm current costs with each lender before applying.
Let’s run your numbers. We’ll compare your current loan with suitable options, including all switching costs.
Review my loanBEFORE YOU APPLY
How lenders assess
your borrowing capacity.
A new lender reassesses you from scratch. Employment stability, savings history, your loan-to-value ratio (LVR) and current lending policy also play a part.
Salary and regular income
Salary, bonuses and other regular income. Stable, verifiable income generally supports a stronger borrowing position.
Repayment history
Lenders check how consistently you’ve met your obligations, including your current mortgage repayments.
Other debts and limits
Personal loans, car loans and credit card limits are counted, even if you don’t use the full limit.
Living costs
Household bills, council rates, transport, school fees and insurance are assessed against your income.
THE RIGHT STRUCTURE MATTERS
Choose a loan structure
that suits your plans.
Refinancing is a chance to restructure, not just reprice. We help you compare features against your budget, savings and the years ahead.
Fixed rate loans
Repayments stay the same for the fixed term. Extra repayments may be limited and break costs can apply if you exit early.
Variable rate loans
Your rate moves with the market. Many variable loans allow extra repayments, redraw or an offset account.
Split home loans
Fix part of your loan and keep the rest variable for a balance of certainty and flexibility.
Offset and redraw
An offset account reduces the balance used to calculate interest. Redraw gives access to extra repayments you’ve made.
Planning to renovate, invest or move in the next few years? We’ll factor that into how your new loan is structured.
Talk about my plansFROM FIRST CHAT TO SETTLEMENT
Six steps.
One team beside you.
We handle the lender back-and-forth and keep you informed at each stage, from reviewing your current loan to settling the new one.
UNDERSTAND
Review your current loan and goals
Meet by phone, Zoom or in person. We look at your rate, features and what you want refinancing to achieve.
GATHER
Build a clear picture of your finances
We collect income documents, loan statements and details of your debts to confirm your position.
ANALYSE & PLAN
Compare options and costs
We compare suitable lenders, rates and features against your current loan, including switching costs.
APPLY
Prepare and lodge your application
We prepare your application and liaise with the lender on valuation and any further requirements.
FINALISE
Manage settlement
The new lender pays out your old loan. We keep you informed until settlement is complete.
SUPPORT
Keep your loan working for you
We review your loan as rates and your circumstances change, and contact you when it may be worth another look.
WHAT MAKES AUSFIRST DIFFERENT
Your loan should change
as your life does.
You’re looked after by someone who treats your finances as his own.
Richard brings more than 30 years of hands-on broking experience. He takes the time to understand your current mortgage, your circumstances and your plans before comparing refinancing options from our panel.
Whether you want a sharper rate, to consolidate debt, renovate or release equity to invest, you get clear advice, regular updates and the same team from application to settlement and beyond.
Personal attentionOngoing loan reviews2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalist
Have a chat with our teamMore about RichardWHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Good people.
Great support.
ExcellentBased on 35 Google reviews
Google review
“I would describe Richard and Ausfirst Lending as friendly, insightful, prompt and diligent. A pleasure to deal with.”
Google review
“Debbie made the process of buying a new house frictionless, by providing excellent support throughout”
Google review
“I received very prompt responses to all of my questions and the team ensured that my application was processed in a timely manner. The service was brilliant!”
Excerpts from client reviews displayed on Ausfirst’s website. These reflect individual experiences.
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
Refinancing.
Real questions.
The questions we’re asked most about refinancing. Your circumstances matter, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my loanShould I refinance my home loan?
It depends on your current rate, fees, features, switching costs and goals. We review your loan and tell you whether refinancing looks worthwhile or whether staying with your current loan is the better option.
How long does refinancing take?
Usually around 4 to 8 weeks. Staying with your current lender can be quicker. A new lender needs to assess your finances and value the property, and extra documents or checks can add time.
What costs are involved in refinancing?
Possible costs include break costs on a fixed rate, discharge fees, application or establishment fees, valuation, legal and settlement fees. We weigh these against the potential savings before you decide.
Will refinancing affect my credit score?
A lender’s credit check can cause a small, usually temporary dip, especially if several checks happen close together. Keeping up repayments on your new loan helps your score over time.
How can I use money released through refinancing?
Common uses include renovations, debt consolidation and investing. Some loans restrict how funds can be used, so check the terms with your lender. Borrowing more increases your loan balance and repayments.
Should I choose a fixed, variable or split rate?
Fixed gives repayment certainty for a set period. Variable can move up or down and often offers more flexibility. A split loan combines both. The right choice depends on your budget, plans and comfort with rate changes.
What is a comparison rate?
A rate that combines the interest rate with certain upfront and ongoing fees. It gives a clearer view of a loan’s cost and helps you compare offers like for like.
What loan features can I get when I refinance?
Options can include an offset account, redraw, split loans and portability, which lets you move your loan to a new property. We match features to how you’ll actually use the loan.
How much does Ausfirst charge to help me refinance?
Our service is free for you. Lenders pay us an upfront commission at settlement and a smaller ongoing trail commission. We disclose our remuneration as part of the process, and we must act in your best interests.
Why does the size of my broker’s lender panel matter?
A wider panel means more products and lender policies to compare, including major banks, smaller banks and non-bank lenders. Ask any broker which lenders they work with.
How do I know the recommended loan suits me?
Ask your broker to explain why it was recommended and how it compares on rate, fees, features and total cost. Moneysmart’s mortgage calculators can help you check the numbers independently.
How can I check my mortgage broker is licensed?
Search ASIC’s professional registers for their credit licence or credit representative number. Membership of the MFAA or FBAA also means they follow an industry code of conduct.
What documents will the lender need?
Usually ID, payslips or tax returns, recent statements for your current loan, bank statements and details of other debts and assets. Requirements vary by lender.
What happens after I apply?
The lender verifies your income, assets and debts, runs a credit check and may value your property. If approved, you receive loan documents to sign, then the new lender pays out your old loan at settlement.
LET’S MAKE A START
A better-fitting loan
starts with a review.
Share a few details about your current loan and what you’d like to change. We’ll tell you what your options look like and whether switching makes sense.
A clear review of your current loan
Rates, fees and switching costs compared
Personal guidance from an experienced team
Visit us in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
YOUR FREE LOAN REVIEW
Tell us about your current loan.
Send our team a little about what you’d like to change.
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