The series of rate hikes continue to boost refinancing activity, particularly among borrowers with expiring fixed-rate terms.

According to PEXA Mortgage Insights Report, refinancing activity rose 13.8% to 450,177 in 2023 financial year.

Western Australia recorded the highest growth at 29.5%, followed by South Australia at 19.4%, and Queensland at 17.4%.

In terms of volume, however, Victoria maintained its position as the top state for refinancers, recording 150,592 refinances in the financial year. For the past four financial years, Victoria trumped all states in terms of refinancing activity.

Major banks increased their market share in refinances across all states during the year.

PEXA head of research Mike Gill said the higher proportion of recent borrowers who had taken out fixed-term loans over the preceding few years has been a significant boost in refinancing activity.

“These borrowers are now rolling off their low interest, fixed-term loans, leaving them open to a better deal. The lure of attractive incentives offered by many of the major banks over the year to entice borrowers to switch lenders, is clearly working,” he said.

On the other hand, new lending activity declined across all states in the financial year — a total of 481,234 new loans were issued by lenders, representing a 20.6% decline from the previous year.

“This reflects the property market normalising to pre-pandemic levels, after an exceptional boom across all mainland states over the previous two years,” Mr Gill said.

Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.

Update resultsUpdate
LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees Max LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.04% p.a.
6.06% p.a.
$3,011
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
4.6 STAR CUSTOMER RATINGS
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Dedicated loan specialist throughout the loan application.
Disclosure
5.99% p.a.
5.90% p.a.
$2,995
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender.
  • Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
Disclosure
6.14% p.a.
6.16% p.a.
$3,043
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$350
60%
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of .

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

-

Photo by Cenk1988 on Canva.