The home loan market in Australia is quite diverse, with a wide range of lenders offering different products and services. The two main types of lenders are:
1. Big Four Banks:
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)
National Australia Bank Limited (NAB)
Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC)
The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ)
These banks are the largest and most well-established lenders in Australia. They offer a wide range of home loan products, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and interest-only loans. They also have a large branch network and offer a high level of customer service. However, they may have higher interest rates and stricter eligibility criteria than some other lenders.
2. Non-Bank Lenders:
These are lenders that are not banks. They include:
Building societies
Credit unions
Online lenders
Non-bank lenders can offer more competitive interest rates and more flexible eligibility criteria than the big four banks. However, they may have a smaller product range and fewer branches.
Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a home loan lender:
Interest rate: This is the most important factor to consider. Be sure to compare the interest rates of different lenders before making a decision.
Fees: Lenders charge a variety of fees, such as application fees, valuation fees, and settlement fees. Be sure to factor in all of these fees when comparing lenders.
Eligibility criteria: Some lenders have stricter eligibility criteria than others. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria of each lender before applying for a loan.
Loan features: Some loans have features such as redraw facilities, offset accounts, and early repayment options. Be sure to consider the features that are important to you when choosing a loan.
Customer service: It is important to choose a lender that has a good reputation for customer service.
It is important to shop around and compare different lenders before making a decision. You can use a mortgage broker to help you compare lenders and find the best deal for you.