🏡 The Ultimate Guide to Refinance Loan Types

Refinancing your home loan can be a strategic move to save money, access equity, or adjust your loan terms. Understanding the different refinance options available can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.

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Article written by

Jasmine Miller

Guide to Refinance Loan
Guide to Refinance Loan
Guide to Refinance Loan

1. Rate-and-Term Refinance

This is the most common type of refinancing. It involves replacing your existing loan with a new one that has a different interest rate and/or term, without changing the loan amount.

Benefits:

  • Lower monthly repayments by securing a lower interest rate.

  • Shorten the loan term to pay off your mortgage faster.

  • Switch between fixed and variable rates to suit your financial strategy.

Considerations:

  • Extending the loan term may reduce monthly payments but could increase the total interest paid over time.

  • Shortening the loan term may increase monthly payments but reduce the total interest paid.

2. Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance allows you to tap into your home's equity by borrowing more than you owe on your current mortgage and taking the difference in cash.

Uses:

  • Home renovations or improvements.

  • Debt consolidation.

  • Investments or large purchases.

Considerations:

  • Your new loan balance will be higher, potentially leading to higher monthly repayments.

  • Lenders typically allow borrowing up to 80% of your property's value.

3. Cash-In Refinance

In contrast to cash-out, a cash-in refinance involves paying a lump sum towards your mortgage during refinancing, reducing your loan balance.

Benefits:

  • Lower loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which may qualify you for better interest rates.

  • Potentially eliminate the need for lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).

  • Reduce monthly repayments or shorten the loan term.

4. Fixed Rate Adjustment

Switching from a variable to a fixed interest rate can provide repayment stability. This process, often referred to as a loan restructure, doesn't require a full refinance application but does involve lender assessment for suitability.

Considerations:

  • Fixed periods typically range from 1 to 5 years.

  • Breaking a fixed-rate term early may incur significant break fees.

5. Split Loan Refinance

A split loan divides your mortgage into two portions: one with a fixed interest rate and the other with a variable rate.

Benefits:

  • Enjoy the security of fixed repayments on one portion.

  • Take advantage of potential interest rate drops on the variable portion.

  • Flexibility to manage risk and benefit from market conditions.

6. Debt Consolidation Refinance

This option allows you to combine multiple debts (e.g., credit cards, personal loans) into your mortgage, resulting in a single repayment.

Benefits:

  • Simplify your finances with one monthly payment.

  • Potentially lower overall interest rates compared to unsecured debts.

Considerations:

  • Extending unsecured debts over your mortgage term may increase the total interest paid.

  • It's crucial to address the underlying causes of debt to avoid accumulating new debts.

🔍 Need Assistance?

At Mortgage Matrix, we're committed to helping you navigate your refinancing options. Our team can provide personalized advice to ensure you choose the right refinance strategy for your circumstances.

For more information or to discuss your refinancing needs, please contact us directly.

Note: The information provided is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a financial advisor to discuss your specific situation.

Smiling woman looking at the camera
Smiling woman looking at the camera

Article written by

Jasmine Miller

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Legal Information

Mortgage Matrix Pty Ltd ABN 37674 404 776 Credit Representative 555368 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

Comparison rate is calculated on a $150,000 secured loan over a 25 year term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

Our borrowing calculator provides an estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on the income and expenses you've entered. It is a guide only and does not constitute credit approval.

For a personalised assessment, start your application, where we’ll review your specific financial details, loan type, and property information.

This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed before acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal; tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders credit assessment with terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, and lender credit approval apply. The 5% deposit option may be available through government-backed schemes such as the First Home Guarantee. Not all applicants will qualify. Mortgage Matrix does not provide financial advice and recommends seeking independent advice tailored to your circumstances.

Mortgage Matrix ©2025. All rights reserved.​
Contact us : admin@mortgagematrix.com.au

Legal Information

Mortgage Matrix Pty Ltd ABN 37674 404 776 Credit Representative 555368 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

Comparison rate is calculated on a $150,000 secured loan over a 25 year term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

Our borrowing calculator provides an estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on the income and expenses you've entered. It is a guide only and does not constitute credit approval.

For a personalised assessment, start your application, where we’ll review your specific financial details, loan type, and property information.

This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed before acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal; tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders credit assessment with terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, and lender credit approval apply. The 5% deposit option may be available through government-backed schemes such as the First Home Guarantee. Not all applicants will qualify. Mortgage Matrix does not provide financial advice and recommends seeking independent advice tailored to your circumstances.

Mortgage Matrix ©2025. All rights reserved.​
Contact us : admin@mortgagematrix.com.au

Legal Information

Mortgage Matrix Pty Ltd ABN 37674 404 776 Credit Representative 555368 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389328.

Comparison rate is calculated on a $150,000 secured loan over a 25 year term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

Our borrowing calculator provides an estimate of how much you may be able to borrow based on the income and expenses you've entered. It is a guide only and does not constitute credit approval.

For a personalised assessment, start your application, where we’ll review your specific financial details, loan type, and property information.

This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed before acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal; tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders credit assessment with terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

Eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, and lender credit approval apply. The 5% deposit option may be available through government-backed schemes such as the First Home Guarantee. Not all applicants will qualify. Mortgage Matrix does not provide financial advice and recommends seeking independent advice tailored to your circumstances.

Mortgage Matrix ©2025. All rights reserved.​