If you’re exploring home loans, thinking about mortgage refinancing, looking at debt consolidation, or working to improve your options after poor credit, you’re likely feeling the same thing many Australians are: uncertainty.

With inflation, employment and cost-of-living pressures all moving at once, it can feel like everyone has an opinion — and no one has a clear answer.

And the truth is: as mortgage brokers, we don’t hold a crystal ball — and neither do borrowers. Even the lenders and the Reserve Bank can’t predict what will happen next with certainty, because decisions are shaped by data as it unfolds.

That makes the structure of your loan — not just the rate — an important decision.

Why Choosing the Right Home Loan Structure Matters

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing to reduce repayments, consolidating high-interest debts, or rebuilding borrowing capacity after a period of poor credit, every home loan involves several key choices:

• Fixed rate home loans

• Variable rate home loans

• Split home loans (a combination of fixed and variable)

• Rate lock options

Some lenders offer rate locks for free, some charge a fee, and some don’t offer them at all. Understanding which lenders offer what — and how it aligns with your circumstances — is where experienced mortgage brokers add real value.

Your ideal home loan isn’t just about the lowest number on a comparison site. It should consider:

• your long-term goals

• your budget flexibility

• credit history

• equity (LVR)

• whether your loan is interest-only or principal & interest

• what features you need (like redraw or offset)

A broker can help tailor these options for your unique situation, including if you’re refinancing for better terms or consolidating debt to improve cash flow.

Why Many Borrowers Are Considering Split Loans

In the current climate, many borrowers are opting for a split home loan — where part of the loan is fixed and part is variable. This can offer:

Stability on the fixed portion
Flexibility on the variable portion
Ability to make extra repayments
Lower risk if rates rise in the future
Still taking advantage of potential rate improvements

It’s a balanced approach that can help reduce risk in a market where even policymakers aren’t sure of the next move.

What Lenders Are Signalling with Fixed Rate Moves

One meaningful trend we’re seeing is that many lenders have been raising fixed home loan rates in recent months, even after a period where fixed rates were trending lower. This change is often interpreted as lenders positioning for future monetary shifts based on inflation and economic data.

These moves — made by major banks including the big four — suggest they are preparing for a more complex interest rate environment rather than a continued long stretch of cuts. This can be an early signal of future market expectations, and another reason borrowers are seeking broker advice rather than choosing in isolation.  Real Estate.com – Banks Fixed rates Signal Major Shift

These moves — made by major banks including the big four — suggest they are preparing for a more complex interest rate environment rather than a continued long stretch of cuts. This can be an early signal of future market expectations, and another reason borrowers are seeking broker advice rather than choosing in isolation.

Banks Signalling Potential Rate Increases

Commonwealth Bank (CBA), one of Australia’s largest lenders, has publicly indicated that it expects interest rates might rise again at the next RBA meeting, citing inflation remaining above target and ongoing wage pressures.  Courier Mail – CBA Signals Hike

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Concerned Inflation Remains High

Senior RBA officials have emphasised that inflation — although eased — remains too high relative to the bank’s target. This has left the central bank in a cautious position, and signals that future cash rate decisions will reflect how inflation and the labour market evolve.  ABC News.Net – RBA Deputy Governor

What This Means for You

Given this mixed backdrop — with inflation still above target, lenders adjusting fixed home loan pricing, and consumer sentiment under pressure — it makes sense that borrowers are thinking strategically rather than reacting to headlines.

Here’s what many of our clients are doing right now:

✅ Reviewing their current home loan structure
✅ Talking to brokers about fixed vs. variable options
✅ Considering split loans to balance certainty and flexibility
✅ Using rate locks where appropriate to protect today’s offers
✅ Planning refinancing or debt consolidation to strengthen financial positions
✅ Exploring options even with poor credit history — because every situation is unique

Act Early — Timing Can Matter

A strong fixed rate offer today may not be available next week. If you’re considering options, getting advice early keeps you in the driver’s seat, with time to compare lenders, understand rate lock rules, and choose a structure you’re comfortable with.

Because while nobody can predict what happens next with certainty — not brokers, not lenders, not even the RBA — borrowers can still make smart decisions by getting the right information and planning for more than one possible outcome.

If you’d like us to check your rate, compare lenders, review your loan, or run numbers for a mortgage refinance, fixed rate, or split-loan strategy, we’re here to help.

Talk to WhiteStar Finance & Conveyancing to explore your options, improve your finances, or plan your next steps with confidence.