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What Is a Variable Rate Home Loan and How Does It Work?

A variable rate home loan is when the interest rate goes up and down with market fluctuations. These are influenced in part by the official cash rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).

The two main types of variable rate home loans are:

  • Standard variable rate home loans – these often include features such as redraw facilities, a line of credit and an offset account, where you can use your savings to pay less interest on your loan.
  • Basic variable rate home loans – these offer lower interest rates, but fewer if any of the features of a standard variable rate home loan.

Variable rate home loans are the most popular type of home loan, as they provide more features and flexibility than fixed rate home loans and usually give you the option to pay your loan off sooner. However Tiimely Own home loans, both variable and fixed, offer an offset facility.

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Important information about rates
*Tiimely Own products are subject to loan-to-value ratio (LVR) requirements, eligibility and credit criteria and terms and conditions. Rates apply to new Tiimely Home customers only and are subject to change without notice.

**The rates shown for products available from panel lenders via Tiimely Home brokers are current based on information from panel lenders and are subject to change without notice. The home loan with the lowest current interest rate is not necessarily the most suitable for your circumstances, you may not qualify for that particular product and the product may not include all the features relevant to you. All applications are subject to lender assessment and approval, and eligibility requirements and terms and conditions apply.

^Comparison rates are based on a loan amount of $150,000 over a 25-year term. They factor in fees associated with applying for the loan, ongoing fees and fees associated with leaving the loan. Tiimely Own fixed loans roll to a variable principal and interest rate at the end of the specified fixed term. If the interest only period is not specified, the comparison rate is calculated on a 5-year period.

WARNING: The comparison rates are 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.

Other important information
+Tiimely Home is known for its fast approvals for Tiimely Own products and responsive service, powered by our technology and supported by our team of experts. Application and approval times are estimates only and not guaranteed. Turnaround times are dependent on individual circumstances. Applications for a Tiimely Own loan may require an assessor to obtain more information. Assessment times for home loan applications made via Tiimely Home brokers are dependent on individual panel lenders.

The information provided does not constitute an offer of credit and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or individual circumstances. We recommend seeking independent financial, taxation and legal advice to check how the information provided aligns with your individual circumstances.

Tiimely Home receives commissions from Tiimely Own loans and, where customers apply for a loan with the assistance of a Tiimely Home broker, from loans settled with panel lenders. Tiimely Home brokers do not receive individual commissions. More information about the credit services provided by Tiimely Home is available in the Tiimely Home Credit Guide (PDF) and Tiimely Home Broker Credit Guide (PDF).