A study by Greater Bank shows that Australians are facing a dilemma in prioritising ethics or cost-savings when choosing their lender.
The research found that while 92% of home loan borrowers would prefer lenders with a high standard of business ethics, environmental commitments, and social and community values, around 78% said they find it challenging to balance these values and going for those with the best rate.
Great Southern Bank chief customer office Megan Keleher said in a rising rate environment, it is “understandable” that many households are seeking out the lender that can provide the best rate and loan product.
“While there’s a perception that choosing a green or ethical lender is more expensive, research has found this is not necessarily the case — lenders with strong values can also provide excellent rates, reduced or no fees, and longer-term value, meaning borrowers don’t have to compromise on choosing a bank that aligns to their values,” she said.
The study showed that 94% of those who are refinancing or are still planning to cite rising rates and increasing cost of living as a motivation.
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. Scroll down to read the rest of the article or click here.
| Lender | Home Loan | Interest Rate | Comparison Rate* | Monthly Repayment | Repayment type | Rate Type | Offset | Redraw | Ongoing Fees | Upfront Fees | Max LVR | Lump Sum Repayment | Extra Repayments | Split Loan Option | Tags | Row Tags | Features | Link | Compare | Promoted Product | Disclosure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.79% p.a. | 5.83% p.a. | $2,931 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $530 | 90% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | |||||||||||
5.49% p.a. | 5.40% p.a. | $2,836 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $0 | 80% |
| Disclosure | ||||||||||||
5.89% p.a. | 5.93% p.a. | $2,962 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $530 | 90% |
| Promoted | Disclosure |
Borrowers’ priorities when choosing a lender
According to the study, the top five priorities of borrowers outside cost-savings when choosing their lender are:
- Business ethics, social and community values
- Customer service and support
- More loan features
- Environmental actions and targets
- User-friendly technology
Ms Keleher said first-home buyers, investors, or refinancers who would like to know their lenders’ ethics must reach out to their brokers or to their lenders to ease their dilemma.
“You may be pleasantly surprised to realise there are responsible banks out there that are able to also provide cost savings on loans,” she said.
“A number of Australian banks and home loan providers have committed to ethical business practices and environmental targets in recent years.”
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Collections: Mortgage News Interest Rates
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