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Do you ever feel like your home loan is a never-ending journey? At The Happy Finance Company, we believe in making the path to homeownership a little brighter. One powerful tool to expedite your home loan journey is the home loan offset account. In this article, we'll demystify the world of offset accounts, explaining the types available, how they work, and how they can work to your advantage.
A home loan offset account is like a secret treasure chest linked to your home loan. It's a specialised savings or transaction account designed to help you reduce the interest charged on your home loan. The magic formula is simple:
The beauty of an offset account lies in its ability to save you money while retaining easy access to your cash. The funds in your offset account effectively reduce your home loan balance, lowering the interest you pay. For example, if you owe $400,000 on your loan and have $20,000 in your offset account, you'll only be charged interest on a loan of $380,000. It's like having your cake and eating it too!
Even seemingly small reductions can translate into significant savings over the life of your loan. Check out our handy offset account calculator to see how much you could save.
Yes, offset accounts often come with an annual fee, typically up to $400. To determine if an offset account is right for you, ensure that the potential interest savings outweigh the annual fee.
Offset accounts can be a game-changer for many homeowners. Families with dual incomes
and high monthly expenses often benefit the most, as it helps manage daily funds effectively. However, anyone consistently depositing into the account and maintaining a positive balance can reap the rewards of an offset account.
It's ultimately your choice. The decision to use an offset account or pay your home loan directly depends on your financial goals and lifestyle. If you aim to reduce your loan size rapidly, direct payments may be your choice. However, if you prioritise flexibility, an offset account is a valuable ally.
There are 2 primary types of home loan offset accounts:
This popular choice deducts 100% of the account balance from your loan principal,
offering significant interest savings.
With this type, typically 40% of the balance is used against the principal. While not as impactful as the 100% offset account, it still contributes to reducing your loan term.
Yes, you can have an offset account with an investment property loan. In fact, it can be
exceptionally beneficial for property investors. Some advantages include:
Withdrawals and deposits can be made without affecting the investment loan.
Using an offset account avoids changing the loan's purpose, unlike a redraw option.
ANDREA PALELLA (O'SHEA)
DAVID FRENCH
MATHEW CROSSLEY
MATTHEW GOODYEAR