Maximising your home loan with offset accounts

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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.

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Unlocking the Magic of a Home Loan Offset Account

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:

Outstanding Loan Amount
MINUS
Funds in Offset Account
EQUALS:
Loan Amount on Which Interest Is Charged

Saving with an offset account

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.

Check out our handy offset account calculator to see how much you could save.

Offset account fees

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.

We can help negotiate with lenders to find you a better deal.

Who benefits from an offset account?

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.

Is it better to offset, or pay directly?

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.

Types of home loan offset accounts

There are 2 primary types of home loan offset accounts:

100% offset

This popular choice deducts 100% of the account balance from your loan principal,

offering significant interest savings.

Partial offset

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.

Is offset exist for investment loans?

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.

Redraw facility VS offset account - which is better for you?

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