Refinancing Is on the Rise

The latest Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) survey revealed that 99% of brokers helped clients refinance within the last six months. This is a clear sign that refinancing is no longer out of reach for many borrowers. Almost all clients who refinanced were also able to secure a discount, proving that better deals are on the table.

When you refinance, you can potentially reduce your repayments, unlock equity, or simply move to a loan that better suits your needs. With lenders becoming more flexible, now is a prime opportunity to consider refinancing.

Why More Borrowers Can Refinance Now

So, why is refinancing becoming more accessible? The biggest reason is the shift in economic conditions. Easing inflation and lower interest rates have opened the door for more borrowers to refinance.

At the same time, many homeowners are seeking help for the first time. In fact, 92% of brokers reported working with clients new to refinancing. This shows that more people are recognising the value of professional advice when it comes to navigating the refinance process.

Borrower Confidence Is Growing

Another positive trend is borrower confidence. Brokers observed that clients are starting to feel more optimistic about their finances now that refinance opportunities are available. While nearly half of clients remain “neutral,” more are showing a brighter outlook compared to earlier this year.

This shift highlights the impact of refinancing—by lowering repayments or securing better rates, households gain much-needed breathing room, which boosts financial confidence.

Brokers Are Helping Beyond Refinancing

While the chance to refinance has improved, challenges like cost-of-living pressures and job security concerns remain. That’s why 80% of brokers are now also supporting clients with hardship options.

Brokers aren’t just there to help you refinance; they’re also a trusted guide if financial stress arises. Whether you’re aiming to refinance to a more affordable loan or explore hardship support, having a broker makes the process easier.

Job Security and Housing Supply Concerns

Even though refinancing is now within reach for many, some borrowers remain cautious. Concerns about job security jumped from 4.8% earlier this year to 18.3%, while housing supply shortages continue to add pressure.

This means that while refinance opportunities are improving, broader issues like employment and housing availability still shape how confident borrowers feel about their future.

The key message is this: if you’ve been unable to refinance before, now may be the right time to take another look. With more lenders open to applications and brokers guiding clients through the refinance process, breaking free from mortgage prison is finally possible.

Contact us today to explore how we can help you refinance your home loan and secure a deal that works better for you.

The post Refinance and Break Free: How Borrowers Are Escaping Mortgage Prison first appeared on Mortgage Brokers Brisbane Gold Coast.

A Trusted White Label Funder Comes to an End

Advantedge, a division of NAB, has long been a key player in Australia’s mortgage market, funding simple, cost-effective home loans through a range of aggregator-branded products. These include well-known offerings such as AFG Home Loans Edge, Mortgage Choice SmartSelect, Loan Market’s Go Edge, Connective Essentials, Astute Simplicity, and Yellow Brick Road Home Loans Select.

Originally established as Challenger Mortgage Management before becoming Advantedge, the lender built its reputation on streamlined processes, digital service, and competitive pricing. Over the years, it has helped brokers offer clients a compelling alternative to traditional bank-branded loans.

Key Dates and What’s Changing

According to NAB’s announcement, Advantedge will stop accepting new loan applications from 30 September 2025. While borrowers will still be able to request changes—both credit-critical and non-credit-critical—beyond this date, a cut-off for all variations is expected to follow in due course.

From 2026, existing Advantedge customers will be gradually transitioned to NAB-branded home loans. During this time, all servicing requests will continue to be handled as normal. However, once a loan is moved over to NAB, all future servicing will need to go through NAB’s systems and teams.

Importantly, NAB has confirmed there will be no changes to commissions or clawbacks, and the online servicing platform StarNet will remain available until further notice. This assurance will come as a relief to brokers currently managing large books of Advantedge clients.

Why Is NAB Making This Change?

NAB says the decision reflects its commitment to enhancing the customer experience by offering more features, greater flexibility, and improved digital tools under its own brand.

In a message to brokers, the bank explained:

“Customers will benefit from additional features, including access to up to 10 offset accounts, transactional banking, and expanded functionality via the NAB App.”

The move also aligns with NAB’s broader strategy to focus on proprietary lending channels. CEO Andrew Irvine has previously outlined plans to increase direct lending activity, and NAB’s latest financial results suggest that strategy is well underway.

A Shift in Strategy Backed by Data

NAB’s half-year financial results for the six months to March 2025 revealed that proprietary lending is on the rise. New NAB-branded home loans (excluding UBank) increased 25% year-on-year, reaching $16.6 billion.

At the same time, loans originated through the broker channel dropped from 64.6% to 59.6%—an 8% decline. This indicates a clear shift in distribution preference, with NAB doubling down on channels it can more directly control and integrate.

For some in the broker community, this pivot has been met with disappointment. Many brokers rely on white label lending options to offer clients more tailored or cost-effective solutions. The closure of Advantedge reduces that diversity in the market.

What This Means for Brokers and Borrowers

For brokers, the next 12 to 18 months will be critical in terms of client communication and planning. Existing Advantedge customers will receive updates and notifications, and their loan documents will be reissued under NAB branding.

Fortunately, NAB has stated that interest rates, fees, and charges will remain the same during the transition. AFSH Nominees will continue acting as an agent and credit representative of NAB until all loans are fully transferred.

Meanwhile, NAB is promising to keep brokers, aggregators, and customers informed at every step through regular updates and milestones.

Looking Ahead

Although change can be challenging, it also brings opportunity. NAB’s shift toward proprietary lending and enhanced digital capabilities may open new doors for borrowers seeking more functionality, and for brokers who adapt quickly to the evolving lending environment.

As this transition unfolds, staying informed and proactive will be essential—for brokers looking to maintain strong client relationships and for borrowers seeking clarity around their loan’s future.

If you currently hold an Advantedge loan or are unsure how this transition may affect your lending options, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with us today to review your current home loan, explore refinancing opportunities, or simply get clear answers on what to expect. We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way during this industry shift.

The post NAB to Retire Advantedge: What It Means for Borrowers and Brokers first appeared on Mortgage Brokers Brisbane Gold Coast.

New data from CoreLogic has unveiled a notable shift in the Australian housing market, with home values declining by 0.1% in December 2024. This marks the first drop in nearly two years, signaling potential changes ahead for homeowners and buyers alike.

The CoreLogic Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI), which tracks residential property values using recent sales and property attributes, attributes this decline to several factors, including rising interest rates, cost-of-living challenges, and reduced borrowing capacities. Despite this slight year-end dip, Australian home values still grew by 4.9% overall in 2024, adding approximately $38,000 to the median home value.

A Year of Contrasts in Growth

The year 2024 showcased a tale of two halves for the housing market. During the first six months, home values surged by 4.1%, driven by strong demand and market confidence. However, this momentum slowed significantly in the latter half of the year, with growth tapering to just 0.7%. Moreover, the slowdown became more pronounced towards the year’s end, as the index plateaued in November and recorded a slight drop in December. By the close of the year, the median value of Australian residential property stood at $814,837.

Affordable Markets Outshine Premium Segments

Interestingly, affordable housing markets proved to be more resilient in 2024. For instance, properties in the lower quartile—often more accessible for first-time buyers—saw a remarkable 9.8% increase in value over the year. In contrast, the upper quartile experienced modest growth of just 1.5%, highlighting the impact of economic pressures on premium markets.

Capital Cities vs. Regional Areas

When breaking down performance by region, combined capital city markets saw a 4.5% rise in home values throughout the year. On the other hand, regional markets outperformed their urban counterparts, achieving a 6.0% increase. This trend underscores the growing appeal of regional living, likely fueled by affordability, lifestyle changes, and remote work flexibility.

What Does This Mean for 2025?

The December dip raises questions about what the future holds for the Australian housing market. With interest rates and economic conditions continuing to influence borrowing capacity, the market may face additional challenges. Nevertheless, the resilience of affordable markets and regional areas suggests opportunities for buyers and investors willing to adapt to changing conditions.

As the market navigates these shifts, staying informed about trends and opportunities will be essential for anyone looking to buy, sell, or invest in the year ahead.

If you have questions about the housing market or need advice on your property journey, contact us today. Our team is here to help you navigate the opportunities and challenges in 2025.

The post Australian Home Values: First Dip in Two Years first appeared on Mortgage Brokers Brisbane Gold Coast.