Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Refinance

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Australian homeowners are skeptical about receiving unbiased advice from a bank when it comes to refinancing a home loan, according to research commissioned Mortgage Choice.

The research reveals two out of five (38%) homeowners are either in the process of refinancing or are considering making the move to a new loan.

However, 53% of homeowners are wary that if they speak to a bank they won’t be advised if they could get a similar or better home loan deal elsewhere. One in two (49%) homeowners feel that banks don’t always have their best interests at heart.

High levels of trust for mortgage brokers 

The survey results confirmed that a significant majority (94%) of Australian homeowners say they trust the loan recommendations made by a mortgage broker.

For half (55%) of the respondents surveyed, the number one benefit of partnering with a mortgage broker during the refinancing process is professional support comparing loan options, rates and features. For 45% of refinancers, a mortgage broker streamlines the process, “saving time and hassle”.

“Faced with what can be an overwhelming choice of home loans, homeowners want to be confident they are making the move to a loan that will improve their financial wellbeing through a lower rate, improved loan features, or both," Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mortgage Choice said.

“While banks can provide information on their own product suite, they do not have an in-depth understanding of competitors’ products. That is why I urge borrowers in the market for a better deal to engage the help of an experienced mortgage broker to learn what other options they have,” she added.
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Mortgage Choice found 53% of homeowners are wary that if they speak to a bank they won’t be advised if they could get a similar or better home loan deal elsewhere

urban.com.au

Australians are skeptical about receiving unbiased refinancing advice from banks

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Australian homeowners rank paying off their mortgage as their greatest life priority yet over 50% don't know the exact current interest rate on their home loan, according to new research commissioned by Mortgage Choice.

The research survey found a disconnect between the increased financial concerns borrowers are experiencing from COVID-19 and knowledge of whether their interest rate is competitive.

Only 46.5% of respondents knew their current interest rate, Much fewer in 2020 compared to previous surveys commissioned by Mortgage Choice (61.5% in 2018 and 71% in 2016).

This increased complacency comes at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has put more people under financial pressure. Over 62% of Australians admit that COVID-19 has caused them to worry more about money, with 65.6% trying to boost their resilience by saving more, spending less and improving their financial knowledge.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/mortgage_choice_2020.jpg" rel="gallery-all"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="387" src="/s3/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/mortgage_choice_2020.jpg?itok=Bk5UqzeU" width="580"></a></figure>"Our research suggests that Australians are more focused than ever on their finances, yet many are being complacent with their biggest expense and potentially biggest saving, Susan Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer at Mortgage Choice, said.

Homeowners aged 30 to 39 were the most likely to not know their interest rate (64.5%), with those aged 50 to 59 years close behind at 56.4%.

Ms Mitchell said, "it's so important to know your interest rate because if you’ve been complacent the chances that you are paying too much are extremely high. Every Australian should make it a New Year resolution to review their home loan. Give yourself an early Christmas present by reducing your rate and saving on repayments.”

However, Australians are not keeping track of interest rates or checking to see if they are getting the best deal. Asked how often they review their home loan, 13.7% said never, and 44.4% said every couple of years. Even fewer (41.9%) review their loan annually.

“I strongly encourage all borrowers who haven’t had their loan reviewed in the last 24 months to speak to their broker or their lender to learn if they’re still in a competitive home loan," added Ms Mitchell.

"In the past year alone, the cash rate has dropped by 65 basis points, and many lenders are open to negotiating on rate reductions. Let's say your principal and interest rate is 3.99% and shopping around with the help of a mortgage broker enables you to drop by 50 basis points to 3.49%. On a 30-year home loan of $600,000, the savings could be in the vicinity of $170 a month," she concluded.
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Only 46.5% of those surveyed by Mortgage Choice knew their current interest rate, much lower than 61.5% in 2018 and 71% in 2016

Majority of Australians don't know their home loan's interest rate

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Borrowers refinancing are at the highest levels in three years, according to data released by the ABS.
They're taking advantage of the lower interest rates, with a 7.7 per cent jump in the value of new homes loans being refinanced.
Owner-occupiers lead the charge, posting an 8.4 per cent jump in value, the highest value of refinanced loans since September 2016.
There was a surprise to see a drop in the number of loans to first home buyers over the month, down 0.7 per cent.
Sally Tindall, research director at RateCity.com.au, said the increase in refinancing activity came on the back of the June and July rate cuts.
“The first two rate cuts have clearly encouraged borrowers to sit up and take notice of their home loan rates.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/11/Housing%20Finance%20August%20Westpac.jpg" alt=""> Source: Westpac
“We expect this trend will continue as refinance applications, that are still in the pipeline, are settled.
"The most recent cash rate cut, and the decision by most banks not to pass it on in full, is also likely to spur more refinancing activity."
There are suggestions the loosening of serviceability is starting to effect the market. 
Despite the value of owner-occupier loans soaring, the number of new loans for owner-occupiers rose just 0.7 per cent, suggesting there are bigger loans being approved as opposed to a large uptick in number of loans.
Westpac's Matthew Hassan said the 0.7 per cent rise in owner-occupier loans was considerably softer than the consensus forecast of a 2.3 per cent gain, however he noted approvals have risen 5.9 per cent from their April low.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/11/New%20finance%20approvals%20Westpac.jpg" alt=""> Source: Westpac
Approvals are still down -5.1 per cent over the year.
Investors are well and truly back in the market. The 5.7 per cent increase in value of investor loans over August puts the value of loans approved up 10 per cent over the last two months, adding to the 4.2 per cent rise in July.
The values however are still 13 per cent lower than they were a year ago.
Mortgage Choice chief executive Susan Mitchell said the growth in demand from investors is unsurprising given the factors which may be positively impacting their appetite.
"The result of the Federal Election took the potential removal of property tax concessions off the table," Mitchell said.
"“Things are looking up for investors with the election now behind them, and the threat of negative gearing changes gone. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/10/11/Housing%20finance%20approvals%20by%20segment.jpg" alt=""> Source: Westpac
"As a result, once cautious investors may have been encouraged to put their buying plans in action. 
“Policy and pricing on investment loans are now much more favourable," Mitchell added.
"Investor rates have continued to tumble, in many cases further than owner occupier rates.
"This, combined with the relaxing of APRA’s serviceability requirements means the market is looking increasingly appealing for investors."
 
 
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Borrowers taking advantage of falling interest rates

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Financial comparison site RateCity.com.au will be hosting Australia’s first industry home loan sale from Monday 8 May to 10pm Tuesday 9 May, offering refinancers exclusive deals and potential savings of up to $39,000 for customers of the big banks.
Lasting for only 40 hours, the Switch &amp; Save Sale will see eight home loan lenders come together to slash fees, offer cashbacks and cut rates.
Pre-registrations for the sale opened last week.
RateCity.com.au Money Editor Sally Tindall said there had been a huge influx of traffic to the site.
“Some of these deals could potentially sell out. 
“Our research shows that the average mortgage holder could save up to $39,000 on a 15- year loan,” she said.
“There are no up-front obligations, and customers have up to 30 days to take advantage of the discounted offer, provided they register within the initial 40-hour period,” she said.
RateCity’s Switch and Save Sale includes well-known banks such as ING Direct and HSBC, alongside competitive lenders such as Mortgage House, Reduce Home Loans, loans.com.au and IMB.
Ms Tindall said the climate was ripe for refinancing.
“With banks putting up rates out of cycle, alongside comparatively low wages growth, mortgage repayments are starting to pinch.
"Refinancing isn’t as hard as people might think,” she said.
The sale runs from 6am (AEST) Monday 8 May to 10pm (AEST) Tuesday 9 May 2017. 
For more information, <a href="https://www.ratecity.com.au/sale?utm_source=propertyobserver&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=rcsale_propertyobserver_text&amp;rmatt=tsid:1030695%7Ccid:54369%7Ccgid:543693734136%7Ccrid:15969003" target="_blank">click here</a>.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

RateCity home loan sale gives Australians the incentive to switch

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A survey from mortgage broker iSelect has found more than 34 percent of Australian households with a mortgage have never had refinance.
The survey, from Galaxy Research, found 56 percent of respondents who have not refinanced their home loan in the last ten years (or never) haven't done it because of a to perceived cost, lack of knowledge or hassle.
Laura Crowden, iSelect spokesperson, said research shows of those who refinanced in the last 10 years, 55 percent said the main benefit was lower repayments, 21 percent valued better features (such as an offset account or lower fees) and just 2 percent experienced no benefit whatsoever.
“Many home owners underestimate the savings that could be gained by switching to a new loan with a lower interest rate,” Laura said.
“Switching to an interest rate even just a few basis points lower can not only reduce repayments but potentially shave years off the length of the loan as well.
"For example, for a home owner with a $300,000 mortgage currently paying 5.25 percent, moving to a lower interest rate of 3.75 percent could save up to $267 in interest every month and more than $96,000 over the lifetime of the loan.
“Homeowners should act now to take advantage of the increased competition amongst banks and financial intuitions who are competing heavily for new customers with generous introductory rates.
“Whenever there is an RBA rate change, this should be a reminder to review your options and consult a home loan adviser to discuss your options.
"They will be able to talk you through all the financial jargon and find out whether a loan may offer a rate or features better suited to your lifestyle and budget."
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Survey finds over a third of Australian mortgage holders have never refinanced

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The robust growth in number of home loans (commitments) for owner-occupiers in December wasn’t the only heart-warming statistic from the latest ABS data, the refinancing of home loans for the month came in at a record high 20,911.
The number of new owner-occupier housing loans (commitments) rose by 2.6 percent in December, a near seven-year high, after rising by 1.9 percent in November. Excluding the refinancing of dwellings, the number of loans was up by 1.6 percent.
The record refinancing numbers mean that fresh spending power has been injected into the economy, says a note by CommSec Research.
The broader picture is that the home loan market remains in good shape and further confirmation of the health of the economy, it says.
Each month, lenders commit to provide funds for home purchases. Sometimes the commitments are taken up; other times budding buyers don’t find the home of their dreams. But in December, a record $23.8 billion was actually advanced to borrowers by lenders to buy or build homes, up 24.6 percent on a year ago. 
Loans by owner-occupiers for the construction of homes rose by 1.8 percent in December; loans to buy newly-erected dwellings rose by 12.4 percent; and loans for the purchase of established dwellings (excluding refinancing) rose by 0.4 percent. 
The number of refinancing transactions increased by 4.4 percent.
The proportion of first-time buyers in the home loan market rose from 14.9 percent to 15 percent in December. The figures take into account refinancing loans and as such may misrepresent the true situation. 
Overall, the rise in loan activity indicates that home building will remain healthy in the coming months. 
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