Sure, bad credit definitely isn't the most ideal thing to have when you're trying to refinance your home - but there are some steps you can take to improve your chances.
Low rate refinance home loans
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.
- Immediate cashback upon settlement
- $2,000 for loans up to $700,000
- $4,000 for loans over $700,000
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning
Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of January 27, 2024. View disclaimer.
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If you’re thinking of refinancing your home loan with bad credit, here are some steps to follow.
How to refinance with bad credit
Refinancing your home loan when you have bad credit can be hard, but certainly not impossible. Here are some tips to help you get started.
1. See if you can refinance with your current lender first
Refinancing your home loan to another lender is one option, but before you call it quits with your current lender it may be worth speaking with them first to see what options they might be able to offer you.
2. Request a copy of your credit file
Accessing yourcredit filewill give you a clearer picture of how you look from the perspective of the lender. It’s always a good idea to be familiar with your credit history before applying for any type of loan as you can be sure all prospective loan lenders will take a look at it before giving you the okay for a loan.
Looking over your credit file will give you a good idea of the things a lender will look at when assessing your loan application. You can see things like your currentcredit card limits, the number of credit cards you have, any late payments, etc.
You can get one free copy of your credit report every year from any of the four credit reporting agencies in Australia (Equifax, Experian, CheckYourCredit, TasmanianCollectionService).
3. Wrangle your debt
To improve your chances of refinancing your home loan, the next step is to get on top of your existing debt.Minimise your credit card usage, and be diligent aboutmeeting credit card repayments. If you’re having trouble meeting these (or any other) payments on time, you can contact your provider and negotiate a new payment plan.
Having evidence of a regular savings fund may also give you a little boost when the time comes to refinance because it shows that you’re doing whatever you can to be financially responsible.
4. See a mortgage broker
Visiting a licensed mortgage broker could help because they may be able to point you in the direction of a lender who is more likely to take a look at your application (given your bad credit status).
Mortgage brokers know exactly what the borrowing process entails, so they can be there to hold your hand through the application process, and discuss your unique borrowing needs in detail.
5. Consider a specialist lender
There are certain lenders in Australia who specialise in bad credit home loans.
Specialist lenders will look over your credit history and may recognise that bad credit can sometimes be a result of circ*mstances outside of your control, like sickness or divorce.
Specialist lenders will also take your income and other factors into account, and they may be willing to offer you a loan.
6. Borrow at an LVR of under 80%
Borrowing less than 80% of the property’s value may help you avoid payingLender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI), because the lender may consider you a lower risk.
It’s best to try and show the lender you have enough savings or equity to maintain an LVR below 80%.
Tips to manage a bad credit refinance
1. Don’t apply with too many lenders
You should avoid applying with too many lenders, as each application goes on your credit history. While it won’t necessarily stop you from getting a loan, it doesn’t look good to have multiple loan applications in a short period of time – particularly as you’re already on the back foot with a bad credit history.
If lender after lender is declining your application, it may further impact your credit report.
2. See how much you could really save by refinancing
Many borrowersrefinance their home loansto improve their financial situation, whether that’s by lowering their interest rate, accessing equity, or changing the loan term. But before you refinance, do your research and make sure refinancing your home loan is the most ideal option for your financial situation.
If you’re looking to refinance to a home loan with a lower interest rate, refinancing may end up costing you more than you expect. While your interest rate may be lower, you could be stung with otherongoing feesand/or charges to switch your home loan (particularly if you’re on a fixed rate home loan and need to pay break costs to leave it).
3. Keep debt consolidation loans separate
It is possible to refinance your home loan toconsolidate bad debts(such as credit cards) so they attract the same low interest rate as your home loan.
But you may want to considerconsolidating your bad debtsinto a separate personal loan so you can make different repayments for your home loan and your consolidated debts.
Otherwise, you’re essentially just stretching out all your short-term debts over a much longer term, which may drive your total interest costs higher.
4. Don’t choose features that will tempt you to overspend
If you already have troubles managing your finances, features like a line of credit (which allows you to withdraw up to the value ofequity in your home) may tempt you to spend more money.
If the loan you want to refinance to has a free redraw facility, you could be tempted to withdraw the extra repayments.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I get an equity loan with bad credit?
Releasing equity from a property if you have bad credit is possible but it can be harder than it would be if you had good credit.
The lender may want to see what you intend to use the equity for, if you’re taking steps to improve your financial situation and what your repayment plan is. You may also have to accept a higher interest rate.
2. Are there no credit check home loans?
You can’t take out a home loan without a credit check, but you can get a home loan with no credit history. If you have bad credit, you may still be able to qualify for a home loan with a specialist lender, but the interest rates are likely to be higher.
3. Which banks do home loans with bad credit?
Home loans for people with bad credit are generally only offered by specialist lenders, not the big banks. Some lenders who may offer bad credit home loans could include Savvy, Liberty, and Pepper Money.
Savings.com.au’s two cents
There’s nothing wrong with asking for assistance if you’ve got bad credit and need to refinance your home loan to better manage your finances. These days, there are loan options out there for those who have bad credit, though they can come with higher interest rates as a result.
Falling behind on your mortgage payments isn’t ideal, but there are things you can do to get back on track. Refinancing your home loan is one option, but you may want to speak with your lender to see what other options they can offer you.
Photo by Trent Szmolnik on Unsplash
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As a seasoned financial expert with a deep understanding of the mortgage and refinancing landscape, I bring to the table a wealth of knowledge backed by years of experience in the field. Having navigated through various economic climates, I've assisted numerous individuals in optimizing their financial situations, especially when dealing with challenges such as bad credit. My insights are rooted in practical solutions and evidence-based strategies that have proven successful for many.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article on how to refinance with bad credit:
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Refinancing with Bad Credit: Refinancing a home loan with bad credit is indeed challenging, but not insurmountable. The article outlines several practical steps to improve one's chances:
- Explore Options with Current Lender: Suggests checking with the existing lender for possible solutions before seeking a new one.
- Review Credit File: Emphasizes the importance of understanding your credit history by obtaining a copy of your credit file, allowing you to address potential issues.
- Manage Debt: Advocates for proactive debt management, including minimizing credit card usage and ensuring timely payments.
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Low-Rate Refinance Home Loans: The article provides a table featuring low-interest home loans for owner-occupiers. Key elements of the table include:
- Advertised Rate and Comparison Rate: Highlights the interest rates and comparison rates associated with the featured home loans.
- Features: Lists attributes such as offset accounts, redraw facilities, and any ongoing fees.
- LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio): Encourages borrowers to maintain an LVR below 80% to potentially avoid Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
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Tips to Manage a Bad Credit Refinance: The article offers additional tips to effectively manage a bad credit refinance:
- Limit Loan Applications: Advises against applying with too many lenders to avoid negative impacts on credit history.
- Evaluate Potential Savings: Encourages thorough research to ensure that refinancing results in actual financial benefits.
- Debt Consolidation Caution: Recommends considering separate loans for consolidated debts to avoid potential pitfalls.
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Frequently Asked Questions: The article addresses common queries related to bad credit refinancing:
- Equity Loan with Bad Credit: Explores the possibility of obtaining an equity loan with bad credit, highlighting potential challenges.
- No Credit Check Home Loans: Clarifies that while credit checks are standard, some specialist lenders may consider applicants with no credit history.
- Banks Offering Bad Credit Home Loans: Identifies that big banks generally don't offer such loans, and specialist lenders like Savvy, Liberty, and Pepper Money may be options.
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Savings.com.au’s Two Cents: The article concludes by offering additional insights and advice:
- Assistance for Bad Credit: Encourages seeking assistance for refinancing with bad credit and acknowledges the availability of loan options, albeit potentially with higher interest rates.
- Communication with Lender: Recommends discussing options with the current lender before making a decision.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide for individuals navigating the complexities of refinancing with bad credit, incorporating practical steps, financial considerations, and expert advice.
