In a lending market that’s moving in different directions at once, it's easy to assume that lower rates elsewhere mean it’s time to refinance. But for many expats, the smarter move might not be switching lenders — it’s simply getting clear on where you stand.

Lenders don’t all move in lockstep.

While some are dropping rates early to attract new business, others are holding firm or making selective adjustments for existing customers. It means the sharp rate you secured a year ago might no longer be as competitive — or it might be just fine, depending on what’s happening behind the scenes.

That’s why regular loan reviews matter. Not to chase rates, but to make sure the structure and strategy behind your loan are still doing the job.

From what the Aussie Expat Home Loans team is seeing on the ground, here are a few things worth considering this month:

• Your lender may be adjusting selectively. Some banks are improving pricing quietly for loyal clients. Others aren’t keeping pace. You won’t know unless you ask.
• The rate is only part of the story. Features like redraw, offset, or portability can deliver real value if they align with how you’re using your property or planning your return home. The right loan isn’t just about price — it’s about fit.
• A review gives you options. For expats in Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai, cross-border lending rules can shift quickly. A quick review now can surface opportunities you didn’t know you had — or confirm that staying put is the right move.

If it’s been more than a year since you last reviewed your loan, now’s a good time to reconnect. Even small tweaks can make a meaningful difference to your long-term plans.

An Opportunity for First Home Buyers and Single Parents

For those still looking to enter the market, the Australian Government has just added 50,000 new places to the Home Guarantee Scheme for the 2025–26 financial year — an initiative designed to help eligible buyers purchase property sooner with a lower deposit.

The latest update means that more Australians, including expats planning their return, may be able to access:

• The First Home Guarantee – 35,000 places available
• The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee – 10,000 places
• The Family Home Guarantee (for single parents) – 5,000 places

Instead of needing a full 20% deposit, eligible buyers can purchase with as little as 5% (or just 2% for single parents) — without paying lender’s mortgage insurance. That significantly reduces upfront costs and can accelerate your pathway to owning a property back home.

With both the Regional and Family Home Guarantees extended beyond 2025, this support will remain in place longer — but places are limited, and eligibility rules do apply.

Whether you’re actively planning to buy or just starting to explore your options, it’s worth finding out where you stand. The right strategy today could put you ahead tomorrow — even if you’re still based overseas.

If you’re not sure whether your current loan still stacks up — or whether you're eligible for one of the new buyer schemes — the team at Aussie Expat Home Loans is always here to talk it through.