Information on ALI Group's response to COVID-19 Find out more

Make a claim Search

What Is A Comparison Rate?

What Is A Comparison Rate?

Sometimes called an ‘average annual percentage rate’ (AAPR), a comparison rate is a legally required piece of information that must be displayed by lenders when advertising a home loan annual interest rate. The idea behind a comparison rate is to essentially give consumers the ability to more accurately identify how much a home loan will cost them.

For Australians buying their first home, a comparison rate might be initially confusing. We’ve laid out some things you might want to know in this handy guide so that you can make a more informed decision when choosing a home loan.

Interest rate vs comparison rate

Many consumers will initially look at the interest rate of a home loan to determine how good an offer may be.  This can be misleading as the interest rate doesn’t factor in other costs. 

A home loan comparison rate is a representation of the entire cost of a home loan on an annual basis. Normally, a comparison rate will comprise of a home loan interest rate used to calculate monthly repayments, upfront fees, and ongoing fees. The comparison rate aims to gives consumers a more accurate picture of the real cost of a particular home loan.

Lenders have been legally required to share comparison rates with consumers since July 2003 as a way of ensuring that the true cost of home loans is more transparent. 

How is a comparison rate calculated?

A comparison rate is calculated using a number of different variables, as defined by the National Consumer Credit Code. However, it’s important to note that key variables used in the calculation are based on a number of assumptions, including:
An assumed loan amount of $150,000 
An assumed loan term of 25 years
The frequency of home loan repayments
Interest rate
Monthly account fees (if applicable)
Annual fee (if applicable)
Establishment fee (if applicable)
Valuation fee (if applicable)
Mortgage documentation fee (if applicable)
Settlement fee
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the average loan size of an owner-occupied home was $395,800 in August 2018. Therefore, as advertised comparison rates may not be based on ‘realistic’ loan sizes, it’s best that consumers only use them as a reference when comparing like for like products.  

Are comparison rates important?

In 2016, the member-owned lender CUA released a National Mortgage Survey which revealed that more than two in three Australians did not understand what a comparison rate on a home loan was.

This statistic is relatively alarming, given that comparison rates do hold quite a lot of significance for consumers looking to find a home loan. As we’ve already highlighted, comparison rates tell a much bigger story in terms of the overall cost, loan fees and features. 

Serious life events can strike at any time and can cause people issues in generating an income that allows them to fulfil their mortgage obligations. However, an ALI Loan Protection Plan can offer a financial buffer should you experience a serious problem that prevents you from working. To learn more about how ALI could give you the peace of mind you deserve, contact your local mortgage broker today or request your loan protection quote here

 

 

 

Loan Protection Plan is jointly issued by Hannover Life Re of Australasia Ltd ABN 37 062 395 484 (Death, Terminal Illness, Living and Accidental Injury Benefits) and QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited ABN 78 003 191 035 AFSL 239545 (Involuntary Unemployment Benefit). It is distributed by Australian Life Insurance Distribution Pty Ltd ABN 31 103 157 811 AFSG 226403 (ALI). ALI receives commission for each policy sold. Any advice provided is of a general nature only and does not take into consideration your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement when deciding if this product is appropriate for you.

You may be also interested in

ALI_FHBPlaybook_Blog_368x209

ALI Group announces its 2024 Broker Champions

Leading protection specialist, ALI Group, announces its 2024 Broker Champions.

Read Story
Everydayessentials268x209

Budgeting and planning ahead for homebuyers

Big home loan debt is a once-in-a-lifetime event for many. It can feel stressful and confusing as yo ...

Read Story
2022_BDM-team-expands-across-Australia2

What insurances are you thinking about as a buyer?

Buying property comes with its own set of insurances to think about. The question is, which is right ...

Read Story