Use equity from your property
Equity is the difference between the bank’s valuation of your house and the amount you owe on the loan. It can build up over time because either your home value has risen or you’ve reduced your loan balance.
You may be able to use equity in your home to support your renovation plans.
Considerations for using equity
- Check how much equity you have built up as this will decide how much you can borrow.
- Compare the interest rates and terms of a home equity loan or line of credit with other financing options to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
- By accessing your home’s equity, your loan balance will also go up, which means higher monthly repayments to cover the additional borrowed amount.
- It’s worth evaluating if a renovation will boost your home’s market value.
Use redraw (if available)
Redrawing from your home loan for renovations may be another option, but it depends on how much you have available to redraw. Not all loans have a redraw options so it is best to check with your lender.
Considerations for using redraw
- Start by making sure you understand how much extra money you’ve paid into your mortgage and how much is available for redraw.
- If you choose this option, it’s worth keeping in mind that the balance on your loan will increase and you may end up paying more interest over time
- Ensure that using redraw fits your broader financial plan and you’re able to handle the new repayment schedule comfortably.
Refinance your existing home loan
Refinancing your existing home loan can give you extra funds for your renovations. A refinance might involve moving your home loan to another lender. Alternatively, you may already have a home loan but wish to change its terms, say from fixed to variable rate.
Considerations for refinancing your loan
- Look at the current interest rates and check if refinancing can get you a better deal than your existing loan.
- Check if there are any fees and costs associated with refinancing, as these can add up.
- Consider if refinancing will impact your loan term and monthly payments.
Refinancing your home loan can also include debt consolidation. You could reduce your costs by putting all your debts, including credit cards and personal loans, into one repayment.
Use a personal home renovation loan
A renovation loan, also known as a home remodel loan, is a financial product designed to help you fund the costs associated with updating, remodelling or improving your home. From repairs to decorative upgrades, a renovation loan can help cover the costs. You’ll be able to spread out your payments over time, which means you don’t have to drain your savings or rack up credit card debt.
If you’re in the market for a renovation loan, consider applying for a personal loan. They’re great to get smaller renovations underway, and you can apply for the loan once you have an estimated cost.
Considerations for a renovation loan
- Interest rates on personal loans are higher than home loans because they’re unsecured credit.
- The maximum loan term for a personal loan is seven years. So, even though the interest rate is higher, the interest charged over the life of the loan will be lower.
- Also, be aware that your personal loan repayments will be higher than a home loan because the loan term is shorter.
- Use a building and construction loan
If you’ve decided to renovate your home, a building and construction loan (BICOE) could be the way to go. You’ll be allowed to drawdown on your loan as needed, which means a portion of your loan is released at each stage of construction. This can help you manage your cashflow during a big project and you’ll pay less interest than if you borrowed the entire amount up front.
Considerations for a construction and building loan
- As you draw down more of your loan, the amount of interest you pay will start increasing. Remember to budget accordingly.
- Since funds are released in stages, you’ll need to manage the project timeline carefully.
- Be sure to factor in additional costs like permits and inspections that may come up during a renovation.
Before going ahead, contact us for more information.
Source: NAB
Reproduced with permission of National Australia Bank (‘NAB’). This article was originally published at https://www.nab.com.au/personal/home-loans/renovation-lending-ideas
National Australia Bank Limited. ABN 12 004 044 937 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 230686. The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. Any advice contained in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any advice on this website, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
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