Fierce competition in the fixed-rate mortgage market
Competition in the fixed-rate segment of the home loan market intensified in July, with more than 20 lenders cutting their fixed rates and a growing number offering rates below four per cent.According to the latest Mozo Banking Roundup, borrowers can fix their rates for as little as 3.67 per cent for three years with loans.com.au, and fix for five years for as little as 3.99 per cent from Greater Bank.Among the big banks ANZ cut its three-year rate for owner-occupiers by 44 basis points to 3.85 per cent last month. It cut the three-year rate for investors by 55 bps to 3.99 per cent.National Australia Bank cut its three-year rate by ten bps to 3.89 per cent for owner-occupiers and 4.04 per cent for investors. NAB cut its one-year rate by 40 bps, its two-year rate by 14 bps and its four-year rate by 60 bps.Mozo said Westpac had a competitive two-year rate but was off the pace with other terms. It said Commonwealth Bank was off the pace across the board.Among other lenders, Citibank cut all its fixed-rate terms by 30 bps. HSBC made cuts to several terms, including a 36 bps reduction of its three-year rate to 3.69 per cent.ING Direct cut its three-year rate for owner-occupiers by 29 bps to 3.69 per cent.