A new year brings new opportunities and new questions.
With the market continuing to evolve in 2026, this may be an opportunity to reflect on your financial goals and consider whether you're still on track.
Here are a few important questions worth asking:
1. Is My Current Loan Still Competitive?
Rates and offers change often. What was a great deal years ago might not be now - a quick check could uncover more competitive options.
The 'loyalty tax' is real. Long-term customers often pay more than new borrowers at the same lender. A five-minute review can tell you whether you're one of them.
2. Should I Refinance This Year?
If your situation or the market has changed, refinancing could reduce repayments or improve your loan features.
Refinancing isn't just about chasing a sharper rate. It's also about restructuring the loan to fit your life now - not the life you had when you first borrowed.
The best loan for you isn't always the one with the lowest rate. It's the one built around the way you actually use your money.
- From the desk3. Am I Eligible For Any Government Schemes?
First-home buyers may qualify for government schemes like Help to Buy, the 5% Deposit Scheme, or the First Home Super Saver Scheme - which are designed to help you buy a home sooner with a smaller deposit.
Eligibility rules change, and some schemes have caps or windows that close without warning. It's worth asking whether you qualify before you look at homes - not after you've fallen in love with one that's priced just over the threshold.
4. Fixed Or Variable Loan?
Fixed offers stability, while variable gives flexibility. The right choice depends on your goals and risk comfort.
A split loan - part fixed, part variable - is also worth exploring for borrowers who want some rate certainty without locking themselves out of features like offset accounts.
5. Can I Access Equity In My Home?
If your home's value has increased or you've paid down the loan, you may be able to use equity for renovations, investing, or other needs.
Plenty of homeowners carry more equity than they realise - especially after a few years of capital growth. Knowing what's accessible is the first step in deciding whether it's useful for your goals.
Not Sure Where To Start?
Book a strategy session - we're here to answer your questions and help you make confident decisions in 2026.
