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Conflicting mortgage data confuses debate

by Staff Reporter9 minute read
The Adviser

Fixed-rate loans are either becoming more popular or less popular, depending on whose figures you believe.

Aussie Home Loans reported that 12 per cent of its customers fixed their mortgages in November, compared to 17 per cent the year before.

The finding was based on 6,724 home loan settlements from Aussie's panel of 19 lenders.

However, finder.com.au has reported that 33 per cent of borrowers who sourced a loan through the comparison website in November opted for a fixed-rate mortgage.

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That compared to a share of 25 per cent in January 2014 and 11 per cent in November 2011.

Aussie executive chairman John Symond said borrowers are hedging their bets on interest rates.

"They're wanting to take advantage of a competitive mortgage market, and despite no cash rate changes in 16 months, lenders are continuing their moves toward lower interest rates," he said.

"Customers who want the best of both worlds are splitting their home loan into fixed and variable portions."

Michelle Hutchison, spokesperson for finder.com.au, said borrowers may be fixing their mortgages because they fear that interest rates will rise next year.

"Even though some experts have changed their forecasts and are now expecting a rate drop before they start to rise, the majority are still expecting rates to rise next year," she said.

[Related: Another big four bank predicts rate cut]

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