Perth-based. Serving WA & Australia-wide.
Published: 15 August 2025 – Perth time
By Kate Sheldrick – Finance Broker
This week felt busy in the best way. A couple in Spearwood called about a fixed rate ending. A first-home buyer in Baldivis asked if her budget changed. A Wangara tradie wanted a ute but wasn’t sure how to set it up. Underneath it all was the same question: “What should I do now?” Here’s how I’m helping – simply, and without the runaround.
Quick take
- Lenders are rolling out rate changes on their own timelines – don’t assume yours has moved yet.
- A lower loan rate helps, but if your savings/bonus rate was trimmed, the win can shrink.
- WA first-home buyer stamp duty concessions (since March 2025) still reduce upfront costs if you’re eligible.
- Buying vehicles or equipment? I’ll get the structure right first; your accountant can confirm the tax side.
What’s happening and why it matters
Notifications are landing at different times – even within the same bank. Some lenders also nudged down savings rates quickly. If your spare cash sits in a saver instead of your offset, the benefit from a lower home-loan rate can be smaller than you expect.
Kate’s note: I care more about the comparison rate than the headline rate – it’s the cleaner apples-to-apples number once fees are included.
Your next steps (simple plan)
1. Open your banking app/email and note your new rate and effective date.
2. Check your comparison rate. If it isn’t competitive, I’ll benchmark it properly.
3. Review your offset vs saver setup so the cut actually helps you.
4. If your fixed rate ends in the next 6–12 months, I’ll line up options early so you don’t roll to a dud revert rate.
Free 10 minute Rate Check
Email [email protected] with your lender, current rate, limit, remaining term and rough property value/LVR. I’ll reply with a clear yes/no and what I’d do in your shoes.
First-home buyers (WA)
A quick win I’m seeing right now: use WA’s stamp duty concessions first, then set a clean pre-approval and a price band that keeps repayments comfortable. One Baldivis client did exactly this – she walked into home opens confident instead of guessing.
Takeaway: Use concessions + pre-approval to buy well, not just bigger.
Homeowners & refinancers
• Confirm the change. Lenders move at different speeds even when they pass on the full cut.
• Comparison rate matters. If value isn’t there, I’ll find sharper options.
• Protect the win. If your saver rate was clipped, your offset may be the better home for spare funds.
• Fixed ending? I’ll map the dates and cash flow so nothing gets messy.
Small business & asset finance
Before you sign for that ute, machinery or a fit-out:
- Pick the right structure. Chattel mortgage vs lease vs rental – I’ll match it to your cash flow and balloon preferences.
- Keep docs light. Recent BAS/managements, ATO snapshot and a supplier quote/spec usually get us moving.
- On tax. I’ll structure the finance and work with your accountant to confirm deductibility. Settings change – timing matters.
Recently, a Welshpool plumbing business needed a dual-cab quickly. I matched a balloon to their seasonal cash flow, kept paperwork tight and timed settlement with delivery so they stayed on the tools.
Takeaway: Structure first, signatures second.
When I’ll say don’t refinance
- Your current deal is sharp and the alternative has slow turnaround or poor service.
- You’re selling or renovating soon and the costs won’t wash.
- Extending the term would tempt you to over-stretch cash flow. If staying put is smarter, I’ll say so.
How I work
- Policy-savvy placement: PAYG, self-employed, multiple incomes, old credit quirks – I place you where you’ll actually win.
- Real-world deadlines: pre-approvals when you need them; settlements that don’t derail plans.
- Clear comms: I return calls, explain in plain English and respect your time.
Next step: Email [email protected] with subject “Rate Cut Check” and your details. Prefer a quick call? Add your mobile and a good time – I’ll ring between meetings.
General Advice Warning
This is general information only and doesn’t consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. It isn’t legal, tax or financial advice. Products, lender policies and government programs change. Information is current as at 15 August 2025. Get personal advice before acting and speak with your accountant about tax treatment.