TOP 10 MORTGAGE TIPS FOR YOU IN 2026
Practical loan advice from leading mortgage brokers in Australia
The mortgage landscape in Australia continues to change, and 2026 is no different. It’s crucial to ensure your mortgage works in your best interests and meets your needs, especially when our debt levels are at record highs.
Whether you’re a first home buyer, refinancing, or building your property portfolio, small decisions today can have a big impact on the life of your loan.
Below are our Top 10 Mortgage Tips for 2026 in Australia, designed to help you make smarter, more confident borrowing decisions:
1. Prepare for higher repayments — even if rates don’t rise
Questions people are asking: How can I protect myself from future rate increases?
Even if interest rates stabilise in 2026, many borrowers are still adjusting to higher repayments than they’ve experienced in the past.
What you can do:
Stress-test your loan at 1–2% above your current rate
Use offset accounts or redraw facilities to create a buffer
Avoid borrowing at your absolute maximum capacity
Why it matters:
Borrowers who plan for higher repayments early tend to experience far less financial stress, even when conditions change.
Here’s our repayment tool to help you with this:
2. Review your mortgage structure — not just your interest rate
Questions people are asking: Is the lowest rate always the best option? How can I debt recycle?
A competitive interest rate is important, but it’s only one part of the equation.
In 2026, loan structure matters more than ever:
Flexibility to refinance or make extra repayments
Refinancing and swapping around non-deductible debt for deductible debt
A cheaper rate can cost you more if the loan doesn’t suit how you actually use your money.
And don’t forget, it’s the purpose of the funds that determines the tax treatment of the interest charges that you incur.
3. Understand your true borrowing capacity (not just what the bank says)
Questions people are asking: How much can I really afford to borrow?
Banks calculate borrowing capacity using strict models, but affordability is personal. At Black and White Finance we have a rule, can you actually put your head on your pillow at night with these repayments?
Before committing:
Factor in lifestyle changes, family plans, and job security
Allow for insurance, maintenance, and cost-of-living increases
Leave room to breathe financially
Borrowing less than the maximum can often lead to better long-term outcomes.
4. Don’t wait to speak with a mortgage broker
Questions people are asking: When should I talk to a mortgage broker?
The best time to engage a broker is before you:
Make an offer
Refinance
Lock in a fixed rate
Commit to a construction or investment strategy
Early advice helps avoid costly mistakes and gives you clarity on what’s possible, before pressure sets in.
5. Make offset accounts work harder for you
Questions people are asking: Are offset accounts still worth it in 2026?
For many Australians, the answer is yes.
Offset accounts can:
Reduce interest charged on your loan
Improve cash flow flexibility
Act as an emergency buffer without locking funds away
Allow you to categorise your savings in a cleaner way
Used correctly, an offset can save tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan.
6. Review your home loan regularly, not “set and forget”
Question people are asking: How often should I review my mortgage?
At minimum, your loan should be reviewed:
Every 6 months
When interest rates move
After major life changes (new job, family, business, investment)
Lenders don’t reward loyalty, but regular reviews ensure your loan still aligns with your goals.
At Black and White Finance, we review all our client loans every 6 months.
7. Understand refinancing costs and benefits properly
Question people are asking: Is refinancing worth it?
Refinancing can reduce repayments or unlock equity, but only when done strategically.
In 2026, it’s important to weigh:
Refinancing costs vs long-term savings
Resetting loan terms (and total interest)
Cash-out risks vs opportunities
Unused bank accounts, credit cards, or expensive car leases could be costing you more than you realize. Close or consolidate them to reduce fees and improve your borrowing power. You can also refinance car loans or consolidate debts into your home loan to save. A good refinance isn’t just cheaper, it’s smarter.
8. Protect your credit score; it matters more than ever
Question people are asking: Does my credit score really affect my mortgage?
Yes, increasingly so.
Lenders assess:
Repayment history
Credit enquiries
Existing limits (even unused ones).
Simple habits like paying bills on time and limiting unnecessary credit checks can materially improve your borrowing options.
9. Get professional advice before fixing your rate
Question people are asking: Should I fix my home loan in 2026?
Fixed rates can provide certainty, but they reduce flexibility. It’s a big bet to take.
Before fixing, consider:
Break costs
Offset restrictions
Your likelihood of refinancing or selling
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, timing, what you believe will happen in the future, and structure really matter.
10. Choose advice over sales every time
Question people are asking: How do I choose the right mortgage broker?
The best mortgage broker:
Educates, not pressures
Explains options in plain English
Structures loans around your long-term goals
At Black & White Finance, our philosophy is simple: No grey areas. Just clear, tailored advice.
Frequently Asked Mortgage Questions for 2026
What is the best mortgage strategy for 2026?
The best strategy depends on your income stability, future plans, and risk tolerance. Most borrowers benefit from flexible loan structures with buffers built in.
How often should I refinance my home loan?
There’s no fixed rule — but reviewing your loan every 6 months (as we do for all our clients here at Black and White Finance) ensures it remains competitive and suitable.
Are mortgage brokers better than going directly to a bank?
A broker compares multiple lenders, we have 30+ on our panel here at Black and White Finance.
We structure loans strategically, rather than offering a single product. We have great, long-lasting relationships with the lenders we work with. We also have better negotiating power than an individual client based on our volumes. You never pay more for your loan with us vs. going direct to the lender. When things go wrong, we are here to help. We deal with lenders daily, when an issue arises, we are here to help in a truly genuine way. Ongoing care, with reviews every 6 months, is something we love doing for all our clients.
How much deposit do I really need?
While 20% is preferred, many borrowers succeed with less by using Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) or family assist strategies.
Should I fix my mortgage rate in 2026?
This depends on your risk tolerance, expected rate movement, and loan structure goals. Fixed rates offer predictability but reduce flexibility.
How often should I review my loan?
At least once every 6 months, or when interest rates move significantly or your personal circumstances change. Again, at Black and White Finance, we review all our client loans every 6 months.
Ready to make smarter mortgage decisions in 2026?
Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or planning ahead, we’re here to help you navigate your options with clarity and confidence.
