A quieter shift is now unlocking real opportunity.
For the past three years, interest rates have dominated the headlines. But in the background, something just as important has been quietly unfolding: property values have surged.
And that quiet rise has tipped thousands of Aussie homeowners, especially in WA, SA and QLD, into a stronger financial position than they might realise.
So strong, in fact, that many now qualify to refinance and potentially save thousands, even if they bought as recently as 2022.
But here’s the catch: most haven’t checked.
Let’s break it down: How property values shift your LVR
When you buy a home, your Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) plays a big part in your rate and loan costs.
If your LVR is high (above 80%), you may be hit with higher interest rates or need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). But if your property’s value goes up while your loan balance goes down, your LVR improves, and that opens doors.
A lower LVR could mean:
Better interest rate tiers
Lower or removed LMI
More flexible loan features
Easier access to equity
And right now, more homeowners in WA, SA and QLD are hitting those key thresholds.
WA leads, but SA and QLD aren’t far behind
Western Australia has seen some of the biggest equity improvements:
98.6% of high-LVR borrowers from 2022-2024 now qualify to refinance
42.2% are below 70% LVR
20.2% are under 80%
This reflects WA’s strong property growth, up 20%+ between 2022 and 2024.
*Data sourced internally, June 2025
For example:
Say you bought a home in Perth in 2022 with a 10% deposit (90% LVR). Since then, your property value has risen by 15% and you’ve been making your repayments.
New LVR? Potentially under 70%
What that means? A lower rate, reduced or no LMI, and stronger loan features.
*Data sourced internally, June 2025
You might also be interested in: WA Property Market Forecast 2025
SA and QLD: Strong value growth, strong refi potential
South Australia:
85.9% of borrowers with high-LVR loans are now refinance-ready
Many have moved into the 60–70% LVR range, triggering better rate options
*Data sourced internally, June 2025
You might also be interested in: SA Property Market Forecast 2025
Queensland:
90.4% of eligible loans are now in a stronger equity position
20.8% of borrowers are under 80% LVR
36.7% have dropped below 70%
*Data sourced internally, June 2025
You might also be interested in: QLD Property Market Forecast 2025
For buyers in growth areas like Adelaide’s north or southeast QLD, these value gains could translate into thousands in potential savings, if they act.
What happens when you cross an LVR threshold?
Lenders typically group customers into pricing tiers based on their LVR.
LVR bracket | What it means |
Over 80% | Higher rates, possible LMI required |
70%–80% | Moderate risk, access to better rates |
Under 70% | Low risk, good pricing and features available |
Under 60% | Premium borrower profile, strongest negotiating position |
Crossing from one tier to the next can make a major difference in your loan cost.
Let’s say:
You bought a home for $600,000 in 2023
Your loan was $540,000 (90% LVR)
Your home is now worth $700,000 (20% growth)
Your new LVR? Roughly 77%, low enough to escape LMI and potentially secure a sharper rate. That could save you potentially hundreds per month, or tens of thousands over your loan term.
Now imagine your neighbour hasn’t checked their position, they’re still paying their old rate, unaware of what’s possible.
How much lower should your rate be to refinance?
A common question we hear is: “When is it worth refinancing?”
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, many brokers suggest the 1% rule. If you can reduce your interest rate by even 1%, refinancing can often pay for itself, especially if you plan to stay in the home long term.
But even smaller reductions can make sense, especially if:
You’re removing LMI costs
You’re consolidating other debts
You’re switching to a loan with better features (e.g. offset account)
What matters most is the total cost vs total benefit, and that’s where an Aussie Broker can help you run the numbers.
The cheapest way to access your home’s equity
Another powerful reason to refinance? Unlocking the equity you’ve built.
Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. And in WA, SA, and QLD, that gap has grown quickly.
Many borrowers are now using that equity to:
Fund renovations
Purchase an investment property
Pay off higher-interest debts (like credit cards or personal loans)
Refinance to a shorter loan term
With a lower LVR, you may be able to redraw, increase your loan, or access a line of credit, all without dramatically increasing your monthly repayments.
The key is smart structuring and that’s where a refinance strategy can make all the difference.
You might also be interested in: How to refinance to reduce debt and build equity faster
How to act before the refinance rush
Refinancing doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s how to get started:
1. Use a refinance calculator
Find out how much you could save by switching loans.
2. Check your current LVR
Enter your loan balance and estimated property value to see your new position.
3. Get a free property report
We’ll send you a personalised report showing recent comparable sales and current market value.
4. Book a free^ chat with an Aussie Broker
We’ll review your loan, compare lenders, and help you understand your refinance options.
A window of opportunity for smart borrowers
As property prices continue to rise in many parts of the country, a refinance wave is building, especially in WA, SA and QLD.
If you bought in the last 2-3 years and haven’t reviewed your home loan, you could be in a far better position than you think. Lower LVR, more equity, better rates, but only if you take the next step.
At Aussie, we’ve helped over 1.5 million Australians explore their options and we’re ready to help you do the same.
Ready to see if you qualify?
Live in WA, SA or QLD? You could be eligible to refinance right now.
