To float or fix long (or short)?

Deciding whether to float or fix your mortgage has become more complex. While short-term rates were popular, Reserve Bank data now shows a growing split, with more borrowers choosing longer-term fixes for certainty. Homeowners are weighing short-term flexibility against the security of a fixed rate.

For first home buyers (FHBs), low-deposit lending remains common, though new debt-to-income (DTI) ratio limits are becoming a challenge for some. The best strategy depends on individual risk tolerance and financial goals.