Refinance Calculator AU
Table of contents
7 sections
How to assess the costs of refinancing a fixed-rate home loan
Request a break-cost quote for the intended date
Ask your current lender for the cost of ending the fixed period on your intended payout date. Record the date, amount, expiry or validity conditions and whether other charges are included. Ask what happens if settlement moves.
Break costs are lender-specific and can change. They may depend on funding-rate movements, the amount repaid and time remaining. Do not substitute a percentage of your balance or another borrower’s quote. NAB’s economic-cost explanation illustrates why a lender quote is needed.
Add the break quote to the other switching costs
Open the costs calculator. Put the quoted early-exit amount in Fixed-rate break cost. Enter discharge, government, application, valuation, settlement and other applicable charges in their own fields.
If a quote already bundles several charges, separate them where possible or include the total once. Confirm any cashback conditions before subtracting it. In the illustrative screenshot, the $3,200 break cost plus $1,000 of other costs makes $4,200 in total. This is an example, not a typical or quoted lender charge.
Compare recovery time with your plans
Estimate monthly savings after ongoing fees using the home loan refinance calculator, then enter that saving in the costs calculator. With $4,200 of costs, no cashback and $200 monthly saving, simple break-even is 21 months.
Check how that period compares with your intended holding period and fixed-rate expiry. Use the timing guide to put the result in context. The calculation assumes the saving stays constant; it does not predict the rate you would pay after the current fixed period ends.
Compare early exit with waiting until expiry
Ask your lender about the end-of-term arrangements and obtain an indicative comparison for waiting as well as switching now. Record which figures are firm and which may change. A rollover rate or future offer cannot be treated as guaranteed unless the lender confirms the applicable terms.
Consider the remaining fixed period, the early-exit cost, features and repayment terms of each option. Have the lender or broker review the schedules where the rates change at different dates; the main calculator does not model that sequence. Use the refinance checklist before proceeding.
Three charges that should not be confused
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Fixed-rate break cost | The lender’s charge for the proposed early change, with a quote date. |
| Discharge fee | The separate administration charge for closing the existing loan. |
| New-loan and government fees | The costs of establishing and registering the replacement loan. |
A zero break-cost quote does not automatically mean switching is free. Keep the other charges and loan features in the comparison. If timing changes, ask whether any quoted amounts need to be refreshed.
Sources and calculator limits
Sources checked on 28 October 2026. Examples use fixed inputs; actual fees, rates, valuations and approval rules can differ. Read the calculator assumptions and limitations. For questions about the site, contact us. About Sana Hosseni and the calculators.
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Where will your next move take you?
Choose the calculator or guide that helps you understand your next refinance decision. Browse all calculators or explore the guides.
Calculators and practical guides
Compare your current loan with a new loan, including repayments, fees and payoff time.
Work out your loan-to-value ratio, equity and distance from 80% LVR.
Estimate your usable equity and the loan amount at your chosen LVR.
Compare two offers against your current loan, including fees and cashback.
Add up switching costs and estimate how long your savings take to cover them.
