On the occasion of Home Expo (formerly the Autumn Fair), we've brought together all the important information you need to get started on your housing project! From financing to ecological subsidies, you'll find everything you need to know about your future home. Happy reading!
Real estate loan: what rate should you choose?
You've found your dream house, and all you have to do now is take out a housing loan with your bank. You're wondering whether to go for a fixed or variable rate. There are no right answers and no magic formula. Since no two properties are alike, your Housing Advisor is best placed to offer you financing solutions suited to your project and, above all, to your personal and financial situation. Still, there are some important differences between fixed and variable rates.
Variable rates offer greater flexibility, because they allow for early redemption at any time without charges. Whereas the lent funds are paid into the customer’s account in one go with a fixed-rate loan, variable-rate loans are normally released bit by bit as the work or project progresses. In other words, interest is only owed on the portion of the loan already taken up.
However, the rate changes with the market rate and does not allow you to plan the expenses linked to your housing loan in advance. Monthly repayments could jeopardise your budgeting if rates increase.
If you are one of those people who cannot make up their mind, you should know that there is a type of hybrid housing loan that combines fixed and variable elements. With hybrid loans, there are no early redemption charges for the second part of the loan. Plus, since you pay back the majority of your interest over the first few years, you could still do well if the rate subsequently changes. In any event, you must always take into account your employment status and personal circumstances when taking out a housing loan.