When you’re ready to buy a home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right home loan. Among Australian lenders, St. George Bank consistently ranks as one of the most trusted for mortgages. With flexible rates, competitive offers, and a range of options for first-time buyers and refinancers alike, a St. George home loan can be tailored to almost any financial situation.
But before you jump in, it’s worth understanding what sets St. George apart — how its home loans work, the different types available, and how to secure the best deal possible.
Let’s break it all down.
What Is a St. George Home Loan?
A St. George home loan is a mortgage product offered by St. George Bank, one of Australia’s leading financial institutions and a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation. The bank provides loans for first-home buyers, property investors, and homeowners looking to refinance.
What makes St. George stand out is its balance between competitive interest rates, personalised service, and digital convenience. You can apply online, manage your repayments through Internet Banking, and even link your home loan to an offset account to save on interest.
Why Choose St. George Bank for a Home Loan?
Here’s the thing — when you compare lenders, it’s not just about interest rates. You need to look at loan flexibility, repayment options, offset features, and customer experience. St. George checks all these boxes.
Here are a few reasons borrowers choose St. George:
1. Competitive Interest Rates
St. George offers both fixed and variable rates that are often among the most competitive in the market. For example, their promotional rates for owner-occupied loans can dip below the national average — especially if you bundle it with a package account.
2. 100% Offset Accounts
A 100% offset account lets you use your savings to reduce the interest you pay on your home loan. It’s one of the easiest ways to save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan — and St. George includes this feature in many of its loan products.
3. Flexible Repayment Options
You can make extra repayments anytime on most St. George variable loans, helping you pay off your mortgage faster. Fixed loans allow additional payments up to a certain limit per year, giving you control even during a fixed period.
4. Fast Online Application
The St. George online application process is straightforward. You can apply for pre-approval online in minutes and get conditional approval before you start house-hunting.
5. Award-Winning Customer Service
St. George has received numerous awards for home loan service and digital banking experience, making it a strong choice if you want both convenience and human support.
Types of St. George Home Loans
St. George offers several loan types depending on your needs. Let’s look at the main ones.
1. Basic Home Loan
A no-frills option with low rates and fewer fees. Ideal if you want a simple loan without complex features. Great for first-home buyers on a budget.
2. Advantage Package Home Loan
This is St. George’s most popular option. You pay an annual package fee but get benefits like:
- Lower interest rates
- Fee waivers on other accounts
- Discounts on insurance and credit cards
- Access to a 100% offset account
It’s best suited for those with higher loan amounts or long-term borrowers.
3. Fixed Rate Home Loan
You lock in your rate for 1–5 years, giving you predictable repayments. This is ideal if you expect interest rates to rise soon and want peace of mind.
4. Variable Rate Home Loan
Your rate can change as the market moves. The advantage is flexibility — you can make unlimited extra repayments, redraw funds, or switch to a fixed rate later.
5. Investment Home Loan
If you’re buying property to rent out, St. George offers tailored investment loan options with competitive variable and fixed rates, plus interest-only repayment periods.
St. George Home Loan Interest Rates (2025 Update)
(Note: Rates below are indicative; check the official St. George website for current figures.)
| Loan Type | Rate Type | Comparison Rate | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Home Loan | Variable | 6.24% p.a. | No annual fee |
| Advantage Package | Variable | 5.99% p.a. | Rate discounts & offset |
| Fixed Home Loan (2 Years) | Fixed | 5.89% p.a. | Predictable repayments |
| Investment Loan | Variable | 6.49% p.a. | Interest-only available |
The comparison rate includes fees and charges, giving a more accurate idea of the loan’s true cost.
How to Apply for a St. George Home Loan
Applying for a St. George home loan is straightforward. You can start online or through a St. George branch. Here’s the general process:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
You’ll need to meet some basic criteria:
- Be 18 or older and an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have a steady income
- Have a deposit (usually 5–20% of the property price)
- A good credit history
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Common documents include:
- Proof of income (payslips, tax returns)
- ID (driver’s licence or passport)
- Bank statements showing savings and expenses
- Details of current debts (credit cards, personal loans)
Step 3: Apply for Pre-Approval
Pre-approval helps you understand how much you can borrow before house-hunting. St. George’s pre-approval process is fast and obligation-free.
Step 4: Formal Application
Once you’ve found a property, submit your full application along with the contract of sale. St. George will conduct a valuation and verify your information.
Step 5: Approval and Settlement
After approval, your loan contract is issued. Once signed, settlement occurs — and you officially own your new home.
Refinancing with St. George
Refinancing means switching your existing mortgage to another lender (or a new loan product) to save money. St. George makes refinancing simple — whether you’re chasing a better rate, consolidating debts, or accessing equity.
Benefits of Refinancing to a St. George Home Loan:
- Lower your interest rate and monthly repayments
- Access flexible redraw and offset features
- Borrow extra for renovations or investments
- Get a refinance cashback (often $2,000 or more during promotions)
It’s a smart move if your current rate is higher than the average St. George rate.
Tools to Help You Decide
St. George provides several online calculators that make decision-making easier:
- Borrowing Power Calculator: Estimate how much you can borrow based on income and expenses.
- Repayment Calculator: See how much your repayments would be under different rates and terms.
- Offset Calculator: Learn how much interest you can save with an offset account.
- Refinance Calculator: Compare your current loan to a potential St. George home loan.
These tools help you plan ahead before making any commitment.
St. George First Home Buyer Options
If you’re a first-home buyer, St. George offers:
- Reduced LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance) for eligible borrowers
- Access to government schemes like the First Home Guarantee (FHG)
- Guidance throughout the entire process, from pre-approval to settlement
You can even combine these benefits with the Advantage Package for additional discounts.
Fees and Costs to Watch Out For
While St. George’s loans are competitive, you should still budget for the usual mortgage costs:
- Application fee (may be waived under packages)
- Annual package fee (~$395)
- Property valuation and legal fees
- Lenders Mortgage Insurance (if your deposit is under 20%)
Always use the comparison rate to gauge the true cost of your loan after fees.
St. George Home Loan Support and Customer Experience
St. George is known for responsive customer support. You can reach them via:
- Phone or online chat
- Branch visits across Australia
- St. George mobile banking app
The app lets you manage repayments, check your offset balance, and view statements on the go.
Tips to Get the Best Deal on a St. George Home Loan
- Improve your credit score before applying — it increases your chance of approval and better rates.
- Save at least 20% deposit to avoid LMI.
- Bundle your accounts under the Advantage Package to get rate discounts.
- Negotiate with the lender — many borrowers don’t realize that banks can match or beat competitor offers if you ask.
- Keep an eye on refinance cashback offers — these can offset fees significantly.
St. George Home Loan Reviews: What Borrowers Say
Most customer reviews highlight:
- Easy online process
- Transparent communication
- Competitive refinance deals
Some mention slightly higher fees on smaller loans, but overall, St. George’s customer satisfaction scores are above average among major banks.
How to Apply for a St George Home Loan
- Check your credit score – Request your free report from Equifax or Experian.
- Gather documents – ID, payslips, bank statements, and property details.
- Get pre-approval – It’s valid for 90 days and helps you bid confidently.
- Submit your application – Online, in-branch, or via a mortgage broker.
- Property valuation & verification – The bank assesses the property value.
- Formal approval & settlement – Once approved, your funds are released, and repayments begin.
St George Home Loan Calculator
Before applying, you can use the St George Home Loan Calculator to estimate:
- Monthly repayments
- Total interest payable
- Loan term impacts
- Savings from extra repayments
Example:
Borrow $600,000 over 30 years at 5.54% p.a.
→ Monthly repayment ≈ $3,415
→ Total interest ≈ $628,000 over the life of the loan.
If you pay an extra $200 per month, you could save over $80,000 and cut your term by almost 4 years.
Is a St. George Home Loan Right for You?
If you want a reliable, feature-rich, and flexible home loan with good digital tools and solid customer support, St. George is a strong contender.
It’s especially ideal for:
- Homeowners who want offset and redraw flexibility
- Borrowers planning to stay in their property long-term
- Those looking for reliable refinancing options
However, if you’re chasing the absolute lowest basic rate and don’t need features, smaller online-only lenders might be worth comparing too.
St George Bank, part of the Westpac Group, is one of Australia’s most trusted mortgage providers.
They offer a broad range of home finance options — including variable rate, fixed rate, split, and investment loans.
Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or investing in property, St George’s product range is designed to cater to different financial goals.
Types of St George Home Loans
1. Basic Home Loan
A no-frills option with low variable interest rates, no monthly fees, and the flexibility to make extra repayments anytime.
Perfect if you want lower ongoing costs and don’t need add-ons.
Key features
- Competitive variable rate (from around 5.54% p.a.)
- Free online redraw facility
- No monthly account-keeping fee
- Available for owner-occupiers and investors
2. Standard Variable Home Loan
Comes with more flexibility — like offset accounts, redraw, and loan splits — but at a slightly higher rate.
Ideal for: Borrowers who want to combine multiple features like offset, variable/fixed splits, or flexible repayments.
3. Fixed Rate Home Loan
Fix your rate for 1 to 5 years to lock in predictable repayments.
You can make extra repayments (within limits) and even split your loan to balance flexibility and stability.
4. Advantage Package Home Loan
For customers borrowing over $150,000, St George offers the Advantage Package, bundling your home loan with a credit card, insurance discounts, and rate reductions for a $395 annual fee.
This package often qualifies for discounted fixed and variable rates, potentially saving thousands across the loan term.
Final Thoughts
Buying or refinancing a home is a big financial decision — and choosing the right lender matters just as much as choosing the property. With its long-standing reputation, range of home loan options, and customer-first approach, a St. George home loan gives you both flexibility and peace of mind.
Whether you’re buying your first home, investing in property, or switching from another bank, it’s worth getting a personalized rate quote from St. George before you make your final move.