HSBC home loans are popular options for investors buying property using foreign currency (expatriate home loans and market linked home loans) thanks to the bank’s large presence in Hong Kong.

However, it also offers a range of other home loans, including owner-occupier home loans, local investor home loans, construction loans and lines of credit.

HSBC offers home loans to suit a variety of borrowers in Australia:

• Investors
• First homebuyers
• Renovators
• Upgraders
• Refinancers
• Seniors (home equity loans)

Borrowers can also choose from a variety of interest rate options on HSBC mortgages:

• Principal-and-interest home loans
• Interest-only home loans
• Split home loans
• Variable interest rates
• Fixed interest rates

Some HSBC home loans come with limited-time interest rate discounts and other introductory offers. HSBC Premier home loans also offer additional benefits to customers who meet the eligibility requirements.

HSBC home loan rates range from moderately low to high depending on the type of borrower and home loan. Generally speaking, owner occupiers paying principal and interest receive the lowest interest rates while investors paying interest only receive the highest interest rates.

Home loan rates can also vary based on whether they are variable or fixed, and how much of a deposit is put down.

Typically, HSBC borrowers who can make large deposits can also negotiate lower interest rates. With this in mind, HSBC home loans are generally geared towards customers with existing capital – although high-LVR loans are available in some circumstances.

In terms of fees, upfront fees tend to be high, while ongoing fees tend to be very low. A discharge fee may also apply at the end of the loan term. Loan repayments can be made weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

HSBC offers a range of home loan options, primarily aimed at overseas and local investors. However, it also offers home loans for first homebuyers, upgraders and refinancers.

While some HSBC home loans come with moderately low interest rates, others attract high interest rates – so it’s important to compare what’s on the market before deciding if an HSBC home loan is the most suitable option.

Similarly, some HSBC mortgages come with an offset account and redraw facility while others don’t, meaning the level of flexibility depends on the type of home loan chosen.

Although HSBC is an established and well-known bank, it isn’t necessarily the cheapest when it comes to interest rates and fees. Borrowers may get the most value out of their home loan by taking advantage of rate discounts, special offers or other benefits through HSBC Premier.