Quick Summary
Founded
1874
Owned by:
ASX Listed
Funded by:
Retail deposits and wholesale capital markets
LMI Provider:
Genworth
Lender type:
Banks
Unlike most banks, Bank of Queensland has nearly two thirds of its branches “owner managed”. The franchise like structure, great interest rates and success with mortgage brokers has enabled BOQ to become one of the more popular banks in QLD.
BOQ has also purchased Virgin Money and Investec bank (now known as BOQ Specialist) which has given it a large base of both young and professional customers such as doctors, accountants, engineers and lawyers.
How Do BOQ’s Home Loans Compare?
Pros
- Interest rate specials if you apply at the right time.
- Special discounts for doctors, accountants, engineers and lawyers.
- People who want to have a close relationship with their local branch
- Many of their branches are franchisees and give better service
- A competitive range of commercial property loans and business loans.
- Higher borrowing power (serviceability).
- Occasionally offers attractive refinance cashbacks.
- High LVR (loan to value ratio) loans available for first home buyers.
- Accepts rental history in lieu of genuine savings.
- Family employment home loans.
Cons
- Their credit team are pedantic and ask unnecessary questions.
- They have outdated systems which cause delays.
- They’re usually slow to assess loan applications.
- They don’t usually make exceptions to their lending policy.
- Conservative debt-to-income ratio.
- Shades bonus, commission and allowance incomes when calculating borrowing power.
What Home Loan Types Do They Have?
BOQ has a range of full feature home loans such as their Clear Path Variable and Professional Package as well as some no frills home loans like their Economy Home Loan and Fixed Rate Home Loan.
They have a few speciality products such as waived LMI for professionals that is offered through Bank of QLD specialist and a bridging loan for people who are selling and buying a new home.
Their most popular product is their Clear Path Variable Home loan which is a fully featured, home loan with a competitive rate.
They’ve also introduced a two year introductory rate that reverts to their discounted Clear Path Variable Rate after 2 years.
Find out if you are qualified to apply with this lender
FIND OUT HERETips For Getting A Great Rate With BOQ
- BOQ is trying to grow its market share so it’s offering special discounts to lure customers to refinance to BOQ. If you’re buying a home or refinancing at the right time, then you may get a great deal on a variable rate or fixed rate that is below what the major banks can offer.
- Use BOQ's home loan application form and BOQ's loan application checklist to prepare for your home loan application.
Note: This is the latest mortgage application as of November 2020. Please call us or refer to Bank of Queensland for their most up-to-date document requirements.