Achievement highlights growing demand for alternative lending products
Mortgage Choice’s white label product suite, developed in partnership with Athena Home Loans, has surpassed $2 billion in loan settlements since its launch, marking a key achievement in under two years.
Introduced in June 2023, the Mortgage Choice Freedom suite was created to offer more competitive lending terms for borrowers. Key features include no fees for applications, discharges or account maintenance, automatic interest rate reductions as loan-to-value ratios improve, and consistent pricing for existing and new customers on comparable variable loans.
The product also responded to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s February rate cut by passing the full reduction on to all eligible borrowers immediately, a move aimed at addressing what the companies describe as the “loyalty tax” often paid by long-term customers.
Further product enhancements include the addition of the “Tailored” range, which is designed to offer more flexible options for borrowers with specialised needs.
REA Group, which owns Mortgage Choice, acquired a 19.9% stake in Athena Home Loans in September 2024, strengthening the relationship between the two companies.
According to Mortgage Choice chief executive Anthony Waldron (pictured above left), the milestone reflected strong demand for new approaches in home lending.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the success of the Mortgage Choice Freedom product suite,” he said. “The market was hungry for innovation in the home loan industry and a product that directly addressed the ‘loyalty tax’ that was affecting so many borrowers.
“Our brokers continue to play a vital role in shaping the Mortgage Choice Freedom products and service proposition, which plays a big part in why they continue to resonate with borrowers.”
Athena Home Loans co-founder and chief executive Nathan Walsh (pictured above right) added that the collaboration is aligned with Athena’s goal of reshaping lending in favour of borrowers.
“We are so proud of our successful partnership with Mortgage Choice,” Walsh said. “Bringing fair home loans to Aussies has been Athena’s mission since day one. Reaching this significant milestone with Mortgage Choice Freedom means we are achieving just that. Our partnership with the Mortgage Choice team and brokers allows us to drive real change in the industry and put the power back in borrowers’ hands.”
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