Debt Consolidation
in Australia.
Local Knowledge Finance is led by James Chee — a Registered Mortgage Broker, Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), and Registered Tax Agent based in Mascot, NSW. We help Australians consolidate credit cards, personal loans, car finance and other debts into a single home loan at a substantially lower interest rate, comparing products from 40+ lenders at no cost to you.
Whether you are managing multiple repayments, drowning in credit card interest, or want a structured path to being debt-free — our triple-certified team models the true numbers so you can make an informed decision. Bound by Best Interests Duty.
What debt consolidation really means — and when it makes sense
Debt consolidation means combining multiple debts — credit cards, personal loans, car finance, buy-now-pay-later balances — into a single loan, usually your home loan. Because a mortgage is secured against property, the interest rate is typically 5–6% compared to 15–22% on unsecured debts. The result is one lower monthly repayment and a clear path to being debt-free.
The critical consideration is that a home loan runs over a much longer term. Without a structured plan to pay off the consolidated amount faster, you could end up paying more total interest despite the lower rate. That is why working with a broker who structures the loan with a separate split and accelerated repayment schedule matters — and why a broker who is also a CPA and Tax Agent can spot deductibility angles that a standard broker cannot.
Lower your rate
Replace 15–22% unsecured rates with a 5–6% secured mortgage rate.
One repayment
Simplify multiple debts into a single, manageable monthly payment.
Structured payoff
Separate loan split + extra repayments to clear debt in 3–5 years, not 25.
Australian Rate Context for Debt Consolidation
As of September 2026 — how consolidation compares
The RBA cash rate currently sits at 4.35%. Big Four bank standard variable home loan rates range from 5.99% to 6.44%, while competitive lenders on our panel offer rates below the majors. Compare that to credit card interest of 18–22%, personal loans at 8–15%, and car finance at 7–12%. Consolidating $50,000 of credit card debt from 20% into a home loan at 6% saves approximately $7,000 per year in interest alone. Local Knowledge Finance compares products from over 40 lenders to find the best consolidation structure for your circumstances.
Common debts we consolidate for clients
Each debt type has different interest characteristics. Here is how consolidation works for the most common scenarios.
Credit Card Consolidation
Roll high-interest credit card balances (typically 18–22%) into your home loan at a fraction of the rate. A $30,000 credit card balance at 20% costs roughly $6,000 per year in interest — inside a 6% mortgage that drops to around $1,800.
Typical saving: $4,000+/year on $30K balance
- Eliminate 18–22% card rates
- Single monthly repayment
- Immediate cash-flow relief
- Reduce minimum-payment traps
Personal Loan Consolidation
Unsecured personal loans at 8–15% can be absorbed into a secured mortgage, potentially halving or more the interest cost. Ideal when you have equity in your property and want one structured repayment instead of several.
Typical saving: 50–70% interest reduction
- Consolidate multiple personal loans
- Secured rate replaces unsecured rate
- Extend or shorten term flexibility
- Structured debt elimination plan
Car & Vehicle Loan Consolidation
Vehicle finance at 7–12% can be merged into your mortgage when there is sufficient equity. Particularly effective for multiple vehicle loans or novated leases nearing end-of-term, though you should weigh the longer repayment timeline.
Typical saving: 3–6% rate reduction
- Merge car loans into mortgage
- One repayment instead of many
- Reduce total monthly outgoings
- Equity-based lending assessment
ATO & Tax Debt Consolidation
Outstanding ATO debts, BAS liabilities or payment plans can sometimes be consolidated into a structured facility — particularly relevant for self-employed borrowers. As CPA-certified brokers and Registered Tax Agents, we understand both the lending and tax sides.
Case-specific: structured resolution
- ATO payment plan integration
- BAS and GST debt structuring
- Self-employed specialist lending
- CPA + Tax Agent dual expertise
How we structure a debt consolidation
Full Debt Audit
We map every debt — balances, rates, minimum repayments, and remaining terms — to understand the true cost of your current position.
Savings Modelling
We model the consolidation across multiple lenders and structures, showing your monthly saving, total interest comparison, and optimal split structure.
Lender Matching
We match you with the best lender from our 40+ panel for your specific situation — equity position, income type, and debt profile.
Structured Payoff
We set up a separate loan split with accelerated repayments so the consolidated debt is eliminated in 3–5 years, not spread over the full mortgage term.
Debt Consolidation FAQs
Specialist Finance Divisions
Local Knowledge Finance operates as a unified practice across commercial, development and residential finance. Every niche is led by James Chee — CPA, Registered Tax Agent and Registered Mortgage Broker — so your strategy is never siloed.
Commercial Finance
Business & Commercial Lending
Business purchase, commercial property, equipment finance, cashflow lending and SMSF loans — structured by a CPA and Tax Agent who understands your financials.
Development Finance
Construction & Development Lending
Specialist construction loans for duplexes, townhouses and medium-density projects up to $10M. Fast non-bank approvals with progressive drawdown management.
Tailored Home Loans
Prestige & Residential Lending
Sydney's Eastern Suburbs specialist for prestige home loans, first home buyers, refinancing and investment lending — with local market intelligence that matters.
Ready to consolidate? Let's run your numbers.
A free, no-obligation conversation with a CPA-certified broker who compares 40+ lenders and models the true saving — monthly and total.