GAY couples and single mothers are to benefit from discounted home loans as an independent mortgage manager targets groups previously ignored by major Australian lenders.
Australian Mortgages, which announced a low variable home-loan rate for non-smokers two weeks ago, said it would now launch a discount scheme for single mothers and gay couples beginning early next year.
'We are going to get a 12-month calendar of specific target groups that we believe have been disadvantaged because of conservative lending,' Australian Mortgages director Ron Guthrie said.
'Those groups that haven't had a chance in hell of getting a home loan will find we can offer them real help,' he added.
Guthrie said the new rates were expected to be 1.5 per cent cheaper than those offered by banks.