After a 2 month summer break, the RBA has kept interest rates on hold at 1.5 per cent. In recent times the RBA has maintained a fairly optimistic view on the economy, however they did note in the post-meeting statement that “downside risks” have increased. Today’s meeting confirmed that the RBA hasn’t changed course, maintaining the key line that “further progress in reducing …
First Home Buyers Slowly Getting Back in the Property Market
Amidst the housing downturn in Australia, first home buyers have been noted to be getting back in the property market. Latest data from the ABS Housing Finance report showed that first home buyers have availed of new housing loans in more than six years. Specifically, 18.3 percent of owner-occupier loans were taken out in November 2018, an increase of 0.2 percent from the October figure. This …
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RBA keeps rates on hold at record low
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left the cash rate unchanged at 1.5 per cent at the December meeting of its board, the last meeting for 2018. This is the 26th consecutive time the bank has left the rate on hold, the lowest on record. This record period of inaction by the RBA has now extended beyond two years. For many months, the RBA has said the next change in interest rates is …
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Stricter Lending Criteria Affect Homebuyers and Home Sales
Houses for sale in Australia are now experiencing longer listing times now that banks have tightened their lending criteria for potential homebuyers. In Sydney alone, homes were taking 43 days on average to sell based on data from CoreLogic. Darwin had the slowest turnover with 93 days while properties in Hobart were selling the fastest. A mortgage shopping study showed that while investors …
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Important Renting Reforms Passed through the Victorian Parliament
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018 (Amendment Act) has been approved by the Victorian Parliament. This new law includes more than 130 reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. These reforms, however, will be implemented effective July 1st 2020 yet. While the new legislation is yet to come into effect, the consultation process will continue to formulate guidelines and other …
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Abolishing negative gearing could be ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’…
If your retirement plan relies on Real Estate, you absolutely must know what Jane Slack-Smith is about to reveal in her free webinar: The New Rules for Property Wealth. Jane will show you how to protect yourself from devastating losses -- and -- capitalise handsomely in one of the most uncertain property climates Australia has ever seen… If you haven’t heard of Jane Slack-Smith - she is not your …
Interest Rates on Hold at 1.5 per cent
The Reserve Bank has left the official interest rates on hold at a record low rate of 1.5 per cent for a record 26th month in a row. Economists and traders did not expected a move, with most expecting rates to remain unchanged until at least the second half 2019. When interest rates do next move, it is very likely to be up, according to 85& of the analysts surveyed. However, that move is …
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More Melburnians Experiencing Rental Stress
Owning a home in Australia has remained a dream for many. The reason why renting has become a popular option. Unfortunately, renting has also become unaffordable these days to many Australians. Latest research showed that renters particularly those in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are spending more than 30 percent of their average wage on rent alone. This puts them in a …
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What Are The Proposed Changes Included In The New Victorian Rental Laws?
The proposed changes in Victoria's rental laws are now being tackled in Parliament. The Andrews government released details of the amendments last week and several provisions are expected to go unopposed. Some provisions that are sure to be approved include the one protecting tenants experiencing domestic violence and the clampdown on rental bidding. Once passed, the new rules will allow …
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Reserve Bank Retains Current Official Interest Rate of 1.50%
Already using Social Media? Follow ChamberlainAdvocates.com.au for the latest about tips and tricks when it comes to buying a home and hiring a buyers advocate. Today marked two years since the Reserve Bank of Australia has moved interest rates and its record-breaking run of inactivity is not predicted to end anytime soon. The RBA earlier left the interest rate unchanged at its historic low …
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