A few weeks on from the federal election and with an interest rate cut thrown in for good measure, it seems that there is some confidence returning to the Melbourne real estate market. Agents I've been speaking to have said that they're seeing more hands going up at auction, with clearance rates lifting and some properties performing well. It's still a case by case basis, regarding which suburb …
Rate cut brings interest rates to a new low
The RBA has just announced it's second rate cut in a row, bringing the cash rate down to a historic low of 1 per cent. Last month RBA governor Philip Lowe hinted at another rate cut, commented that it was "unrealistic to expect that lowering interest rates by quarter of a percentage point will materially shift the path we look to be on". Indicating that a further cut was required in order to …
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Government announces First Home Buyer Deposit Scheme
As many first home buyers struggle trying to get into the housing market, a new government scheme has been announced in the hopes of helping them take the first step on the property ladder. The First Home Loan Deposit Scheme will lower the required home deposit from the current 20%, to just 5%. A government guarantee will fund the difference of 15%. This government initiative will kick off …
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RBA cuts interest rates to record low
The Reserve Bank has cut its official interest rate from 1.5% to a historic low of 1.25%. This was a widely expected result and is the first change in the RBA's policy setting since August 2016. The RBA governor Philip Lowe suggested an upcoming rate cut in last month's speech. All 43 economists surveyed by Refinitiv had pencilled in a rate cut this month, while 80% of them also expect a …
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What a difference an election makes
It really does feel like the real estate market has given a collective sigh of relief, with the coalition retaining power. Irrespective of your political views, the uncertainly surrounding the impact of Labor's policies on negative gearing and capital gains tax were causing nervousness in the real estate market. This was being reflected in prices continuing to remain sluggish or even fall …
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APRA announces proposal to scrap inflated interest rate assessment for home borrowers
With many confident the RBA will be cutting interest rates at the upcoming June meeting, Australia's banking regulator APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) has announced a proposal to scrap a rule requiring mortgage customers' lending capacity to be assessed at an inflated interest rate. Introduced in 2014 as a measure to contain rising house prices and housing investor loan …
Purplebricks exit no surprise to those in real estate
Purplebricks is to exit Australia after 2.5 years. I don't think too many in the real estate industry are going to be surprised by this news. It just goes to show the importance of understanding your market and target audience, which is where I think Purplebricks missed the mark. I know that as a buyer's agent, when dealing with any property being sold by Purplebricks, it was such a …
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RBA announce rates prior to upcoming election
Despite much anticipation the RBA has decided they will keep rates on hold for another month, announced less than a fortnight out from the federal election. A record low cash rate of 1.5% has now been held since August 2016, although money market traders do not expect it to remain there much longer. It has been anticipated that the official cash rate would be cut due to consistently …
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The suburbs most popular for Victorian first-home buyers
Buyers and sellers advocate Wendy Chamberlain from Chamberlain Property Advocates has spoken to Domain regarding Melbourne's first home buyer's preference towards buying homes closer to Melbourne CBD, shunning long commutes. "Wendy Chamberlain said she had noticed a move towards the northern suburbs over the past six to eight months. “They’re definitely buying based on a budget under $600,000,” …
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More Older First Home Buyers Getting into the Melbourne Housing Market
As the housing prices in Melbourne continue to fall, more older first home buyers are finding opportunities to purchase their own homes. Latest statistics shared by Herald Sun & realestate.com.au have confirmed. Figures from the State Revenue Office showed that the number of first home buyers aged 40 and above was almost the same as the younger ones aged 25 and below. From July 2018 to …
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