Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) announced on 6 October that it is introducing tighter mortgage serviceability tests, making it more difficult for some borrowers to get a home loan. The minimum interest rate buffer on home loan applications has been increased from 2.5 to 3 percentage points. Therefore, from November, new borrowers will be tested by banks to determine their …
Looming crackdown on the surge in house prices
As house prices continue to increase, there are whisperings of home loan crackdowns looming within the next 12 months. There have been discussions held between the Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg and the banking regulator APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) to determine how to take control of the situation before it gets out of hand. APRA is an independent statutory …
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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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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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