Invest
‘Tread carefully’: Big decline reported in home loan volumes
New data shows a 15 per cent decline in home loan volumes, prompting warnings to government to be cautious in its tinkering with policies impacting credit and property.

‘Tread carefully’: Big decline reported in home loan volumes
New data shows a 15 per cent decline in home loan volumes, prompting warnings to government to be cautious in its tinkering with policies impacting credit and property.

According to the Australian Finance Group’s (AFG) latest Mortgage and Competition Index, lending volumes fell by 10 per cent nationwide in the three months to 31 March 2019 (3Q19), from 25,536 to 23,049.
This represents the lowest quarterly figure reported in six years, according to AFG.
Further, the total value of mortgage lodgements also declined, falling by 10 per cent ($1.3 billion) quarter-on-quarter, from $12.9 billion to $11.6 billion, and by 16 per cent ($2.2 billion) from $13.8 billion in the previous corresponding period.
'Tread carefully'
For CEO of AFG David Bailey, these numbers signal clearly to policymakers that they should approach the lending market with caution.
“The numbers provide stark evidence that the lending environment has significantly deteriorated,” he said.
“It’s a wake-up call for policymakers,” he added.
“The softening of the residential market across the country is a real concern, with Sydney and Melbourne driving the downturn and some states enduring a prolonged period of falling activity,” he said.
“The data confirms we have reached a critical time in the housing market cycle, and we would urge policymakers to tread carefully in any regulatory responses flowing from the royal commission,” he said.
“This is a time for considered policy formulation that considers the full potential impact on the lending market,” he added.
“It is clear, the broader implications for the Australian economy are huge if we get it wrong,” he said.
Read more of home loan here.

Property
How to turn your ‘costly’ lifestyle investment into a money-making asset
Emotionally driven holiday home buyers are being advised to seek maximum rental income and depreciation benefits to make their investments viable. ...Read more

Property
Dutch e-commerce giant VidaXL ramping up Australian operations
Netherlands-based online retailer VidaXL is ramping up its operations in Australia, by launching the build of a brand new 81,000 sq m national distribution centre in Melbourne. ...Read more

Property
Invest in property or watch savings dwindle, expert warns
Money is cheaper than it’s ever been on the back of a favourable interest rate environment, compelling Aussies to shift away from other types of investment vehicles and into property investment. ...Read more

Property
Is 2021 a great year to buy property? Aussies think so
2021 is tipped to be one of the busiest years for property ever as money remains cheap and readily accessible, with a majority of Aussies agreeing that now is a good time to buy. ...Read more

Property
Young Aussies set their sights on home ownership in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated younger Australians’ desire to own their own home, despite affordability remaining a significant concern, new research has revealed. ...Read more

Property
HomeBuilder stimulus causing surge in new houses: ABS
Housing schemes such as HomeBuilder and historically low-interest rates are causing a surge in new properties being built in Australia, official stats have shown. ...Read more

Property
Cancelled gap years could trigger first home buyer frenzy
COVID-19’s cancellation of travel plans could fuel demand from first home buyers in Western Australia, according to a chief executive. ...Read more

Property
When will Australia crack the $1m median house price?
A property investor has predicted Australia’s median house price will surge to over $1 million in the next three years, as the economic recovery acts as a tailwind for the industry. ...Read more

Property
How to turn your ‘costly’ lifestyle investment into a money-making asset
Emotionally driven holiday home buyers are being advised to seek maximum rental income and depreciation benefits to make their investments viable. ...Read more

Property
Dutch e-commerce giant VidaXL ramping up Australian operations
Netherlands-based online retailer VidaXL is ramping up its operations in Australia, by launching the build of a brand new 81,000 sq m national distribution centre in Melbourne. ...Read more

Property
Invest in property or watch savings dwindle, expert warns
Money is cheaper than it’s ever been on the back of a favourable interest rate environment, compelling Aussies to shift away from other types of investment vehicles and into property investment. ...Read more

Property
Is 2021 a great year to buy property? Aussies think so
2021 is tipped to be one of the busiest years for property ever as money remains cheap and readily accessible, with a majority of Aussies agreeing that now is a good time to buy. ...Read more

Property
Young Aussies set their sights on home ownership in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated younger Australians’ desire to own their own home, despite affordability remaining a significant concern, new research has revealed. ...Read more

Property
HomeBuilder stimulus causing surge in new houses: ABS
Housing schemes such as HomeBuilder and historically low-interest rates are causing a surge in new properties being built in Australia, official stats have shown. ...Read more

Property
Cancelled gap years could trigger first home buyer frenzy
COVID-19’s cancellation of travel plans could fuel demand from first home buyers in Western Australia, according to a chief executive. ...Read more

Property
When will Australia crack the $1m median house price?
A property investor has predicted Australia’s median house price will surge to over $1 million in the next three years, as the economic recovery acts as a tailwind for the industry. ...Read more