Welcome to our August newsletter

With winter on the way out, now could be a great time to score a bargain in the property market, as some buyers may still be in hibernation mode and traditionally, there is less competition at this time of year.

Property numbers are likely to pick up later this month and into early September, with spring tending to be a more popular time to sell. The cash rate remains on hold and interest rates are low, so why not seize the moment and purchase that dream property you’ve been looking for?

Interest Rate News

This month, the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to keep the official cash rate on hold at 1.5%. Meanwhile, lenders continue to make rate moves to encourage interest-only borrowers to switch to principal and interest loans.

The Australian dollar soared after last month’s RBA meeting, following media speculation the RBA wanted to raise interest rates to 3.5%. However, the RBA has since commented they are not expecting to make any cash rate movements until late 2018. Overall, interest rates are still low and there are some great opportunities for buyers, investors and those looking to refinance!

Property Market News

The average monthly home value growth across Australia’s capital cities was fairly slow during July, only increasing 1.45%. In Melbourne, home values beat the average, increasing by 3.12% and Canberra also performed well, with home values increasing by 2.36%. In Adelaide home values rose a marginal 1.07% while in Hobart the increase was just 0.87%. Other cities saw marginal decreases in home values for July, with Perth showing the largest fall in home values of 1.32%.

Auction activity remains quite strong in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. For the week ending July 30, Victoria had 1002 auctions and a clearance rate of 77%. New South Wales had 838 auctions with a clearance rate of 67% and Queensland, 367 auctions with a clearance rate of 47%. In other states, activity was not as brisk, with the ACT only holding 47 auctions with a clearance rate of 74%, South Australia 87 auctions with a clearance rate of 63%, Western Australia 30 auctions with a clearance rate of 29%, Northern Territory 10 auctions with a clearance rate of 17% and no auctions were registered for Tasmania - and there were very few throughout July.

With spring just around the corner, now is a fantastic time for a fresh start, so why not make the most of the low interest rates? Whether you’re purchasing a home or an investment property, or are considering refinancing, we’d love to help! We’ll compare the market and find you a loan that suits your financial circumstances and goals. Please get in touch today!

This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances. Subject to lenders terms and conditions, fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

Sources: www.realestate.com.au/auction-results, www.corelogic.com.au/research