Lenders offering lower interest rates, incentives in lead up to spring
Competition for good-quality borrowers is hotting up in the lead up to spring, with lenders offering lower interest rates, fee waivers, or lower deposits for favoured customers.
New rules mean lenders see 'positive data' when assessing loans
At last some good news for first-home buyers: new rules are being fast tracked to provide lenders with greater access to 'positive data' about borrowers, potentially making it easier for first-home buyers, who may not have a long credit history, to have their loans approved.
Interest rates on hold: what does it mean for the property market?
It seems that interest rates could stay lower for longer, which is good news for the property market, mortgage holders in particular. But the outlook is less certain for first-home buyers.
Low inflation data suggests interest rates likely to remain low: REIA
Inflation rose 0.2 per cent in the June quarter, making an annual increase of 1.9 per cent, suggesting that interest rates will remain low for some time, says Malcom Gunning, president of the REIA.
Despite most economists predicting the Reserve Bank board will leave rates on hold at today's board meeting, many Australians expect mortgage rates will rise this year, and are considering switching to fixed rate loans.
Property market jitters see Aussies preferring fixed-rate home loans
Australians would like lending institutions to have a greater range of long-term fixed rate home loans, according to a new survey from Gateway Credit Union.
The great Australian home ownership dream is still alive, especially if you are a professional earning more than $70,000 a year, according to new research from KPMG.