Home Loans Mortgage News

How COVID-19 is affecting the property rental market

Rental markets in Australia have taken a beating from COVID-19, with rents and yields falling in inner city areas.

Alison CheungAug 4, 2020( 5 min read )

Cash rate held but low rates are still up for grabs

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today held the cash rate at a record low of 0.25 per cent for the fifth month in a row. But there are still record-low home loan rates up for grabs for borrowers willing to make the switch.

Alex RitchieAug 4, 2020( 3 min read )

Borrowers rush to refinance as loyalty tax bites

The Reserve Bank is expected to leave the cash rate on hold at 0.25 per cent when it meets this afternoon. But a new survey from RateCity.com.au found 43 per cent of home loan borrowers are looking to refinance in light of COVID-19 and record low rates.

Laine GordonAug 4, 2020( 3 min read )

RBA considers cutting record low cash rate

High unemployment, tapering stimulus payments, a sagging property market and a possible second COVID-19 wave will be front of mind when the RBA meets to decide if a rate cut should take place.

Tony IbrahimAug 4, 2020( 5 min read )

Property values shrink in capital cities as COVID-19 casts uncertainty: CoreLogic

Australia’s sale and rental market fell for a third month straight led by drops in its largest cities, new data shows, testing its resilience as the country grapples with a pandemic.

Tony IbrahimAug 3, 2020( 4 min read )

Australians hesitant to buy property amid weak confidence in the housing market

Shaky confidence in the property market’s resilience against COVID-19 and the economic downturn has delayed Australians’ property plans.

Alison CheungAug 3, 2020( 4 min read )

Strong demand for new homes creates economic momentum for Tasmania

Tasmania has pipped Australia’s other states and territories in the rankings for economic performance for the first time in its own right since October 2009.

Georgia BrownAug 2, 2020( 3 min read )

Home loans hit new record low of 1.98%

Homestar Finance has today claimed the title of the lowest fixed rate on the market for new home buyers and refinancers, sitting at 1.98%.

Laine GordonJul 30, 2020( 2 min read )

Government stimulus and low interest rates prop up declining property market

Property prices have tumbled nationally due to COVID-19, but it could have been worse.

Alison CheungJul 30, 2020( 5 min read )

Bendigo Bank extends offset accounts to fixed rate mortgage holders

Bendigo Bank will offer fixed rate mortgage borrowers the option to access a 100 per cent offset account.

Alison CheungJul 29, 2020( 5 min read )

Australians uncertain about resuming mortgage repayments

Uncertainty is rife among Australians who have frozen their mortgage repayments, as the end of the first phase of bank support looms.

Alison CheungJul 28, 2020( 4 min read )

Best home loans for investors in July 2020

While real estate is traditionally considered a relatively safe asset to invest you money in, job losses have left many tenants struggling to afford rents, while self-isolation and social distancing has affected real estate markets, and in turn house prices. If times are tough as an investor, it may be worth looking into options for refinancing your investment mortgage.

Mark BristowJul 28, 2020( 3 min read )

Stamp duty paused in NSW for first home buyers

First home buyers rejoice. Stamp duty - one of the biggest upfront costs and barriers for would-be-buyers in New South Wales - has been temporarily axed for new homes up to $800,000.

Alex RitchieJul 27, 2020( 5 min read )