Abadeen has released the whole-floor penthouse crowning its recently completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/park-residences-cremorne-2-sutherland-street-cremorne-nsw-2090">Park Residences</a> development in Cremorne, bringing the near-300 sqm residence to market for the first time.

Occupying the entire top floor of the boutique Lower North Shore development, the penthouse includes 221 sqm of internal living and a 74 sqm wraparound terrace, with a prized north-facing aspect taking in views across Middle Harbour.

The residence has been completed and fully furnished following a collaboration between Abadeen Executive Chairman Justin Brown and internationally recognised interior designer Jack Freeman, Founder and Managing Director of FREEMAN &amp; CO.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen">Abadeen</a> and Freeman approached the penthouse as a finished home, sourcing furniture, artwork, lighting and objects from Australia and overseas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378718]

Pieces from Parisian design house Pierre Augustin Rose sit alongside contemporary artworks and bespoke lighting, with Freeman drawing on recent visits to PAD Paris and Salone del Mobile Milano for the final collection.

Brown said the aim was to create a penthouse that felt more like a large-scale private home than a traditional apartment.

"The experience begins the moment the lift doors open. You're welcomed into an elegant dining room before the home opens into an extraordinary living space framed by sun-drenched harbour views.

"Every time someone walks through the front door they pause. It's not just the view, it's the incredible sense of space, the warmth created by the northern sunlight that fills the interiors, and the way every room connects so effortlessly.

"It has all the proportions of a luxury home, while delivering the effortless lifestyle and personalised experience of living in a world-class six-star hotel, combined with the simplicity and convenience of apartment living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378713]

A secure lift provides exclusive access to the penthouse level, opening to a dedicated arrival foyer and dining area before the residence expands into its main living and entertaining spaces.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing runs across the northern side of the home, connecting the interiors with the terrace and Middle Harbour outlook.

The penthouse also features a fireplace and substantial chef's kitchen, while the wraparound terrace has been designed to accommodate both everyday outdoor living and larger-scale entertaining.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378720]

Freeman said the interiors had been deliberately kept restrained to complement the scale, natural light and outlook already established by the architecture.

"The penthouse is a serene study in quiet luxury," Freeman said.

"The interior pairs soft, sculptural forms with warm timber, pale stone and a restrained neutral palette. Curated artwork and metallic accents add depth, while abundant natural light creates a calm, effortlessly refined atmosphere. In my world, less is always more."

Freeman said the approach was centred around collecting individual pieces rather than simply decorating the apartment.

"Every material, every object and every piece of furniture has been curated with intention. I am a true believer in collecting versus decorating.

"The architecture already provided extraordinary natural light, remarkable volume and an uninterrupted connection to Middle Harbour. Our role was to complement those qualities with unique one-of-a-kind pieces of fine art and collectible design sourced from recent travels around the world."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114246 project_image_fid=378694]

Among the collection are solid bronze sculptures by Lorenzo Quinn, alongside a curated crystalware collection and pieces sourced from international design fairs.

Park Residences sits opposite Cammeray Golf Club, Cammeray Croquet Club and Grand Slam Tennis Cammeray, around 300 metres from Neutral Bay Village and its established collection of restaurants, cafés and retail.

Brown said the combination of a whole-floor floorplan, northern aspect and proximity to Neutral Bay was becoming increasingly difficult to find on the Lower North Shore.

"Completed whole-floor penthouses with a sun-drenched north-facing aspect and sweeping Middle Harbour views are exceptionally rare," Brown said.

"Add a quiet position opposite golf, croquet and tennis facilities, a level walk to Neutral Bay Village and only minutes to the CBD, and you have a lifestyle that's incredibly difficult to replicate.

"This is a home that offers the privacy and generosity of a luxury residence together with the convenience of one of Sydney's best-connected harbourside locations."

The penthouse will be exclusively marketed by SRM Residential.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114246]

Joel Robinson

Abadeen unveils penthouse at Park Residences in Cremorne

New Brisbane developer Dalcott has unveiled Marrone, the first of three residential projects it is planning in and around Browning Street in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marrone-south-brisbane-39-browning-street-south-brisbane-qld-4101">Marrone</a> will comprise 97 predominantly two- and three-bedroom apartments, with larger residences aimed squarely at the owner-occupier market.

The project will sit in a quiet pocket of South Brisbane between South Bank and West End, close to the restaurants, cultural attractions and riverfront amenity that have driven the suburb's continued transformation.

Dalcott is targeting buyers looking for more space and amenity than has traditionally been offered in the inner-city apartment market, particularly downsizers and professionals wanting to remain close to the city.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149951 project_image_fid=377072]

Resident facilities will be concentrated around an extensive rooftop amenity offering, including a swimming pool, spa, infrared sauna, warm and cold magnesium plunge pools, private lounge, dining room and outdoor entertaining areas.

Dalcott Managing Director Lachlan Cottee said South Brisbane's combination of lifestyle, connectivity and established character had been central to the approach to Marrone.

“South Brisbane offers a combination of lifestyle, connectivity and character that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere in Brisbane,” Cottee said.

“Our focus has been on creating homes that feel connected to that environment while providing the level of design, functionality and quality that today's owner-occupiers expect.”

The residences will feature an expressive material palette. Italian Calacatta Viola marble, known for its deep burgundy veining, will be paired with aged brass tapware, Chestnut engineered timber flooring and Tuscan Oak joinery.

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b8d833da-3b30-496a-ae30-07bdff371b50" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.35%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=P6DAgOfaQzIXljKKK5j3e5NhWtrHIu9G" />

Bathrooms will feature Nara Japanese ceramics and glass bricks, while clay, walnut and brass lighting will be used throughout the apartments.

Dalcott has appointed Realm Projects, led by Managing Director Shane Foley, to handle sales and marketing following previous sold-out collaborations between the groups.

Foley said the Brisbane apartment buyer had become increasingly focused on the quality of the home itself rather than simply securing an inner-city address.

“We expect to see strong demand from buyers who still want all the advantages of inner-city living but aren’t prepared to compromise on the quality of their home,” Foley said.

“Many will be downsizers looking to leave behind the maintenance of a traditional family home without giving up the space they enjoy, while others are likely to be professionals wanting a residence that reflects the way they live today.”

“Marrone responds directly to that demand, with generous floorplans, exceptional resident amenity and a location that places some of Brisbane’s best dining, entertainment and cultural attractions within walking distance.”

<img alt="Marrone" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="61f7b22f-899e-4c0f-940a-7d3ab1bfb93a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%2010.52.44%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=PvN1JYxBgUpyCB7efKo52WGdSDs9nmim" />

Marrone will be the first project delivered as part of Dalcott's broader investment in the precinct.

It will be followed by La Terra, a boutique project comprising penthouse-style, single-level apartments on a northeast corner site with extensive resident amenity and city views.

Cottee said Marrone represented the first stage of the group's longer-term plans for the area.

Dalcott was established in 2025 by Lachlan Cottee and Ben Dalgliesh, combining development and construction capability under an integrated model and focusing on architecturally considered residential projects.

Marrone will initially be offered through a pre-release registration campaign ahead of its broader public launch.

Dalcott targets owner-occupiers with South Brisbane debut Marrone

Parnell Developments is the latest to seek significant uplift through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority on a Strathfield site previously approved for a much smaller apartment development.

Parnell has sought approval for a 32-storey mixed use tower across&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-lyons-street-strathfield-nsw-2135">3-7 Lyons Street and 18 Parnell Street</a>, a&nbsp;1,857 sqm site around 400 metres from Strathfield Station. The building would yield 160 apartments, 15 per cent of which will be dedicated affordable as per the government mandate for buildings seeking additional uplift.

Approved previously was a nine-storey building back in 2022 with just over 30 apartments. That approval came prior to the project being&nbsp;progressively reconsidered as planning policy shifted toward greater density around transport hubs.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5af5281-a643-4eb2-b8c4-0081b59c04c7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.16.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=37bd3mI7rHNpThOV_75VO8xsGFwWOi1u" />

Turner has designed the latest building that would replace&nbsp;existing detached homes across the four lots.

The apartment mix comprises 22 one-bedroom apartments, 107 two-bedroom and two-bedroom-plus configurations, and 31 apartments with three or more bedrooms. The scheme also includes 203 car spaces across six basement levels and 58 bicycle spaces.

The proposal has been designed around a three-storey podium addressing Lyons Street, with the tower rising above and stepping toward its upper levels.

Turner said the podium was deliberately scaled to respond to the existing street, while the taller element has been designed as part of the emerging skyline anticipated around Strathfield Town Centre and the wider Homebush transport-oriented development precinct.

The Lyons Street frontage would have a more active, pedestrian-focused character, incorporating the commercial tenancy, landscaping and a brick-framed podium with an awning.

<img alt="Strathfield" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="14b20874-b8c3-4ac7-bc03-92be9a69fb78" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.48%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=av.9TxtqIRTC6v3PkSuu1rL9rreWoe2h" />

Parnell Street, which faces the railway corridor, has been given a different architectural treatment, with double-height breeze blocks, landscaping and communal areas used to soften the interface with the rail infrastructure.

The tower itself uses curved and recessed facade elements, with wave-like indentations across the northern elevation breaking the building into three vertical forms.

A palette of grey concrete, brick and breeze blocks is complemented by clay and terracotta accents, while the upper tower adopts a lighter expression through articulated slab edges, vertical fins and recessed glazing.

Residents would have access to 467 sqm of communal open space spread across three levels. The ground floor would accommodate the more active resident areas, including barbecue and group gathering spaces and an internal communal room capable of being used for working from home.

A more passive viewing deck is proposed at level three, overlooking the ground-level landscaping and neighbouring tennis courts, while a rooftop "sunset deck" at level 30 would provide another social and relaxation space.

<img alt="Parnell" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c3dce401-a80f-4682-8471-4caa01180880" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-25%20at%209.17.34%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Xyo8JVqbOhSJXNy6Ih.1cHL.O6i0bGR." />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strathfield has been earmarked for substantial change through the Strathfield Town Centre planning work and the nearby Homebush TOD precinct.

Turner's report says the project has been designed to act as a transition between the existing low and mid-rise development surrounding the site and the taller built form expected to emerge across the town centre.

The proposal is being assessed as State Significant Development under the HDA pathway, alongside the concurrent request to amend the Burwood Local Environmental Plan.

First look: New apartment tower pitched for Strathfield Town Centre precinct

An $18 million penthouse has hit the market in Main Beach as construction tops out on La Mer, the $155 million apartment development rising just metres from the beach.

Spanning around 600 sqm across the top two levels of the 29-storey tower on Main Beach Parade, the four-bedroom penthouse is one of the latest eight-figure residences to test the upper end of the Gold Coast apartment market.

Its launch comes amid continued activity at the very top of the market, following the $30 million off-the-plan sale of a Burleigh Heads penthouse earlier this year, which surpassed the Gold Coast's previous $24 million apartment record set in 2023.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-mer-main-beach-3580-main-beach-parade-main-beach-qld-4217">La Mer penthouse</a> has been designed as a private residence in the sky, with 360-degree views spanning the ocean, Broadwater, hinterland and Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378731]

All four bedrooms have ensuites, while the ocean-facing master retreat occupies around half of the upper level and includes its own lounge, private balcony, two walk-in wardrobes and an oversized ensuite with a freestanding stone bath positioned to take in the views.

The residence also features a kitchen designed to accommodate a private chef, a 3.6-metre island bench, expansive butler's pantry, wine cellar and integrated bar.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378732]

A rooftop pool and substantial outdoor entertaining area with its own kitchen sit above the residence, while a grand staircase connects the two internal levels. The penthouse also has its own express lift.

OTP Group Director James Elliott, who is marketing La Mer, said the penthouse was expected to appeal to high-net-worth buyers seeking either a permanent Main Beach residence or Gold Coast holiday home.

“The La Mer penthouse represents exceptional value, considering its quality design, size, privacy and location, not to mention the 360-degree views capturing the beach and Gold Coast Broadwater,” Elliott said.

“We’re anticipating interest from high-net-worth individuals and couples seeking a residence or holiday home in the sought-after village enclave of Main Beach, taking advantage of the unprecedented growth underway in the area and neighbouring The Spit.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378736]

La Mer is being developed by developer-builder ODUS and Nazero, in partnership with funder Metrics Credit Partners.

ODUS Director Byron Sakha said topping out the tower had provided the opportunity to release the project's most significant residence.

“We’ve worked with internationally-recognised studio Sici Design on the penthouse interiors, with a focus on ensuring it isn’t luxury for luxury’s sake. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance quality of life for those who call it home,” Sakha said.

“The views are the hero of virtually every space, but we’ve given equal attention to the fittings and finishes, so every detail exudes elegance and refinement.”

Sici Design Founder and Director Maria Papadopoulos said the extensive views became an integral part of the interior design rather than simply something the residence was designed around.

“The views weren't something we designed around, they became part of the design itself, with the true luxury of La Mer in its feeling of peace, calm and wellbeing,” Papadopoulos said.

“Luxury isn't defined by how something looks, but how it makes you feel, and we believe a luxurious home should be beautiful to live in, not stressful to maintain.”

The interiors combine Austral Dream Dolomite natural stone and travertine with timber flooring and a restrained coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=95606 project_image_fid=378734]

Designed by Plus Studio, La Mer is one of the more boutique additions to the rapidly changing Main Beach apartment market.

The tower comprises just 24 full-floor, three-bedroom plus multipurpose room apartments below the two-level penthouse, giving the project a considerably lower density than many of the larger towers being developed across the Gold Coast.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, gym, sauna, barbecue facilities, private sun lounges, yoga lawn and outdoor beach shower.

The penthouse has been released as part of the final collection of residences at La Mer, with remaining apartments priced from $4.3 million.

Construction is expected to complete later this year, with a fully furnished display apartment now open on level four.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=95606]

ODUS releases $18 million penthouse crowning La Mer Main Beach

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a> is preparing to commence construction on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a> this October, marking the next milestone for the Melbourne CBD development and its higher-end Eliza Collection.

Spanning levels 44 to 68 of the 68-storey <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>-designed tower, the Eliza Collection has been conceived as a lower-density offering within the broader development, with only five apartments on each floor, dedicated lift access and a collection of resident spaces reserved exclusively for Eliza Collection residents.

The Eliza Collection forms part of Far East Consortium's broader move toward larger-format residences at 640 Bourke Street, where the number of apartments was reduced from earlier plans as apartment sizes increased.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365685]

"What it's meant for 640 Bourke is we've actually reduced the number of apartments. We've increased the overall size of the apartments. We don't have any studios in here, and what that does for a project is it elevates it," Far East Consortium Director of Sales and Marketing Lauren Sheldon said.

Rothelowman Associate Jun Chang said the design process provided an opportunity to create more generous floorplans.

"We were given the opportunity to be more generous. The apartments became bigger and squarer than any other apartments which had been designed in the CBD before that."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368869]

That thinking carries through to the Eliza Collection, where the residences have been designed around the space and functionality associated with a larger home, but positioned high above the centre of Melbourne.

Kitchens are equipped with Gaggenau appliances, a butler's pantry, temperature-controlled wine cabinet and sculptural pendant lighting, while engineered timber flooring, stone and porcelain finishes and custom cabinetry feature throughout the broader interiors.

Privacy and security are another point of distinction. Eliza Collection residents have dedicated lift access, while 640 Bourke Street will provide concierge services and secure resident parking. Short-stay accommodation, including Airbnb, will not be permitted within the development.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=365689]

Eliza Collection residents will also have exclusive access to selected amenity spaces across levels one and three of the restored Eliza Tinsley building. These include the Salon with grand piano, an art therapy room, private dining rooms and treatment rooms.

They sit within more than 3,000 sqm of amenity planned across 640 Bourke Street, alongside facilities including a pool, gym, whisky lounge and further social and wellness spaces.

The Eliza Tinsley building itself is central to the wider project's identity. Rather than treating the existing Eliza Tinsley façade as a separate element, Rothelowman used it as a starting point for the architecture of the new tower, with the historic building to accommodate the project's gallery and lobby.

"It's a significant asset and wants to be celebrated and experienced by all residents every single time they go in and out of the building," Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=368872]

The tower will rise behind the retained heritage building at 640 Bourke Street, placing residents within walking distance of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff Gardens, Queen Victoria Market and the Docklands waterfront.

With construction scheduled to begin in October, Far East Consortium has established an onsite display gallery at 640 Bourke Street, including fully built apartments that allow the project's layouts, materials and finishes to be inspected at full scale.

A fully built Eliza Collection apartment is also available to view at the display suite by appointment ahead of the planned October construction commencement.

Eligible purchasers who buy before construction commences can secure the full available off-the-plan stamp duty savings, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

Far East Consortium brings Eliza Collection to 640 Bourke Street ahead of October construction start

National Australia Bank (NAB) has brought forward the timing of the first RBA cash rate cut by three months.

NAB is now expecting a cut in February, in line with ANZ and Westpac, having initially thought a cut wouldn't come until May.

Commonwealth Bank, the nation's largest lender, still thinks the first cut will come in December.

NAB changed its call following the August monthly inflation figures that were released at the end of September, showing it had dropped to 2.7 per cent.

"The risk has been skewed to a first cut earlier in 2025, and today’s change acknowledges the balance of risks has likely shifted sufficiently for the RBA to feel comfortable cutting a little sooner than we earlier expected," NAB noted in its latest update.

They added that the cadence of the cuts may be faster than its central profile.

"Domestic inflation pressures are cooling, but only gradually, and we continue to expect the conditions for a cut will not be in place this year.

NAB believes the easing cycle will end at 3.1 per cent by early 2026, which is five cuts from the current 4.35 per cent cash rate.&nbsp;

CBA also thinks 3.1 per cent will mark the end of the cutting cycle, while Westpac is forecasting 3.35 per cent, and ANZ is the most pessimistic at 3.6 per cent, which would be just three interest rate cuts.

<h2>What would a rate cut in February look like for borrowers?</h2>

According to&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn%3Du001.IVvjJ-2BPT0A8C3VxtqKc6e3bj5hBuw27WFEYqovsYs7kPsgFulYrdOzeP8gI7CybJOya3_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20hPXdLlPP9yD7DvFFDBM5yrTqxvcCiMfAsW1onD-2FcriL628eYdhNQE7bwzYrxcOYnmaYfRhGl-2FEHQ6eK2uQcLxs6Cbu6Dx0bYvpi5A6enmxMWU5TkcRYrP6Z8GbXZYtc5qSoKu6eWFBQR9K7fsjXwHMmby3D3X6Yx-2BxcDcdRruTG&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727774368149000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vK2ujS77CHs9VRvSSXzLC" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IVvjJ-2BPT0A8C3VxtqKc6e3bj5hBuw27WFEYqovsYs7kPsgFulYrdOzeP8gI7CybJOya3_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20hPXdLlPP9yD7DvFFDBM5yrTqxvcCiMfAsW1onD-2FcriL628eYdhNQE7bwzYrxcOYnmaYfRhGl-2FEHQ6eK2uQcLxs6Cbu6Dx0bYvpi5A6enmxMWU5TkcRYrP6Z8GbXZYtc5qSoKu6eWFBQR9K7fsjXwHMmby3D3X6Yx-2BxcDcdRruTG" target="_blank">Canstar</a>, if there is a cut in February, a borrower with a $600,000 loan today and 25 years remaining would see their monthly repayments drop by $92.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">
			Impact of 0.25% pt cut in February 2025
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Current loan size
			</td>
			<td>
			Drop in monthly repayment
			</td>
			<td>
			New monthly repayment
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$600,000
			</td>
			<td>
			-$92
			</td>
			<td>
			$3,907
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$750,000
			</td>
			<td>
			-$114
			</td>
			<td>
			$4,884
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$1M
			</td>
			<td>
			-$153
			</td>
			<td>
			$6,512
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">
			Source:&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn%3Du001.xWMOP9hChsvn-2BC9O-2FebBihXIZ4cEzbiuENdxm-2Bx3-2FYEEgYMhZlKWNj5Zzy1YZ56RuASD_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20v2akwr6-2BqLyRrlEgkJ4J-2BCCyY0x189xEHZA4Ylf8c7ChBqNIkhmftZzoFuZKFn43pw3oJVg2o1gumrpdA-2B7MB-2FBtmL2rFCI-2FXORATQHySCLVOMg7Vywv-2BqnnQUAtDz6XkvpwxdHFXh70VwKazzhJsICilEYOvP4ju0sIfi5g6TL&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727774368149000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qVnp6oqATgqDUi2Frm22q" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.xWMOP9hChsvn-2BC9O-2FebBihXIZ4cEzbiuENdxm-2Bx3-2FYEEgYMhZlKWNj5Zzy1YZ56RuASD_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20v2akwr6-2BqLyRrlEgkJ4J-2BCCyY0x189xEHZA4Ylf8c7ChBqNIkhmftZzoFuZKFn43pw3oJVg2o1gumrpdA-2B7MB-2FBtmL2rFCI-2FXORATQHySCLVOMg7Vywv-2BqnnQUAtDz6XkvpwxdHFXh70VwKazzhJsICilEYOvP4ju0sIfi5g6TL" target="_blank">www.canstar.com.au</a>. Starting rate is the RBA existing average owner-occupier variable rate of 6.36%. Assumes banks pass the cash rate cut on in full the month after the meeting.
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Canstar Data Insights Director, Sally Tindall, says if core inflation continues to track in the right direction, or unemployment starts to accelerate significantly, we could well see a cash rate cut as early as February of next year.

“All four big banks now believe the RBA will be ready to cut the cash rate in just over four months’ time, if not before, in the case of CBA.

“However, the outlook for both inflation and unemployment is still highly uncertain. A couple of wobbly sets of inflation data could see the RBA holding for longer, particularly if unemployment remains relatively steady."

&nbsp;

Commonwealth Bank, the nation's largest lender, still thinks the first cut will come in December.

NAB bring forward first RBA cut to February 2025

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The RBA cash rate decision came out at 2.30 today with the decision to hold yet again. 
Some 24 of 25 economists expect the cut at the August meeting.
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said the RBA has looked through the fog of political uncertainty and global volatility to keep the cash rate on hold. 
"From a housing market perspective there has recently been renewed heat in the Sydney and Melbourne markets where, according to the CoreLogic Home Value Index, the trend rate of growth has bounced higher over the past three months," he said.
"The reversal in what was previously a moderating trend in housing market conditions was likely to have been a concern to the RBA, however CoreLogic's June data showed a slower pace of capital gains compared with April and May which may indicate the recent surge in dwelling value appreciation will be sort lived. 
The chances of interest rates moving lower in August remain high;  June quarter inflation data will be available late this month, providing a timely read on consumer prices prior to the August RBA meeting.  It is likely that the inflation figures will come in well below the RBA target range of 2-3 percent. 
"If that is the case, there is a high likelihood that interest rates will move lower next month. The challenge for policy makers and regulators will be to ensure lower mortgage rates don’t refuel a higher rate of growth in the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets where affordability is already stretched and rental yields are pushing to new record lows each month."
LJ Hooker chief executive officer Grant Harrod said a cash rate cut could still come by the traditionally busy spring selling season if market conditions did not resume promptly.
“Sellers can be put off by elections and we’ve just come out of one of the longest campaigns held in Australia,” he said.
“During the recent campaign, listings across the board were down an average of 5 percent across the country compared to the same period last year.
“But history has shown listings rebound after a poll and the RBA, through holding the cash rate at the record low of 1.75 percent today, is waiting for this to happen.
“Buyer enquiry has remained strong throughout the election campaign while the average capital city auction rate hit as high as 72 percent over the period. There’s a strong opportunity for sellers to capitalise on that interest now and beat their competitors ahead of the traditional spring listing period.
"The RBA would still keep an eye on any property ramifications of the Brexit outcome.
“We don’t anticipate any impacts to filter through to the actual property market in the immediate future due to the time it takes to transact. But it may turn out that we benefit from the global conditions as investors seek out alternatives to London.”
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

RBA holds again at July 2016 meeting

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Recent analysis of economic indicators conducted by RateCity.com.au indicates the RBA will hold its current cash rate at 1.75 percent due to the Federal Election results and potential fallout from Brexit.
Peter Arnold, RateCity.com.au data insights director said the RBA is unlikely to jump in without seeing how it all plays out.
“With the election still too close to call, the RBA will want to see how the nation and the government settle in before making a move,” he said.
“While the dust settles on last month's unexpected Brexit vote, leaving the world economy in tatters, the RBA is unlikely to act without seeing the full implications.
"Mortgage holders shouldn't be disappointed if the cash rate remains steady in July, as the banks have been taking matters into their own hands in recent weeks.
“Almost 180 fixed home loan rates were slashed in the last month, suggesting that there is at least one more rate cut to come this year, but the RBA is likely to hold it for another day."
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RBA to continue wait and see approach: RateCity

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The majority of respondents to a survey conducted by online agency iBuyNew found 66 percent of those polled believe the RBA is likely to maintain its cash rate at the current rate of 1.75 percent for the rest of 2016.
Only 23 percent of respondents believe there will be further cash rate cuts, with 11 percent expecting official rates to rise again.
iBuyNew chief executive officer Mark Mendel said while there is pressure on the RBA to possibly lower rates as soon as its board meeting, most of those polled are anticipating more rate stability.
“With so much for the central bank to digest from the Brexit fall out and after an eight week federal election campaign which has proven to be inconclusive, it will be no surprise to see the RBA stay on hold in July,” he said.
“It's only two months since the RBA cut the cash rate to its historical low and they still have some room to move on rates going forward.”
iBuyNew survey results: 
Do you think the Reserve Bank will take any action on official rates again this year?
Interest rates will remain on hold                      66 percent
Interest rates will increase                                11 percent
Interest rates will decrease                               23 percent
 
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Interest rate relief not expected from RBA: iBuyNew

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GUEST OBSERVER
The unexpected outcome of the Brexit vote injected a good dose of uncertainty and volatility into financial markets, especially in Europe and the UK.
A flight to safety saw the US dollar appreciate relative to other currencies and, while currencies and stock markets have settled down, the Brexit vote will likely echo for a long time to come, durably changing the European political landscape.
Domestically, the federal election has turned out much closer than many expected and it could be some time before the result is finalised. Without new economic data to go by, it is the political uncertainty that dominates the outlook.
Relative to last month, the CAMA RBA Shadow Board’s policy preferences have become noticeably more dovish, reversing the more contractionary stance from the previous month. The Shadow Board attaches a 63 percent probability to a rate hold being the appropriate policy setting. The confidence attached to a required rate cut equals 18 percent, while the confidence in a required rate hike equals 19 percent.
Australia’s unemployment rate and participation rate remain unchanged at 5.7 percent and 64.8 percent. No new data on wage growth has been released since last month.
The turmoil in the financial markets following Brexit has left the Aussie dollar stronger relative to the US dollar; it is trading around 75 US¢. Yields on Australian 10-year government bonds have continued to fall to historic lows, below 2 percent.
Domestic share prices, though slightly more volatile, are largely moving sideways, with the S&amp;P/ASX200 last week closing just under 5300, not far below the recent high of 5430. Global stocks, particularly in European and British markets have lost between 5 percent and 10 percent of their value, following the Brexit vote.
In the wake of the Brexit vote, the global economic outlook is currently dominated by politics, with elections looming in a number of countries and uncertainty in Europe and elsewhere working its way through the global economy. The direct effect of the Brexit outcome on the Australian economy should be minimal but through global capital markets and international trade this far-away event may eventually be felt after all.
Consumer and producer confidence have barely shifted since last month. Capacity utilisation has risen to above 82 percent, while construction output has declined slightly. Retail sales have been growing by a little over 3 percent year-on-year.
The Shadow Board’s confidence measures have reversed somewhat since last month. It attaches a 63 percent probability (52 percent last month) that “no change” is the appropriate policy, an 18 percent probability (11 percent last month) that a rate cut is appropriate and a 19 percent probability (37 percent in the previous month) that a rate rise, to 2.00 percent or higher, is appropriate.
The probabilities at longer horizons are as follows: 6 months out, the estimated probability that the cash rate should remain at 1.75 percent equals 23 percent (24 percent in June). The estimated need for an interest rate decrease has risen from 16 percent to 29 percent, while the need for a rate increase has fallen 12 percentage points to 48 percent.
A year out, the Shadow Board members’ confidence that the cash rate should be held steady equals 18 percent (14 percent in June), while the confidence in a required cash rate decrease equals 26 percent (16 percent in May) and in a required cash rate increase 56 percent (70 percent in June).
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Rates should stay on hold under election, Brexit uncertainty: RBA Shadow Board

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GUEST OBSERVER
Population growth is bouncing of the slowest annual pace in almost 10 years.
If population is growing near 1.3 percent, we will need productivity growth near 1.7 percent to maintain the “speed limit” of the economy at 3 per cent. As the Reserve Bank has intimated, the speed limit of the economy has probably come down to a rate closer to 2.75 per cent.
Victoria is still the population leader. You have to go back to 1888 to find a time when Victoria held the position of the state with the fastest population growth. In fact population in Victoria is growing at the fastest pace in six years. In comparison Western Australia and South Australia have the weakest annual population growth rates in 12 and 11 years respectively. A result that resonates with the slowdown and weakness in the driven mining states. Only NSW and Victoria now have an annual population growth rate above long-term averages – important in absorbing the record amount of homes being built.
<a href="/images/2016/06/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-24%20at%2010.14.31%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-24%20at%2010.14.31%20AM.png" alt="">
It is clear the labour market was the stellar performer over 2015. But there have been a number of signs that employment growth is now in the midst of a consolidation. Job advertisements have shown signs of consolidating in the past couple of months while the monthly employment statistics suggest employment growth has softened. Interestingly the data by industry provides a telling breakdown about where the jobs are being created. Over the three months to May employment grew by almost 47,000. Overall 10 of the 19 industry sectors recorded job gains in the past three months, with the hiring dominated by Healthcare &amp; social assistance, Wholesale trade and Accommodation &amp; food services.
<a href="/images/2016/06/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-24%20at%2010.16.03%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-24%20at%2010.16.03%20AM.png" alt="">
Overall the labour market remains relatively upbeat. The lift in consumer confidence and business conditions should boost spending, investment and employment once the election is out of the way – a result that should see the jobless rate trend lower to 5.5 per cent by the end of this year.
  Healthcare remains the biggest employer and was also the biggest job creator over the past year. Interestingly Finance &amp; insurance, Construction and Retail were amongst the major employers over the past year – a result that resonates with the lift in activity across the economy.
What does the data show?
Industry employment:
Employment rose by 46,700 over the three months to May after a gain of 4,000 in the previous three months.
Over the past year employment lifted by 224,000 well above the decade average of 190,600.
Employment rose in 10 of the 19 industry sectors. Employment rose most in Health Care and Social Assistance (up 40,700), followed by Accommodation and Food Services (up 20,100) and Wholesale trade (up 17,500).
In the quarter, the number of jobs fell the most in Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (down 34,800), followed by Retail Trade (down 21,900), and Administrative and Support Services (down 18,800).
Healthcare remains the biggest employer with 1.6 million employees (13 per cent of the total) followed by Retail Trade (1.3 million jobs or 10.5 per cent) and Construction (1.08 million or 9.1 per cent).
Population Statistics: 
Australia’s population expanded by 326,100 people over the year to December 2015 to 23,940,300 people.
Overall, Australia’s population growth rate rose from a 10-year low of 1.36 per cent to 1.38 per cent.
Australia’s population grew by just 71,300 people over the December quarter – the weakest quarterly result in 41⁄2-years.
A total of 177,000 people migrated to Australia over year to December, well down on the 315,700 peak migrants in the year to December 2008.
There were 305,300 babies born in the past year, just shy of the record 312,200 births in the year to December 2012.
Over the past year population growth was the strongest in Victoria (1.87 per cent – the fastest growth in 6 years), followed by NSW (1.40 per cent), the ACT (1.36 per cent), Queensland (1.26 per cent), Western Australia (1.20 per cent – weakest in almost 13 years), South Australia (0.66 per cent –weakest in 11 years), Tasmania (0.41 per cent) and the Northern Territory (0.35 per cent).
Population growth is above decade averages in NSW (7 per cent) and Victoria (5.6 per cent).
<a href="/images/2016/06/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-24%20at%2010.18.45%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/24/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-24%20at%2010.18.45%20AM.png" alt="">
What is the importance of the report?
Demographic Statistics are issued by the Bureau of Statistics each quarter. The figures include estimates of births, deaths, in-bound and out-bound migration movements and estimates of population change by State.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides detailed labour market figures one week after releasing ‘top level’ statistics of employment &amp; unemployment levels across states and territories. The detailed data is useful in identifying broader underlying trends and instructive about the health of the economy. 
What are the implications for interest rates and investors?
The latest data has few implications for interest rate settings. But if population growth remains soft, the Reserve Bank may need to make further adjustments to economic growth assumptions.
CommSec expects the Reserve Bank to cut interest rates again in August. 
Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a>.
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Baby boom; Healthcare leads hiring: CommSec's Savanth Sebastian

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Bank Australia has been named as the Canstar Customer Owned Bank of the Year.
Canstar evaluated the product offerings of over 50 customer owned banks in Australia.
Mitchell Watson, Canstar group manager, research, said Bank Australia not only offered outstanding value products within the lending space, but also offered its customers value for money when it comes to its savings and transaction accounts.
They researched 266 deposit accounts, 1,211 home loans, 63 credit cards and 200 personal loans.
Damien Walsh, Bank Australia’s managing director said the award was an endorsement of the organisation’s unique mutual prosperity proposition – offering great value to the customer while also operating in an ethical and socially responsible manner.
 
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Bank Australia named Canstar Customer Owned Bank of the Year

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A report by SQM Research on Labor's negative gearing policy states dwelling prices will fall and sales turnover and stamp duty revenue will dip should the changes be legislated.
House prices could fall as much as 15 per cent during the four years it will take for the market to absorb the Labor Party's planned negative gearing changes in the worst-case scenario.
The average decline was suggested as around 4 per cent, according to SQM.
Renters would be shielded for the next few years from higher monthly rents, SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said.
The report, titled Labor's Negative Gearing Policy - A Market Viewpoint' suggested average acquisition yields will rise up to 5.5 percent.
SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher said there will be a market impact if Labor’s negative gearing policy is legislated, and given the forecast of initial negligible rental growth suggests a correction in the housing market of -3 percent to +1 percent in FY2018, -8 percent to -3 percent in FY2019 and -4 percent to -2 percent in FY2020.
"The positive end of the range takes into account a response rate cut of 50 basis points by the RBA. The negative end of the range assumes no rate cuts in response," he said.
"The total adjustment in the housing market is forecasted to last between two to four years with most of the adjustment phase occurring within three years. Thereafter the market would likely potentially return back to equilibrium, having ‘priced-in’ the loss of the tax concession.
"Our analysis suggests the market impact would last by around three years with sales falling significantly in year one and a correction to take affect with dwelling prices falling the most in the second year. We think there would be a possible response to this event with the RBA cutting rates, thereby mitigating some of the potential price falls. We don’t think the market will crash per say, but it will be felt by the economy. We then expect the market to return to equilibrium from year three.
"We strongly encourage Labor to consider some of the investor issues, particularly surrounding the distortion their policy may create on pricing of off-the-plan developments and the likely losses investors in those properties would face come resale time to those who won’t have the tax concession.
"While we take the view that negative gearing reform is a good thing, such reform should be done as part of a wider property tax reform that should include a broad based land tax and the elimination of stamp duties. Such reform should have a phase in period of up to three years. Doing so would reduce the risks of a significant downturn which would likely have wider ramifications on the economy.”
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Labor's negative gearing plan to trigger price fall: SQM

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GUEST OBSERVER
The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment dipped 1 percent in June to 102.2 from 103.2 in May.
Coming after an 8.5 percent surge in May, the small decline in June mostly represents a consolidation at improved levels.
Last month’s surprise rate cut from the RBA was the main catalyst behind May’s rally and although confidence has slipped back a touch in June this is a fairly common pattern following an interest rate driven bounce. At 102.2 the Index is still in slightly ‘positive’ territory overall – recall that readings above 100 indicate optimists outnumber pessimists.
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<a href="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%201.25.11%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%201.25.11%20PM.png" alt="">
Responses to additional questions on ‘news recall’ point to a somewhat calmer backdrop compared to March although the majority of consumers still assessed news as being unfavourable. The highest recall levels were for news on ‘economic conditions’ (27.8 percent) and ‘Budget &amp; tax’ (25 percent) but both were notably lower than in previous quarters. That is despite the May Budget and campaigning in the lead up to next month’s Federal election.
News on ‘international conditions’ was also much less prominent with the 10 percent level of recall on this item the lowest read in over a decade. Unsurprisingly, there was higher recall for news on ‘interest rates’ (16.5 percent) with the news on this topic viewed less negatively than in the previous four quarters.
Responses to additional questions on the ‘wisest place for savings’ showed a slightly less risk averse tone but attitudes still appear to be more conservative than seen throughout 2015. The proportion of consumers nominating ‘pay down debt’ fell from 24.4 percent in March to 20 percent in June.
This compares to an average reading of 17 percent in 2015. Consumers continue to heavily favour ‘safe’ options as well, with the proportion nominating bank deposits rising from 27.4 percent in March to 29.5 percent in June. That contrasts with continued lower readings for the proportion nominating real estate (15.8 percent in June vs 14.7 percent in March and average 25.4 percent in 2015) and shares (8.0 percent in June vs 7.6 percent in March and an average of 8.9 percent in 2015).
Consumers’ assessments of labour market conditions also consolidated on recent improvements. The Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Unemployment Expectations declined 0.1 percent from 136.3 in May to 136.2 in June. This Index measures respondents’ assessments of the outlook for the unemployment rate so lower reads indicate improved confidence in the employment outlook. The Index has fallen 7.5 percent over the last three months and is now down 10.9 percent on levels a year ago but is still 4.9 percent above its long run average – assessments have shown a steady improvement but are still more negative than usual.
The component detail behind the headline sentiment index showed firmer reads on ‘family finances’ but a softening in expectations for the economy. Most notably, the sub-index tracking respondents’ assessments of ‘family finances compared to a year ago’ – a component the RBA has emphasised as an indicator of demand – increased 4.3 percent. The sub-indexes tracking the one and five year outlook declined 3.8 percent and 5.2 percent respectively, with falls following particularly strong gains in May, of 13.2 percent and 14.8 percent respectively. The ‘time to buy a major household item’ sub-index was unchanged.
Consumer views on housing also consolidated in June. The ‘time to buy a dwelling’ index declined 2.7 percent but the retracement followed a strong 12.1 percent surge in May. Price expectations firmed in the month with the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of House Price Expectations up 3.6 percent to the highest level since September 2015. Both buyer sentiment and price expectations are still well below the readings seen a year ago but have shown a clear firming from the weak levels in early 2016, the RBA’s May rate cut clearly a supporting factor.
The Reserve Bank Board next meets on July 5. A move at that meeting is highly unlikely. The key considerations for the Bank are around the outlook for inflation. On its current forecasts the RBA does not expect inflation to return to the bottom of the band until 2017, and that is on the assumption of a further rate cut given that the Bank’s forecasts are based on ‘market pricing’ for rates.
The most important and immediate information about whether the RBA’s May assessment is correct will come from the June quarter inflation report which prints on July 27, after the July Board meeting but ahead of the August 2 meeting. It is our assessment that the information in this report will confirm to the Board that another cut is indeed necessary.
 
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<img src="/images/2016/06/15/Screen%20Shot%202016-06-15%20at%201.29.31%20PM.png" alt="">
Bill Evans is chief economist of <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>.
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Consumer sentiment consolidates after post-rate cut bounce: Bill Evans

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Canstar advises that five year fixed rates terms can now be found at under 4 percent.
Thanks to the May cut in official cash rate, research and comparison site canstar.com.au advises that borrowers with some equity can now potentially lock in a home loan interst rate of less than 4 percent across all loan terms up to and including 5 year fixed.
“The cash rate is at a historic low and this is fantastic news for home owners wanting to refinance their mortgage,” said Canstar group manager, research &amp; ratings, Mitchell Watson.
“For the first time our database of more than 1,000 home loans is showing advertised interest rates of less than four percent across all loan terms, including 5 year fixed. Prior to the most recent rate cut the lowest 5 year fixed home loan advertised rate on our database was 4.34 percent; it’s now 3.99 percent for owner-occupiers.”
Current highest, lowest and average advertised home loan rates 
<table style="width: 476px;" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" width="0">
Table: Residential Home Loan Market – Snapshot of the current market (3/6/2016)
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
 
</td>
<td width="0">
Standard Variable
</td>
<td width="0">
Package Variable
</td>
<td width="52">
1 Year Fixed
</td>
<td width="0">
3 Year Fixed
</td>
<td width="0">
4 Year Fixed
</td>
<td width="0">
5 Year Fixed
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
Average
</td>
<td width="0">
4.64%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.35%
</td>
<td width="52">
4.35%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.31%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.66%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.70%
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
Min
</td>
<td width="0">
3.59%
</td>
<td width="0">
3.64%
</td>
<td width="52">
3.50%
</td>
<td width="0">
3.74%
</td>
<td width="0">
3.99%
</td>
<td width="0">
3.99%
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
Max
</td>
<td width="0">
5.84%
</td>
<td width="0">
5.10%
</td>
<td width="52">
5.34%
</td>
<td width="0">
5.24%
</td>
<td width="0">
5.59%
</td>
<td width="0">
5.59%
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" width="0">
Source: <a href="https://www.canstar.com.au/" target="_blank">www.canstar.com.au</a>, the search results do not include all home loan providers, and may not include all features relevant to you. Advertised rates of products on CANSTAR database
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
 
</td>
<td width="69">
 
</td>
<td width="0">
 
</td>
<td width="0">
 
</td>
<td width="0">
 
</td>
<td width="0">
 
</td>
<td width="41">
 
</td>
<td width="0">
 
</td>
<td width="12">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" width="0">
Table: Investment Home Loan Market – Snapshot of the current market (3/6/2016)
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
 
</td>
<td width="0">
Standard Variable
</td>
<td width="0">
Package Variable
</td>
<td width="52">
1 Year Fixed
</td>
<td width="0">
3 Year Fixed
</td>
<td width="0">
4 Year Fixed
</td>
<td width="0">
5 Year Fixed
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
Average
</td>
<td width="0">
4.86%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.63%
</td>
<td width="52">
4.55%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.53%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.84%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.88%
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
Min
</td>
<td width="0">
3.84%
</td>
<td width="0">
3.95%
</td>
<td width="52">
3.59%
</td>
<td width="0">
3.89%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.39%
</td>
<td width="0">
4.49%
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="62">
Max
</td>
<td width="0">
6.03%
</td>
<td width="0">
5.37%
</td>
<td width="52">
5.34%
</td>
<td width="0">
5.34%
</td>
<td width="0">
5.69%
</td>
<td width="0">
5.69%
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" width="0">
Source: <a href="https://www.canstar.com.au/" target="_blank">www.canstar.com.au</a>, the search results do not include all home loan providers, and may not include all features relevant to you. Advertised rates of products on CANSTAR database
</td>
<td colspan="2" width="0">
 
</td>
</tr>
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“Investors aren’t quite as lucky, the minimum and average interest rates on offer are higher than for owner-occupiers. Nevertheless there is significant variance between rates on offer – definitely shop around,” said Mr Watson.
You can search for a home loan and <a href="https://www.canstar.com.au/compare/home-loans/?amount=400000&amp;profile=Buying+Next+Home&amp;repayment_type=Principal+%26+Interest&amp;state=NSW&amp;Loan+Type%5B%5D=Fixed+Loan+5yr" target="_blank">compile tables of the lowest-rate home loans on the Canstar database here</a>.
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Five year fixed rate terms found under 4 percent: Canstar

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GUEST OBSERVER
Housing finance approvals continue to point to subdued conditions in April with a further softening in investor activity.
The headline figure – the number of owner occupier finance approvals – posted a 1.7 percent rise, more or less in line with expectations (market +2.5 percent, Westpac 2 percent).
The detail was a touch softer including additional data on the value of investor loans.
Ex refinance, the number of new owner occupier loans was up just 1.1 percent, only reversing part of March’s 1.5 percent decline. Overall, the monthly moves are slow and suggest owner occupier demand is drifting around rather than strengthening or weakening.
Within the owner occupier segment, the number of loans of housing-related loans posted a solid rise but are still down significantly on a year ago (+4 percent mth, –5.9 percent yr on a combined basis).
By state, gains were a bit firmer in Vic and Qld but softer in the other main states.
The value of investor loans fell 5 percent to be down over 20 percent yr.
Notably, the weakness in the investor segment outweighed the gain in owner-occupiers with the total value of loans ex refi down 3.7 percent mth, 9.2 percent yr.
Overall, the numbers suggest conditions remained soft in April ahead of the RBA’s May rate cut.
The Bank’s moves should draw more buyers into the market although that will take a few months to become apparent in finance approvals and may continue to be offset by weak investor activity. Details  Owner–occupiers (no.)   1.7%mth, 4.6%yr          
– ex-financing (no.)        1.1%mth, 0.7%yr          
Construction of dwellings (no.)               4.4%mth, –5.6%yr        
Purchase of newly built dwellings (no.)   3.3%mth, –6.7%yr        
Value of loans:             
Owner-occupiers ($bn)   0.1%mth, 7.8%yr          
Investors ($bn)              –5%mth, –20.8%yr       
Total ($bn)                    –1.8%mth, –4.4%yr      
Total ex refi ($bn)          –3.7%mth, –9.2%yr                      
 
Matthew Hassan is senior economist with <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/" target="_blank">Westpac</a>.
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