Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Home Loans

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While it's possible to borrow money at significantly lower rates than reported here, mortgage rates have nudged higher over the last couple of months. 
Government bond yields have also crept steadily higher. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/09/RBA1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/09/RBA1.png" alt="">
In fact the 10-year bond yield had dropped well below 2 percent in the second half of 2016, but has since staged a strong rebound to sit around 2.70 percent. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/09/RBA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/09/RBA2.jpg" alt="">
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">blogger</a>.
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Mortgage rates nudge higher: Pete Wargent

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How young home buyers will repay mortgages and what credit they have against their property for retirement will be part of a quiz Westpac will use as part of their new lending policies.
According to the Australian Financial Review, who obtained internal banking documents, banks and mortgage brokers are to record comments in notes for review.
"These conversations help to ensure your clients have considered any loan commitments they may have in retirement, and they are comfortable with the products they will hold with us when they reach retirement," the internal documents read.
"Retirement inquiries need to be asked and recorded at application.
"Evidence of retirement strategies, such as superannuation balances, future rental income, use of investments, will not be required."
The new lending practice, in place from February 20, will require baks and brokers to ask when they plan to retire and how they plan to service their loan, or repay it in full, during their retirement.
A Westpac spokesperson told the Australian Financial Review the bank "won't speak to home loan applicants about their retirement plans unless they are aged 55 or over - at the time of the loan application - they will turn 75 during the loan term, or they otherwise tell us they are planning to retire within the foreseeable future."
 The spokesperson said the question only applies to new loans and that it did not "make presumptions about a customer's financial circumstances and assess all loan applications on an individual basis."
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Westpac quizzes young home buyers on retirement plans

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Home loans rates began to rise towards the end of the December quarter, despite no change to the RBA cash rate according to RateCity. 
About two-thirds of lenders raised fixed rates while a smaller number of lenders lifted variable rates with more hikes set to follow in 2017, according to comparison website RateCity’s Rates of the Nation report.
Longer-term fixed rates are sitting higher than variable rates and rising by the biggest margins, which indicates that banks don’t expect low rates will last forever. 
"Previously, banks were betting on lower rates in the future but we saw those expectations change daily during the past quarter," according tot Peter Arnold, data insights director of RateCity.com.au.
Fixed rates under 4 percent fell by 15 percent over the quarter; that’s around 100 less sub-4 percent fixed rates on offer now compared to three months ago, the report says.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/12/RateCityIntRatesMoves.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/RateCityIntRatesMoves.png" alt="">
Consumers responded quickly by shifting towards fixed rates. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/12/RateCityFixedvsVar.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/RateCityFixedvsVar.png" alt="">
"Consumers should expect more rate rises... While there are still plenty of home loan rates under 4 per cent, those deals are less prevalent now. It’s unlikely that we’ll see rates return to the long term average of around 7 percent just yet, but competition at the low-rate end of the market is slowing," Arnold adds.
Fixed home loan rates - Under 4 percent getting harder
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-12%20at%2011.40.14%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/Screen%20Shot%202017-01-12%20at%2011.40.14%20AM.png" alt="">
 
Distribution of variable rates
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/12/VariableLoans.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/VariableLoans.png" alt="">
According to RateCity's website, below is a snapshot of some of the popular home loan products:
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/01/12/RateCityPopularLoans.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/01/12/RateCityPopularLoans.png" alt=""> 
 
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prateek24-ezbwHMbNAk

More home loan rate hikes expected in 2017: RateCity report

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National Australia Bank (NAB) and realestate.com.au have announced a five year partnership aimed at combining the property search with securing finance.
“By partnering with NAB, we are building a truly innovative solution that will marry property search and property finance,” said Tracey Fellows, CEO of REA Group, which operates realestate.com.au.
“We will be assisting home buyers throughout their entire property journey, whether it be buying, renting, investing or selling.”
Anthony Cahill, COO at NAB, said that the partnership would combine online property searching and home lending in a manner unseen both nationally and globally.
“We’re combining our respective expertise to deliver more to Australian property buyers and create a game-changing experience,” he said.
With the partnership just announced, details on the exact products to be offered have yet to be announced.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Realestate.com.au website partners with NAB to offer home loans

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Home loan providers in Australia are selling mortgage bonds at the slowest pace in four years.
Its suggested they are seeking cheaper debt that doesn’t require collateral.
Some A$14.8 billion ($11 billion) of new residential mortgage-backed securities have been issued so far in 2016 by banks and other housing lenders, 36 percent less than at this stage last year, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
Mortgage-backed bond issuance by the country’s four biggest banks has halved to A$3.58 billion from A$7.85 billion last year.
Issuance by other banks, building societies and credit unions has also declined to just A$4.12 billion from A$10.4 billion.
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Home loan mortgage bonds at slowest pace for four years

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The market share of new residential home loans originated by brokers and aggregators increased to 53.7 percent in the first quarter this year, according to a new report by the Mortgage &amp; Finance Association of Australia (MFAA).
This was an increase of 1.9 percent from the previous quarter and represented an average growth rate of 21.5 percent over the prior three years.
But the total value of broker-originated loans across the country dropped by 1.5 percent to just over $92 billion in the six months prior to the end of March 2016.
The Australian Broker website also reported the size of the broker community grew by 6 percent to 14,379 from September 2015 to March 2016, based on information gained by the MFAA from Australia’s 13 biggest aggregators.
The 13 aggregator groups make up 95 percent of the industry, making around 15,000 brokers in Australia.
NSW accounted for 42 percent of all new lending originating from brokers despite only having 35 percent of the total national broker population.
 
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Mortgage brokers secure higher home loan market share: MFAA

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Bankwest customers are now able to check the details and status of their home loan application using a real-time, 24/7 online service.
Bankwest’s Andrew Whitechurch said the Application Tracker app had been developed by working directly with customers to understand their needs.
"Customers increasingly expect all organisations, including banks, to be flexible, digitally-connected and more responsive in helping them achieve what matters," he said.
The Application Tracker is a web-based tool designed to keep customers informed throughout the home loan application process from the time the application is lodged, through approval and right through to their first repayment. 
"By listening directly to our customers we found that while they love person to person interaction, in a rapidly evolving digital world they also expect to be able to track the progress of their home loan themselves via digital channels, and to be kept up to date immediately at key points throughout the process," said Whitechurch.
"Customers’ expectations about service and access to information on-line, is being shaped by their experiences in other industries."
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Bankwest launches real-time home loan application app

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A confidential National Australia Bank borrowers’ blacklist of more than 600 towns and suburbs across Australia has emerged where it has capped lending to property buyers.
It is because of what the bank sees as continued or growing risks in the housing market.
The listed has 120 postcodes across the nation will need a larger deposit of as much as 30 percent to be eligible for a loan “to ensure that we are lending responsibly and sustainably”, according to internal documents used by the bank to explain its change in strategy to mortgage brokers.
NAB’s list is divided into A category postcodes, where loan-to-value ratios are capped at 70 percent, and B category, where it is 80 percent.
Rural Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland are most affected, with buyers needing a 30 percent deposit to qualify for a loan.
Those wanting to by an inner city apartment in many suburbs in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne will need a 20 percent deposit.
Group A 70 percent LVR
WA
6390 Boddington*
6429 Coolgardie*
6436 Menzies, Ularring
6437 Leinster, Sir Samuel
6438 Leonora, Lake Darlot
6440 Bandya, Beadell, Cosmo Newberry, Lake Wells, Laverton, Neale
6442 Kambalda East and West
6442 Meekatharra*
6646 Wiluna, Lake Carnegie, Little Sandy Desert
6710 Cane, Onslow, Peedamulla, Talandji, Yannarie
6713 Dampier
6714 Antonymyre, Balla Balla, Banynton, Bulgarra, Burrup, Cleaverville, Cooya Pooya, Gap Ridge, Gnoorea, Karratha, Karratha Industrial Estate, Maitland, Mardie, Millars Well, Mulataga, Nickol, Pegs Creek, Sherlock, Stove Hill
6716 Pannawonica*
6718 Roebourne, Whim Creek
6720 Cossack, Point Samson, Wickham
6721 Port Hedland*
6722 South Hedland*
6725 Eighty Mile Beach*
6728 St George Ranges*
6751 Tom Price*
6753 Newman
6754 Paraburdoo
6758 Nullagine
6760 Marble Bar
QLD
4413 Auburn*
4415 Columboola*
4420 Baroondah*
4455 Wycombe*
4521 Mount Pleasant*
4581 Eurong, Fraser Island, Inskip, Rainbow Beach
4660 Apple Tree Creek*
4674 Oyster Creek*
4678 Bororen, Foreshores, Rodds Bay, Turkey Beach
4680 Gladstone*
4715 Mount Murchison*
4717Blackwater
4720 Emerald, Yammala
4737 Sarina*
4738 Ilbilbie, Koumala
4740 Beaconsfield*
4741 Mount Ossa*
4742 Burton, Eaglefield, Elphinstone, Hail Creek, Kemmis, Mount Britton, Nebo, Oxford, Strathfield, Turrawulla, Valkyrie
4743 Suttor, Glenden
4744 Moranbah
4745 Cotherstone, Dysart
4746 May Downs, Middlemount
4800 Conway*
4804 Collinsville, Mount Coolon, Mount Wyatt, Newlands, Scottville, Springlands
4805 Bowen*
4820 Campaspe*
SA
5600 Whyalla, Whyalla Playford
5601 Point Lowly*
5608 Whyalla Norrie, Whyalla Stuart
5609 Whyalla Jenkins
5725 Olympic Dam, Roxby Downs NT
0885 Alyangula
TAS
7030 Brighton*
7155 Kettering
7467 Queenstown, Lake Margaret
7468 Macquarie Heads, Strahan
7469 Zeehan, Trial Harbour, Renison Bell, Granville Harbour
7470 Rosebery
Group B 80 percent LVR
NSW
2000 Barangaroo, Dawes Point, Haymarket, Millers Point, Sydney, The Rocks
2008 Chippendale, Darlington
2017 Waterloo, Zetland
2019 Banksmeadow, Botany
2037 Forest Lodge, Glebe
2067 Chatswood
2112 Denistone East, Putney, Ryde
2118 Carlingford
2127 Newington, Sydney Olympic Park, Wentworth Point
2140 Homebush
2141 Berala, Lidcombe, Rookwood
2142 Camellia, Clyde, Granville, Holroyd, Rosehill
2144 Auburn
2146 Toongabbie
2150 Harris Park, Parramatta
2153 Baulkham Hills, Bella Vista, Winston Hills
2166 Cabramatta, Canley Vale, Canley Heights, Lansvale
2168 Ashcroft, Busby, Cartwright, Green Valley, Heckenberg, Hichinbrook, Miller, Sadleir
2194 Campsie
2195 Lakemba, Wiley Park
2199 Yagoona
2205 Arncliffe, Turella, Wolli Creek
2208 Kingsgrove
2209 Beverly Hills, Narwee
2210 Lungarno, Peakhurst, Riverwood
2211 Padstow
2220 Hurstville
2222 Penhurst
2566 Varroville, Bow Bowing, Minto, Raby, St Andrews
2767 Bungarribee, Doonside, Woodcroft
2769 The Ponds
VIC
3000 Melbourne CBD
3004 St Kilda Road Central
3006 South Bank, South Wharf
3008 Docklands
3067 Abbotsford
QLD
4000 Brisbane City, Petrie Terrace, Spring Hill
4006 Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Herston, Newstead
4010 Albion
4032 Chermside,
4101 Highgate Hill, South Brisbane, West End
4102 Dutton Park, Woolloongabba
4215 Labrador, Southport
SA
5000 CBD Adelaide
5001 CBD Adelaide
WA
6000 Perth CBD
6003 Highgate, Northbridge
6004 East Perth
6005 Kings Park, West Perth
6100 Burswood, Lathlain, Victoria Park
6103 Rivervale NT
800 Darwin
* = and surrounds
“NAB takes into account a range of economic factors, and regularly monitors the performance of local markets to ensure we continue to lend responsibly and sustainably,” a bank spokesperson told The Australian Financial Review.
“We recognise that no two suburbs are the same, and there are some geographic areas across Australia which have been impacted by local economic conditions.
"As a responsible lender, we adopt strategies in these geographic areas that seek to reduce the risk to our customers and our business.”
The bank is still lending to borrowers in the named suburbs.
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The 600 suburbs where the NAB requires more than a 10 percent deposit for home loans

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<div id="post-body-9168898991581718703" class="post-body entry-content">
<div>The ABS produced its muchly awaited revised first home buyer numbers yesterday. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>As flagged previously, the numbers are a bit lower than previously reported, although the month to month movements remained broadly consistent with what we have already seen. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The statistics more or less confirm what we already knew: that there are fewer first homebuyer loans being written than there were in the lead up to the financial crisis (though actually not that many fewer Australia-wide). </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/12/B1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/12/B1.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>Unfortunately the figures don't shed any light on how many first-time buyers have elected to buy an investment property instead of a home (which the NAB survey implies more than accounts for the downward shift in first homebuyer numbers). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And nor does these series cover first homes bought without finance i.e. for cash, thanks to the so-termed 'bank of Mum and Dad'.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Unlike Britain, Australia doesn't have agonizingly high rates of inheritance tax, and thus in my opinion inequality is likely to increase in favour of those lucky folks with wealthy parents. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sydney effect</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Drilling down to the state level, not at all surprisingly the impact of higher prices on first homebuyers has been felt most keenly in Sydney. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Not that we actually needed a graph to confirm this! Even the majority of middle-aged peeps have given up trying to buy homes in the more desirable suburbs, while investors have practically been running riot since mid-2012. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2016/10/12/B2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
 <div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/12/B2.jpg" alt=""></div>
 Elsewhere there doesn't seem to me to have been all that much of a change. <div>Loan sizes revised down</div>
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<div>The data for the average first homebuyer loan size has been revised down for recent years, although the chart patterns still tend to mirror the averages for non-first homebuyers. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>One interesting observation here is that the average first homebuyer loan size over the past ten years has not increased at the same rate as median house prices. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2016/10/12/B3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
 <div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/12/B3.jpg" alt=""></div>
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<div>You could read any number of things into this statistic (and no doubt people will!). </div>
<div> </div>
<div>For example, the figures could support the recently held argument that parents are tipping in far greater deposits than they were during 2008 and 2009, being the period when the first home owners grant (FHOG) was doubled. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It has to be said that the divergence does seem to begin at the right time for that to be the case.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Anyhoo, here are the figures at the state level, which I've just tidied up on a 3mMA basis to smooth out some of the jagged edges (the chart'd give you a headache otherwise). </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2016/10/12/B4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
 <div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/10/12/B4.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>First homebuyers look to be steadily gearing up again in Queensland, and particularly in Tassie of late, as the Hobart market tightens and rents rise.  </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In 2014, first homebuyers in Western Australia were taking on larger loans on average than anywhere in the country. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>And in 2015, the Northern Territory became the very epicentre of first homebuyer extravagance. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This is no longer the case - in either location. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blogger</a>. 
His latest book is <a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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What's going down with first home buyers? Pete Wargent

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The Australian Finance Group Mortgage Index for the first quarter of financial year 2017 shows a lift of 8 percent from the first quarter of the 2016 financial year to be sitting at a record $15.19 billion.
“Refinancers are driving the activity with a lift from 36 percent at the beginning of the 2016 financial year to peak at 39 percent in the last quarter and close steady the first quarter of the 2017 financial year at 38 percent,” said AFG general manager sales and operations Mark Hewitt.
Existing homeowners are looking to save, first home buyers are still in the single digits and investors are steady, albeit at a lower level than seen across the last three years.
Upgraders are at historical highs across the last financial year and are sitting at 34% again as we finish the first quarter of FY 2017.
“As these figures show, Australian home buyers are aware that rates are at historical lows and there are savings to be made. If you have a home loan and your interest rate isn’t below 4 percent, it would be wise to get in touch with a mortgage broker to ensure you are maximizing your opportunity to save’ he said.
Borrowers choosing to fix their interest rates are down from 18.7 percent last quarter to 15.9 percent this latest quarter. “For those borrowers with a fixed rate product, I would encourage them to check in with their mortgage broker once the fixed rate period is over as many fixed rate loans can revert to a significantly higher rate than may be available in the market at the time.
“An AFG broker can provide true choice across lenders and products and is in the best position to be able to provide those alternatives and ensure their customer has the right lending solution,” said Mr Hewitt.
Investment lending is down from 34 percent last quarter to 32 percent, amid tightening by lenders of investment lending conditions and continued talk of apartment oversupply.
“It is well documented that over the past 12 months regulators have been ‘encouraging’ lenders to tighten up on their investment lending in some areas and they have responded with policy changes and a reduction in discounts being offered.
“It is important to remember that investment lending is often an area where a borrower can really benefit from the assistance of a mortgage broker who knows which lenders are still in the market and the right way to structure finance to meet the needs of the customer,” concluded Mr Hewitt.
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