Malaysian developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/s-p-setia">SP Setia</a> is the latest to jump into St Leonards booming Transport Oriented Development precinct.

The developer, which has previously delivered Sapphire by the Gardens apartment development in Melbourne, identified the Atchison Street site in 2023. It filed a Scoping Report around 12 months ago, and now has revealed the designs for the new&nbsp;40-storey mixed-use tower.

The State Significant Development Application covers <a href="https://next-portal.urban.com.au/projects/14650/summary">20-22 Atchison Street</a>, a 1,374 sqm site positioned between St Leonards Station and the new Crows Nest Metro station.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">COX Architecture</a>, the project would deliver 181 apartments, above a four-storey commercial podium, five basement levels, and new public domain works along Mitchell Street. The apartment mix comprises 35 one-bedroom apartments, 39 one-bedroom-plus-study apartments, 85 two-bedroom apartments, and 22 three-bedroom residences.

The proposal has been lodged as a shop-top housing development under the NSW Government’s TOD planning pathway, which allows increased density around key transport infrastructure. The site sits within the recently rezoned Crows Nest Accelerated TOD Precinct.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b799673d-48e2-46b0-801a-0e33a9330100" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20site.png?VersionId=dPh0UfwfaHpbFL1R7H1cbZNbIW0CHbCC" />

SP Setia acquired the Atchison Street site as part of its continued expansion into the Australian apartment market. In comments made to City &amp; Country (The Edge Malaysia) in 2023, SP Setia President and CEO Datuk Choong Kai Wai described the acquisition as “a strategic move” aligned with the group’s post-pandemic market recovery strategy.

“Our target for this exceptional development is local and overseas buyers, including first-home buyers, downsizers and investors,” Choong said.

The tower has been designed as a slender vertical form rising from a mixed-use podium, with COX Architecture positioning the development as a response to the evolving St Leonards and Crows Nest skyline.

“The purpose of the project is to facilitate the delivery of high-quality housing at a strategically located site and deliver a built tower outcome that is consistent with the desired future character of St Leonards and aligns with the TOD controls,” the design report stated.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b1a85eee-76f7-436c-a6da-73ba827b9b13" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/atchinson%20entry.png?VersionId=dA9jHGPMcm.dDbwk4QfxqWiY5bfh3UVt" />

The podium would incorporate retail uses fronting Atchison Street, commercial tenancies, landscaped communal areas, and pedestrian improvements along Mitchell Street. Vehicle access and loading would be consolidated via Atchison Lane.

Residents would have access to more than 665 sqm of communal indoor and outdoor spaces, while the development proposes 96 parking spaces across five basement levels.

The proposal also includes a commitment for 10 per cent of residential floor space to be allocated toward affordable housing through a monetary contribution.

COX said the tower form responds directly to the emerging high-density character of the precinct while seeking to maximise solar access, cross ventilation, and outlook from apartments.

<img alt="First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2163f85c-f63b-4be3-aafa-f8763976cec5" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_5.png?VersionId=WiAmtIKJ6.ZQ41EtYEQ1fol7AeorKBlL" />

“The building is orientated towards north,” the Apartment Design Guide compliance report noted, adding that the tower’s slim form was driven by the constrained inner-urban site dimensions.

The design also incorporates landscaped setbacks and communal open space at podium level, intended to soften the interface with surrounding streets and improve pedestrian amenity.

The project adds to a growing wave of redevelopment proposals reshaping St Leonards and Crows Nest following the opening of the Sydney Metro City line and the NSW Government’s push for higher-density housing around major transport nodes.

Last week Stockland filed plans just down the road. They want to build a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/601-pacific-highway-st-leonards-nsw-2065">52-storey tower on Pacific Highway</a>.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/first-look-stockland-plans-52-storey-538-apartment-st-leonards-tower">First look: Stockland plans 52-storey, 538-apartment St Leonards tower&nbsp;</a>

Joel Robinson

First look: SP Setia targets St Leonards skyline with 40-storey TOD tower

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> has revealed plans for a new mixed-use tower at 10 Dangar Street, Wickham, advancing a proposal that would reshape the southern gateway to Newcastle’s city centre with one of the city’s tallest residential buildings.

The State Significant Development proposal, now on exhibition, seeks approval for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/bowline-10-dangar-street-wickham-nsw-2293">43-storey tower</a> immediately adjacent to the Newcastle Interchange. The project would deliver around 200 apartments, including 42 affordable housing dwellings, alongside 99 co-living units, a 171-room hotel, retail space, and new public domain integrated through the site.

The scheme marks a significant escalation of plans previously approved for the site. Urban Property Group took over the prominent 2,904 sqm parcel, where excavation and demolition had already commenced under an earlier consent for a 14-storey mixed-use development.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="58a96dd9-407f-4d20-86b4-94e4bfeef74b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20podium.png?VersionId=LGlf08pdFGAZDzvx_CXC4XakHNZRuEE0" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/sjb-architects">SJB</a>, the tower has been conceived as a landmark transit-oriented development anchored to the Newcastle Interchange precinct. The proposal includes 245 build-to-sell apartments across a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as two penthouses. Fifteen apartments and one operational unit are earmarked for NDIS housing. The co-living component would add a further 99 units, while the podium would accommodate retail uses and hotel facilities.

SJB said the site presents “a valuable opportunity to anchor the precinct by setting the standard for design, active ground planes and character at the key southern gateway.”

The architecture responds directly to the site’s position beside major transport infrastructure and within one of Newcastle’s fastest-evolving urban renewal precincts. The tower form sits above a sculpted podium designed to frame new public spaces, including a through-site pedestrian link connecting Station Street to Hannell Street, landscaped plazas, and activated retail edges.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7bd6ff0-f7db-4ce8-a6dc-ea56e72c6149" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20lanne.png?VersionId=xzf39VADyhj7zBQY2I9fx9vI62u2tuSb" />

The design report describes the project as part of the broader transition of Wickham into “a vibrant, high-quality mixed-use urban precinct” that leverages proximity to the station, open space, and regional connectivity.

A detailed public art strategy has also been prepared for the development. The strategy positions the project as “a transit-oriented development of state significance at the gateway to Newcastle’s city centre” and outlines a series of integrated artworks responding to Newcastle’s industrial and transport heritage.

Creative Road’s curatorial framework for the project, titled Unveil, draws on “stratified surfaces, carved volumes, and light-filled apertures” while referencing Newcastle’s transformation from an industrial city into a contemporary education and technology hub.

<img alt="First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s next supertower at Wickham interchange" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77a882bb-14b1-4d28-99ff-9438e39508c0" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/wickham%20site.png?VersionId=cevgo_vN0eKPK78P8YcEu3mKPLkpFqE7" />

The proposal is being advanced through the NSW Housing Delivery Authority pathway after being declared State Significant Development in June 2025. The accompanying scoping report states the development aims to “maximise the site’s proximity to the Newcastle Interchange by delivering transit-oriented development” while increasing housing supply and affordable housing provision within the Newcastle LGA.

Urban Property Group’s plans align with the long-term strategic vision established under the Wickham Master Plan, which identified the interchange precinct as suitable for substantial uplift in height and density. The current proposal would significantly intensify that vision, positioning the tower among the tallest developments proposed for Newcastle.

The site sits immediately north of the Newcastle Interchange, bounded by Dangar Street, Hannell Street, and Charles Street. It is surrounded by a rapidly growing cluster of residential towers and mixed-use projects that have emerged following the completion of the light rail and transport interchange.

First look: Urban Property Group unveils Newcastle’s latest tower at Wickham interchange

Bottega House has completed settlement of a landmark riverfront site in Macquarie Street, St Lucia, representing its first major Brisbane development.&nbsp;

Positioned on the banks of the Brisbane River, the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/180-macquarie-street-st-lucia-qld-4067">premium site at 180 Macquarie Street</a> features uninterrupted river frontage in one of Brisbane’s most tightly held residential precincts.&nbsp;

The proposed development, currently under assessment with Brisbane City Council, has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/plus-studio">Plus Studio</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/mim-design">Mim Design</a> and will deliver a boutique collection of premium residences positioned specifically for owner occupiers and downsizers.&nbsp;

The residences are set to redefine luxury apartment living in the area, with a focus on architectural quality, refined finishes, landscape integration and elevated amenities including curated wellness facilities, resort-style pools and recreation spaces rarely seen in the local market.&nbsp;

Exclusive sales for the project will be led by Keenan &amp; Byrne, ahead of an anticipated launch later this year.&nbsp;

Bottega House Managing Director Nick Malloch said the project reflects the group’s ambition to deliver a highly curated residential offering within one of Brisbane’s most tightly held precincts.&nbsp;

“This is an incredibly rare riverfront opportunity and one we have approached with a long-term perspective,” Malloch said.&nbsp;

“Our vision from the outset was to create a boutique collection of residences that feel more like private homes than traditional apartments, with generous proportions, refined finishes and exceptional amenity throughout."

Malloch says there is a&nbsp;lack of premium owner-occupier stock of this quality in the market, particularly for downsizers wanting space, privacy and a true lifestyle offering without compromise.&nbsp;

"Demand is expected to be strong given the scarcity of premium riverfront opportunities of this nature within Brisbane’s inner-west."&nbsp;

Bottega House secures landmark riverfront site in St Lucia 

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The arrival of the first piling rig officially marks the commencement of construction at SIERA’s new beachside apartment development, Exhale, in Northcliffe.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/exhale-surfers-paradise-8-enderley-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Exhale</a>, a glass-encased tower featuring 54 large-scale apartments at 8 Enderley Avenue, is SIERA’s third Gold Coast development. It follows the recently completed PIPIS Bilinga beachfront project, which achieved suburb-record prices, and the soon-to-be-completed Chevron Island development, Tapestry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359603]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/siera">SIERA</a> Founder and Managing Director Brent Thompson said the arrival of the piling rig represented a significant milestone for the development, which is scheduled for completion in late 2028.

Over the next month, around 260 piles are expected to be installed as work progresses on the basement structure. The building is anticipated to rise above ground level early next year, before unveiling its sculptural glass curtain wall, developed in collaboration with specialist façade engineers.

“The façade was designed to maximise panoramic coastal views while creating a distinctive architectural identity,” Thompson said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=355935]

Designed by BDA Architecture, Exhale will comprise just 54 two- and three-bedroom residences across 26 levels, a level of low-density living rarely delivered in this beachside pocket between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

The project has been conceived as a resident-only building, with no short-stay accommodation permitted. SIERA says the model is intended to appeal to long-term owner-occupiers rather than transient holiday demand.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=361052]

Residences have been designed with large-format layouts and expansive glazing, with most apartments featuring more than 30 metres of glass frontage to maximise natural light and ocean views.

The amenity offering spans two levels and centres on wellness and lifestyle, including a heated magnesium pool, sauna, yoga and Pilates studio, gymnasium, private dining facilities, cinema lounge, and dedicated surfcraft storage.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112661 project_image_fid=359607]

More than half of the apartments have already sold. SIERA has also opened a sales gallery for Exhale at its Chevron Island commercial premises, near its Tapestry tower and the site of its second Chevron Island apartment development, which is slated to launch in early 2027.
</section>
</section>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112661]

SIERA kicks off construction at Northcliffe tower Exhale

Local Little Bay residents, along with buyers from premium postcodes across Sydney’s affluent Eastern Suburbs, have dominated purchases in developer-builder Urban Property Group’s first Eastern Suburbs apartment development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a>.

The $250 million coastal project, one of the first new developments in the area in several years, has proven particularly popular with downsizers, especially those from Coogee and Bondi. One Double Bay downsizer paid $4.7 million for a four-bedroom penthouse, setting a new local apartment price record in the process.

Buyers have been attracted to the combination of coastal tranquillity, premium design and amenity-rich neighbourhood living. The walkable village setting, along with proximity to three of Sydney’s leading golf courses, New South Wales Golf Club, St Michael’s Golf Club and The Coast Golf Club, has also been a key drawcard.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352689]

Built across two low-rise buildings designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hill-thalis-architecture-urban-projects-pty-ltd">Hill Thalis</a> and set along a lush, landscaped green spine, designed by leading landscape architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/arcadia-landscape-architecture">Arcadia</a>, ESTE Little Bay offers a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences with interiors by Richards Stanisich.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> Sales Director, Tom McIvor said the response to ESTE has been "nothing short of extraordinary."

“Buyers have been quick to recognise ESTE as a rare opportunity to invest in a coastal sanctuary that offers both seclusion and connectivity to the heart of Sydney,” McIvor said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352687]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">SRM Residential</a> Senior Director, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/srm-residential">Clayton Ross</a> said the local market has responded incredibly well, driven by ESTE’s exceptional location and the rarity it offers.

“We’ve seen strong interest from a variety of buyer groups, all of whom are drawn to the exclusivity and quality of the build and construction by the 4.5-star iCIRT-rated builder / developer, Urban Property Group. There’s truly nothing else like it along Sydney’s coastline.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112343 project_image_fid=352690]

The project also includes robust buyer protections, including Resilience Insurance’s Latent Defects Insurance, providing 10 years of structural cover, and an independent iCIRT-rating of the developer.

“The iCIRT-rating adds another layer of confidence,” Ross added. “Buyers see it as a safeguard for their investment and their lifestyle.” A highlight of ESTE’s offering is its exclusive wellness amenities, including a heated rooftop infinity pool and outdoor heated spa, a state-of-the-art Technogym fitness centre, and a sauna.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/este-little-bay-jennifer-street-little-bay-nsw-2036">ESTE Little Bay</a> is topped out and is on track to complete towards the end of 2026, with residents moving in before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112343]

Eastern Suburbs buyers snap up ESTE Little Bay apartments

Home Loans

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EXPERT OBSERVER
While some believe that mortgage stress will have a major negative impact on the housing market, deferrals are now clearly in decline, and Australia’s high level of loan repayment deferrals is unlikely to prevent a housing market rebound in 2021, according to Pete Wargent, co-founder of BuyerBuyers.com.au.
APRA’s latest figures reported housing loan deferrals decreased to $167 billion in July from a total $1.8 trillion loan book for authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), representing about 9 per cent of loans still subject to housing loan deferrals.  
Mr Wargent of BuyersBuyers.com.au said that “there is a significant ongoing improvement underway, although clearly 9 per cent of loans subject deferral is still an elevated number, and significantly higher than what would be considered a typical figure for mortgages in arrears”.
Even in Melbourne, Mr. Wargent said, consumer confidence has increased recently as demonstrated by Victorian reporting a sharp increase on ANZ-Roy Morgan’s latest survey, as signs have emerged that newly confirmed COVID-19 cases have been brought under control, implying that restrictions on movement may be relaxed sooner than previously feared.
However, some risks remain, especially relating to landlords with rental apartments in the major capital cities. For example, the continued impact of the COVID19 has led to the extension of an eviction freeze out until March 2021 in New South Wales. This applies further cash flow pressure on landlords, who very often rely on the rental income to service their mortgage.
The weekly payroll figures suggested that between mid-March to mid-May, some of the most significant declines in payrolls occurred in sectors such as accommodation &amp; food services (–29 per cent), arts &amp; recreation (–26 per cent), administration &amp; support services (–10 per cent).
By the first week of September there had only been a modest recovery in accommodation and food services (still -22 per cent) and arts &amp; recreation (-14 per cent).
“This is materially higher than the normal acceptable rate of arrears which might be around 1 to 2 per cent, and in the range of 2 to 3 per cent in states and territories which have been struggling economically” Mr Wargent said.
Doron Peleg of Riskwise Property Research said “banks have a very clear strategy to minimise forced sales as much as possible. We’re seeing lenders, who are our clients, assessing the risks and opportunities for price increases at the individual loan level, before making specific decisions regarding the extensions of holiday repayments and flexible arrangements with borrowers.
“The significant improvement in buyer sentiment in relation to dwelling prices, (as demonstrated by preliminary auction clearance rates that are consistently above the 70 per cent mark for houses in Sydney), show that the risk associated with the vast majority of the deferred loans is lower than expected” Mr Peleg said.
Pete Wargent, co-founder of BuyersBuyers.com.au, a national marketplace offering affordable property buying services to all Australians, said that many borrowers had opted to defer repayments without necessarily being at risk of default.
“Mortgage brokers have signalled that many borrowers elected to take a repayment holiday in order to maintain a financial buffer, as a form of insurance policy, rather than through genuine duress. And targeted stimulus measures providing income support have been very effective, as has been borne out by the lowest bankruptcy and insolvency figures in a quarter of a century”.
“Moreover, banks have reported lately that increasingly owners are beginning to make repayments again, with about 109,000 loans being repaid again by the end of July, suggesting that the figures will continue improve over the coming six months” Mr Wargent said.
Risk areas remain but employment is recovering
The recovery in employment was comfortably stronger than expected through August, despite being held back by Victoria.
Mr Peleg of RiskWise said “we’ve seen that the shutdown measures have disproportionately impacted lower income occupations, and as such there is a risk of rental arrears continuing to rise over the coming year. And this is a time when inner city unit vacancy rates have been at record highs, including in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane”.
“Therefore, we expect that some landlords will experience cashflow pressures in 2021, as previously projected in our Top 10 Unit Oversupply Areas report”.
Regulatory monitoring
The regulator APRA is keenly aware of the risks when mortgage holidays end, and  issued a letter to deposit-taking institutions following a review of plans for the assessment and management of loans with repayment deferrals. 
ASIC noted that some plans included reference to borrowers accessing their superannuation as an option that could potentially be considered if borrowers are unable to resume repayments.
Mr Peleg of RiskWise said that “overall, there is a very low incentive for lenders to push stressed borrowers into default leading to a wave of forced sales or foreclosures, and practical solutions are likely to be found”.
“When a risk becomes well known and widely discussed it rarely blows up into the major outcome that is feared, at least in part because when risks are discussed so openly solutions are found.”
Mr Wargent of BuyersBuyers.com.au “we have seen a similar dynamic previously with the feared interest-only loan reset in recent years, which did not lead to widespread arrears or defaults, despite much breathless reporting.
“This is a different and somewhat unique situation, but we expect lenders to work with borrowers and regulators to smooth the transition, especially at a time when mortgage rates are at record lows and interest serviceability has improved so significantly”.
“Overall, borrowers are now beginning to make repayments again, employment is generally recovering steadily, at least outside Victoria, there is a noticeable improvement in housing measures and projections, and we expect lenders to work closely with borrowers in the first quarter of 2021 to manage the transition, with regulatory oversight” Mr Wargent said.
Fewer forced sales
Mr Peleg said “the upcoming changes to responsible lending, could significantly decrease the number of forced sales. Responsible lending obligations have created a supply barrier of credit from the banks to lenders and particularly for property investors.”
“The upcoming changes will simply enable banks, that have been experiencing a fierce competition from non-bank lenders, to compete more aggressively, i.e. to simply write more loans.
“Obviously, this can have a clear flow-on effect on the aggregate demand for property, and therefore on property prices. The likely increase in property values make the current deferred loans less risky, as borrowers have properties with higher likelihood to increase in value in the future. “
The announced changes may also provide a variety of re-finance options for borrowers.
“Consequently, the number of forced sales is likely to be low, and it is highly unlikely that forced sales will have a macro impact on the property market” Mr Peleg said.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Four reasons loan deferrals won't derail the housing recovery: RiskWise's Doron Peleg

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The Commonwealth Bank has trimmed the rate on its ‘no frills’ home loan for homeowners and investors. 
The move sees the major bank’s Extra Home Loans cut by 0.10 percent for owner occupiers and up to 0.15 percent for investors, taking the lowest variable rate offer from the bank to 2.69 percent.
While the Extra Home Loan is one without an offset or extensive features, it does allow for additional repayments and redraw, which Canstar advised are two critical features of a loan that enable borrowers to pay their loan off sooner.
<a href="https://www.canstar.com.au/" target="_blank">Canstar</a> analysis shows CBA’s owner occupied Extra home loan rate of 2.69% (2.70% comparison rate) is 1.16% below the bank’s loan with an offset account being its Wealth Package at a variable rate of 3.85% (4.27% comparison rate).
The difference in monthly repayments between the two on a $400,000 loan over 30 years is $255. Borrowers need to decide whether they value the extra benefits of the package loan that highly.
Looking across the market, further analysis shows mortgage holders will pay an average of 0.37% more for a variable rate loan with an offset account, or $81 each month on a $400,000 home loan over 30 years.
Canstar’s Group Executive, Financial Services, Steve Mickenbecker says borrowers will typically pay more for a loan with an attached offset account so it might be worth considering one of the basic loans available and taking advantage of the extra repayment feature. 
 “Getting ahead of your home loan repayment schedule works to recession proof your finances and helps build long term wealth.”  
He said when no frills loans first hit the market, they came with the drawback that you could not make extra repayments to get ahead. 
“For Commonwealth Bank in particular, a no frills loan may work for borrowers who don’t see the value of the additional benefits of the packaged loan that could be costing them an extra could be costing them an extra $255 a month.”
The CBA changes:
 
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<table>
<colgroup>
<col width="156">
<col width="99">
<col width="97">
<col width="95">
<col width="95">
<col width="82">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="6">
CBA Home Loan Interest Rate Changes
25 September 2020
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="6">
Owner Occupied
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Product &amp; LVR
</td>
<td>
Repayment type
</td>
<td>
Old rate
</td>
<td>
New rate
</td>
<td>
Comparison rate
</td>
<td>
Change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan &lt;=70%
</td>
<td>
P&amp;I
</td>
<td>
2.79%
</td>
<td>
2.69%
</td>
<td>
2.70%
</td>
<td>
-0.10%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan 70.01-80%
</td>
<td>
P&amp;I
</td>
<td>
2.79%
</td>
<td>
2.69%
</td>
<td>
2.70%
</td>
<td>
-0.10%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan 80.01-95%
</td>
<td>
P&amp;I
</td>
<td>
3.13%
</td>
<td>
3.13%
</td>
<td>
3.14%
</td>
<td>
-
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan &lt;=70%
</td>
<td>
IO
</td>
<td>
3.35%
</td>
<td>
3.25%
</td>
<td>
2.91%
</td>
<td>
-0.10%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan 70.01-80%
</td>
<td>
IO
</td>
<td>
3.35%
</td>
<td>
3.25%
</td>
<td>
2.91%
</td>
<td>
-0.10%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan="6">
Investment
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Product &amp; LVR
</td>
<td>
Repayment type
</td>
<td>
Old rate
</td>
<td>
New rate
</td>
<td>
Comparison rate
</td>
<td>
Change
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan &lt;=70%
</td>
<td>
P&amp;I
</td>
<td>
3.27%
</td>
<td>
3.12%
</td>
<td>
3.13%
</td>
<td>
-0.15%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan 70.01-80%
</td>
<td>
P&amp;I
</td>
<td>
3.27%
</td>
<td>
3.15%
</td>
<td>
3.16%
</td>
<td>
-0.12%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan 80.01-95%
</td>
<td>
P&amp;I
</td>
<td>
3.54%
</td>
<td>
3.54%
</td>
<td>
3.55%
</td>
<td>
-
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan &lt;=70%
</td>
<td>
IO
</td>
<td>
3.83%
</td>
<td>
3.68%
</td>
<td>
3.34%
</td>
<td>
-0.15%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan 70.01-80%
</td>
<td>
IO
</td>
<td>
3.83%
</td>
<td>
3.71%
</td>
<td>
3.37%
</td>
<td>
-0.12%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
Extra Home Loan 80.01-95%
</td>
<td>
IO
</td>
<td>
4.10%
</td>
<td>
4.10%
</td>
<td>
3.77%
</td>
<td>
-
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
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CBA trims home loan rates

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EXPERT OBSERVER
<div class="WordSection1">
The value of home loans rose by 8.9 per cent in July after a 6.4 per cent rise in June (consensus: up 2 per cent). It was the biggest back-to-back increase in home loans in 18 years of records. First home buyer numbers are at a 10½-year high.
The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment rose 18 per cent in September, lifting from 79.5 to 93.8. A reading below 100 points denotes pessimism. 
Consumers believe that the wisest place for extra savings is in the bank (32.7 per cent of respondents). But 8 per cent say that they don’t know the wisest place for savings – the second highest level on record.
Chinese consumer prices rose 0.4 per cent as expected in August to be up 2.4 per cent on the year. Producer prices fell 2 per cent over the year as expected
The lending figures have implications for builders, housing-reliant businesses, finance providers, retailers, and companies dependent on consumer and business spending. The consumer confidence figures have implications for retailers, and other consumer-focussed businesses.
</div>
<div class="WordSection2">
<h1>What does it all mean?</h1>
<ul>
<li>Today’s economic data can be filed in the ‘encouraging’ category. Consumers are more chipper, home loan data is healthy and average home loans are still bigger than a year ago. There are more first home buyers taking out loans than at any point over the past decade. Also expectations of future house prices lifted almost 22 per cent last month.</li>
<li>We have said this many times – this is not your traditional recession. Spending is rising at double digit annual rates and people are still confident enough to be buying and building more homes.</li>
<li>The Reserve Bank strategy is working. Super-low interest rates and an expectation that they are not going to rise for three years are encouraging people to buy and build homes.</li>
<li>If you had a saving windfall, what would you say is the wisest place to put it? In the latest survey, 8 per cent say they don’t know – the second highest reading on record (25 years). </li>
</ul>
<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/2020/9/11/home%20loan%20values.jpg" alt="">
<h1>What do the figures show? </h1>
Lending - July
<ul>
<li>The value of home loans rose by 8.9 per cent in July (consensus: up 2 per cent) with owner-occupier loans up by 10.7 per cent and investor loans up by 3.5 per cent. The accompanying table has the details of lending per category.</li>
<li>The value of loans to first home buyers in July rose by 10.6 per cent and was 26.6 per cent higher for the year.</li>
<li>The number of owner occupier first home buyer loan commitments rose by 14.4 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms.</li>
<li>By value, first home buyer loan commitments accounted for 38.7 per cent of all owner-occupier home loans in July (excluding refinancing) – a 10½-year high.</li>
<li>
Personal finance fixed term loan commitments rose by 6.9 per cent in July after rising 5.2 per cent in June. Commitments were down 3.9 per cent on a year ago. Car loans fell by 0.9 per cent after rising 61.2 per cent in the two prior months. </li>
<li>
Personal lending from revolving sources (including credit cards) fell by 11.1 per cent in July after falling 13.5 per cent in June. Loans were down by 40 per cent over the year.</li>
<li>
New finance leases fell by 14.1 per cent in July after dropping 6.1 per cent in June. Finance leases were down 3.3 per cent on the year.</li>
<li>The value of new loan commitments to businesses for construction fell by 25.1 per cent in July after rising by 57.3 per cent in June. Loans were down 16.6 per cent on the year.</li>
<li>
Loans for the purchase of property by business fell by 14.2 per cent in July after falling 15.3 per cent in June to be down by 25.4 per cent over the year.</li>
</ul>
Consumer confidence – September
<ul>
<li>The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment rose by 18 per cent from 79.5 to 93.8 points in September. A reading below 100 points denotes pessimism.</li>
<li>The current conditions index rose by 14 per cent. And the expectations index rose by 21 per cent.</li>
<li>
All five major components of the index rose in September.</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/11/Westpac%20Melb%20sentiment.png" alt="">  
<ul>
<li>The survey was based on responses from 1,200 people and conducted in the week from August 31 to September 6, 2020.</li>
<li>
Wisest place for savings: Overall 32.7 per cent of respondents believe the wisest place to put new savings is in the bank – down from a 5½-year high of 34.8 in June. Only 9.2 per cent of consumers nominated shares – down from a 6½-year high of 11.4 per cent in June. And 9.9 per cent believe the wisest place for savings is real estate, up from 9.0 per cent in the June quarter.</li>
<li>Also in the latest quarterly survey, 8 per cent say that they don’t know the wisest place for savings – the second highest level on record. Consumers are less keen on paying down debt – the reading of 17.1 per cent was a 5-year low. Only 3.4 per cent thought ‘spend it’ was the best use for new savings – down to a near 7-year low. Those electing ‘superannuation’ as the wisest place for savings lifted from 4.5 per cent to 6.9 per cent</li>
<li>
“Lending Indicators” is released monthly by the Bureau of Statistics and contains figures on new housing, personal, commercial and lease finance commitments. The importance of the data lies in what it reveals about the appropriateness of interest rate settings, confidence and spending levels in the economy.</li>
<li>Westpac and the Melbourne Institute release the Index of Consumer Sentiment each month. The ANZ/Roy Morgan weekly survey of consumer confidence closely tracks the monthly Westpac/Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index but the former measure is a timelier assessment of consumer attitudes. Confident consumers may be more inclined to spend, especially on major items. </li>
<li>These are strange times. And the fog doesn’t look like lifting any time soon. Mask-wearing Aussies are buying homes and indulging in retail purchases against the biggest downturn in the economy since World War II.</li>
<li>It just shows that the stimulating policies of the Federal Government and Reserve Bank are working perfectly.</li>
<li>Interest rates are set to remain low for three years – the Reserve Bank Governor’s own words. Aussie consumers are responding by buying and building homes. We just need businesses to recognize the different times and take back workers from their hibernation and take on new staff.</li>
<li>The housing market outlook is improving. There was a 3 per cent lift last month on the question of whether it was a good time to buy a home. And there was a 21.7 per cent lift in house price expectations.</li>
<li>All in a recession.</li>
</ul>
<h1>What is the importance of the economic data?</h1>
“Lending Indicators” is released monthly by the Bureau of Statistics and contains figures on new housing, personal, commercial and lease finance commitments. The importance of the data lies in what it reveals about the appropriateness of interest rate settings, confidence and spending levels in the economy.
Westpac and the Melbourne Institute release the Index of Consumer Sentiment each month. The ANZ/Roy Morgan weekly survey of consumer confidence closely tracks the monthly Westpac/Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index but the former measure is a timelier assessment of consumer attitudes. Confident consumers may be more inclined to spend, especially on major items.
<h1>What are the implications for investors?</h1>
 These are strange times. And the fog doesn’t look like lifting any time soon. Mask-wearing Aussies are buying homes and indulging in retail purchases against the biggest downturn in the economy since World War II.
It just shows that the stimulating policies of the Federal Government and Reserve Bank are working perfectly.
Interest rates are set to remain low for three years – the Reserve Bank Governor’s own words. Aussie consumers are responding by buying and building homes. We just need businesses to recognize the different times and take back workers from their hibernation and take on new staff.
The housing market outlook is improving. There was a 3 per cent lift last month on the question of whether it was a good time to buy a home. And there was a 21.7 per cent lift in house price expectations.
All in a recession.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/9/11/CommSec%20average%20mortgage%20size.png" alt="">
CRAIG JAMES is the Chief Economist at CommSec
 
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cjames-5S2v74qSNK

Home loan values see biggest jump in 18 years: CommSec

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Buying your first house doesn't need to be a daunting experience – and with the <a href="/guides">right guidance</a>, you'll be equipped with the tools you need to create a <a href="/guides/-how-much-are-you-required-to-save-for-a-house">sound financial plan</a>.

Recently I had the opportunity to chat to <a href="https://unohomeloans.com.au/">Uno Homeloans</a>' Vincent Turner about some of the financial considerations <a href="/guides/2019/06/17/urbans-first-home-buyer-guide">first home buyers</a> should take into account. Vincent covered everything from loan pre-approval and boosting your borrowing power to mortgage maintenance as well as sharing some of his top financial tips.

Watch the interview:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xX1Nxv3kD_U" width="660"></iframe>

00:22 - How do you decide when is the right time to buy a house?

01:31 - How to identify a good time in the property market cycle

02:24 - How can you boost your borrowing power?

05:40 - How much should you spend on a mortgage?

07:53 - What is an offset account and how does it work?

09:43 - What happens if you want to set up a business but you have a mortgage?

10:58 - What are the benefits of getting home loan pre-approval before beginning your property search?

12:46 - What are your top 5 financial tips for first home buyers?

More from Vincent Turner: <a href="/news/two-key-lender-changes-you-need-to-know-about-before-you-get-your-loan">Two key lender changes you need to know about before you get your loan</a>

<h2>First home buyer guides</h2>

<a href="/guides/2019/06/17/urbans-first-home-buyer-guide">First Home Buyer Guide (24 simple steps)</a>

<a href="/guides/how-to-navigate-australias-first-home-buyer-grants">How to navigate Australia's First Home Buyer Grants</a>

<a href="/guides/20-things-you-should-look-out-for-before-you-buy-property">20 things you should look out for before you buy property</a>
</body></html>

Olivia Round

Uno Homeloans founder Vincent Turner shares financial advice every first home buyer needs to know

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Just one in 10 cash-strapped borrowers who took a COVID-19 mortgage break from repayments to the big four banks have exited the payment relief program.
The Australian Banking Association confirmed many Australians are unwilling to make any repayments.
About 485,000 mortgages have been deferred in Australia with the nation’s largest seven banks, including the Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, Westpac, ANZ, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Suncorp and Bank of Queensland.
But new data released by the big four banks found that in May and June:
• About 75,800 customers on mortgage deferrals had exited the repayment holiday program (9 per cent).
• About 50,000 are making partial repayments and 62,500 are making full repayments (15 per cent).
The ABA’s chief executive, former Queensland premier Anna Bligh, said there was "a very long road and plenty of hurdles to clear." 
Customers were initially given repayment deferral for up to six months, but banks are set to offer further extensions.
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Most mortgage relief recipients still taking COVID-19 repayment break

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Homestar Finance has claimed the title of the lowest fixed rate on the market for new home buyers and refinancers.
The new rate of 1.98 per cent is fixed for one year, reverting to an ongoing variable rate of 2.49 per cent. The rate requires borrowers to have a 20 per cent deposit and comes with upfront fees of $1,010.
RateCity.com.au analysis shows if an owner-occupier with a $400,000 home loan switched from the average existing owner-occupier rate of 3.28 per cent, to this new rate from Homestar Finance they could potentially save $3,796 in the first year, including refinancing costs, or $15,816 in the first five years. 
Sally Tindall, research director at RateCity.com.au, said today's rate cut would ignite further competition among the low-cost lenders in a bid to claim the title of Australia’s cheapest home loan.
“At 1.98 per cent, this is the lowest fixed rate available to everyday Australians, but it’s important to remember it only lasts for a year. That said, the revert rate is still significantly lower than the big four banks’ variable rates,” she said.
Despite no move to the cash rate, lenders are continuing to cut both fixed and variable rates. Just last week, loans.com.au launched a new lowest introductory variable rate of 1.99 per cent for one year.
“It’s starting to feel like the end of an auction where the competitors are edging each other on in small increments,” she said. 
“But they’re all playing ball, pushing each other below the two per cent barrier.
“We expect rates to keep nudging lower over the next few months as lenders try to capitalise on the current refinancing boom,” she said.
Lowest 1-year fixed rates on RateCity.com.au
<table class="x_x_x_MsoNormalTable" style="width: 337px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="225">
Lender
</td>
<td width="112">
Advertised rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
Homestar Finance
</td>
<td width="112">
1.98%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
Greater Bank
</td>
<td width="112">
2.09%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
UBank
</td>
<td width="112">
2.14%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Lowest 2-year fixed rates on RateCity.com.au
<table class="x_x_x_MsoNormalTable" style="width: 337px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="225">
Lender
</td>
<td width="112">
Advertised rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
Homestar Finance
</td>
<td width="112">
2.06%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
HSBC
</td>
<td width="112">
2.09%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
BCU
</td>
<td width="112">
2.12%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
 
Lowest 3-year fixed rates on RateCity.com.au
<table class="x_x_x_MsoNormalTable" style="width: 337px;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td width="225">
Lender
</td>
<td width="112">
Advertised rate
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
UBank 
</td>
<td width="112">
2.14%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
BCU
</td>
<td width="112">
2.16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="225">
Macquarie Bank, Westpac
</td>
<td width="112">
2.19%
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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Home loans hit new record low of 1.98 per cent

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Lender loans.com.au has introduced a record low discounted variable rate of 1.99%, available for one year before it reverts to 2.57%.
The move comes less than one month after Tasmanian customer owned bank, Bank of Us introduced fixed rates of 1.99%.
With loans.com.au’s new lowest variable rate of 1.99% only available for one year, Canstar has compared the interest paid over the 30 year life of the loan between the new offer and the current lowest variable rate of 2.19%.
The analysis reveals that taking out the introductory offer of 1.99% would see borrowers with lower monthly repayments for 12 months though it will cost $25,517 more in interest over the life of the loan (assuming the rate differential stays the same). 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/7/23/Canstar%20July%2023.JPG" alt="">
Canstar's finance expert, Steve Mickenbecker said,“just last month we saw fixed rates crack the 2% barrier, with variable rates now following suit, albeit with an introductory rate that moves higher after 12 months.”
“The four minute mile of home loans, a rate below 2%, was broken last month and with the barrier broken we are now seeing fast followers.
“We saw how quickly the competition moved below 3% once that record fell, so a rate below 2% could soon become the qualifying rate to be competitive.
“A rate below 2% could make a big difference to homeowners’ hip pockets each month, but borrowers have to be prepared for a higher monthly repayment when the 12 month introductory period expires, even though the ongoing rate is competitive.
“Switching from the average variable rate of 3.44% to a rate of 1.99% on an average $400,000 loan could put $307 per month or over $3,600 back into borrowers wallets in just the first year,” he concluded.
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A second record low 1.99% home loan has arrived

<html><body>
EXPERT OBSERVER
The number of loans to owner occupiers for established homes fell by 9.1 per cent during May 2020 to the lowest monthly level on record.
Today’s Housing Finance data does not reflect the impact of HomeBuilder program announced in June. We don’t expect to see the positive impact of HomeBuilder reflected in Housing Finance data for a number of months.
This month’s data reflects the peak of the COVID-19 related shutdown and likely includes reduced demand for existing homes and the slower processing of applications.
Due to the lag between submitting a finance application and gaining approval, we anticipate that this is only the beginning of negative finance and construction data from the ABS.
Data shows that loans for the purchase or construction of a new dwelling held on relatively well. This reflects the longer timeframe between purchasing a new dwelling and gaining access to finance.
First home buyers fell by 9.3 per cent during May, led by a decline of 18.8 per cent in New South Wales. This is not surprising given the level of risk aversion and lack of equity within this cohort.
There was a surge in re-financing during the month, to the highest level on record, as households took advantage of record low interest rates.
It is difficult to draw conclusions from this data other than there has been a material disruption to the housing market.
HomeBuilder along with other state incentives and an easing of restrictions will assist in bringing consumers who delayed their purchasing decisions back to the market. This will minimise the adverse impact of the COVID-19 shock on employment in the homebuilding sector, but this will not be reflected in ABS data for some months. 
HIA New Home Sales for June, will be the first indicator of the impact of HomeBuilder on the housing market. 
Across the states, the value of loans to owner-occupiers (excluding refinancing) during the three months to May 2020 was significantly lower than the previous three months in Western Australia (-14.6 per cent), Queensland (-12.9 per cent), the Northern Territory (-7.4 per cent) and South Australia (-7.0 per cent). Tasmania (-4.8 per cent), Victoria (-3.1 per cent) and the ACT (-3.1 per cent) also recorded declines. New South Wales was relatively flat, declining by 0.5 per cent over the same period.
TIM REARDON is the HIA Chief Economist
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Record housing finance data reflects COVID-19 shock: HIA's Tim Reardon

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The number of loans to owner occupiers for established homes fell by 6.3 per cent during April 2020. 
The ABS today released monthly data tracking lending activity including lending within the residential property market – for both new and existing homes purchased by owner occupiers, investors and businesses.  
Home loans approved in April largely reflect loan applications initiated in previous months. The modest decline in finance approvals in April reflects processing delays due to COVID.
Housing finance across the market fell by 5.0 per cent in the month of April. While activity in the housing market slowed considerably in April the housing finance data remained elevated as lenders worked through the backlog of loan applications.
Loans for the purpose of constructing a new home are yet to be affected by COVID, increasing by 2.9 per cent in April. Full finance approval is one of the final steps for homebuyers who would have made the decision to build a new home as far back as 2019.
The value of loans to investors fell by 4.2 per cent during April, and investor lending in the three months to April 2020 was 6.6 per cent lower compared to the previous three months.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2020/6/10/chart-housingfinanceapr2020.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge: 
<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/2020/6/10/chart-housingfinanceapr2020.jpg" alt="">
Despite a small decline in lending to first home buyers during April, first homes buyers continue to represent 37 per cent of the owner occupier market. This is the largest proportion since 2009.
The volume of residential building activity is expected to decline throughout the rest of the year. The Government’s HomeBuilder scheme, First Home Loan Deposit Scheme and the various state stimulus programs will be important in mitigating the extent to which this downturn weighs on the post-COVID economic recovery.
Across the states, the value of loans to owner-occupiers during the three months to April 2020 was higher than the previous three months in Tasmania (4.0 per cent), New South Wales (1.2 per cent), and Victoria (0.2 per cent). Lending declined over this period in Queensland (-3.8 per cent), South Australia (-4.9 per cent), Western Australia (-1.7 per cent), the Northern Territory (-0.3 per cent) and the ACT (-2.2 per cent).
TIM REARDON is HIA’s Chief Economist
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COVID-19 yet to fully impact ABS finance data: HIA's Tim Reardon

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<div class="page" title="Page 1">
<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
First home buyers have now reserved all of this financial year’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme guarantees, in a major milestone for the scheme.
The scheme was a key May 2020 election commitment of the Morrison Government, billed as helping Australians get into their first home sooner with a deposit of as little as five per cent.
National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) data shows applications for guaranteed loans are being received from capital cities, regional centres or rural areas.
Intended purchase location data presently shows the following amount of guarantees have been secured in each state and territory;
<ul>
<li>
New South Wales: 3,114
</li>
<li>
Victoria: 2,306
</li>
<li>
Queensland: 2,111
</li>
<li>
Western Australia: 550
</li>
<li>
South Australia: 413
</li>
<li>
ACT: 200
</li>
<li>Tasmania: 183 
</li>
<li>Northern Territory: 35</li>
</ul>
NHFIC data also shows it is Australians on middle incomes who are taking advantage of the scheme, with the average income of applicants are well below the scheme’s caps.
The average income of single applicants is $67,387 ($125,000 cap) and for couples $109,525 ($200,000 cap).
The scheme has proven most popular with first home buyers under the age of 30 years of age who have secured 58 per cent of guarantees.
Another positive Scheme outcome is the fact that 12 per cent of guarantees have been secured by Australians over the age of 40. This is a clear indication Scheme is helping Australians who are a bit older and may have struggled in the past to get a deposit together.
Also, the largest amount of applications for guarantees, 44 per cent, have been made through mortgage brokers.
Despite the COVID-19 health crisis causing a slight flattening of demand in the Scheme in mid-March, first home buyers have shown confidence in the housing market and have moved quickly to secure the remaining guarantees available before the 30 June deadline.
</div>
</div>
</div>
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<div class="layoutArea">
<div class="column">
On July 1, 2020, a further 10,000 guarantees will become available to first home buyers.
</div>
</div>
</div>
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