<p>Melbourne developer Spacious Group has completed Voyage Altona, one of the closest new apartment developments to Altona Beach.</p>

<p>Off the plan purchasers have started moving into the 49-apartment project on Pier Street, with the remaining move-in-ready one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments starting from just over $500,000.</p>

<p>Display apartments have now been fitted out, allowing prospective buyers to inspect the completed residences by appointment.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=372638]</p>

<p>The completed apartments feature open-plan living and dining areas which extend onto private balconies and terraces, while full-height glazing maximises natural light throughout the interiors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hybrid timber-look flooring, stone benchtops, Miele appliances, porcelain-tiled bathrooms and generous storage feature throughout the building which also features landscaped communal areas, expansive shared terraces, lift access and secure on-grade parking.</p>

<p>Drawing inspiration from its bayside setting, Voyage adopts a restrained palette of warm neutral tones and textured finishes. Many of the apartments take advantage of views across Port Phillip Bay, while the indoor-outdoor living spaces have been designed to make the most of the coastal outlook.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=112195 project_image_fid=3286]</p>

<p>Voyage was developed to address what Spacious Group identified as an undersupply of higher-quality apartment product in Altona, with a focus on owner-occupiers looking to remain within the bayside community.</p>

<p>"Voyage responds to very strong local buyer demand for quality, owner-occupier-focused product," says Barry Plant Projects Director Jarrod Farey, who has handled sales since the project's launch.</p>

<p>"The project delivers an elevated lifestyle proposition, with its design and quality of finish far exceeding anything previously produced in the area, as well as its proximity to Pier Street Village and the beach."</p>

<p>The majority of purchasers have been local downsizers and owner-occupiers looking to stay within the Altona community but who previously had limited opportunities to buy a brand-new apartment.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112195]</p>


Joel Robinson

Spacious Group completes Voyage Altona in Altona's beachside precinct

<p>Homecorp has secured approval for a $360 million apartment development at Budds Beach, paving the way for one of the Gold Coast's most amenity-rich residential projects to launch later this year.</p>

<p>Gold Coast City Council has approved Lýon Residences, a 32-level tower that will deliver 178 two and three-bedroom apartments across a prominent corner site at 8-10 Acacia Avenue and 25-27 Oak Avenue.</p>

<p>The approval comes as developers continue to invest in premium lifestyle-driven apartment projects on the Gold Coast, where owner occupiers are increasingly prioritising amenity as much as apartment size and location.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/l-on-residences-25-27-oak-avenue-surfers-paradise-qld-4217">Lýon Residences</a> has been designed around a resort-style wellness offering, headlined by a Moroccan-inspired spa precinct featuring treatment rooms, a Nordic sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a soaking pool and a residents-only juice bar.</p>

<p>The rooftop will include a heated infinity pool and spa, residents' lounge with private kitchen and bar, gymnasium, yoga and Pilates studio, outdoor entertaining areas and barbecue facilities overlooking the Surfers Paradise skyline.</p>

<p><img alt="Lyon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d3e29af-8793-486e-a684-52cef862241f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-15%20at%204.32.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ayG2zpLf3SS6Zy8XmKDcQods4kVWb0gm" /></p>

<p>Homecorp Founder and CEO Ron Bakir said Budds Beach provided the ideal location for the company's latest luxury apartment project.</p>

<p>"Budds Beach represents one of the most unique and sought-after pockets of the Gold Coast, and Lýon Residences has been designed to reflect that sense of rarity and refinement," Bakir said.</p>

<p>The project arrives as wellness continues to become a defining feature of new residential developments both in Australia and internationally.</p>

<p>The latest Global Wellness Institute figures show wellness real estate remains the fastest-growing segment of the global wellness economy and is forecast to exceed $1.8 trillion by 2030. Australia continues to rank among the world's 15 largest wellness real estate markets, with developers increasingly integrating health, recreation and community facilities into apartment projects.</p>

<p>Queensland is also experiencing strong population growth, with the Gold Coast continuing to outperform many other Australian cities as demand for new housing remains elevated ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.</p>

<p>Bakir said the project had been designed to respond to that shift in buyer expectations.</p>

<p>"Strong population growth and sustained demand across the Gold Coast continue to highlight the need for well-designed new housing supply. Lýon Residences responds directly to this demand while setting a new benchmark for residential living," he said.</p>

<p>Each apartment has been designed to maximise views across the coastline, the Nerang River and the Gold Coast hinterland.</p>

<p>Located just minutes from Surfers Paradise beach and the Broadwater, the development also offers easy access to the light rail network, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads.</p>

<p>Early site works are underway, with construction expected to commence later this year.</p>


Homecorp approved for Budds Beach apartment tower, Lýon Residences

<p>New apartment developments with uninterrupted, north-facing views over Perth's Swan River are exceptionally rare.</p>

<p>Recognising just how limited those opportunities are, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/edge-visionary-living">Edge Visionary Living</a>, one of Perth's most respected builder-developers, targeted <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/applecross-wa-6153">Applecross</a>, assembling an unrepeatable 6,342 sqm riverfront site on the corner of Moreau Mews and Canning Beach Road to create one of Perth's only new north-facing apartment developments directly overlooking the Swan River.</p>

<p>Today, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/riviere-residences-applecross-59-canning-beach-road-applecross-wa-6153">Rivière Residences</a> offers buyers a unique opportunity to choose between completed residences ready to move into now and off-the-plan homes in the final stage, Rivière West.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3823]</p>

<p>Across the completed East and Central buildings, residents are already enjoying the development's luxury amenity, while two of the precinct's hospitality venues are now open.</p>

<p>The completed component of the development gives buyers the advantage of experiencing the finished product firsthand, including its uninterrupted river views, while still having the opportunity to secure a residence in the final stage.</p>

<p>"People are wowed by the view and the quality of the apartments,"&nbsp;Edge Visionary Living Sales Executive, Holly McSweeney, says.</p>

<p>"They're looking for the convenience of lock-and-leave living, but they're not looking to downsize on quality."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=3826]</p>

<p>The rarity of the development hasn't been lost on prospective buyers, McSweeney says.</p>

<p>For McSweeney, it all comes back to a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate.</p>

<p>"Location, location, location," she says. "We are nestled right on the front of the Swan River. You can never get built out, so wherever you are in Rivière Residences, you've got views of the river forever."</p>

<p>The unique waterfront position has resonated particularly strongly with local downsizers. McSweeney says many buyers are long-time Applecross residents looking to transition from large family homes into a luxury apartment without sacrificing space, quality or the lifestyle they've enjoyed for decades.</p>

<p><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/N_FowNW0wu8?si=vb25XFq1wZ-iufAW" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>A major focus for Edge in recent years has been resident amenity. Across its apartment portfolio, from beachfront developments in Scarborough to luxury towers in South Perth, the developer has increasingly invested in the spaces beyond the apartment itself.</p>

<p>The strategy has largely been shaped by downsizer demand. Many buyers are moving from large family homes with swimming pools and established gardens. While they're looking to leave the maintenance behind, they don't want to compromise on lifestyle.</p>

<p>At Rivière, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hillam-architects">Hillam Architects</a> designed the resident facilities as an extension of each apartment. A 25-metre heated swimming pool takes advantage of the north-facing river outlook, complemented by a large gym, sauna and steam rooms, private dining spaces, residents' lounges, a cinema, games room, and dedicated wine and whisky rooms.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=28384 project_image_fid=372542]</p>

<p>The waterfront location has also proved to be a major drawcard. Residents are within walking distance of the Raffles Hotel, South of Perth Yacht Club, the Heathcote Cultural Precinct and the cafés, restaurants and boutiques along Ardross Street.</p>

<p>Beyond the location and amenity, McSweeney says many buyers take confidence from Edge's fully integrated development model.</p>

<p>Having delivered apartments across Perth for decades, Edge now designs, develops and constructs its projects in-house, giving the company greater control over quality, delivery and the finished product.</p>

<p>"What I love is when people walk through their apartment for the first time and say, 'This is better than what we imagined,'" McSweeney says. "We hear that all the time."</p>

<p>Completed apartments in the East and Central buildings are now available to inspect by appointment, while Rivière West, the final stage of the precinct, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=28384]</p>


North-facing Swan River views drive demand at Rivière Residences in Applecross

<p>Nearly 60 per cent of apartments at McNab Group's $220 million The Tannery development in Brisbane's West End have sold ahead of the project's public launch, including a suburb-record $2.57 million sale for a two-bedroom apartment.</p>

<p>The early sales campaign has secured buyers for 50 of the project's 87 apartments, highlighting continued demand for larger owner-occupier apartments that combine generous floorplans with premium lifestyle amenities in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374768]</p>

<p>McNab Group Executive Chairman Michael McNab said selling more than half the project before launch reflected changing buyer expectations.</p>

<p>"Selling more than half the project before public sales open tells us buyers are actively seeking apartments that offer something genuinely different," McNab said.</p>

<p>"Today's buyers are looking beyond four walls. They want homes that genuinely enhance the way they live, with spaces that support health, connection and everyday wellbeing."</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374767]</p>

<p>A key point of difference for the project is the adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed Dixon's Tannery building, which will become The Retreat, a residents-only wellness precinct rather than being redeveloped into additional apartments.</p>

<p>The Retreat will feature a sauna and steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, a commercial-grade gym, Pilates studio, cinema, library, co-working spaces and private dining room. Rooftop amenities will include a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor entertaining areas and dog-friendly spaces.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374760]</p>

<p>Designed by Cottee Parker Architects with interiors by Tom Mark Henry and landscape architecture by Aspect Studios, The Tannery comprises 87 two, three and four-bedroom apartments across 11 levels overlooking the Brisbane River.</p>

<p>Cottee Parker principal Dee Passenger said preserving the original tannery building had been central to the project's design.</p>

<p>"The easy option would have been to maximise the site's development potential with additional apartments. Instead, McNab has chosen to preserve the original tannery as a shared wellness retreat, ensuring this important piece of Brisbane's history remains at the heart of the community."</p>

<p>Passenger said sustainability also played a key role in the design, with materials from the original industrial site salvaged and repurposed throughout the development.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=143337 project_image_fid=374761]</p>

<p>Motiv CEO Carly Cottam said buyers had responded strongly to the combination of larger apartments, wellness facilities and the West End lifestyle.</p>

<p>"We are seeing more buyers looking for homes in the sky that provide the space and functionality of a traditional home, while benefiting from the convenience and lifestyle that apartment living brings," Cottam said.</p>

<p>She said purchasers included both owner occupiers and investors, with demand coming from local buyers as well as interstate purchasers.</p>

<p>Coinciding with the public launch, McNab also announced a partnership with Queensland Ballet, whose neighbouring Thomas Dixon Centre shares historical ties with the original Dixon family.</p>

<p>Located on a 4,465 sqm site at 439 Montague Road, The Tannery overlooks the Brisbane River and is around 10 minutes from the CBD.</p>

<p>Construction is underway, with completion expected in the second half of 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=143337]</p>


More than half of residences sold before public sales as McNab announces significant partnership with Queensland Ballet

McNab's The Tannery nears 60 per cent sold before public release, sets two-bedroom West End record

<p>Iwan Sunito's vision for a landmark mixed-use precinct in Sydney's Inner West has taken a major step forward, with approval granted for the $1.9 billion Five Dock development first unveiled earlier this year.</p>

<p>The approved scheme by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/one-global-capital">One Global Capital</a> will deliver an 80,500 sqm mixed-use precinct comprising 840 apartments, integrated hotel accommodation, commercial and retail space, alongside publicly accessible open space designed to create a new destination for the growing suburb.</p>

<p>"This is a significant milestone for One Global Capital and for the future of housing delivery in Sydney," Sunito said.</p>

<p>"The Housing Delivery Authority was established to identify major housing projects capable of delivering meaningful supply more efficiently, and we are delighted that Spencer Street has been recognised as one of those projects.”</p>

<p>He said the declaration reflected the rapid progress achieved since acquiring control of the site.</p>

<p>"In less than seven months we have progressed from taking control of the site to securing entry into one of the NSW Government's most important planning pathways. It reflects the experience of our team, the strength of our consultant group led by Urbis, and our long-term commitment to delivering transformational projects that contribute to Sydney's future."</p>

<p>When the project was revealed earlier this year, Sunito described the opportunity as one of the strongest development sites he had worked on.</p>

<p>"I probably hadn't appreciated the uniqueness of the site until more recently when putting together the concept plans," Sunito said.</p>

<p>"The proximity to the water, and the golf course opposite, is unlike any other part of Parramatta Road. We have a unique position and view corridors over the water that makes this one of the best sites I've worked on."</p>

<p>The development has evolved since its initial announcement, with the approved plans increasing the residential component from the originally proposed 750 apartments to 840 homes while retaining the project's focus on creating an integrated neighbourhood rather than a standalone residential development.</p>

<p><em>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/a-city-within-a-city-iwan-sunito-flags-1-5-billion-mixed-use-precinct-in-five-dock">"A city within a city": Iwan Sunito flags $1.5 billion mixed-use precinct in Five Dock</a></em></p>

<p>The precinct will combine apartments with hotel accommodation, commercial workplaces, retail offerings and public spaces, creating a mixed-use environment intended to serve both residents and the broader Five Dock community. The proposal also continues the collaboration between One Global Capital and internationally recognised architect <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/koichi-takada-architects">Koichi Takada</a>, whose previous work with Sunito includes Infinity, Arc and Skye North Sydney.</p>

<p>Takada previously said the design was driven by a philosophy of integrating nature into the built environment.</p>

<p>"The concept for this development is born from our design approach to naturalising architecture," Takada said.</p>

<p>"The public realm benefits from biophilic design that integrates generous landscaping, and the development is optimised for natural daylight, airflow and water views to foster wellbeing, sustainability and spaces that foster community interaction."</p>

<p>Sunito has consistently described the project as a "city within a city", with a strong emphasis on creating a destination that extends beyond housing.</p>

<p>"We want to create a development that's not only to be seen, but to be experienced by the whole local community," he said.</p>

<p>The approval comes as Five Dock continues its transformation ahead of the opening of the Sydney Metro West line, with the new Five Dock station set to significantly improve connections between the Inner West, Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The precinct will also benefit from its proximity to the Parramatta Road corridor, nearby waterfront parklands and established retail and dining offerings that have made Five Dock one of Sydney's most tightly held Inner West suburbs.</p>


Iwan Sunito secures approval for $1.9 billion Five Dock mixed-use precinct

Mortgages

<html><body>
<p><span>Mortgage Choice Limited has shut down its Help Me Choose business unit five years after its purchase of one of Australia’s leading websites for <span>home loan</span> leads sold to mortgage brokers.</span></p>
<p><span>The comparison website was bought to generates tens of thousands of home loan leads annually from potential home loan customers.</span></p>
<p><span>The then Mortgage Choice CEO Michael Russell said the purchase marked an exciting strategic investment for the company "given that over 70% of our home loan leads are currently sourced online.”</span></p>
<p><span>HelpMeChoose.com.au featured when Mortgage Choice presented its FY15 financial results in August .</span></p>
<p><span>The new chief executive officer John Flavell made it clear that Help Me Choose’s financial result needed addressing.</span></p>
<p><span>“The less than favourable financial result of the Help Me Choose business prompted a comprehensive review of the operation and a decision has been made to close it down in its current form,” John Flavell said yesterday. </span></p>
<p><span>“Continuing to invest in a business that is unlikely to be profitable in the foreseeable future does not make sense.”</span></p>
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Mortgage Choice decides to close Help Me Choose‏

<html><body>
<p><span>Mortgage broker AFG has announced it has secured a new white label agreement with Macquarie Bank</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">.</span></p>
<p><span>AFG managing director Brett McKeon said the agreement will see a new product range, AFG home loans ICON, added to AFG’s existing white label offering.</span></p>
<p><span>ICON will complement AFG’s existing product range with features such as a global limit facility, a self managed super fund product and a family guarantee offering.</span></p>
<p><span> Mr McKeon said the addition of the white label product range is part of a key growth strategy for the company.</span></p>
<p><span>"We will continue to work with AFG brokers and lenders to provide mortgage products tailored to suit their clients." </span></p>
<p><em>For more information on AFG, <a href="https://www.afgonline.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></p>
</body></html>

AFG expands white label suite‏

<html><body>
<p>The Greater Building Society has cut 0.55% from their new owner occupier variable basic home loan and has announced it will waive<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> establishment, settlement and title insurance fees on all of its basic and packaged home loans.  </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><span>The Greater has cut 0.55% off the rate for new owner occupier variable basic home loans worth $150,000 or more that have a loan to valuation ratio (LVR) of less than 80 per cent. This takes the rate for that loan to 4.09% (comparison rate 4.09%), the lowest it has ever been. </span></p>
<p><span>It is also offering 0.2% off fixed Great Rate home loans and fixed and variable Ultimate (packaged) home loans of more than $150,000 with an LVR of less than 80% for both owner occupiers and investors. </span></p>
<p><span>Chief executive officer Scott Morgan </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">said when you consider the all important comparison rate (which takes into account interest rates plus key fees and charges) the discounted variable Great Rate Home Loan is the leading rate of The Greater’s main competitors and 0.83% lower than NAB’s equivalent rate. </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span><strong>Lowest Owner Occupied Variable Loan with LVR &lt;80%</strong></span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span><strong>Interest Rate (%)</strong></span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span><strong>Comparison Rate* (%)</strong></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>Greater</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.09</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.09</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>NAB</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.53</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.92</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>ANZ</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.48</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.89</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>Westpac</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.48</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.86</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>Commonwealth Bank</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.19</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.79</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>Newcastle Permanent</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.09</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.45</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>IMB</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.09</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.45</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>CUA</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.13</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.19</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>Heritage</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.14</span></p>
</td>
<td valign="top">
<p><span>4.19</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><span>* Comparison rate is based on $150,000 over 25 years. </span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> </span></p>
<p><em>For more information, <a href="https://www.greater.com.au" target="_blank">click here</a>.</em></p>
</body></html>

mick.cee-iDmgDDAmu8

Greater cuts interest rates, fees from some home loans

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Banking on housing: APRA's Wayne Byres

<html><body>
<div>Markets played around with the idea of the easing cycle being over for a while.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Not any more, though, as the yield curve inverts once again.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Still only a low probability of a cut in September. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>However, another rate cut is fully priced in for December, with the implied yield on August 2016 contracts sagging as low as 1.61%.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/26/ASX.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/26/ASX.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>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>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
</div>
<p><span> </span></p>
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Interest rates to fall: Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<div>Another data series which doesn't really fit the narrative of tight or stretched household budgets, as trend new car sales moved to their highest ever level in July 2015. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>This follows on from recently compiled Reserve Bank data which shows that mortgage redraw buffers and offset account balances are also at their highest ever level as household enjoy low interest rates and cheaper repayments.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Of course, it often doesn't feel this way at the individual household level - interviews with the world's wealthiest people have shown that financial stress never entirely goes away whatever the true state of one's personal finances.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>The Reserve Bank itself has mused<span>:</span></span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><em>"The continued concern about living cost pressures might arise because the standard of living that can be sustainably afforded by households’ incomes remains lower than many would like."</em></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Certainly although wages growth is soft at +2.3 per cent, this has to date at least remained well in excess of the increase in the cost of living for employee households.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Record new motor sales </span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>In any event it was another monster month for new motor vehicle sales at a seasonaly adjusted 96,388 which saw trend sales reach an all-time record high in July 2015, having increased by 3.7 per cent over the past year. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The result was all the remarkable given the weak data evident in the resources states, a slowing rate of population growth, as well as the fact that the Aussie dollar has depreciated sharply in recent times. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV1.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>Looking at the "original" data on a rolling annual basis we can see that more than 1.13 million new vehicle sales have been recorded over the past year, while the 588,619 units sold over the past six months is a record for any half year period in Australia's history.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV6.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV6.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div><span>It was another prodigious month for Sports Utitlity (SUV) sales at more than 34,000 seasonally adjusted from fewer than 30,000 one year ago (a +14 per cent year-on-yearincrease), the annualised number of SUV sales climbing inexorably to beyond 380,000.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV3.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV3.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State versus state</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>New South Wales has been recording a number of king-sized seasonally adjusted results in recent months, firing total new motor vehicle sales to their highest ever level in the Premier State. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>On a rolling annual basis new motor vehicle sales are rising in Queensland too, but are now looking somewhat peaky in Victoria after a fine run. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>Sales have declined moderately in South Australia over the past year, and fairly sharply in Western Australia as the mining construction boom comes undone. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV4.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">State trends</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>The trend year-on-year increase in sales was particular strong in each of the most populous states, those being New South Wales (+8.1 per cent), Victoria (+3.4 per cent) and Queensland (+6.6 per cent).</div>
<div> </div>
<div>While somewhat immaterial at the national level, the surprise package is Tasmania with a trend +13 per cent year-on-year increase in units sold. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>The strength of the data in the three most largest states has more than offset the weakness in South Australia (-4.2 per cent) and the resources-impacted Western Australia (-11 per cent) and Northern Territory (-1.4 per cent).</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/19/MV7.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/19/MV7.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<p><span><em>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>.</em><br></span></p>
<p><em>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>.</em></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
</div>
</body></html>

Stretched household budgets or not? Pete Wargent

<html><body>
<p>The National Australia Bank will be raising variable mortgage rates on interest-only loans by 29 basis points.</p>
<p>NAB follows rivals ANZ and Commonwealth Bank of Australia in raising variable rates on loans for property bought for investment purposes by 27 basis points last week.</p>
<p>It will also apply to owner occupiers with interest only loans with NAB's rate increase adding about $70 to the monthly cost of a $300,000 interest-only mortgage.</p>
<p>Sources told Fairfax Media that NAB is constrained from charging different rates to investors and owner-occupiers because of technical problems. </p>
<p>NAB advised that interest only loans are the predominate structure for investors, and over the last three years housing investment loans had grown 34 per cent, while the number of interest only loans has risen 44 per cent.</p>
<p>The Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) has asked banks to keep annual growth in investment home loans to below 10 percent in an attempt to cool red-hot property prices in Sydney and Melbourne.</p>
<p>NAB's interest-only rate changes will be effective August 10 for all new loans, while the change for existing interest only variable rate loans effective September 10.</p>
<p>Matt Comyn, group executive for CBA retail banking services says increasing rates was unavoidable to ensure the major bank remains within APRA’s 10% growth guideline. <br><br>“As Australia’s largest home lender, we support the prudential regulator’s actions to ensure lending practices remain sustainable and we have been actively managing our investment home loan portfolio to remain below the 10% growth limit," he said.</p>
<p>Matt Comryn says the new investment home loan variable rate of 5.72% was still 0.18% lower than the rate six months ago. </p>
</body></html>

NAB joins ANZ and CBA in higher interest rates for investors

<html><body>
<p>AFG’s latest Mortgage Index shows that of new borrowers, just 14.2% opted for a fixed rate mortgage during June 2015, compared to 15.2% in May, with 76% of borrowers choosing a standard or basic variable home loan.</p>
<p>A year ago it was at 17.2%.</p>
<p><span>The March 2013 AFG Mortgage Index had 29.6% of all new home loans fixed. </span></p>
<p><span>The March figure was billed the highest proportion ever recorded by AFG, which ranks as Australia's largest mortgage broker. </span></p>
<p>Historically AFG has released the AFG Mortgage Index on a monthly basis, but following AFG’s listing on the ASX, AFG has determined that the AFG Mortgage Index will be published on a quarterly basis from July 2015 (ie the first quarter will reflect the 3 months ending 30 September 2015).</p>
<p>Established in 1994, AFG now provides more than 20% of brokers nationwide with access to Australia’s leading lending institutions, and has a loan book in excess of $100 billion. </p>
<p> </p>
</body></html>

Fixed or variable? AFG's new borrower numbers

<html><body>
<div>
<p><span>ANZ Banking Group is raising interest rates on home loans held by property investors. </span></p>
<p><span>The rate change will add $48 to the monthly repayments on a $300,000 mortgage, up by 0.27 percentage points, the most dramatic decision of the current clampdown on lending to restrain the current investor frenzy.</span></p>
<p><span>ANZ on Thursday said its index rate for investor property loans would rise to 5.65%, as part of a move to shift the mix in its loan book towards owner-occupiers. </span></p>
<p><span>ANZ's changes come seven months after the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority forced the big banks to cap their loan growth among housing investors to less than 10% growth a year.</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p>Chief executive of ANZ's Australian operations, Mark Whelan said the bank was trying to reach an "appropriate" mix between its investor and owner-occupied loan book, which with around $65 billion of housing investor loans is the smallest of the big four banks.</p>
<p>"It is very hot," was how Mark Whelan described the investor market when speaking with <em>Ross Greenwood's 2GB Money News</em> today.</p>
<p>The decision re-instated differential price which had existed pre-1998, he advised.</p>
<p>"It's a bit back-to-the-future for the current hot market."</p>
<p>He said it was not related to the <a href="/expert-insights/finance/home-loan-borrowing-rates-set-to-rise-in-2016-after-apras-latest-decision">recent risk adverse requirements sought by APRA</a>, announced earlier this week to take effect mid-2016 .</p>
<p>He described recent investor loans as "very good risk." </p>
<p>ANZ cut various fixed rates for owner-occupiers by between 0.10 and 0.4 percentage points.</p>
<p>Effective Monday, 10 August 2015, <span id="0.38809601520188153">ANZ</span>’s variable Residential Investment Property Loan (RIPL) Index Rate will rise by 0.27% to 5.65%pa (5.76%pa comparison rate).</p>
<p>Fixed rates for new Residential Investment Lending will also increase by up to 0.30%.</p>
<p>Mark Whelan said although interest rates for residential property investors are at very low levels historically, "the decision to raise interest rates for residential investment lending has been difficult but necessary in the current environment.</p>
<p>“It allows us to balance the mix of our lending between owner-occupied and investment lending as well as the impact of changing market conditions.</p>
<p>"This includes a decision to cut fixed rates for new owner-occupied home lending.</p>
<p>“This is a considered decision that takes into account our customers’ position and the criteria we look at when setting rates including our competitive position, our regulatory obligations and the state of the residential property market,” Mr Whelan said.</p>
</div>
</body></html>

ANZ raises property investor loan interest rate by 0.27 percentage points

<html><body>
<p><span>Conditions in the housing market in Sydney and parts of Melbourne had remained "very strong," though trends were more mixed in other cities, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia June meeting minutes.</span></p>
<p><span>The ratcheting up of the market strength comes after prior commentary that had these markets as "strong." </span></p>
<p>It noted dwelling investment looked to have grown strongly in the March quarter and forward-looking indicators of construction activity pointed to a further pick-up.</p>
<p>Members noted that conditions in the established housing market had continued to vary across the country.</p>
<p>"Although housing price inflation had remained high in Sydney and, to a lesser extent, in Melbourne over recent months, there had been some divergence in price developments for different segments of these markets; price inflation of detached houses had increased, whereas price inflation for units had eased in both cities."</p>
<p>This trend was picked up in the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/apartment-price-decline-mays-most-marked-trend-corelogic-rp-data">June CoreLogic RP Data statistics</a>. </p>
<p>"Noting that housing price growth in other cities and regional areas had declined over recent months, members discussed the strength and composition of underlying supply and demand conditions in different parts of the housing market."</p>
<p>They also observed that there was a relatively low stock of dwellings for sale in Sydney and Melbourne and that dwellings took only a short time to sell.</p>
<p>Members noted that housing credit growth overall had been broadly steady at around 7% (on a six-month-ended annualised basis), though the latest data on loan approvals had showed a pick-up.</p>
<p>Over the past six months or so, growth in investor credit had eased back to be running at an annualised pace of a bit above 10%. However, over more recent months there had been solid increases in housing loan approvals to both owner-occupiers and investors, particularly in New South Wales, following earlier declines.</p>
<p><span> </span></p>
<p><span>  </span></p>
</body></html>

Mortgages

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Mortgages

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News