For most new apartment buildings, the Owners Corporation starts life with little more than a bank account and the first quarterly strata levies.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/9-gay-street-castle-hill-9-gay-street-castle-hill-nsw-2154">9 Gay Street</a> in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/castle-hill-nsw-2154">Castle Hill</a>, it starts with around $7 million in reserve.

It's an unusual legacy of what was once one of Sydney's highest-profile apartment remediation projects. When the development, originally known as Skyview and built by disgraced developer Top Place, came under scrutiny by then NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler, an $11 million remediation bond was negotiated to ensure any building defects could be fully rectified.

The building underwent an 18-month remediation program, during which around $4 million of that bond was spent bringing the building up to the standard it should have been in from the outset.

After extensive inspections, all active rectification orders have been lifted. What's more, around $7.2 million remains secured for the Owners Corporation for the next 15 years.

In a twist few would have predicted, what began as a significant concern for purchasers has left the building with something almost unheard of in the apartment market: a multi-million-dollar financial reserve from day one.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359136]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a> Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said the structure offers buyers a level of certainty that is difficult to replicate.

"The $11 million bond established for the Skyview Castle Hill development represents exceptional value, providing genuine financial security for purchasers," Huxley said.

"Unlike a standard insurance policy, this bond consists of real funds held in trust for the Owners Corporation, offering a tangible layer of protection and added peace of mind."

The apartments themselves have been designed with a focus on practical, contemporary living. Interiors feature Smeg appliances, stone benchtops, tiled living areas, carpeted bedrooms, 2.7-metre ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and ducted heating and cooling throughout.

Residents also have access to a range of shared amenities, including two rooftop barbecue areas, a swimming pool, children's playgrounds, secure building access, storage cages, and visitor parking.

The location continues to be one of the project's strongest drawcards. Castle Hill Metro Station sits virtually on the doorstep, providing direct connections across Sydney's expanding Metro network, while Castle Towers offers extensive retail, dining, entertainment, and service amenities within walking distance.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=147685 project_image_fid=359127]

The building, now named after its location at 9 Gay Street, comprises a diverse mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments starting from just under $600,000.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett said demand in the Hills District continues to be driven by buyers seeking convenience and connectivity.

"Interest from both owner-occupiers and investors in Castle Hill remains exceptionally strong, with buyers consistently prioritising developments in close proximity to the Metro station and Castle Towers Shopping Centre," Hamblett said.

"There is a clear trend in the market, with purchasers seeking convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities that support a seamless, low-maintenance way of living."

On top of the long-term protection afforded by the remaining $7.2 million bond, Equitifund is offering a limited-time stamp duty rebate on selected apartments.

Eligible purchasers can also secure finance options, including a 3.99 per cent two-year variable rate, loan-to-value ratios of up to 90 per cent, and interest-only lending options through EquitiCredit.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=147685]

Joel Robinson

Why this Castle Hill apartment building starts with a $7 million advantage

For much of the past few years, conversations about Australia's property market have centred on the rapid growth seen in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Perth. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3004">Melbourne</a> has followed a different trajectory.

That relative underperformance is now encouraging some buyers to reassess the city, particularly those willing to look beyond short-term market movements and focus on quality property in established locations, along with the long-term growth prospects of a city expected to overtake Sydney as Australia’s most populous.

John Bekiaris, Research &amp; Market Insights at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Projects by Equitifund</a>, said Melbourne's current position is attracting increasingly sophisticated purchasers.

"Melbourne continues to present one of Australia's strongest long-term investment stories," Bekiaris says.

"While other capital cities have experienced stronger recent growth, that relative underperformance is exactly what's attracting sophisticated counter-cyclical investors."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363268]

Equitifund isn't just commenting on Melbourne's property market, it's investing in it.

The Sydney-headquartered capital partner has taken over the remaining apartments at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/victoriana-melbourne-20-queens-road-melbourne-vic-3004">Victoriana</a>, the recently completed glass-encased development opposite Albert Park Lake in Melbourne's tightly held St Kilda Road precinct.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> and built by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hickory">Hickory</a>, Victoriana places residents between one of Melbourne's most recognised parklands and the CBD, offering oversized two and three-bedroom apartments aimed at owner-occupiers seeking a genuine alternative to a traditional family home.

The development comprises 232 completed residences alongside a suite of resident amenities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, landscaped entertaining areas, resident lounges, EV charging, secure basement parking and a concierge-style arrival experience.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363229]

The apartments have been designed with owner-occupiers firmly in mind.&nbsp;Open-plan living and dining areas flow onto generous balconies framing views across Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Melbourne skyline.

Kitchens feature Gaggenau appliances, stone benchtops and generous preparation space. Bedrooms include built-in robes, while bathrooms feature full-height textured tiling. Hardwood flooring and ducted air conditioning complete residences designed for long-term living.

Rothelowman's architecture takes its cues from the landscape opposite the site. Sweeping horizontal glazing references the movement of Albert Park Lake, while generous balconies and expansive glazing strengthen the connection between the apartments and the surrounding parklands. The result is a building designed to deliver the scale and amenity expected of luxury apartment living, while offering the larger floorplans increasingly sought by owner-occupiers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363284]

The location is one of Victoriana's defining characteristics. Positioned on Queens Road, residents are directly opposite Albert Park Lake and within easy reach of Fawkner Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the CBD. With few comparable development opportunities remaining in the precinct, buyers are increasingly placing value on outlooks that are unlikely to be interrupted by future construction.

Greg Huxley, Founder of Equitifund, believes those qualities become even more valuable over time.

"Premium real estate has always rewarded buyers who take a long-term view," Huxley said.

"Victoriana represents the kind of asset that's increasingly difficult to recreate today, particularly in an established location like Queens Road."

He said rising construction costs are also changing the way buyers assess completed developments.

"When you combine an irreplaceable location with thoughtful architecture and premium finishes, you create something that becomes increasingly difficult to reproduce as construction costs continue to rise."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=1979 project_image_fid=363228]

According to National Sales Director Ben Hamblett, enquiry has been driven largely by Melbourne downsizers and buyers upgrading from smaller apartments.

"Interest in Victoriana continues to build, with strong buyer focus on the larger owner-occupier residences within the development," Hamblett says.

"Enquiry is increasingly driven by local buyers who recognise the rarity of what's on offer: park-facing apartments in an established neighbourhood where new development opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce. At Victoriana, the view is not just a feature; it's an appreciating asset in its own right."

He said interstate enquiry has also strengthened as buyers reassess Melbourne's position within the national property cycle.

"Melbourne currently stands as the most compelling entry point of any major Australian capital, and discerning buyers are beginning to recognise what those who move early always understand: the best opportunities are taken before the price rise confirms them."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=1979]

Why now is the time to buy in Melbourne's premium apartment market

Developers and apartment buyers have a narrowing window of opportunity before Brisbane's Olympic infrastructure pipeline begins competing directly with residential construction, pushing up costs, tightening labour supply and making new projects increasingly difficult to deliver.

While Brisbane's apartment market continues to benefit from strong population growth and limited housing supply, industry research suggests the years leading up to 2027 could prove to be the most important period for developers looking to secure builders and buyers hoping to purchase before the next wave of price increases.

A new Colliers report, Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Creating Solutions, highlights the scale of the challenge. While thousands of new homes are planned across South East Queensland, the Brisbane Olympic Athletes Village alone will deliver more than 10,500 beds during the Games before being converted into around 1,750 to 2,000 apartments. Equivalent to almost two years of typical inner-city apartment supply, the project will also absorb a significant share of the construction workforce and building materials.

The broader construction pipeline paints an even clearer picture.

Construction Skills Queensland's Horizon 2032 report forecasts Queensland's annual construction pipeline will average $69 billion over the coming years before peaking at $75 billion in 2027-28. Demand for construction workers is expected to increase by 17 per cent to almost 150,000 people, with the industry facing an annual shortfall of around 19,000 workers that could blow out to as many as 35,000 during the peak construction period.

The Olympic venues, athletes village and supporting infrastructure will account for billions of dollars worth of work across South East Queensland through to 2032, creating intense competition for labour at a time when Australia's residential construction sector is already under pressure.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=373834]

Colliers Queensland Residential Director Andrew Scriven said the convergence of these projects is creating a clear window of opportunity for both developers and buyers.

"From 2027 onwards, the market will shift dramatically," Scriven said.

"Labour will increasingly be locked into government-led infrastructure and Olympic projects, which means private residential developments will face higher costs and tighter margins. The developers who move now are the ones most likely to get projects off the ground."

Scriven said the same dynamic would also affect buyers, with fewer apartment projects expected to launch once construction capacity tightens.

"If you're looking to change your lifestyle over the next five years, now is your window of opportunity to buy."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150713 project_image_fid=373827]

Developers are already positioning themselves ahead of that window.

Following the success of Monarch at Toowong, Consolidated Properties is preparing to launch two new Brisbane apartment projects in the second half of 2026. They include <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/gloriette-30-bedivere-street-yeerongpilly-qld-4105">Gloriette</a> at Yeerongpilly Green, a 25-storey tower within one of Brisbane's key Olympic precincts, and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/castile-47-skyring-terrace-newstead-qld-4006">Castile</a>, a recently approved 25-storey riverfront development at 47 Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

Hutchinson Builders will deliver both projects, with early works already underway at Yeerongpilly and Newstead expected to commence later this year.

The timing comes as Brisbane's fundamentals continue to strengthen, with strong interstate migration, population growth and vacancy rates remaining below 1.5 per cent.

Colliers Queensland researcher Pragya Sharma said Greater Brisbane is forecast to require around 40,000 new apartments between 2021 and 2031.

"There's a real mismatch emerging between when housing is needed and when it will be feasible to build," Sharma said.

"As a result, the period leading up to 2027 presents a key window of opportunity for developers to secure approvals, funding and construction capacity, while buyers will have greater choice before supply constraints intensify."

Colliers research outlines a critical pre-2027 window to start residential projects before labour squeeze: now is the time to buy

Developers, buyers on watch in South East Queensland ahead of construction crunch: Colliers

It's taken less than nine months for developer Sherpa Property Group to sell out all 51 apartments in its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, over a year before its anticipated completion.

&nbsp;

Located at 7-9 Sixth Avenue, the $67 million development has resonated strongly with both local owner-occupiers and downsizers seeking high-quality apartments within walking distance of the beach, dining precincts and everyday amenities.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357458]

Christie Leet, Founder of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a>, said the sell-out reflected both the strength of the Palm Beach market and the success of Sherpa's community-first approach to development.

"The sell-out of Oasis is a fantastic outcome and reinforces the strong demand we're seeing for thoughtfully designed apartments in lifestyle locations," Leet said.

"From the outset, our vision was to create a development that genuinely enhanced the Palm Beach community while providing residents with exceptional homes and wellness-focused amenities.

"We've been incredibly encouraged by the level of local support throughout the campaign, 72.5 per cent of buyers are locals, with a significant proportion of purchasers choosing Oasis as their future home rather than an investment."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357463]

Construction is now progressing following development approval, with trusted builder LPS Group delivering the project and completion anticipated in Q3 2027.

Oasis forms part of Sherpa Group's successful Flourish collection, which has become recognised for its focus on wellness, community and elevated coastal living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]

Residents will have private access to a rooftop amenity space featuring a pool, gym, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, spa and barbecue facilities.

"The success of Oasis demonstrates that buyers continue to prioritise quality, location and lifestyle," Leet said.

"We are proud to have delivered a project that has resonated so strongly with the market and look forward to bringing Oasis to life for our future residents."

Sherpa recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a>, its third instalment of the Flourish brand in Palm Beach following Flourish Oasis and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]

Sherpa sells out Flourish Oasis in booming Palm Beach

Urban Property Group's <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/la-vera-macquarie-park-94-talavera-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">La Vera</a> is leading the next phase of Macquarie Park's residential evolution, with the new apartment development set to become the first of several new apartment projects in the precinct to complete.

The 169-apartment building has now topped out ahead of its scheduled completion in the third quarter of 2026, as new residential investment continues to reshape one of Sydney's largest employment hubs into a true mixed-use precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=368645]

Cox Architecture has designed La Vera to capture the best of its unique positioning on Talavera Road, orienting the building towards Lane Cove National Park.&nbsp;The building features a sculpted northern façade with flowing curves inspired by the surrounding landscape, while its city-facing elevation adopts a more structured architectural expression to maximise skyline views.

"The vision for the project was to conceive a building that adopted an organic and curvilinear form to the northern portion that faces the Lane Cove National Park," <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a> Director Felipe Miranda said.

"The residents that reside in the northern portion of the building benefit by having beautifully crafted curved balconies that speak to the natural context and heighten the relationship of their internal living spaces to the external balconies."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=358802]

La Vera offers a diverse mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom configurations, with prices currently starting from $740,000. Buyers so far have been a mix of Sydney-based investors,&nbsp;metro commuters, owner-occupiers and downsizers from surrounding North Shore suburbs.

Both investors and owner-occupiers have been drawn to La Vera's proximity to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Centre and the Sydney Metro, infrastructure that supports both strong rental demand and a convenient lifestyle for residents.

The apartments feature full-height glazing, timber flooring throughout living areas, stone kitchen benchtops, SMEG appliances, floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiling and ducted air conditioning.

Residents will have access to a rooftop recreation level featuring a swimming pool, sauna, barbecue facilities and landscaped relaxation areas, complemented by additional communal space at ground level. Many apartments enjoy uninterrupted views across Lane Cove National Park, reinforcing the project's connection to its natural setting.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134951 project_image_fid=364551]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a>, a family-owned developer and builder with nearly four decades of experience, holds a 4.5-star iCIRT rating and was Australia's first developer to introduce 10-Year Latent Defects Insurance (LDI). La Vera is the first apartment development in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Park</a> approved to offer the additional insurance protection, alongside a five-year warranty on SMEG appliances.

Urban Property Group CEO Patrick Elias said the additional protection reflects changing buyer expectations in the off the plan market.

"Consumers are a lot more weary and a lot more concerned in buying off the plan than they ever have been. Having LDI is a tool to portray the confidence that we have in our product, and a confidence we want buyers to share," Elias said.

Following completion of the building later this year, buyers will move into their apartments well before Christmas.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134951]

La Vera closes in on completion as Macquarie Park continues residential transformation

Aussie Home Loans

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The online digital home loan platform Lendi and Aussie Home Loans have announced they have entered into an agreement to merge.

It has been mooted for a month.

The financial press had advised Aussie has 200 outlets and a $70 billion loan book that makes $50 million a year profit while Lendi is a loss maker, recently advising a $37 million loss with an $8 billion book.

Aussie has around 1000 brokers, and Lendi has around 200.

They intend for the proposed merger to "create a market leader in the Australian home loan market."

Lendi shareholders will hold the majority shareholding of 55 percent in the merged business, while Aussie’s current owner, CBA, will hold a 45 percent shareholding.

It will continue to provide funding for the Aussie Select branded home loan product.

The CBA chief executive officer, Matt Comyn said the combined business will have a stronger platform to offer "enhanced digital capabilities for Aussie brokers and a superior experience for customers."

Lendi CEO and co-founder David Hyman suggested it was an "exceptional opportunity" to drive the growth and digitisation of the two companies, both of which had "led disruptive change" in the Australian home loan market. 

Aussie CEO James Symond suggested the merger was another important step in the almost 29-year evolution of Aussie as Australia’s leading retail mortgage broker.

"We are currently posting record lending volumes through our network of over 970 brokers and over 210 stores and, by underpinning Lendi’s technology across our national broker network, we will further accelerate this growth and momentum.”

Completion of the transaction is subject to ACCC approval and other customary conditions.

It is expected to occur by mid calendar year 2021.
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The Commonwealth Bank has announced the merger of its Aussie Home Loans business with online platform Lendi

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Aussie Home Loans merges with Lendi

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New research from Aussie home loans has revealed that uncertainty arising as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is leading two thirds (65%) of Australians with property plans to lose confidence in their ability to achieve their property goals.
Consumer confidence in the property market has also collapsed from 76 percent in January of this year, to just 46 percent in June.
More than 6 in 10 – or 61 percent – of respondents further indicated that the pandemic has resulted in changes to their property plans, including a third (35%) who say they have delayed them.
The research, commissioned by leading mortgage broker Aussie, asked the same questions of Australians pre-pandemic in January, and again in June, highlighting the doubt COVID-19 has cast over Australians’ plans to buy or refinance their homes.
Despite the uncertainties, 42 percent of Australians said they want to take advantage of the market, but do not know how. This has led to over half (54%) wanting more guidance when it comes to their property and finances, while a third (36%) said they would be more likely to engage a broker now to help them better navigate the property market. 
Aussie customer data supports the statistics, with enquires remaining relatively steady. Aussie saw a 1.8 percent increase between January to July 2020, relative to the same time period last year, while lodgements are up 16 percent year-on-year, showing that that many Australians are looking for ways to navigate the current environment to see how they can make their property plans a reality.
Aussie Chief Executive Officer, James Symond, said the strong number of enquiries shows that there is still interest in the market.
“There are many opportunities available right now that could make it favourable for Australians to enter the market, invest, downsize or refinance, including lender cashback incentives, reduced interest rates and government initiatives, such as the First Home Owner Grant, the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant, and the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS),” Symond said.
“During what has been a challenging time for many Australians, including a change in personal circumstances or financial outlook for some, brokers have an important role to play in helping Australians understand their options and make smart choices to keep their property goals on track,” he concluded.
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Two thirds of Australian lack property confidence during COVID-19: Aussie

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Australian mortgage broker, Aussie, has launched a major expansion plan to recruit 200 new brokers in 2020 and increase retail stores to 300 nationally by 2023, as its business model proves to be resilient during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Our brokers are self-employed, however they are far from operating alone. We have always provided industry leading training, support, and mentoring to help them get their businesses up and running. We believe providing our newest brokers remuneration during this period will help give them the kick start they need to become successful and long-term brokers with Aussie,” said Aussie CEO James Symond.
On the successful completion of the training program, recruits will be qualified for a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking and could be on their way to a full Diploma in Mortgage Broking over a 12-month period.
“We’re delighted to be providing people the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications, particularly during this time,” added Mr Symond.
The recruitment campaign is part of Aussie’s larger investment campaign into technology, marketing, and broker support.
“We are increasingly receiving inquiries from new and existing customers keen to take advantage of historically low interest rates and understand their options,” Mr Symond concluded.
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Mortgage broker Aussie launch major expansion plan

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First home buyers are the big winners from the latest RBA rate cut, says James Symond, chief executive of mortgage broker Aussie.
Symond said first home buyers now have an even greater opportunity to break in to the market.
"While there are thousands of low rate home loan products available for first home buyers, ranging from basic loans to more sophisticated offerings, first home buyers need to be properly informed before committing themselves to a long term financial commitment", Symond says.
<div>Symond has shared his seven top tips for first home buyers.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>1. Work out how much you can afford to spend before you start, research price ranges in the suburbs where you want to purchase and ask an expert to help you</div>
<div>
<div class="WordSection1">
<div> </div>
<div>2. Speak with an Aussie mortgage broker to help you decide what loan product suits your needs – especially your borrowing limit. When finding the best home loan for you, check out the ongoing payments, especially in the fine print for monthly service fees and other charges, and what they could become when rates inevitably rise</div>
<div> </div>
<div>3. If you are worried about potential rises in interest rate and repayments, you could split your loan between variable and fixed rates</div>
<div> </div>
<div>4. Remember a low start-up interest rate or honeymoon rate does not necessarily mean you will be paying less for your property in the long term</div>
<div> </div>
<div>5. Make sure you can still enjoy a great lifestyle after regular mortgage repayments.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>6. Get assistance and pre-approval for a loan, which Aussie can provide, so you know exactly what you can afford. 
</div>
<div> </div>
<div>7. Be aware you can get a loan under the Federal Government First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, allowing property purchases with a deposit of just 5 per cent. Another allocation of 10,000 loans in the scheme is expected to be made from 1 July 2020. </div>
<div> </div>
</div>
</div>
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First home buyer activity to be lifted by interest rate cuts: Aussie CEO James Symonds' top tips

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The consumer group Choice have gone straight to ASIC to complain about the use of certain terms in Aussie Home Loans promotions of their mortgage rates.
Choice claims Aussie spent $25m promoting its services between 2016 and 2018, and relied on guarantees such as finding consumers the “perfect loan”, “best deal”, and “best mortgage rate”.
Choice said the language used misrepresents how mortgage brokers work.
 
Aussie CEO James Symonds, son of Aussie founder John Symonds, told the Daily Telegraph he couldn't recall the brand using the terms "perfect" or "best" in any recent ad campaigns.
He also said it was “crazy” that consumer group Choice hadn’t brought its concerns to Aussie first.
Choice CEO Alan Kirkland said the company are concerned people who had seen the ads will have likely formed the "incorrect impression that mortgage brokers will scan the market to find them a high-quality loan."
 
 
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Choice consumer group lodge complaint to ASIC on Aussie Home Loans advertising

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The number of same sex home loans are on the rise, according to new data from mortgage broker Aussie Home Loans.
The research shows that women are more likely than men to partner up to buy a home. Female couples made up 55 percent of same-sex joint loans taken out in FY18, up from 50 percent in FY14.
There has also been a gradual increase in the number of single female loans compared with single male loans.
Inner-west suburbs of Melbourne and Sydney are the most popular for same-sex couples.
New South Wales is the most popular among male couples, with six of the top nine suburbs coming from the Harbour capital.
Redfern, Surry Hills and Erskineville are the most popular areas for male couples in New South Wales. In Melbourne Footscray, Prahran and Coburg are the most popular.
It's the opposite for female same-sex loans. The most popular areas in Melbourne, who have the six most popular suburbs to Sydney's three.
They're looking at property in Brunswick, Craigieburn and Yarraville, while Randwick, Stanmore and Marrickville are the most popular in inner Sydney.
James Symond, CEO of Aussie Home Loans, said he expects to see significant growth from same-sex loans.
“We are delighted to be providing more loans to same-sex joint applicants, whether they are couples or singles partnering up," he said.
"I expect to see significant growth from these customers for years to come thanks to the legalisation of same-sex marriage and savvy singles - and in particular women - who are looking to join forces to get a foot on the property ladder.
“No matter if you are single, a couple or buying with a friend, nothing beats a quality, face-to-face conversation when you are talking about a big commitment like a home loan.
"There’s a bit of doom and gloom out there about how difficult it can be, but we think it’s better with a broker. So don’t assume buying a property is a million miles away – it could be closer than you think.
“In fact, I’m so confident an appointment with an Aussie Broker will be time well spent, I guarantee it. If, after meeting with one of our brokers, a customer does not think it was worth their while, $100 is theirs*,” he added. 
Aussie data also reveals that all female home loans (single and joint same-sex) are settled at an average age of 41 years, compared to 38 years for all male loans. The average age for joint mixed gender loan customers is 40 years. 
Men consistently borrow more than women, with single and joint male loan sizes averaging $293,619 and $337,182 respectively, compared to $262,591 and $316,405 for single and same-sex females.
 “There is unfortunately a clear disparity between men and women in home loans, which I believe can be linked back to a persistent income gap," Symond said.
“Our data shows the average individual income for single male customers is 17 per cent higher than single females, and 12 per cent higher for joint same-sex customers.
"That’s not an insignificant amount, and could ultimately be the cause of women’s delayed entry into property.”
<h1> </h1>
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Same sex home loans on the rise: Aussie Home Loans

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Households in Sydney are generally dedicating the largest proportion of their annual incomes to service a mortgage, with the typical household dedicating 49% of their annual income to mortgage repayments, according to a report released last month by AHL Investments (Aussie Home Loans).
Darwin households generally show the lowest proportions of annual income that is dedicated to mortgage repayments, with 22% of annual household income being used to pay down mortgage debt.
Mortgage serviceability rates have improved since 2008, when the average household was dedicating 51% of their annual gross income to servicing a mortgage.
Mortgage serviceability data extends back to 2001 when the typical household was dedicating a much smaller proportion of their household income to service a mortgage, the Aussie report noted.
In 2001, households were dedicating an average of 26% of their gross annual income to mortgage repayments.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Aussie%20Graph%204-2.JPG" alt="">
As housing values and interest rates moved higher, serviceability became more challenging, with the average proportion of household income required to service a mortgage reaching a peak of 51% in June 2008.
Despite dwelling values generally moving higher over the most recent five year period, mortgage serviceability has held reasonably firm thanks to mortgage rates trending lower.
Of course, as households reduce their principal loan amount, serviceability will improve.
With so much variance in the value of dwellings across the regions of Australia, mortgage serviceability measures show a broad range across the cities.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/6/Aussie%20Graph%204-1.JPG" alt="">
 
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Sydney trumps all in mortgage servicability hurdles over the past 25 years: Aussie/Corelogic

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The average size of the Australian home loan has increased by 376% over the past 25 years.
The average loan size has broadly increased in line with dwelling prices across Australia, with the typical loan size reaching $388,100 in 2018 according to a report released last month by AHL Investments (Aussie Home Loans).
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/28/Aussie/Aussie%20Graph%203-1.JPG" alt="">
"The average size of a mortgage across Australia has increased roughly in line with dwelling values over the past quarter of a century, with the annual rate of increase tracking at 6.4% per annum compared with national house values rising at 6.8% per annum and national unit values rising at 5.9%," the report stated
The average loan size for owner occupiers across Australia, based on data to March 2018, was $388,100, having increased from just $81,500 25 years ago.
The report notes it was not surprising to see a wide range in the average loan size between the states which is reflective of the diversity in housing values.
"The largest loan sizes are originating in New South Wales where housing values tend to be the highest, while average loan sizes are the smallest in Tasmania at just $252,100."
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/28/Aussie/Aussie%20Graph%203-2.JPG" alt="">
Despite loan sizes increasing approximately in line with the housing cycles, mortgage rates have fallen dramatically over the same time frame, which has resulted in improved levels of mortgage affordability.
Some 25 years ago, the average standard variable mortgage rate was recorded at 10.0% compared with an average standard variable mortgage rate of 5.2% in April 2018.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/6/28/Aussie/Aussie%20Graph%203-3.JPG" alt="">
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How the typical Aussie mortgage has risen over past 25 years: Aussie/CoreLogic

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Fraud at Aussie Home Loans will be examined by the banking royal commission’s first public hearing later this month.
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The financial services royal commission is targeting lenders over alleged cases of home loan fraud, along with unsuitable credit card limit increases and their car financing practices.
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The big four banks will all feature prominently in the inquiry's first round of public hearings focusing on inappropriate or unsuitable lending in home loans.
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The commission's target will be "fraudulent brokers and broker arrangements" at Aussie Home Loans.
It will look at the Commonwealth Bank's "accreditation of brokers and broker arrangements".
It will look at NAB's "Introducer Program and fraudulent loan applications".
The Introducer Program was rewarding "introducers" who successfully referred people to the bank for a loan, despite many of the applications being submitted with false information including doctored payslips. 
The bank issued 2300 home loans, which mainly went to foreign buyers of Australian property sold via "introducers."
Twenty bankers were caught breaching lending policies.
The hearings will be held in Melbourne from March 13 until March 23.
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NAB and Aussie Home Loans fraud to be examined by banking royal commision

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"Aussie" John Symond's ownership of his mortgage broking empire has come to an end. 
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has finalised the purchase of Symond's remaining 20 per cent stake in Aussie.
The Australian Financial Review says the price eclipsed initial expectations. 
The payment, which was made via 2.1 million CBA shares at $78.54 apiece, came in at almost $164 million.
It was well ahead of initial expectations of as much as $90 million.
Symond is said to have been given the option to take stock or cash this time round, but opted for the former as he did in previous sell downs. 
Sources said he had confidence in the domestic banking system and CBA's prospects, despite the bank's AUSTRAC and regulatory woes. 
Street Talk said the last time CBA moved on Aussie was in 2012 when it increased its holding from 33 per cent to 80 per cent.
That deal was said to value the broker at $420 million, whereas the latest sell down delivers Aussie an $820 million valuation.
CBA's latest results showed home loans originated through its proprietary channels, such as branches, accounted for 57 per cent of new mortgages as at June 30. Loans through brokers sat at 43 per cent.  
It reflected a move away from broker originated loans when the split between the two channels was 50 per cent each just a year ago.
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