Builder-developer ALAND has drawn back the curtain on its first city-focused new apartment development.

The North Sydney development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-walden-north-sydney-173-179-walker-street-north-sydney-nsw-2060">The Walden</a>, is the first time the company has ventured this close to the city, having previously completed thousands of apartments predominantly in Sydney's west, and more recently in Gosford.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/aland">ALAND</a> acquired the prime North Sydney site, spanning Walker and Hampden Streets just down the road from the Victoria Cross Metro station, for $240 million in June.

Now they've unveiled the new project, a mix of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments across a 30-level building designed by Rothelowman.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6384]

The Walden will capitalise on the site’s front-row position on the eastern fringe of the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/north-sydney-nsw-2060">North Sydney</a> CBD, which offers uninterrupted Sydney Harbour views stretching from the Sydney Harbour Bridge all the way to Sydney Heads.

The main tower will be flanked by a small four-level amenity building known as The Pavilion, offering exclusive resident-only amenities including a dedicated concierge service, a sauna and private wellness studio, a gymnasium and fitness studio, a resort-style rooftop pool and sundeck.

There will also be a&nbsp;residents’ lounge, private dining and a wine cellar, and co-working facilities with an on-site meeting room and boardroom.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6382]

ALAND Founder Andrew Hrsto said the company knew they could create something "iconic" with The Walden when they saw the site.

&nbsp;

“As a company, we had been searching for a site in one of Sydney’s blue-chip locations, spanning the Eastern Suburbs, the Sydney CBD and the North Shore, and when we had the opportunity to purchase this site, we immediately recognised that it could be something iconic – being the last development with a view offering this exceptional.

“We identified the attributes and quality of the site as being perfectly aligned for ALAND – and we feel that this off-market acquisition is a perfect opportunity to showcase our craftmanship and expertise through a truly unique offering."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134323 project_image_fid=6399]

Hrsto pointed to ALAND’s longstanding development expertise as a significant benefit in delivering a positive outcome for The Walden.

“Being a fully integrated development and construction business with a highly experienced team, we have the benefit of in-house experts across the development spectrum, from acquisitions, design, planning, and construction, to sales, marketing, property management, through to building management.

“As one of Australia’s largest private development and construction groups, we’ve been in operation for 23 years, with a Gold Star iCIRT rating and a 100 per cent delivery success rate across numerous masterplanned and mixed-use projects – and we’re very much looking forward to bringing this expertise to The Walden and contributing to the ongoing revitalisation of North Sydney."

The Walden is the latest development in Sydney to have the 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy by Resilience Insurance, protecting buyers from any structural or waterproofing-related issues for 10 years post-completion.&nbsp;

Demolition of existing structures on The Walden site has already commenced through specialist civil contractor Moits, with the aim of completing preparatory ground works by the end of 2025, ahead of construction commencement in early 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134323]

Joel Robinson

ALAND unveils The Walden, North Sydney's latest luxury apartment development

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toga-group">TOGA</a> has opened sales for the final building in Macquarie Rise, its latest mixed-use development in Macquarie Park.

Since launching its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/macquarie-rise-122-herring-road-macquarie-park-nsw-2113">Macquarie Rise</a> in late 2023, TOGA has secured over 125 sales in the Herring Road development, to a range of purchasers, from first home buyers to investors and downsizers. Around 65 per cent of purchasers have been owner-occupiers.

TOGA has now launched a new release of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in the final building, Saunders Rise. Many of the apartments feature multi-purpose rooms and offer views of the surrounding greenery. Also part of the release is a series of&nbsp;sub penthouses housed on the upper floors.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242696]

&nbsp;

“We’re delighted with the ongoing strong interest in our Macquarie Rise development, which is testament to the need for premium housing in this much-loved Sydney suburb,"&nbsp;Allan Vidor AM, Managing Director at TOGA, said.

"We’re proud to be able to offer buyers a unique product that includes luxury amenities, spacious living areas and flexible layouts, designed to suit all kinds of buyers, from young professionals to families and investors.

“We have long been advocates of Macquarie Park, and once Macquarie Rise is complete, TOGA will have built 1,000 apartments in the area, delivering much needed homes within a thriving precinct. It’s great to see the area become renowned for high-quality apartments, proximity to amenities and green spaces."

TOGA, one of Australia’s few Gold Star iCIRT rated developers, is also handling construction of Macquarie Rise. They are on track to complete the building in 2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=310789]

Macquarie Rise boasts a prime location, placing residents within immediate reach of Macquarie Centre, Macquarie University, and the newly completed Macquarie University Metro, connecting to the Sydney CBD is just over 20 minutes.

&nbsp;

Macquarie Rise residents also have access to Club Rise, an exclusive, residents only lounge designed by luxury hotel designers Stack Studio, offering an abundance of work and break-out areas, a Pilates studio, a gym, and a karaoke room. As well as these premium amenities Macquarie Rise will also feature an impressive podium top 20m lap pool.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=89243 project_image_fid=242695]

“Offering luxury, spacious apartments in a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood, it’s no surprise that Macquarie Rise remains popular with a range of buyers," said TOGA's General Manager of Sales, Anthony Falas.&nbsp;

"With interest rates tracking downwards, we expect the final apartments to continue to receive high levels of interest.”

Located at 122 Herring Road, Macquarie Park, the development will be delivered in partnership with Baptist Union NSW and Morling College with a value of over $400 million.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=89243]

TOGA launches final stage apartments in Macquarie Rise

Southern Cross Station anchors the western end of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melbourne-vic-3000">Melbourne</a>’s CBD, connecting metropolitan and regional rail with tram and bus interchanges in one of the city’s busiest transport corridors.&nbsp;

Just metres away, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/640-bourke-street-melbourne-640-bourke-street-melbourne-vic-3000">640 Bourke Street</a>&nbsp;will place residents in the heart of the city, with immediate access to Spencer Street trams, a growing mix of retail, hospitality and cultural venues, and a neighbourhood evolving into a lively residential precinct.

Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/far-east-consortium">Far East Consortium</a>, the 68-level project integrates a sculptural glass tower with the heritage-listed Eliza Tinsley Building on a 2,765 sqm Bourke St site.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335425]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, the development replaces a previously approved scheme for 813 apartments with a refined offering of just over 600 larger-format residences, responding to a growing owner-occupier demand for spacious city living.

The location sits within a dynamic pocket undergoing significant transformation. Marvel Stadium and the Docklands waterfront are less than 10 minutes away on foot, offering both sports and leisure attractions.&nbsp;

Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and the State Library are all within walking distance, while Flagstaff Gardens, Melbourne’s oldest park, provides a green escape just to the north.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335422]

Proximity to some of the city’s largest employers and education hubs, including the courts precinct, legal chambers, RMIT, and major hospitals, makes 640 Bourke Street an appealing residential address for professionals, families and students alike.

Education opportunities span all levels. Nearby, Haileybury City Campus offers private schooling just a short walk from 640 Bourke Street. Just beyond the CBD fringe, Carlton Gardens Primary School, one of Melbourne’s oldest state primary schools, and Docklands Primary School provide convenient government schooling options.

Higher education is equally accessible. RMIT University’s city campus spans multiple buildings just a few blocks away, while the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is easily reached via tram along Swanston or Elizabeth Streets.

Victoria University’s City Queen campus, focused on law and business, is also close by, positioning 640 Bourke Street within walking distance of three of Melbourne’s major tertiary institutions.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335426]

The neighbourhood’s retail tapestry continues to evolve into something distinctly local and walkable. Just steps away, Woolworths Metro on Bourke Street ensures that everyday essentials are easily within reach.&nbsp;

For larger shopping trips, Spencer Outlet Centre on Spencer Street and QV Melbourne on the opposite side of the CBD broaden the offering with supermarkets, fashion, dining and specialty stores.

The lane-to-lane vibe unfolds beautifully in nearby arcades and alleys. Hardware Lane, with its European-style red-brick paving and alfresco dining, pulses with jazzy evenings and casual lunches.

A few minutes north, Howey Place and Centre Place offer leafy, boutique-lined lanes where hidden cafés and niche retailers congregate under historic glass-covered cloisters.

Completing this tapestry is the newly opened Mecca “beauty playground” on Bourke Street. Spanning 4,000 sqm over three levels, the flagship blends immersive retail within an art-deco heritage setting.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=509 project_image_fid=335427]

This finely grained network of shops, eateries, arcades and service outlets defines the everyday lifestyle at 640 Bourke Street - further enriched by over 3,000 sqm of resident amenity including a Turkish-inspired pool, gym, co-working rooms and private cinemas.&nbsp;

Apartments are priced between&nbsp;$640,000 and $3.95 million. Off the plan stamp duty concessions available until October 2026. Prospective buyers can visit the on site display gallery which has&nbsp;fully built one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=509]

640 Bourke Street: A heritage address at the heart of Melbourne

Lower North Shore development specialists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/abadeen-group">Abadeen</a>&nbsp;has topped out its new local apartment development,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/northcote-collective-naremburn-2-6-northcote-street-naremburn-nsw-2065">Northcote Collective</a>.&nbsp;

Located in the tightly held suburb of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/naremburn-nsw-2065">Naremburn</a>, Northcote Collective is a collection of just 58 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed by award-winning architects Rothelowman.&nbsp;

The building is just a five to 10 minute walk from the heart of Crows Nest and the new&nbsp;St Leonards and Crows Nest Metro stations. Abadeen has also brought doorstep convenience, with a ground-floor retail offering on Northcote Street.

Northcote Collective is being delivered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/decode">Decode</a> — an iCIRT-rated construction company well regarded in the new development industry.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272840]

“This is an important and exciting moment for Northcote Collective, and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners, consultants, and future residents,” said Justin Brown, Executive Chairman and Founder of Abadeen.&nbsp;

“From the outset, our vision was to create something truly special for Naremburn — homes that respect the character of the neighbourhood while elevating the standard of Lower North Shore living. With connectivity to transport, retail on the doorstep and a true village lifestyle, this milestone also comes at a perfect time when buyer confidence is returning to the market. I am incredibly proud of our team and of Decode for their dedication in helping us bring this vision to life.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114189 project_image_fid=272865]

The development is two-tiered, with two rooftops for residents. The taller building has an impressive rooftop pool, a rare inclusion in the new Sydney apartment market. The level, with panoramic views, also includes an entertaining terrace with barbecue facilities.

Local downsizers and young professionals are showing the strongest interest in the development, with recent improvements in the property market — supported by three rate cuts in 2025 — boosting borrowing power and buyer confidence.

Auction activity across Sydney surged by almost 30 per cent in recent weeks, with clearance rates above 70 per cent — signalling a renewed wave of buyer demand.

Northcote Collective will welcome buyers in 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114189]

Abadeen tops out Northcote Collective in Naremburn

Sunshine Coast-based <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/devcon-property-group">Devcon Property Group</a> has acquired one of Maroochydore’s most prominent development sites for $12 million unlocking the potentialfor a mixed-use project in the Cotton Tree precinct.

&nbsp;

The 4,178 sqm site at 41–43 Aerodrome Road—well known locally as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants—was sold via an off-market expressions of interest campaign by Colliers agents Nick Dowling and Baydn Dodds. More than 70 targeted buyer groups were approached, resulting in multiple competitive offers for the property.

Devcon Property Group Managing Director Michael Kain said the acquisition was a strategic move in line with the company’s focus on delivering high-quality projects in prime coastal locations.&nbsp;

“We’re excited about the possibilities this site, in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachside &nbsp;communities, offers for a broad range of development outcomes,” Kain said.

“Its location, ocean view potential, and proximity to the Maroochydore CBD and beach make it an &nbsp;outstanding development prospect. Our plans are to refurbish the existing building and then review &nbsp;development options for the remainder of the site.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Aerodrome Rd site overlooking Beach (Large)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29dc4ed-68c1-4bec-a4fc-283063dcde1e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Aerodrome%20Rd%20site%20overlooking%20Beach%20%28Large%29.jpg?VersionId=b0WxJWevmLoAfCP4YvGImZpR3rSCJJ9L" />

Colliers Special Projects Manager Baydn Dodds said the sale reflected the ongoing strength of the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s development site market, particularly for projects capable of achieving water views. &nbsp;

“Sites of this scale, in walkable beachside locations with ocean views, are tightly held and continue to attract significant interest from both local and national developers,” Baydn Dodds said. &nbsp;

“Holding a prominent position as the former home to one of Australia’s last Sizzler restaurants and more recently occupied by Rashays, the prime site is located just 150 metres from Maroochydore Beach.&nbsp;

“With stunning ocean view potential, located in one of the Sunshine Coast’s best known iconic &nbsp;beachside communities, within steps of shops, cafes and the beach it is no surprise that there was strong interest in the site. The transaction highlights the ongoing depth of demand for well-located &nbsp;mixed-use sites across the Sunshine Coast.”&nbsp;

Colliers Sunshine Coast Managing Director Nick Dowling said the transaction reinforced the &nbsp;Sunshine Coast’s status as one of Australia’s most active development markets.&nbsp;

“The combination of strong population growth, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure investment is &nbsp;driving demand for quality development opportunities,” Nick Dowling said. &nbsp;

“The Sunshine Coast is one of only three markets nationally to record an increase in crane numbers, &nbsp;reflecting the strength of the region’s construction pipeline.&nbsp;

“Opportunities like this are rare and continue to generate strong buyer interest in the region.”&nbsp;

The Sunshine Coast development market is booming, with several high-profile developers like Cube Developments, Gardner Vaughan Group, and RCQ, planning developments in the region.

Devcon buys Sunshine Coast’s former Sizzler site for new apartment development

Fixed Rates

<html><body>
48 lenders have cut at least one fixed home loan rate in the past week since the RBA's emergency rate cut, according to financial comparison website RateCity.
ING, Australia's fifth largest lender, set to offer the country's lowest home loan rate at just 2.09 per cent, fixed for two years, available from March 26. 
The company announced cuts to its fixed home loan rates by up to 50 per cent for owner-occupiers with the Orange Advantage package. 
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/Screen%20Shot%202020-03-26%20at%2010.22.02%20am.png" alt="">
Around 80 per cent of fixed home loan rates are now below 3 per cent and more than two dozen lenders offering fixed rates under 2.5 per cent.  
Sally Tindall, research director at RateCity.com.au, said the fixed rate space was hitting boiling point.
“Lenders are putting all of their cards on the table as panicked borrowers seek out home loan security in a market that is changing daily,” she said.
“The move from ING comes after the major banks kicked off a rate war last week with Westpac, NAB and ANZ cutting rates to 2.19 per cent. The question is ‘how low can they go?’.
She noted that we are not far from seeing fixed rates below 2.0 per cent. 
Like many banks, ING has chosen not to cut variable rates following Thursday’s RBA announcement, but offered payment deferrals for up to 6 months for home loans, personal loans and credit cards.
“This will support a lot of Australians in the coming months, particularly those who have been impacted financially as a result of the coronavirus,” she said. 
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Fixed rates plunge after RBA emergency rate cut

<html><body>
Property buyers are leaning towards variable rate home loans, given the recent interest rate cuts and proposed further cuts from the RBA.
New data from Mortgage Choice shows demand for fixed rate home loans fell in July.
Only 14 per cent of all home loans written were for fixed rate loans.
Mortgage Choice chief executive officer Susan Mitchell said demand for fixed rate loans is the lowest they've seen all year. 
"Despite some very attractive fixed-rate home loan pricing, borrowers across the country are reluctant to fix.    “Last year, a low fixed rate would have been under 4% p.a., but today we are seeing rates starting with a two, which is certainly the lowest fixed rates we have seen in recent history. 
The state by state breakdown of fixed and variable mortgage. To enlarge, click here.
<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/2019/8/22/Variable%20rate%20by%20state%20Mortgage%20Choice.jpg" alt=""> Source: Mortgage Choice
“It’s not entirely surprising that borrowers are choosing to keep their options open by opting for variable rate home loans. The reality is, the opportunity to save on repayments if the Reserve Bank cuts the cash rate is too good to pass up.
The RBA suggested at its August meeting, as they have done for a number of months, that they would consider a further easing if necessary to support sustainable growth in the economy.
Reacting to a dwindling in fixed home loan mortgages are the St George, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA, who have slashed their fixed rates by up to 1.40 per cent.
St George and Bank of Melbourne are offering up to five year fixed rates as low as 2.94 per cent, for customers with a deposit of 40 per cent or more, and 2.99 per cent for customers with a deposit of 20 per cent or more.
The two are now offering the lowest four and five year fixed rates, according to RateCity.com.au data.
A total of 75 lenders have cut fixed rates since the most recent RBA cut on 2 July 2019, the biggest being a cut of 1.60 per cent.
RateCity research director Sally Tindall said the banks were gearing up for long-term low rates.
“The banks are falling over each other to claim the title of having the lowest fixed rate on the market,” she said.
“Fixed rates as low as 2.94 per cent will prompt some customers to review their own rate and potentially switch lenders.
“It’s unusual to see some of the largest banks offering some of the lowest fixed rates in the country.
“The idea of fixing your rate under three per cent until August 2024 is a foreign concept to a lot of Australian mortgage holders. While these low fixed rates may seem like sensational deals, we’re likely to see more cuts. 
“The latest ABS data shows the percentage of people opting to fix has fallen to just 14.1 per cent, which suggests customers are holding out to see how low rates go,” she said.
</body></html>

jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

Lenders cutting fixed rates to sub three per cent as demand wanes

<html><body>
Demand for fixed rate home loans fell in February, according to new data from Mortgage Choice.
The broker's latest national home loan approval data showed demand for fixed rate home loans fell over the month of February, accounting for 22.82% of loans - a reduction of 1.05% from the month prior.
Demand for fixed rate loans had picked up in the latter half of 2018, in what may have been a response to rate hikes on variable home loan products.
Mortgage Choice found that borrower preference varied across the country :
<ul>
<li>Borrowers in Queensland were the most likely to fix their interest rate, with over 25% opting for a fixed rate home loan; </li>
<li>This was followed by New South Wales where over 24% of borrowers chose to fix their home loans; </li>
<li>In South Australia 22% of borrowers opted for a fixed rate mortgage;</li>
<li>In Western Australia 20% of borrowers chose to fix;</li>
<li>And Victorians continue to prefer variable rate home loans with almost 17% choosing to fix their home loans.</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/2019/3/14/susan-mitchell_ceo_mortgage-choice_b.jpg" alt="">
Mortgage Choice Chief Executive Officer Susan Mitchell (pictured above) said a number of reasons may be discouraging borrowers from locking in to a fixed rate.
“Mounting speculation that the Reserve Bank may cut the official cash rate later this year may be weighing on borrower expectations around interest rates. These borrowers, who are expecting interest rates to fall in the near term may be less inclined to lock in to a fixed rate,” said Mitchell. 
“Borrowers’ caution may be compounded by continued property price falls in the nation’s capitals which, according to the latest figures from CoreLogic fell 0.9% in the month of February. 
“In the current property market, it is unsurprising to see an increase in demand for variable rate loan products. These loans are more flexible and allow borrowers to make added loan repayments, access home loan features such as an offset account and redraw facility, and of course save on their loan repayments if their interest rate drops.
“That being said, fixed rate loans are still an attractive option to people who are looking for certainty in their home loan repayments.  This is particularly important at a time when there is considerable uncertainty in the market.
“Fixed rate loans may be a suitable option for borrowers who foresee a potential change to their income or, budget constraints.
“At present, there are many deals to be had for those looking to lock in a fixed rate, with two-year fixed rate loans on our lender panel as low as 3.69% p.a.* it’s a great time to review your home loan.
“My advice for anyone looking to have the best of both worlds is to speak to their mortgage broker about splitting their loan, which allows a borrower to allocate a proportion of the loan to a fixed interest rate, and a proportion to a variable interest rate depending on their financial situation.”
* NAB First Home Buyers Special 2 Year Choice Fixed Rate OO P&amp;I accurate at 8 March 2019
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/14/1.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/2019/3/14/1.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/14/2.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/2019/3/14/2.jpg" alt="">
Source: Mortgage Choice
 
</body></html>

Fixed rate demand falls in February: Mortgage Choice

<html><body>
Mortgage broking firm Mortgage Choice have seen the demand for fixed rates rise in the month of September to the highest level since December 2017.
Last month they saw 24 percent of all loans written to be fixed, up six percent from August.
Queensland and New South Wales are the most likely to choose a fixed rate mortgage, both with over 26 percent of their total loans being fixed.
Victoria has seen the lowest level of fixed rate demand for eight consecutive months, however demand for this type of product rose to almost 17 percent in September – an increase of almost four percent on the month prior.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/9/mortgage-choice2.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/9/mortgage-choice2.jpg" alt="">
Susan Mitchell, CEO of Mortgage Choice, said the shift in borrower demand was largely anticipated given the recent changes in the lending landscape. 
“September’s data is unsurprising when you consider the recent rate hikes to variable rate home loan products announced by three of the four major banks. This would no doubt be encouraging more borrowers to fix,” Mitchell said. “History has shown that when the majors lift their rates, smaller lenders are quick to offer competitive pricing on their own products in order to attract borrowers in search of a better deal. However, we have seen limited market movement due to a combination of factors such as the regulatory environment and increasing wholesale funding costs which would no doubt be affecting smaller lenders. 
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/9/Mortgage-Choice1.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/9/Mortgage-Choice1.jpg" alt="">
 
“Institutions across the country have become more selective about the customers they lend to, vying for borrowers in a healthy financial position. Indeed, lenders are seeking high-quality borrowers who present low risk.  “This highlights the need for borrowers to review their current home loan and financial situation with the help of a qualified mortgage professional and financial adviser to ensure they are best placed to secure a competitive deal when they choose to switch loan providers.”  Mitchell noted that, when home loan interest rates are on the rise, borrowers may want to consider fixing part or all of their home loan, safeguarding against further rate rises and allowing for repayment certainty each month.  “Due to the current tightened lending criteria and lender’s reduced appetite for lending, I would encourage anyone looking to secure a home loan to speak to their local Mortgage Choice broker who can help them navigate the complex lending environment and find a loan to suit their unique financial needs.
</body></html>

Demand for fixed home loans make a comeback in September: Mortgage Choice

<html><body>
ANZ has increased on its one to five year fixed rates and for fixed owner occupier and investment loans of up to 34 basis points.
Mortgage brokers were advised ANZ was raising fixed rate interest rate deals across its popular Breakfree home loan deals.
On a three-year owner occupier principal and interest fixed-rate deal the rate will jump by 10 basis points from 3.99 per cent to 4.09 per cent.
This is on the popular Breakfree product which is among the bank’s most popular home loans.
Mozo found this will result in repayments on a $300,000 30-year home loan rising by $17 per month, from $1431 to $1448.
While on a three-year investment interest-only fixed-rate deal on a Breakfree loan the rate will also lift by 20 basis points from 4.69 per cent to 4.89 per cent.
Mozo data shows on the same loan size repayments will increase by $50 per month from $1173 to $1223.
This time last year Mozo noted ANZ lifted two year rates by 23 basis points to 3.98% and pumped three year rates up 34bp to 4.19%.
 
 
</body></html>

ANZ raises fixed rates in early 2018 move

<html><body>
Nearly one in three Australians have fixed rate mortgages, according to the latest data from broker Mortgage Choice.
Fixed rate home loans accounted for 31.05% of all loans written throughout the month of August, up from 29.63% in July.
“Fixed rate demand is now at its highest level since December 2013, when fixed rate home loans accounted for 33.06% of all loans written,” Mortgage Choice chief executive officer John Flavell said. 
He added that the growing popularity of fixed rate mortgages was not a surprise because a number of lenders have recently been cutting their interest rates on some fixed rate products. 
“As a result, fixed rate home loans are now very competitively priced, which has made them more attractive to homeowners who are looking for repayment security.” 
Across the country, fixed rate demand was strongest in Queensland, with this type of home loan accounting for 35.48% of all loans written throughout the month of August, up from 28.08% last month. 
South Australia and New South Wales followed, with fixed rate loans accounting for 34.40% and 33.66% respectively.  
Variable rate home loans, specifically ongoing discount products, remained the most popular product with borrowers across the country. 
In Australia, ongoing discount home loans accounted for 40.7% of all mortgages written in the month of August. 
Looking ahead, Flavell said it remained to be seen what would happen with fixed rate demand. 
“We are now in the spring selling season and we are starting to see a lot of rate competition between Australia’s lenders. 
“Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen lenders trim the interest rates across their fixed and variable home loan products, which is great news for anyone looking to buy a property, refinance or upgrade. 
 
</body></html>

jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

One in three Australians opting for fixed home loans: Mortgage Choice

<html><body>
Home loan approval data for July shows  fixed rate home loans accounted for 29.63 percent of all loans written throughout the month according to Mortgage Choice.
This is its highest level in more than three years, say Mortgage Choice.
John Flavell, Mortgage Choice chief executive officer said this is the highest level of demand we have seen for fixed rate home loans since December 2013, when fixed rate home loans accounted for 33.06 percent of all loans written.
“The surge in popularity for this type of product does not come as much of a surprise when we look at what’s been taking place in the market in recent weeks," he said.
“A few of Australia’s lenders have lowered the interest rates charged on some of their fixed rate products, with some trimming up to 10 basis points from their four and five year rates.
"As a result, many of the fixed rate home loans now on offer are very competitively priced.
“Of course, this isn’t the only activity taking place in the market.
"In recent weeks, many of Australia’s lenders have introduced a raft of other policy and pricing changes.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/03/Chart-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/08/03/Chart-2.jpg" alt="">
“Some lenders have significantly increased their interest only pricing across both their investment and owner-occupied products.
"These changes have helped make the mortgage market more complex than ever before.
“Subsequently, borrowers wanting certainty and security over their repayments for a set period of time are increasingly turning to a fixed rate mortgage.
"Fixed rate demand rose in every state throughout the month of July. 
"Western Australia had the highest proportion of borrowers opting for a fixed loan, with the product making up 35.77 percent of loans written throughout July.
"Not far behind was New South Wales, where fixed rate loans accounted for 33.59 percent of all loans written, and Queensland, where fixed rate loans accounted for 28.08 percent of all loans written.
"Overall, variable rate loans remained the most popular product for borrowers in Australia, particularly ongoing discount loans.
"It remained to be seen whether borrowers continued to flock towards the perceived safety of fixed rate home loans, or ride the changes in the market by selecting a variable rate product.
“Borrower demand for certain products will be dictated by what happens in the market.
“For example, if we continue see added complexity in the market - with lenders making changes to their pricing and policy - I would expect to see more borrowers opting for the security of a fixed rate loan.
"Borrowers and prospective buyers needed to remember that home loan rates are still hovering around historically low levels.
“Whether you’re looking to buy your first property, upgrade, refinance or even renovate, now it a great time to make your property goals a reality.”
</body></html>

Fixed Rates

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Fixed Rates

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

The latest real estate & off the plan properties & news, delivered to your inbox.