<p>UAE developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/arada">Arada</a> is continuing to unveil its billions of dollars of residential development it is set to deliver in Australia.</p>

<p>Following on its plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/arada-pitches-castle-hill-apartment-plans-ahead-of-2026-launch">431 apartments in Castle Hill</a>&nbsp;and the 2025 bail-out of construction firm Roberts &amp; Co so it can build its own developments, Arada&nbsp;has sought the NSW Government's approval for three towers in the Campsie town centre.</p>

<p>The project, dubbed One Campsie, has been designed by Woods Bagot and will deliver 346 apartments to Beamish Street across three interconnected towers rising 24, 32, and 39 storeys.</p>

<p>According to the Woods Bagot Architectural Design Report, the design seeks to “redefine the urban experience of a rapidly transforming town centre,” delivering housing above an activated ground plane that integrates civic and commercial uses. The design adopts a three-part vertical composition, stepping and articulating the tower to reduce visual bulk and respond to its varied urban interfaces.</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Arada unveils 39-storey mixed-use tower for Campsie town centre in State Significant Development bid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f515807f-7277-4ea5-8b2b-a5718514f30a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campsie%20podium.png?VersionId=J3oSJpOvye8gpg1kjagODjdhOb0Cl28I" /></p>

<p>At street level, the scheme places significant emphasis on public domain upgrades. A new civic plaza is proposed opposite the Orion Theatre, alongside a landscaped pocket park and a through-site pedestrian link connecting Beamish Street to Campsie Street and Ninth Avenue. The Urban Design Justification Report states that the proposal “builds on Council’s Master Plan by applying a place-led urban design framework that responds to the site’s unique conditions and enhances pedestrian experience and public benefit.”</p>

<p>The documents note that the development aligns with the Master Plan’s intensification strategy for sites within walking distance of the Metro station, while seeking to retain solar access to key public spaces. As outlined in the Urban Design Report, the proposal delivers “intensification within walking distance of the Metro Station while retaining solar access to key parks."</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Arada unveils 39-storey mixed-use tower for Campsie town centre in State Significant Development bid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="586ad606-a84f-49cc-b715-fc3ecb731205" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campsie%20podium%20a.png?VersionId=gNHaD.Os8yW4LVOdsJIdmmhlgQArs0Gm" /></p>

<p>Woods Bagot’s design narrative also draws on local history and Aboriginal cultural context. The Architectural Design Report references engagement with Wangal Country and the Cooks River landscape, seeking to embed a connection to Country through material selection, planting, and public art integration. The broader vision, as described in the report, is to create a building that functions as a “community catalyst, not only as a place to live, but as a vibrant destination for work and play that brings people together, supports local culture, and contributes meaningfully to the civic identity of Campsie.”</p>

<p><img alt="First Look: Arada unveils 39-storey mixed-use tower for Campsie town centre in State Significant Development bid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1bc9a44-0c1a-4e3f-8b27-38070b0d2744" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_2.png?VersionId=1JmMWg6jOU1rPpS9hCxy8s8H48xc0EiM" /></p>

<p>Located at 124–142 Beamish Street and 16–18 Ninth Avenue, the site occupies a key stretch of Beamish Street, Campsie’s traditional high street, characterised by fine-grain retail, multicultural dining, and proximity to civic infrastructure including the Orion Theatre and Canterbury Civic Centre. The proposed civic plaza and pocket park aim to strengthen this interface, formalising connections between retail frontages, public transport, and community facilities.</p>

<p>If approved, One Campsie would mark one of the tallest and most ambitious additions to the suburb’s skyline, reflecting the broader shift toward higher-density living around transport nodes in Sydney’s middle-ring centres.</p>


Joel Robinson

First Look: Arada files for trio of apartment towers in Campsie town centre

<p data-end="321" data-start="80">Syd​ney builder-developer Scion has lodged a State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for a 22-storey mixed-use tower at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/96-anzac-avenue-west-ryde-nsw-2114">96 Anzac Avenue, West Ryde</a>, marking a significant step in the transformation of the Victoria Road gateway precinct.</p>

<p data-end="564" data-start="323">Designed by Turner, the proposal would replace an ageing two-storey commercial building with 145 apartments and 29 co-living rooms, above ground-floor retail and three basement levels of parking.</p>

<p data-end="912" data-start="566">The 3,149 sqm site sits just 150 metres from West Ryde train station, at the edge of the suburb’s retail core and diagonally opposite Anzac Park. It occupies a prominent corner with frontages to both Anzac Avenue and Victoria Road, positioning it as a key transition point between established residential neighbourhoods and the commercial centre.</p>

<p data-end="1113" data-start="914">The scheme is being advanced under the Housing Delivery Authority pathway as a State Significant Development, alongside a concurrent rezoning to lift the site’s height and floor space ratio controls.</p>

<p data-end="1113" data-start="914">Turner says in the Architectural Design Report that the proposal "responds to a unique opportunity to support the revitalisation of West Ryde through the delivery of a landmark development that combines high-quality residential offerings with enhanced public realm and active ground plane uses.”</p>

<p data-end="1113" data-start="914">Scion will be pushing height almost five times higher than what had been pitched for the site before.</p>

<p data-end="1113" data-start="914">Turner says the increased scale aligns with Council’s strategic direction for the precinct, including the West Ryde Town Centre Revitalisation Strategy (2019), the Draft Masterplan (2021), and the West Ryde–Meadowbank Renewal Strategy (2023).</p>

<p data-end="2290" data-start="1917">“The increased height and density proposed aligns with Council’s evolving strategic direction for the precinct, as outlined in the Draft Revitalisation Strategy (2019), the 2021 Draft Masterplan, and the broader West Ryde–Meadowbank Renewal Strategy (2023), which collectively call for higher density, transit-oriented development and design excellence."</p>

<p data-end="2573" data-start="2432">Turner describes the vision as establishing “a contemporary, mixed-use development that contributes positively to the West Ryde town centre.”</p>

<p data-end="2573" data-start="2432"><img alt="West Ryde" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5c22c11-92b8-4ca6-b77b-b5848ae0176d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-02-12%20at%202.41.34%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=aom0z8azYDw7Hl6.A6vDbCom5ozZICn5" /></p>

<p data-end="2793" data-start="2575">The architectural response has been shaped by the site’s gateway role along Victoria Road and its proximity to Anzac Park and surrounding heritage elements, including the Sydney Water pumping station opposite the site.</p>

<p data-end="2793" data-start="2575">The design process also incorporated consultation around Connecting with Country principles. The design report outlines engagement with Cultural Heritage Consultants Artefact and Aunty Julie, a Burruberongal woman of the Darug Nation, informing planting selection, materiality and potential public art opportunities.</p>

<p data-end="3703" data-start="3609">Turner says the scheme aims to optimise the site’s capacity while balancing yield and amenity.</p>

<p data-end="3987" data-start="3705">“The proposed scheme seeks to optimise the site’s potential by balancing yield, amenity, and urban integration. It will deliver a high-quality, mixed-use precinct that supports West Ryde’s ongoing transformation into a connected, accessible, and liveable centre."</p>

<p data-end="3987" data-start="3705">Scion recently completed the build of its own development, The Sterling in Lane Cove. They are currently building Chatham in West Ryde, just 500m from the new proposal. Those 62 apartments will complete later this year.</p>


First look: Scion pitches tower plans for West Ryde

<p>Mirvac’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarra-s-edge-docklands-16-point-park-crescent-docklands-vic-3008">Trielle</a> tower at Yarra’s Edge is steadily taking shape on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/docklands-vic-3008">Docklands</a>&nbsp;waterfront, as the ASX-listed builder-developer tracks towards completion in the middle of 2027.</p>

<p>As buyer interest continues to consolidate around larger, owner-occupier-oriented apartments, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a> has introduced a time-limited Lunar New Year settlement rebate across its two and three-bedroom residences.</p>

<p>Running from now until March 10 2026, the Lunar New Year promotion provides a settlement rebate of $28,888 on all two-bedroom apartments and $38,888 on three-bedroom homes.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3784]</p>

<p>Trielle forms part of Mirvac’s long-running Yarra’s Edge precinct and will deliver 188 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms, alongside a limited number of larger-format residences and sub-penthouses, when it completes in mid-2027.</p>

<p>The tower occupies a rare north-facing riverfront position just two kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, a location that continues to attract owner-occupiers seeking proximity to the city without sacrificing amenity or outlook.</p>

<p>Designed and built by Mirvac, Trielle places a strong emphasis on resident amenities and wellness-led living. A seven-storey podium will house a landscaped rooftop retreat featuring a 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna, magnesium hot pool, biophilic gym, yoga and Pilates studio, and private treatment rooms, complemented by shared spaces including a resident library, dining room, cinema, golf simulator and flexible work hubs.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3801]</p>

<p>Above the standard apartment collection, Mirvac has also revealed The Aerus Sub-Penthouses, a small release of half-floor residences positioned on the upper levels of the tower. Spanning between 269 and 301 square metres, these homes represent the largest offerings within Trielle and reflect the project’s broader design focus on generous proportions, natural materials and long-term liveability.</p>

<p>Construction of the $350 million tower is underway through Mirvac’s in-house construction arm, with the developer continuing to position Trielle toward owner-occupiers and downsizers looking for scale, services and certainty within an established inner-city precinct.</p>

<p>T&amp;C's apply.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114216]</p>


Buyers save big at Trielle, Melbourne, as Mirvac offers generous Lunar New Year incentive

<p>Gold Coast developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Group</a> is set to fast-track construction on its $67 million residential project after being given the green light from the Gold Coast City Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located at 7 and 9 Sixth Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-oasis-palm-beach-7-9-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Oasis</a> will continue Sherpa’s reshaping of Palm Beach and deliver residential solutions to a region that lacks supply, whilst offering incredible comparative value.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The project has already met high market acceptance with 45 per cent sold after launching late last year.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357459]</p>

<p>Sherpa Founder Christie Leet said the approval enables Sherpa to continue to play a major role in transforming one of Australia’s Hotspots, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a>, which has undergone a massive renaissance in the last five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are so grateful to have received the green light for Oasis, which means we can now direct our attention to commencing construction on a major project for Palm Beach as it transform,” said Leet.</p>

<p>“Flourish as a brand has received such positive feedback, and we are excited to move into the delivery phase of the second Flourish project in Palm Beach.”</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Oasis will deliver 47 corner apartments, in two- and three-bedroom layouts filled with natural light, catering to local downsizers and families, with apartments starting from $990,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357469]</p>

<p>Residents will have access to premium roof-top amenities with sweeping beach views, including a pool, gym, barbecue facilities, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunges and spa, creating a sanctuary to relax, unwind and connect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Oasis will offer breathtaking ocean views to the north that can’t be built out – a rare feature in Palm Beach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Creating a multi-generational community is at the core of Flourish, we want the brand to appeal to those who are looking for a refined coastal lifestyle, as those who are searching for their first home, which is why Oasis has been designed as a more boutique offering,” Leet added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=151449 project_image_fid=357460]</p>

<p>Palm Beach is undergoing a transformation, where a flood of lifestyle buyers and a shortage of new projects have made it one of the most undersupplied markets in the city, with the suburb needing more than triple its supply to meet the growing demand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Palm Beach has such a unique and special character, and we hope to build on that, creating homes that locals are proud of,” said Mr Leet.</p>

<p>“Each apartment has been designed to capitalize on the stunning location, to offer a truly unmatched lifestyle in what is a Gold Coast hotspot.”</p>

<p>Oasis is a part of Sherpa’s Flourish story, which includes Amargo, Ovana and a new site at 1156-1164 Gold Coast Highway, all designed to offer attainable, lifestyle-focused residences, allowing locals to stay priced-in a market that continues to get more expensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With construction now underway by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/lps-group">LPS Group</a>, Oasis is poised to be completed by late 2027.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=151449]</p>


Sherpa fast-tracks Flourish Oasis construction in Palm Beach

<article data-scroll-anchor="true" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-turn="assistant" data-turn-id="request-WEB:177aabf5-72ef-476e-8c5a-366295e4030a-0" dir="auto" tabindex="-1">
<p data-end="186" data-start="59">Developer JL Place is ensuring buyers at its Veil Brighton project have all the right ingredients to make a confident purchase.</p>

<p data-end="636" data-start="188">To instil confidence in the market, the development was launched when construction was already well underway, helping to alleviate any concerns about the project proceeding. For a limited time, JL Place is now offering buyers the opportunity to secure a townhouse with a five per cent deposit. The initiative aims to assist those who may not have enough savings for a 10 per cent deposit but have sufficient funds to meet bank lending requirements at completion.</p>

<p data-end="746" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" data-start="638">Several of the nine two- and three-bedroom townhouses, tucked away off the tree-lined Rooding Street, have already been snapped up, a sign of demand for&nbsp;low-maintenance, owner-occupier-focused housing in Brighton, which continues to outpace supply, particularly for homes that retain scale, privacy, and outdoor space.</p>
</article>

<p>Townhouses account for a relatively small share of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/brighton-vic-3186">Brighton</a>’s housing mix, yet they have become increasingly sought after by downsizers and local buyers seeking to remain in the suburb without the upkeep of a standalone home. At Veil, each residence is arranged across two levels and anchored by a generous private courtyard, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interiors while maintaining a strong sense of separation from the street.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7877 project_image_fid=355754]</p>

<p>Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/schmidt-pang-architects">Schmidt &amp; Pang</a>, the architecture has been intentionally restrained, presenting as a single, cohesive residence from Rooding Street rather than a conventional multi-dwelling development. Clean lines and robust materiality are softened by layered landscaping by John Patrick Landscape Architects, reinforcing the project’s emphasis on privacy and integration within its residential context.</p>

<p>Interiors favour a neutral, durable palette suited to long-term living, with oak flooring, grey-toned tiles, natural stone surfaces, and brushed nickel finishes throughout. Kitchens are equipped with Miele appliances and stone benchtops, while several homes include a ground-floor bedroom or flexible study, supporting accessibility and adaptability over time.</p>

<p>Sustainability has been embedded into the design, with each townhouse targeting a 6-star energy rating supported by double glazing, natural ventilation, high-grade insulation, LED lighting, and water-efficient fittings. Secure basement parking, bicycle storage, water tanks, and NBN readiness further position the homes for contemporary, lower-impact living.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project:default project_id=7877 project_image_fid=355771]</p>

<p>The introduction of the five per cent deposit structure aims to improve buyer financial flexibility while securing a foothold in Brighton ahead of completion, which is scheduled for late 2026. With prices starting from $1.529 million, the development has already recorded early sales momentum, with two residences secured prior to formal marketing.</p>

<p>Veil Brighton adds to JL PLACE’s growing portfolio of low-scale, architecturally driven residential projects, delivered in collaboration with builder <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/jeniton">JENITON</a>, whose involvement brings a further layer of delivery confidence to the project as construction continues on site.</p>

<p>[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7877]</p>


JL Place offers five per cent deposits at Veil Brighton townhouses

Housing Loans

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<div>
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">APRA </span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;">released</span><span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> its latest property exposures figures for the June 2015 quarter today, which confirmed an ongoing surge in new housing loans. </span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>As at June 2015 the total of residential term loans to households held by all institutions (ADIs) was $1.33 trillion. </span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>In total this represented an increase of +$31.8 billion (+2.4%) from the prior quarter, and a solid increase of +$97.1 billion (+7.9%) over the year to June.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>There were a total of 5.4 million loans outstanding, with an average balance of $243,000.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Investment loans surging higher</span></strong></span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Investment loans totalled $518.3 billion, an increase of +$17.7 billion (+3.5%) from the March quarter and massive +$81.1 billion (+18.6%) from one year ago.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>That's huge, and well ahead of the rate that the regulator would or should be comfortable with.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>Interestingly while loans held by the major banks increased by +7.5% over the past year to $1,076 billion, loans held by other domestic banks increased by a much faster +18.8% pace to $155 billion.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>The major banks still accounted for close to 80 per cent of the domestic new housing loan market, however, with the remainder of the market comprising other banks, credit unions and particularly building societies.</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div>
<span>It should be noted that there have been a few issues relating to the reclassification of loans between owner-occupied and investment loans, with material revisions (&gt;10%) pushed through for the September 2014 to March 2015 quarters relating to ANZ and National Australia Bank.</span><br><span><br></span><span>You can see the jump in the chart below. </span><br><span><br></span><span>This has had the impact of accentuating the rate of increase in investment loans while dampening the growth in owner-occupier loans. </span>
</div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>In any case the trend in <strong>total </strong>loans outstanding since March 2008 has been more than clear, with total residential term loan exposures captured by this data more than doubling over that time.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span>This is at least partly because the investor segment of the market often opts to amass new debt rather than paying loan balances down, particularly because Australia has prevailing tax legislation which encourages this behaviour.</span></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/26/APRA1.jpg" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></div>
<div><span> </span></div>
<div><span><img src="/images/2015/08/26/APRA1.jpg" alt=""></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>The data revealed that the overwhelming majority of new housing loans in the quarter at 89.3 per cent of new loans were of a loan to value ratio (LVR) of 90 per cent or lower. </div>
<br><div>As denoted by the pink area in the chart below there has been a surge in the number of borrowers using 20 to 40% deposits, now accounting for more than half of new housing loans in the last quarter.<br><br>This may imply that "cashed up" property owners with deep pools of equity are buying investment property at the expense of first time buyers who must save their deposits. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>More than one fifth of new loans in the quarter had a very low loan to value ratio of just 60% or lower.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><a href="/images/2015/08/26/APRA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div><img src="/images/2015/08/26/APRA2.jpg" alt=""></div>
<div> </div>
<div>
<div>Higher risk "low doc" loans continued to represent only a tiny fraction of the Australian mortgage market in the June quarter at 0.4 per cent.</div>
<div> </div>
<div><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Market risks</span></strong></div>
<div> </div>
<div>With very few low doc loans written and the overwhelming majority of loans being written with deposits ranging from 10 to 40 per cent, where lies the risk?</div>
<div> </div>
<div>After all, it is hardly as though the market is highly leveraged in aggregate with aro<span>und <span>~</span>$1.4 trill</span>ion of debt sitting against a stonking $6 trillion residential housing market.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>For my money, in terms of the residential mortgage market the answer is that the risk lies in the very high percentage and concentration of interest only loans, whereby typically no repayments are made against the principal in the first five years. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It is true that loans with offset facilities are continuing to flourish, but nevertheless a whopping 45.8% of new housing loans written in the June 2015 quarter were of the interest only variety.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Although only 4% of new housing loans in the June quarter were written outside serviceability, it would not be a surprise to see APRA looking more closely at the elevated percentage of interest only loans with renewed interest.</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>
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Investment loans power on: Pete Wargent

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<div>EXPERT OBSERVER</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Housing conditions were strong up until the end of February, the last of the pre-Coronavirus data series showed. </div>
<div> </div>
<div><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">Total housing lending was fairly steady at $19.5 billion, representing an increase of +13.1 per cent from a year earlier, mainly driven by homebuyers. </span></div>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj7kB74Cv28/Xo048SI75LI/AAAAAAAA1Jg/s4CFqoIWW4gX7Mo97meC-8FgegCjW6M7wCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/HF2.jpg" width="640" height="366" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1440"></span></p>
<p><span>First homebuyer commitments rose to the highest level since 2009.</span></p>
<p><br><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d99RZVWWZM/Xo048PZtQVI/AAAAAAAA1JY/mkyCDs4_KPUAmZJBb1bFWbRLACAWaY3awCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/HF3.jpg" width="640" height="378" style="font-size: 12.16px;" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1398"></p>
<div>At the state level, homebuyer loans (ex-refi) in Queensland and Western Australia were strong, while New South Wales and Victoria saw a partial retracement, although volumes in these states remained +15 per cent and +20 per cent higher than a year earlier respectively.</div>
<div> </div>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kiyhs8_oEo4/Xo048QGK6oI/AAAAAAAA1Jc/2-ANgNnHLDsVHpZypHKAfi0zxh4AET7kQCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/HF1.jpg" width="640" height="380" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1392"></div>
<p><span style="font-size: 12.16px;">For home buyers purchasing existing dwellings the average loan size was steady at a near-record high.</span></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_n553QTxyPs/Xo049K_1vkI/AAAAAAAA1Jk/ubZ9VV4Y3DUgx9yKI7xSyX2DLjkbaiB5QCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/HF4.jpg" width="640" height="382" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1369"></div>
<p><span>There was some variation around the states, partly impacted by refinancing activity.</span></p>
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0wxrfOsSto/Xo049Qhu3uI/AAAAAAAA1Jo/ibRdXCV_EdMM0hP04S3mmFceQHshcVOkgCNcBGAsYHQ/s640/HF5.jpg" width="640" height="374" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="1421"></div>
<div>
<strong>The wrap</strong><br><br>Overall, lending volumes were considerably stronger than a year earlier up until February 2020, but transaction activity is now expected to drop sharply through March and April as movements are restricted. </div>
<div>
<strong><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">PETE WARGENT</strong><em> is the co-founder of AllenWargent property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a>.</em>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Housing loans declined slightly in February: Pete Wargent

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<p>The May 2020 Lending to Households and Business figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the largest monthly fall in the history of the series with the value of loans for housing falling by 11.6 per cent in seasonally adjusted terms.</p>
<p>The fall is not unexpected with feedback from agents during May, as restrictions on movements throughout the month were in place and a general air of caution about the economy and its impact on activity in the housing market prevailed, suggesting that this would be the case.</p>
<p>The fall was driven by large reductions in the value of loan commitments for housing in New South Wales and Victoria and contributed to the yearly fall of 7.3 per cent. Smaller falls were reported for all other states except ACT.</p>
<p>The value of new loan commitments for investor housing fell 15.6 per cent for the month and 11.9 per cent for the year - again driven by Victoria and New South Wales.</p>
<p>New loan commitments for owner occupier first home buyers fell by a similar proportion to the overall fall in owner occupier commitments for dwellings with a fall of 10.5 per cent by value for the month in seasonally adjusted terms but a 19.3 per cent increase for the year.</p>
<p>NSW and Queensland drove the fall in the number of loan commitments for owner occupier first home buyers with all other states except ACT recording falls.</p>
<p>While reduced transactions in the housing market stifled new loan activity in May, the markets have held up through a low level of supply. A situation that is continuing in the larger markets.</p>
<p><strong>Adrian Kelly</strong><em> is the President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia. </em></p>
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May housing finance shows a historical fall: REIA's Adrian Kelly

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<p>The Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority has released a proposal that will require banks to differentiate risk weightings for residential mortgages.</p>
<p>It could potentially increase the cost of writing higher-risk loans.</p>
<p>The proposal seeks changes to the risk weightings banks should apply to owner-occupier, investor, interest-only and non-standard loans.</p>
<p>The paper noted APRA's view that there are "potential systemic vulnerabilities" to the financial system created from high levels of residential mortgages lending for investment purposes.</p>
<p>The Australian Broker news website reported ANZ and Westpac Group had introduced confidential changes to their assessment and approval of borrowers.</p>
<p>ANZ was adjusting the discretion available for its frontline mortgage assessors.</p>
<p>A spokesman for ANZ said the bank recently added "a higher level of approval for some discretions" used in its home loan policy for assessing serviceability.</p>
<p>Mortgage brokers claim banks seem to be showing less flexibility in interpreting guidelines on such matters as irregular income when assessing loan applications, BrokerNews advised after a report in the <em>AFR</em>.</p>
<p>The report also said that Westpac recently introduced strict tests of residential property borrowers' current and future capacities to repay their loans.</p>
<p>The change is said to be intended to identify scenarios that might affect borrowers' capacity to pay back their loans. These include having dependents with special needs that might require borrowers to spend on long-term care and treatment.</p>
<p>When asked for comment, a Westpac spokesperson told <em>Australian Broker </em>that the <em>AFR</em> report was based on a note the bank sent to brokers on Monday (12 February).</p>
<p>Earlier this month, Westpac amended its borrowing terms, including allowing the use of desktop valuations only for a maximum LVR of 90%.</p>
<p>A Westpac spokesperson told <em>Australian Broker </em>that the bank has also updated its household expenditure measure in line with the benchmark published by the Melbourne Institute for Social and Economic Research.</p>
<p>This followed Westpac's announcement in December that it would require home loan borrowers to disclose what they owe on short-term buy-now, pay-later loans on digital credit platforms like AfterPay and ZipPay. </p>
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High risk home loans targeted by APRA

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<p><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/2017/05/04/ratecity-logo.jpg" alt="" width="661" height="177"></p>
<p>SPONSORED POST</p>
<p>Don’t make the mistake of setting your mortgage and forgetting about it for the next 25 years – because it could cost you dearly.</p>
<p>One obvious <a href="https://www.ratecity.com.au/home-loans/refinancing-home-loans?utm_source=propertyobserver&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=rcsale_propertyobserver_article4&amp;rmatt=tsid:1030695%7Ccid:54369%7Ccgid:543693734136%7Ccrid:15969009" target="_blank">benefit of refinancing</a> is that it gives you the chance to switch to a cheaper rate. Don’t forget, home loans are always changing, so even if you got the cheapest rate when you took out your mortgage, there’s a good chance that’s no longer the case.</p>
<p>Another benefit of refinancing is that it could allow you to access more flexible repayment terms, unlock equity to fund an investment property and consolidate a range of debts.<span style="font-size: 12.16px;"> </span></p>
<p>RateCity has made it easy to change lenders with its <a href="https://www.ratecity.com.au/sale?utm_source=propertyobserver&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=rcsale_propertyobserver_article4&amp;rmatt=tsid:1030695%7Ccid:54369%7Ccgid:543693734136%7Ccrid:15969009" target="_blank">Switch &amp; Save Sale</a>. Here are the top five reasons to take part:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1. Change to a cheaper home loan</span></p>
<p>Refinancing into a cheaper mortgage makes obvious sense. However, sometimes people don’t realise how much money they could save.</p>
<p>Imagine you had an interest rate of 4.25 per cent on a $400,000 mortgage that you were repaying at the rate of $2,500 per month. If you switched to a rate of 4.00 per cent and left your monthly repayments unchanged, your loan term would be reduced from 19 years and nine months to 19 years and two months. That would allow you to eliminate seven months of repayments, for a $17,500 saving.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2. Change to a better home loan</span></p>
<p>Another advantage of refinancing is that it can allow you to move to switch to a more flexible mortgage.</p>
<p>That could allow you to access new features such as an offset account, a redraw facility, the ability to make extra repayments or even the ability to take a repayment holiday. You could also move to a fixed rate or move to a variable rate or move to a loan that is half and half.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3. Unlock equity to fund an investment property</span></p>
<p>In certain circumstances, refinancing your home will allow you to access extra funds that you could then use as a deposit on an investment property.</p>
<p>To unlock extra equity, you need to get a new valuation on your home when you refinance, and that new valuation needs to be higher than the old one.</p>
<p>Imagine you originally borrowed $400,000 to purchase a $500,000 property – that would have given you a loan-to-valuation (LVR) ratio of 80 per cent. Now imagine you’ve since reduced your mortgage to $370,000 while the value of your home has risen to $550,000 – that would give you a new LVR of 67 per cent.</p>
<p>If your new lender allows you to increase your LVR to 80 per cent, you could increase your mortgage from $370,000 to $440,000. That extra $70,000 could then be used as a deposit on an investment property.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4. Unlock equity to fund other expenses</span></p>
<p>Of course, there are other ways you could spend that hypothetical $70,000 mentioned above. You could use it to fund value-adding renovations. You could use it to replace your old car. Or you could put it into an offset account and spend it several years in the future.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5. Consolidate debt</span></p>
<p>Imagine you were currently paying off a $370,000 mortgage at 4.25 percent, a $25,000 personal loan at 9.75 percent and a $15,000 credit card debt at 16.50 percent.</p>
<p>A new lender might allow you to refinance those three debts into a single $410,000 mortgage. Even if your new home loan was still priced at 4.25 percent, this sort of consolidation would not only make your life simpler, it would also allow you to repay the personal loan and credit card at a much cheaper rate.<span style="font-size: 12.16px;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Refinancing made easy</span></p>
<p>RateCity is simplifying the refinancing process with its <a href="https://www.ratecity.com.au/sale?utm_source=propertyobserver&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=rcsale_propertyobserver_article4&amp;rmatt=tsid:1030695%7Ccid:54369%7Ccgid:543693734136%7Ccrid:15969009" target="_blank">Switch &amp; Save Sale</a>, which will give borrowers access to market-leading rates.</p>
<p>Borrowers who are with ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB or Westpac could save up to $39,000 over 15 years by switching through the <a href="https://www.ratecity.com.au/sale?utm_source=propertyobserver&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=rcsale_propertyobserver_article4&amp;rmatt=tsid:1030695%7Ccid:54369%7Ccgid:543693734136%7Ccrid:15969009" target="_blank">Switch &amp; Save Sale</a>.</p>
<p>RateCity arrived at that figure after calculating how much borrowers would save if they switched from an average-sized mortgage from the average discounted variable rate offered by one of the big four banks to the lowest variable rate in the <a href="https://www.ratecity.com.au/sale?utm_source=propertyobserver&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=rcsale_propertyobserver_article4&amp;rmatt=tsid:1030695%7Ccid:54369%7Ccgid:543693734136%7Ccrid:15969009" target="_blank">Switch &amp; Save Sale</a>.</p>
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

5 reasons you must refinance your home loan: RateCity

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<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p>Private sector credit rose by 0.3 percent in February after a 0.2 percent gain in January. Annual credit growth of 5.0 percent is near 3-year lows.  </p>
<p>Investor housing: Investor housing finance lifted by 0.6 per cent in February to stand 6.7 per cent higher over the year – the fastest growth in 12 months.  </p>
<p>China data: The National Bureau of Statistics manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose from 51.6 to 51.8 in March while the services gauge rose from 54.2 to 55.1 – a near 3-year high.  </p>
<p>What does it all mean?</p>
<p>The latest lending (private sector credit) figures suggest a subdued borrowing environment. But it is important to point out that lending recorded the biggest lift in 15 months in December and only partially gave back some of that out-sized growth over January and February. The subdued February reading was largely due to a modest slide in business credit which would be expected given the out-sized gain in December. The key will be how business borrowing performs in coming months.  </p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-03%20at%208.47.27%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-03%20at%208.47.27%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>Interestingly home lending continues to lift, dominated by investor credit growth. In fact annual growth in investor finance is now at a 12-month high. The measures taken over the last couple of year by regulators to curb investment lending had a temporary impact that has faded. And as such it is no surprise that the regulators have today looked at other avenues to tighten lending standards.  </p>
<p>The measures announced by APRA today are designed to keep modest pressure on the brakes of investor home lending rather than represent a slamming on the brakes. Annual growth of investor lending still remains comfortably below the 10 per cent annual growth limit although new lending has been lifting in recent months. Anecdotally the lift in interest rates on investor housing loans is already acting to slow interest in home buying.  </p>
<p>The stronger Chinese manufacturing and services data bodes well for the broader global economy. And given the strong trade links between Australia and China, policymakers would be encouraged by a strengthening Chinese economy.  </p>
<p>No doubt policymakers will continue to discuss key issues like housing affordability, but overall the central bank seems upbeat on the medium-term outlook for the Australian economy. CommSec expects no change to interest rates over the rest of 2017.  </p>
<p>What do the figures show?  </p>
<p>Private sector credit  </p>
<p>Private sector credit (lending) rose by 0.3 per cent in February after a 0.2 per cent gain in January. Annual credit growth eased from 5.4 per cent to a near 3-year   low of 5.0 per cent.</p>
<p>Housing credit grew by 0.6 per cent in February to be up 6.4 per cent on a year ago – annual growth is lifting of the lowest levels in 30 months.  </p>
<p>Owner occupier housing credit rose by 0.5 per cent in February to stand 6.2 per cent higher than a year ago – the slowest growth in 17 months. Investor housing finance lifted 0.6 per cent in February to stand 6.7 per cent higher over the year – the fastest growth in 12 months.  </p>
<p>Personal credit fell by 0.1 per cent in February to be down 1.3 per cent over the year – just up from the 1.4 per cent annual decline in January, which was the biggest annual decline in 41⁄2 years.  </p>
<p>Business credit fell by 0.1 per cent in February after a 0.4 per cent fall in January and 1.1 per cent rise in December. Business credit is 3.7 per cent higher than a year ago – slowest growth in 21⁄2 years.  What is the importance of the economic data?  </p>
<p>Private sector credit figures are released by the Reserve Bank on the last working day of the month. Credit is separated into three categories – housing, other personal and business. Private sector credit is effectively the amount of loans outstanding in the economy. If growth in lending is strong then it suggests that credit from financial institutions is freely available, underlying demand for assets such as cars and houses is firm and that the price of credit (interest rates) is attractive.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/04/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-03%20at%208.46.29%20AM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/04/02/Screen%20Shot%202017-04-03%20at%208.46.29%20AM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>What are the implications for interest rates and investors?</p>
<p>The Chinese economic data remains encouraging, showing that the transition from the industrial sector to household sector remains on track. The manufacturing sector is expanding, while the services sector is clearly the driver taking up any slack.  </p>
<p>Interest rates are super-low but credit growth is slowing rather than rising. Excluding investor housing, demand for loans is modest. Consumers and businesses are still keen to pay down debt rather than take up new credit.  </p>
<p> Interest rates will remain on hold over the rest of 2017.  </p>
<p><em>Savanth Sebastian is an economist for <a href="https://www.commsec.com.au/" target="_blank">CommSec</a></em></p>
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Investor lending dominates borrowings: CommSec's Savanth Sebastian

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<p>The level of delinquent housing loans for prime residential mortgage-backed securities increased 1.29 percent in January from December's 1.15 percent, according to S&amp;P Global Ratings.</p>
<p>The category for mortgages 31-60 days in arrears showed the largest increase.</p>
<p>The report said the magnitude of the month-on-month increase in January 2017 was higher than in previous months.</p>
<p>"While some of the increase is due to a decline in outstanding loan balances, the category for mortgages 31-60 days in arrears showed the largest increase," the report found.</p>
<p>"This suggests more borrowers have fallen behind on their loan repayments for the first time.</p>
<p>"The major bank and regional bank sectors recorded larger increases in borrowers who are 31-60 days behind on their mortgage repayments.</p>
<p>"All originators except nonbank financial institutions recorded an increase in arrears in January compared with the previous month.</p>
<p>"Despite the increase, arrears levels in January remained close to long-term averages."</p>
<p>"Mortgage arrears rose in every state and territory in January from the previous month.</p>
<p>"Among the states, South Australia recorded the largest increase in arrears, rising to 1.81 percent from 1.53 percent in December, Home loan arrears in Western Australia rose to 2.33 percent in January from 2.10 percent in December.</p>
<p>"Arrears rose month on month in January to 1.03 percent in New South Wales and 1.18 percent in Victoria."</p>
<p>The report can be found at <a href="https://www.sfsurveillance.com.au/" target="_blank">https://www.sfsurveillance.com.au</a>.</p>
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Home loan delinquencies rise in January

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<p><span>Dwelling value growth increase in Sydney and Melbourne is substantially higher than any other capital city, according to CoreLogic head of research Cameron Kusher.</span></p>
<p><span>He said the </span><span>current housing market growth phase has really been all about Sydney and Melbourne. </span><span><br></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-23%20at%202.04.38%20PM.png" target="_blank"><span>Click to enlarge</span></a></p>
<p><span><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-23%20at%202.04.38%20PM.png" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span>"The change in capital city dwelling values over the current growth phase began to take off in June 2012," he said.</span></p>
<p><span>"Over this period, only Sydney and Melbourne recorded value rises greater than 21 percent. </span></p>
<p><span>“The </span><span>rise in values has been supported by low interest rates and availability of mortgage finance however, other factors such as localised economic performance, population growth and foreign demand have driven the much stronger growth in Sydney and Melbourne than across the other capital cities.</span></p>
<p>“With the demand focused so much on New South Wales and Victoria, it’s not surprising values in Sydney and Melbourne have increased so much more than in the other capital cities.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-23%20at%202.05.53%20PM.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></p>
<p><img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/23/Screen%20Shot%202017-02-23%20at%202.05.53%20PM.png" alt=""></p>
<p>“While steps have been implemented to cool mortgage demand, particularly from investors in Sydney and Melbourne, the data points to the fact that demand is unquestionably, very strong.</p>
<p>“Clearly with interest rates remaining at close to historic lows, further changes will be required in order to slow mortgage demand and dampen the increases in dwelling values being experienced in Sydney and Melbourne.” </p>
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

New South Wales, Victoria lead capital city dwelling value increase: CoreLogic

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<p>GUEST OBSERVER</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Australian housing finance approvals to owner occupiers edged up 0.4 percent in Dec, slightly softer than the 1 percent gain expected but with the detail mostly positive.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Nov’s 0.9 percent gain was tweaked up to 1.3 percent and the number of loans ex refi (“new loans”) posted a solid 2.4 percent gain to be up 0.9 percent/yr.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Construction-related loans were flat but loans for the purchase of newly built dwellings rose 3.2 percent to be up 11.9 percent/yr – the gain reflecting settlements on ‘off the plan’ purchases of apartments now being completed.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The value of housing finance approvals to investors dipped 1 percent in the month – a bit softer than might have been expected given the wider market’s strong finish to 2016 (centred on Sydney and Melbourne).</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Despite the dip the value of loans to this segment is still up 20 percent on the lows in late 2015.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Overall, the numbers suggest more of the pick-up in momentum late in 2016 was from owner occupiers although the resurgence in investor activity still looks to be the prime mover.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><br></span><span class="s2">Details</span><span class="s1"> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Owner–occupiers (no.)   0.4%mth, –4.4%yr</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">– ex-financing (no.)        2.4%mth, 0.9%yr</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Construction of dwellings (no.)               –0.3%mth, –5.8%yr<br> Purchase of newly built dwellings (no.)   3.2%mth, 11.9%yr     </span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Value of loans:</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">Owner-occupiers ($bn)   1.3%mth, –3.4%yr<br> Investors ($bn)                 –1%mth, 19.9%yr<br> Total ($bn)                         0.4%mth, 4.6%yr<br> Total ex refi ($bn)             0.8%mth, 10.2%yr</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Matthew Hassan is senior economist with <a href="https://www.westpac.com.au/"><span class="s2">Westpac</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"> </span></p>
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