Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

Joel Robinson

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

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Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

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Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

A collection of just 25 large-format apartments and penthouses overlooking Goodwin Park is entering the Coolangatta market, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/marea-residences-coolangatta-27-27a-dixon-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Maréa Residences</a> combining a low-density, residential-only approach with uninterrupted park and Pacific Ocean outlooks.

Located at 27 Dixon Street, Maréa comprises three and four-bedroom residences alongside a limited number of dual-level penthouses, with the project positioned between Goodwin Park and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/coolangatta-qld-4225">Coolangatta</a>’s coastal precinct.

Construction has commenced, with completion currently estimated for late 2027. Three-bedroom residences are priced from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374005]

The project has been designed around its northern outlook across the park, with the building’s architecture, landscaping and material palette intended to establish a connection with the neighbouring green space. The residences have been configured to maximise natural light and views across Goodwin Park towards the ocean.

Inside, the material palette incorporates timber, stone and brushed brass, complemented by curved detailing and ambient lighting. Kitchens and bathrooms carry the same natural material approach, while residences also include basement parking, storage and lift access.

Maréa’s penthouses are arranged over two levels and include private pools, adding another layer to the project’s focus on larger-format apartment living. Across the development, residences are configured with three or four bedrooms rather than the broader mix of smaller apartment types commonly found in larger projects.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374010]

Resident amenity is concentrated at rooftop level, where landscaped entertaining terraces and pools take advantage of elevated views across Coolangatta and the Pacific Ocean.

The project has so far been particularly well received by local owner-occupiers and downsizers, according to Urban Activation Property Sales and Marketing Director Matt George, with the residential-only format, construction quality and northern park outlook among the features resonating with purchasers.

“The uninterrupted northern aspect overlooking Goodwin Park has been a key point of difference, with buyers attracted to the sense of serenity and open space the park provides, while still enjoying easy access to the ocean and being within walking distance of the lifestyle and amenities Coolangatta has to offer,” George said.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150999 project_image_fid=374002]

“The combination of high-quality construction, a residential-only building, park outlook and proximity to the beach has resonated strongly with the local downsizer market.”

The Dixon Street address is within walking distance of Coolangatta Beach and the broader southern Gold Coast coastline, including the surf breaks at Snapper Rocks and Kirra. Coolangatta’s cafés, restaurants and retail are nearby, while Gold Coast Airport is also within close proximity.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150999]

Maréa Residences brings parkside apartments to Coolangatta

Melbourne developer PDG has secured Victorian Government approval for its $1.5 billion Southbank development <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-1-queens-bridge-street-southbank-vic-3006">The One</a>, clearing the way for the long-dormant riverfront site opposite Crown to finally be developed.

The Minister for Planning has approved the project at 1-29 Queens Bridge Street, with the Department of Transport and Planning issuing the planning permit following its assessment.

The approval will allow PDG to develop the prominent 5,059 sqm site with a major mixed-use tower comprising premium apartments, including branded residences, a luxury hotel and boutique office space.

PDG acquired the site in late 2024, with its position directly opposite Crown's main entrance and near Melbourne's Arts Precinct making it one of Southbank's most significant remaining development opportunities.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3933013e-6332-4386-b9be-089df05caf17" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sITIgBqDL0N3VNSMwWEmF5UA.uvcsRyu" />

Designed by COX in collaboration with ODO and PDG, the tower's architecture draws on the movement of the Yarra River, with six vertical pleats running the height of the sculpted facade.

The project will also see the heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel restored and incorporated into the development&nbsp;with new hospitality and public uses, including a rooftop venue.

A significant component of The One will be its residential amenity.

More than 5,000 sqm of resident facilities will be delivered across a single level, making it one of the largest consolidated residential amenity offerings proposed in an Australian apartment development.

The planning approval also incorporates a major upgrade of Queensbridge Square, which PDG will deliver in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

<img alt="PDG" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="73167fcd-1031-4b6f-a408-a064cfe45ed1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%209.29.17%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Pf1AEWxw6SNmBqR0zQW5lyEze.MtxgFp" />

The existing square will be revitalised as a new civic and pedestrian space along the Yarra River, strengthening the connection between the project, Southbank and the riverfront.

PDG Founder and Managing Director Vince Giuliano said the approval represented a major milestone for a site which has remained largely underutilised for more than 15 years.

“This is the most significant Planning Permit approval Melbourne has seen in recent years,” Giuliano said.

“For more than 15 years, this site has remained underutilised. This approval enables us to deliver a project that will contribute meaningfully to the revitalisation of Southbank, restore and reactivate an important heritage building, and create a new civic and hospitality destination for Melbourne.”

The latest approval follows an earlier planning permit issued by the City of Melbourne covering demolition works across part of the site at 9-29 Queens Bridge Street. Those demolition and early works are already underway.

PDG has also started generating early interest in the residential component from owner-occupiers ahead of a planned public launch in early 2027.

PDG secures approval for $1.5bn Southbank apartment development, The One

Local developer Harridan is seeking to turn its Woolloongabba apartment project into the first stage of a broader transformation of Burke Street, using a new 16-storey mixed-use building to establish a greener pedestrian connection toward the rapidly evolving Boggo Road transport and knowledge precinct.

The South East Queensland developer has filed plans for 154 apartments on the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/4-burke-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">southern side of Burke Street</a>, where its proposal has been designed alongside a wider vision by LatStudios for the street.

That vision positions the southern side of Burke Street for buildings of 15 storeys and above, while envisaging lower-rise development of up to five storeys on the northern side to transition into Woolloongabba's existing character housing. It also proposes wider pedestrian verges, deep planting, new street trees and upgrades to the pedestrian approach to Boggo Road Station.

The Harridan development itself has been designed by Brisbane-based Arqus Design and will comprise 154 apartments across 16 storeys. The mix is weighted heavily toward two-bedroom apartments, with 121 proposed alongside 10 one-bedroom and 23 three-bedroom residences. There will typically be around 14 units per floor.

A lower-ground car park and three podium levels will accommodate 156 resident parking spaces, along with visitor and commercial parking. There will also be 154 resident bicycle spaces and 40 visitor bicycle parks.

&nbsp;

Harridan is a family-owned developer and part of the Holmwood Highgate Group, with more than three decades of development activity across South East Queensland. Its portfolio spans residential, commercial and industrial property, with current residential projects including Riverbank on Byron in Bulimba, Esperance Residences in Carina and The Precinct at Kinross Road in Thornlands.

Wooloongabba has been popular for apartment developers, particularly since the announcement of the 2032 Summer Olympics games in Brisbane.

While there have been a lot of development applications, it has failed to materialize into real supply.&nbsp;

Sarazin has been the major player in the area. They are under construction at Murcia Residences, on the fringe of East Brisbane and Woolloongabba. They have just launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-stanley-residences-woolloongabba-8-trafalgar-street-woolloongabba-qld-4102">The Stanley Residences</a>, in Woolloongabba on Trafalagar Street. They also have Nuage coming soon on the nearby <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nuage-woolloongabba-14-wellington-road-woolloongabba-qld-4102">Wellington Road</a>.

First look: Harridan plans Burke Street transformation beside Boggo Road transport hub

Interest Rates

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<img src="/images/2016/07/22/D819360E-D22F-45A0-950B-1527D8EA443823.png" alt="">
SPONSORED POST
If you are a home owner and a property investor the the new Mortgage Down loan will allow you to dramatically reduce your principal and interest home loan rate.
“Mortgage Down allows the property investor to pay of their home loan sooner and create equity in their own home faster. This gives the property owner more opportunity to create additional investments,” says Mortgage Down group marketing director Venn Williams.
Under a tax ruling from the Australian Taxation Office PR2015/2, the loan structure allows investors to reduce the interest rate on their non-deductible principal and interest home loan and increase the interest rate on their deductible interest-only investment loan. “If you own your own home and have an investment property, then you could qualify for a home loan rate beginning with a 2,” Williams says.
The average interest rate for a standard variable owner-occupied mortgage from a bank was 5.4 percent in May 2016, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.
A 1 percent reduction in the interest rate charged on a $250,000 home loan taken over 25 years would save the borrower $43,468 over loan’s term and cut the time to repay the debt by 4 years. A 2 percent drop in the rate would save $84,640 and let the borrower repay the loan 6 and a half years sooner.
The higher interest rate charged on the investment loan means the investor may be able to claim a larger tax deduction.
The innovative loan structure is available to Australian residents who own their home and either already have an investment property or are about to buy one.
The product offers other features such as an off set account, redraw facilities and debit cards. Usual borrowing conditions apply.
To download a free ebook on new financial year taxation tips for property investors,<a href="http://propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/tools/ebooks-and-webinars/55208-new-financial-year-tax-planning-tips-for-property-investors" target="_blank"> click here</a>.
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po-LsXgBTHBmX

Reduce your principal and interest home loan rate

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<div>CoreLogic's home value index for July will show that Sydney's prices have blazed 5.6 percent higher over the last quarter and a rip-snorting 10.3 percent in 2016 to date. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2016/08/01/RP.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
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<div class="separator">And interest rates to fall further? Interesting times. </div>
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<div>Credit growth slows</div>
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<div>The Reserve Bank (RBA) has an inflation target of 2 to 3 percent, and the latest figures this week showed that inflation is running well below that level, and the softest inflation result in 17 years.</div>
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<div>On Friday the RBA released its Financial Aggregates figures for the month of June which showed total credit growth slowing.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Investor credit growth - denoted by the red line below - has more than halved to an annual pace of just 5 percent now, while personal credit growth remains weak, and business credit went backwards in the month. </div>
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<div><a href="/images/2016/08/01/RBA1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
 <div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/08/01/RBA1.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>All up annual credit growth slowed to 6.2 percent, with broad money growth a little slower at 6 percent.</div>
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 Business...as usual <div>Unfortunately business credit growth printed negative in June, taking the annual result back to 6.6 percent, a disappointing reading which might point towards a cut in interest rates. </div>
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 Banks and housing <div> </div>
<div>While growth in term deposits remains understandably weak, other deposits with banks continue to surge at a very strong double digit pace. </div>
 <a href="/images/2016/08/01/RBA3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
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<div class="post-body entry-content">
<img src="/images/2016/08/01/RBA3.jpg" alt=""> <div>In the housing market investor credit growth slowed to 5 percent, now tracking at just half the arbitrary "speed limit" imposed by APRA. </div>
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<div>Naturally banks and lenders have been pushing owner-occupier loans, but even here growth slow by a tiny fraction from 7.73 to 7.72 percent, having notched a 70-month high in May. </div>
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 <div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/08/01/RBA5.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>Total housing credit growth of 6.7 percent is now well below the 7.5 percent rate hit in November last year, which will provide some comfort that macro-prudential measures are doing what they were designed to do.</div>
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<div>The wrap</div>
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<div>Overall, while nobody seems quite so sure any more what the split of credit relates to, total credit of $2.57 trillion is now growing at a slower pace of 6.2 percent, down from 6.7 percent in October last year. </div>
 <div class="separator"><a href="/images/2016/08/01/RBA6.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a></div>
<div class="separator"><img src="/images/2016/08/01/RBA6.jpg" alt=""></div>
 <div>Another factor in this week's interest rate decision was that US real GDP printed at an annual pace of just 1.2 percent in Q2 2016, meaning that the US Federal Reserve won't be hiking rates soon. The Aussie dollar jumped to 76 US cents, and will probably jump higher again if interest rates are not cut on Tuesday. Bookies and financial markets are leaning towards an interest rate cut in Tuesday to a record low of 1.50 percent. </div>
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<div>
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>. 
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>.
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pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Brace for record low rates: Pete Wargent

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EXPERT OBSERVER

The greatest fiction generated in mainstream media in 2020 is that prices have risen because we have record low interest rates.

In March/April economists and others were lining up to predict a collapse in residential property values because of the pandemic impact. Some forecast price decline as large as 20% to 30%.

Four or five months later, the usual suspects were lining up again to “revise” their forecasts. They were forced to admit they got it wrong and were now predicting much more bullish outcomes for dwelling values. Some of the bank economists are now expecting boom-level price growth in 2021.

Asked to explain why prices have held up so well, the standard answer is “record low interest rates” - a response that shows how little they know about house markets. We entered the pandemic period with record low interest rates and very little has changed.

Those who have recently explained everything real estate with the cheap cost of finance include AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver, Domain analyst Nicola Powell, Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe, ABC business editor Ian Verrender, NAB chief economist Alan Oster and economists speaking on behalf of ANZ, Westpac and the CBA.

The “record low interest rates” rationale is the go-to response for pontificators who have limited knowledge of residential property dynamics.

When Sydney and Melbourne were having their price booms from 2013 to 2017, the standard explanation from economists was “record low interest rates”. They were unable to explain why prices were falling at the same time in Perth and Darwin, and stagnating in other capital cities like Brisbane and Adelaide.

Record low interest rates were still very much in place when the two biggest cities experienced their post-boom correction, with prices falling in 2018 and the first half of 2019.

When markets generally picked up in the second half of 2019, economists again rolled out their interest-rates arguments, ignoring the impact of the multiple other events that jointly had a huge impact, including the Federal Election result, the relaxation of lending rules by APRA and the announcement of tax cuts.

So now we have most markets rising, regardless of the pandemic-induced short recession, and record-low interest rates are again the standard answer. But little had changed with mortgage rates - the RBA has shaved a miniscule 0.15 of a percentage point off the official cash rate, but this hasn’t had any noticeable impact on the mortgage rates that typical home owners and investors are paying.

And it beggars belief that Australian consumers have only recently noticed that finance is cheap. It’s been the case for years.

I would also point out that the last two times Australia had genuine nationwide property booms - in the late 1980s and in the early year of this century - on both occasions mortgage rates were high and rising.

History shows we’re more likely to have a genuine national boom in periods when rates are high, because it means the economy is booming, consumers are spending and the people who pull the levers are trying to dampen things down (and usually not succeeding) by lifting the official interest rate.

In the late 1980s and during the 2001-02-03 boom, they kept putting up interest rates and the property booms raged on.

Right now interest rates are low because the economy is struggling - a time when people are less likely to be bullish and spending big on real estate.

So, given that interest rates are clearly not an acceptable explanation, why have property markets held up so well in 2020?

As with all things in real estate, there are many different factors working in unison.

The national economy was been stronger than predicted. The recession was muted and lasted only one quarter. Unemployment did not go into double digits as economists predicted. More importantly, many local economies have been strong through the pandemic period.

With the exception of Melbourne, most of the nation got the virus under control early and it’s been busy as usual, apart from the closure of state borders.

Many Australians have sought the safety and solidity of bricks and mortar. Various surveys have shown that consumers have rated residential real estate highly as an asset class in 2020 – and it has not disappointed them.

Government stimulus measures and support from lenders has made a big difference. Support was not switched off at the end of September (economists got that prediction wrong as well) and continues to have an impact.

First-home buyers have been highly active, boosted by record levels of government aid.

Vacancy rates are ultra-low in most locations, putting upward pressure on rents and prices.

The Exodus to Affordable Lifestyle, the most powerful trend estate rend this century, is driving strong demand in regional markets and the smaller capital cities.

Expats returning home to the relative safety of Australia have more than compensated for the absence of overseas migrants coming into the country.

The combination of all those factors have allowed housing markets to resist the negative forces of the pandemic and to not only survive but thrive in 2020.

It’s put residential real estate in a strong position heading into the New Year.

Stand by for the infrastructure-led property boom in 2021.

Terry Ryder is the founder of hotspotting.com.au

ryder@hotspotting.com.au

twitter.com/hotspotting
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The last two times Australia had genuine nationwide property booms - in the late 1980s and in the early year of this century - on both occasions mortgage rates were high and rising



terryryder

Record low interest rates not the reason the housing market didn't collapse: Hotspotting's Terry Ryder

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The RBA have kept the official interest rate on hold at the final meeting of 2020, also reaffirming their previously announced quantitative easing policy.
RBA governor Philip Lowe said In Australia, the economic recovery is under way and recent data has generally been better than expected.
CoreLogic's head of research Tim Lawless says the RBA remains in ‘wait and see’ mode as the earlier heavy lifting on monetary policy flows through to the Australian economy. 
"Labour markets are tightening, housing prices are broadly rising, credit flows are trending higher and consumers are more confident now than they were leading up to the pandemic," Lawless says.
"Most indicators are pointing towards a faster than forecast recovery thanks to record low interest rates along with ongoing fiscal support and containment of the virus."
As part of the Finder.com.au RBA Cash Rate Survey, AMP Capital economist Shane Oliver says the first rate hike is unlikely until sometime in 2024.
"Given that the cash rate is already at 0.1% and the RBA does not want to take it negative, the next move is likely to be a hike. But given the high level of spare capacity in the economy, inflation is unlikely to meet the RBA’s conditions for a hike of being sustainably within the 2-3% target range for another three years or so," Oliver says.
Since the last -0.15 per cent cash rate cut on November 3 which took the official rate down to a record low 0.1 per cent, financial comparison website Canstar have found that 25 lenders have cut variable home rates by an average of -0.17 per cent.
There have been significantly more cuts in the fixed rates as lenders seek to gain the market share. 
Some 63 lenders have cut 1,138 fixed rates by an average of -0.31 per cent.
A number of lenders have reduced their floor rates to under five per cent, which Laing+Simmons managing director Leanne Pilkington says could potential deliver a major boost in borrowing capacity.
Pilkington, also the REINSW president, says however that the real winners are likely to be vendors.
“Vendors already have reason to be confident," Pilkington says.
"Clearance rates are strong, the supply shortage ensures a large buyer pool for available properties, strong prices are being achieved and low interest rates give buyers the confidence to proceed.
“Now, it appears those buyers will be able to borrow more. The buyer pool for properties coming to market potentially grows larger. More competition from more finance-ready buyers is great news for vendors.”
Floor rates are used by lenders to guide their assessment of a customer's borrowing capacity.
Finsure managing director John Kolenda says expectations of a spending spree in the lead up to Christmas this year also augured well for the domestic economy.
“There are some very positive signs of a rebound with consumer confidence and spending on the rise, which is an indicator we have likely seen the worst of the downturn,” Kolenda said.
“I expect the property market will be a strong feature of the national economy over the coming 12 months with strong results being recorded around the country.
“All signs across the economy indicate we might have hit the bottom and that rates have also hit that level and we are not likely to see any further easing in the foreseeable future." 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

RBA stick with interest rate, QE policy at December meeting

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There are now 50 lenders offering a total of 126 home loans under two per cent.
For the average $400,000 home loan paying down principal and interest, a rate under two per cent brings the cost of mortgage repayments down to less than $50 a day.
That's compared to a $59 a day cost to two years ago, when the lowest mortgage rate was 3.44 per cent according to RateCity.com.au.
The RBA cuts over the last two years, which takes the lowest rate down to 1.77 per cent, sees the average mortgage holder save $12 a day on their home loan, which is around $360 a month and $4,380 a year.
 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/NOV/30/RateCity%20repayments%202.jpg" alt=""> 
There are 50 lenders now offering a total of 126 home loan under two per cent, 40 per cent of the 124 lenders on the <a href="http://ratecity.com.au/">RateCity.com.au</a> database with at least one home loan rate starting with a ‘1’.
There were 11 lenders with rates under 2 per cent right before the November 3 RBA cut. Since then, the list has more than quadrupled.
RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall said home loan rates under two per cent were becoming the new norm. 
‘At the start of this month a rate under two per cent was as rare as hens’ teeth. Today there’s well over 100 of them," Tindall said.
“Record low interest rates have supercharged people’s borrowing power. As a result, some first home buyers are finally finding themselves in contention at open homes and auctions."
The latest ABS lending finance figures show there was a 51% increase in the number of first home buyer loans over the last year in original terms.
“The formula of record low rates and government grants seems to have hit the sweet spot for many first home buyers. They’re finally enjoying their time in the sun," Tindall added.
“Two years ago, the lowest variable rate was 3.44 per cent. Today its 1.77 per cent and it’s not just the low-cost lenders that have moved. The whole market has been forced to follow behind them.
“Just last year, owner occupiers with a rate in the threes probably thought they had a cracking deal. Today, you’d be pretty mortified with that."
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50 lenders offering average mortgage rates at $50 a day

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Steady decline in average mortgage interest rate to continue: RBA's Guy Debelle

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Despite the preference for lenders to cut their fixed rates to entice new customers, there are some lenders cutting their variable rates.
Canstar found that last week over 10 lenders cut their variable rates, at an average cut of 20 basis points, or 0.20 per cent.
The home lenders who cut rates are:  
<ol>
<li>AMO Group</li>
<li>Aussie</li>
<li>Greater Bank</li>
<li>G&amp;C Mutual Bank</li>
<li>Heritage Bank</li>
<li>Hume Bank</li>
<li>MOVE Bank</li>
<li>Qudos Bank</li>
<li>Suncorp Bank</li>
<li>The Capricornian</li>
<li>Tic Toc Home Loans</li>
</ol>
 Over the last week, 30 lenders cut 576 fixed rates by an average of -0.32 per cent.
The average variable interest rate for owner occupiers paying principal and interest is 3.33% and the lowest rate is 1.77% (60% LVR) or 1.99% (80% LVR)
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2020/NOV/23/Owner%20occupier%20PI.jpg" alt="">
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wdavis-8cCN98p7xp

Lenders cutting variable and fixed rates

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The Reserve Bank has left the cash rate on hold today at 0.25 per cent but has left the door open to a future cut.
While home-owners won’t be getting an RBA cut from their bank this month, they can still save thousands by refinancing.
New figures released by the RBA today show the average existing mortgage holder had a home loan rate of 3.19 per cent in August, yet new owner-occupier customers were offered, on average, a rate of just 2.69 per cent.
RateCity.com.au database
<ul type="disc">
<li>Lowest variable rate is 1.89%</li>
<li>Lowest big four bank variable rate is 2.19% (Westpac, intro rate for 2 years, reverts to 2.69%)</li>
<li>87 lenders have at least one fixed or variable rate below 2.50%</li>
<li>12 lenders have at least one fixed or variable rate below 2%</li>
</ul>
RateCity.com.au analysis shows the average owner-occupier would pay $33 less a month with a 0.15 per cent rate cut, but if they refinanced to the RBA average new customer rate their monthly repayments could drop three times as much.
RateCity.com.au research director, Sally Tindall, said mortgage holders don’t need to wait around for the RBA to save money.
“While home-owners didn’t get any reprieve from the RBA this month, they can still make significant savings by shopping around."
“If you’re fortunate enough to still have your regular income and a decent amount of equity in your home, you’re in prime position to capitalise on the refinancing boom."
“According to RBA data, the average existing home loan customer is on a rate that’s half a percent higher than a new customer."
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RBA holds but home-owners can triple savings by refinancing: RateCity

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The RBA have resisted a cut to the official cash rate at their October meeting today, with the budget announcement tonight expected to have kept the RBA waiting.
They noted in their meeting statement that they are still considering <a href="/expert-insights/finance/board-continues-to-consider-how-additional-monetary-easing-could-support-jobs-rba-governor-philip-lowes-october-2020-meeting-statement">how additional monetary policy can support jobs</a>.
CoreLogic's head of residential research Tim Lawless says the focus will now be on whether the stimulus measurers announced in the budget tonight are enough to offset the tapering of JobKeeper and the effect of higher mortgage arrears as home loan repayment deferrals become less prevalent.
"Such a low setting for interest rates, along with policies aimed at ensuring liquidity across financial markets, has been a key factor in supporting housing market activity and insulating home values", Lawless said.
"With the cash rate and mortgage rates set to remain low or reduce even further, prospective home buyers are likely to feel more confident in making high commitment purchasing decisions, such as property.
"Government incentives, such as the first home loan deposit guarantee, the first home buyers grant and the HomeBuilder grant, along with state based incentives such as stamp duty discounts, have supported greater levels of participation from first home buyers, while existing mortgage holders have been shopping around for the best mortgage rates fuelling a surge in refinancing
Mortgage Choice chief executive Susan Mitchell said it was unlikely to board would cut today despite hinting at a cut.
“Board members will wait to digest the Federal Budget announcement before making their next move," Mitchell said. 
CreditorWatch economist Harley Dale says the RBA will likely reduce the cash rate in due course. 
“Tonight, it is the turn of the Federal Government to set out a clear agenda for recovery in what is the most important fiscal update in close to a century.” 
<div>Westpac's chief economist Bill Evans had <a href="/expert-insights/finance/westpac-now-expect-rba-to-cut-in-october-bill-evans">pencilled in a cut for October</a>, but when the government announced the budget for the same day, he <a href="/expert-insights/finance/westpac-push-rba-rate-cut-forecast-to-november">pushed the cut to November.</a>
</div>
<div>
Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder, said that a standalone cut of 15 basis points is unlikely to have much of an impact on Australia’s economy.
“The cash rate has fallen by 125 basis points over the last year and a half– 15 more is unlikely to make much of a difference beyond making the RBA feel like they are at least doing something.
“The decision to hold the rate for now also suggests that the RBA wants to assess the budget in detail before making a decision about further moves,” he said.
</div>
<h1>A good time to buy?</h1>
Two thirds of experts in the Finder survey say now is a good time to buy property.
Some 86 per cent of respondents said the housing market is showing more resilience than anticipated, with one of Commonwealth Bank's worst case scenario's tipping more than 30 per cent falls. 
<div>
 <img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2020/10/6/to%20buy%20finder%20experts.png" alt="">
Rebecca Cassells of Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre said that government stimulus measures during the pandemic have largely propped up the property market. 
“The current resilience of the housing market is related to the stimulus that both federal and state governments are directing to the sector and not necessarily driven by current economic conditions,” Cassells said.
When asked about the areas where house prices are most likely to retain their value, those who weighed in cited the coastal surrounds of Sydney (50%, 9/18), followed by Greater Melbourne (41%, 7/17). 
 
<div> </div>
</div>
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RBA keeps rates on hold at October meeting

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EXPERT OBSERVER
We think the RBA will leave rates on hold today but keep the door open for more easing depending on the outcome of the budget and other economic news in the coming weeks, particularly the inflation numbers due in a couple of weeks. Our focus is more on the liquidity measures as they have a direct impact on lending and investment.  Our data suggests that investors are starting to move into the real estate investment market as low rates start to bite into both their savings and future cashflow projects. Early signs are of a faster than expected Melbourne recovery, but we’ll get a better idea of this trend in coming months. 
Bottom line: Future cuts will have a minimal impact on market lending rates, particularly to ordinary real estate investors. But liquidity measures loosening or tightening are perhaps more important. Bond yields are pricing in a lower for longer rate scenario and we think a November cut is more likely than October. Talk must be followed by action. 
Stephanie Davies is the investment director at Wealthi.
 
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