<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/consolidated-properties">Consolidated Properties Group</a> (CPG) is approaching the launch of its latest Brisbane riverfront development, Castile, on the dress circle Skyring Terrace in Newstead.

VIP buyers are now being engaged, with a full public sales launch coming later this year.

Positioned as the final opportunity to secure a new absolute riverfront residence on the East bank of Newstead, Teneriffe or New Farm, Castile at 47 Skyring Terrace has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> as a timeless addition to the Brisbane skyline.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371113]

The name Castile draws on themes of permanence, sophistication and legacy, reflecting a broader vision centred on enduring architecture and timelessness in the rarest of riverfront positions.&nbsp;

CPG Chairman and CEO Don O’Rorke said the project had been envisioned as a future Brisbane icon.&nbsp;

“With 47 metres of direct river frontage and never to be built out views, 47 Skyring Terrace is the definitive address on the Brisbane River,” O’Rorke said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150489 project_image_fid=371114]

“Rather than following trend-based apartment design, Castile draws inspiration from Brisbane’s great heritage buildings, reinterpreting classical architecture into a contemporary riverfront landmark designed to stand proudly for the next 100 years,” he said.&nbsp;

The approved development will comprise 227 apartments across a 25-storey tower alongside a boutique six-storey riverfront building of just 12 residences.&nbsp;

Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150489]

Joel Robinson

CPG unveils Castile Newstead ahead of upcoming sales launch

Australia’s online shopping habits have shifted dramatically over the last decade. As eCommerce volumes surged, so too did the frustrations that came with traditional parcel delivery: missed deliveries, long Post Office queues, parcel theft and the challenge of being home during business hours.

Australia Post’s Parcel Lockers emerged as one of the more practical responses to that changing consumer behaviour.

What started as a relatively niche delivery option has evolved into a nationwide network of more than 1,400 self-service Parcel Lockers positioned at train stations, shopping centres, supermarkets and Post Offices across the country. The system allows Australians to send, collect and return parcels 24 hours a day, fundamentally changing how many people interact with deliveries.

The appeal is relatively straightforward: flexibility.

Instead of waiting at home for a delivery driver or rushing to a Post Office before closing time, users can direct eligible parcels to a Parcel Locker location of their choice. Once the parcel arrives, Australia Post sends a notification with a collection code or QR access through the AusPost app, allowing customers to retrieve their package at any time within the collection window.

For apartment residents in particular, the system has become increasingly valuable.

Higher-density living has created logistical challenges around deliveries, especially in buildings without concierge services or secure parcel rooms. Missed deliveries are common, while parcel theft has become an increasing concern as online shopping volumes continue to rise.

Australia Post itself has repeatedly highlighted the growing issue of “porch pirates” during peak shopping periods, encouraging customers to use Parcel Lockers as a safer alternative to unattended home deliveries.

That security aspect is one of the key reasons the Australia Post Parcel Locker network has grown so rapidly.

Parcel Lockers are positioned as secure, monitored collection points that reduce the risk of theft while also improving delivery efficiency for Australia Post. Instead of multiple redelivery attempts, parcels can be consolidated into a single secure destination.

The Parcel Lockers themselves are free to use through a MyPost account and support a range of parcel sizes up to 16 kilograms and dimensions of approximately 35 x 44 x 61 centimetres.

Beyond receiving parcels, the system has increasingly become integrated into the broader eCommerce ecosystem.

Customers can now use Parcel Lockers to return online purchases, while retailers have embraced the model as a way to improve delivery success rates and reduce friction in the shopping process. Australia Post has actively expanded partnerships with major retailers and promoted Parcel Lockers as part of a broader out-of-home strategy.

The timing of that expansion aligns with broader changes in Australian shopping behaviour.

The acceleration of online retail during and after the pandemic placed enormous pressure on delivery infrastructure. Parcel volumes reached record highs, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas periods, with Australia Post delivering more than 100 million parcels during peak festive seasons.

That growth forced logistics providers to rethink the “last mile” of delivery, widely regarded as the most expensive and operationally difficult stage of the process.

Parcel Locker systems have increasingly been viewed as part of the long-term solution.

The concept itself is not unique to Australia. Parcel Locker networks have become common globally, particularly across Europe and Asia, where dense urban environments and apartment living create similar logistical challenges. But Australia’s geography and suburban sprawl made adoption slower initially.

Now, however, the convenience factor is driving mainstream usage.

For commuters, Parcel Lockers near train stations allow parcels to be collected on the way home from work. For apartment dwellers, they remove the uncertainty around access and missed deliveries.

The rise of the AusPost app has also streamlined the experience, centralising notifications, tracking and Parcel Locker access into a single platform. Australia Post has increasingly pushed customers toward app-based delivery management, partly as a way to combat phishing scams and fake delivery notifications, which have become more sophisticated in recent years.

The Parcel Locker model is also beginning to influence property development itself.

Parcel management has become a growing consideration in apartment building design, particularly as online shopping becomes embedded in everyday life. Many new residential developments are now incorporating dedicated parcel rooms or Parcel Locker systems into foyers and communal spaces.

For developers, parcel management is increasingly viewed as part of the broader resident amenity offering, alongside gyms, wellness spaces and communal work areas.

That reflects a wider evolution in how residential buildings are designed.

Apartment buyers are placing greater emphasis on convenience, security and operational functionality, particularly in higher-density urban environments. Parcel delivery, once considered a minor operational detail, has become an increasingly important part of that equation.

Australia Post’s Parcel Locker network sits at the centre of that behavioural shift.

What began as a simple alternative delivery option has evolved into a key piece of infrastructure supporting Australia’s growing eCommerce economy and changing urban lifestyles.

And as online shopping continues to expand, the role of Parcel Lockers is likely to become even more embedded in how Australians live, shop and receive goods.

How Australia Post Parcel Lockers changed parcel delivery convenience in Australia

Perth’s new apartment market recorded its strongest quarter of sales since Q4 2021, with 412 apartments sold in Q1 2026 and a record quarterly sold value of $537 million, according to Urbis’ latest Apartment Essentials results.

Urbis said the March quarter result reflects strong, highly product‑specific demand across both ends of the market, from more attainable projects delivering at scale, through to premium stock being absorbed by equity‑rich downsizers.&nbsp;

David Cresp, Partner at Urbis, said the key story in Perth is not demand, it is the market’s ability to convert demand into delivered housing.&nbsp;

“This is the strongest sales quarter since Q4 2021, and it reinforces that demand in Perth is real and it’s local,” David Cresp said. “But the task now is delivery, turning that demand into projects that can actually be built and completed.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=110291 project_image_fid=302785]

<h2>Affordable product leads, premium demand remains resilient</h2>

Sales in Q1 were led by more affordable projects, with The Boulevard (SKS Group) recording 115 sales in the quarter, the presentation noting this is only the second time a single project has surpassed 100 quarterly sales. The project was able to offer more affordable housing product right next to a train station.&nbsp;

Palmyra West (Finbar) also delivered strong results with 28 sales in Q1, following 84 sales in Q4, with an average price of under $800,000, underscoring depth of demand for well‑located, attainable new stock.&nbsp;

At the premium end, Urbis said downsizer demand is continuing, with the results highlighting Romeo (Applecross, Finbar) recording 75 sales and reaching almost 50% sold in one quarter.

Jual (Shenton Park, Celsius Property) also posted a strong quarter with 28 sales, reaching 39% sold in one quarter.

Urbis noted that Perth apartment demand is not speculative, not investor‑led, and not uniform, describing it as localised, often equity‑driven and highly product‑specific, a pattern reflected in the polarisation between strong “attainable” performers and premium downsizer product.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=148957 project_image_fid=364102]

<h2>Prices underpinned by costs, and the delivery risk is growing</h2>

Urbis said pricing pressure is cost not demand‑driven: construction costs and delivery risk are now a central constraint, with the results noting build costs remain elevated and volatile, and that energy, fuel and labour uncertainty weigh on feasibility.

David Cresp said a growing challenge for private Build‑to‑Sell developers is simply securing a builder in the current environment.

“Developers are really feeling the pressure from a building market that was operating at capacity and securing a builder is challenging,” David Cresp said, adding that even where a builder can be secured, “trying to get to the price that makes the development financially viable is incredibly challenging in the current market.”&nbsp;

Urbis’ broader WA commentary also notes that industry remains at or above capacity with lot and housing creation, and that many builders are limiting new sales to manage stretched workforces and fixed‑price contract pressures, conditions that flow directly into apartment feasibility and delivery timing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108869 project_image_fid=317905]

<h2>Supply: improving later, but still constrained, and Perth lags eastern benchmarks</h2>

While near‑term supply remains constrained, Urbis’ forecast shows completions lifting “Supply is forecast to be back above 1,500 apartments per annum for the first time since 2019”, with 1,775 completions forecast for 2026, and volumes remaining above that level over the following years.&nbsp;

Looking further ahead, completions are forecast to reach 2,500 in 2028, with the report noting 32% of that total is social/affordable, reflecting the role of government‑supported delivery in rebuilding the pipeline.&nbsp;

However, Urbis said Perth remains behind comparable markets on pipeline scale. In a national comparison of projects under construction, the report shows under construction Perth Build‑to‑Sell (BTS) at 3,446 apartments versus the Gold Coast at 7,922. Mr Cresp said “The challenge for Perth is how to we grow the delivery pipeline”.

Urbis’ conclusion is that Perth’s market is increasingly defined by product discipline and delivery certainty, with the research identifying “delivery certainty is key” and calling out builder risk and procurement models as core success factors, alongside “timing and staging”.&nbsp;

Perth apartment sales hit strongest pace since late 2021 as builder capacity tightens

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sammut-developments">Sammut Group</a> has secured development approval for its latest Brisbane apartment project, marking the Sydney developer’s next step in expanding its Queensland pipeline following the success of its debut Gold Coast development, Coast.

The approved project at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/44-glen-road-toowong-qld-4066">44 Glen Road, </a><a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/toowong-qld-4066">Toowong</a> will deliver a 15-storey riverfront apartment building with 42 residences, significantly increasing the scale of the site’s previous approval for a smaller luxury scheme. Designed by Bureau^proberts, the development will comprise a mix of predominantly four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments positioned to maximise Brisbane River and city views.

Sammut Director Julian Sammut said the group had been actively searching Brisbane for several years before identifying Toowong as the right fit.

“Brisbane was the right step for Sammut,” Sammut said.

“With the success of Coast we thought we should definitely look to do more in Queensland alone. We then pushed up to look at Brisbane. We've been looking for I'd say two to three years actually and it was hard to find the right location.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_75/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.14%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=dYAVIL7qdcGA8ojvkslSrLjczXFejSSx" />

Sammut said suburbs including New Farm and Teneriffe were considered before the group ultimately focused on Toowong due to its strong downsizer demographic and limited supply of developable riverfront land.

The site was acquired off-market after what Sammut described as a lengthy negotiation and planning process, with the developer pursuing an uplift to the original approval.

“We are DA approved now which is very exciting,” Sammut said.

“We've had our change approval come through and we've obviously doubled the height, 15 storeys plus rooftop. We've got 42 amazing apartments that are going to be coming to market soon.”

<img alt="Sammut makes Brisbane apartment play" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,dpr_2.0,q_auto:good/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-23%20at%203.27.26%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=ohkRkY0dIZlqdfME2EZePsCQavRiBadE" />

Bureau^proberts said the design responds to Toowong’s evolving urban character, balancing contemporary apartment living with the area’s established residential identity.

“A place where traditional Queensland living has taken place for centuries; Toowong is seeing a shift of contemporary influence, commercial and retail hubs mixed with well-considered residential offerings – all the while maintaining its character and charm,” the architect noted in planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council.

The architecture practice said the project’s form was shaped by its riverfront setting, flood considerations, neighbouring building scales, and view corridors.

“They said the mix of four and two-bedroom apartments capture the ‘fundamental qualities of Queenslander living,’ translated into the context of a contemporary subtropical building.”

The development sits just off Coronation Drive within walking distance of Toowong’s retail precinct and the upgraded Regatta ferry terminal, while also benefiting from proximity to the incoming green bridge connection to West End. Sammut said the accessibility and amenity offering were central to the site’s appeal.

The approval adds to growing residential activity along the Toowong riverfront, joining nearby projects including Consolidated Properties’ Monarch Residences and Spyre Group’s ARC Residences.

Sammut secures approval for debut Brisbane apartment development in Toowong

Developer Lanevick is heading back into Sydney’s apartment market after focusing more heavily on the luxury townhouse and terrace sector in recent years.

Lanevick, founded and directed by Steve Maroun, is expecting to receive approval in the coming months for a new apartment development in Gladesville, with the aim to launch it to the market later this year.

The 51-apartment project, designed by Studio Johnston, will comprise a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments positioned toward the Hunters Hill downsizer market.

“Traditionally it’s been difficult for people in that market to downsize because there just hasn’t been the right product available,” Maroun said.

“We’re targeting buyers who might have 30 to 40 per cent of their house value sitting in the bank after downsizing.

“They still want good spacious entertaining areas, they still want quality design, but they also want flexibility and the ability to enjoy life a bit more after working hard for a long time.”

The project sits near Boronia Park and within close proximity to the Parramatta River foreshore, an area Maroun says offers more of a Hunters Hill lifestyle than a traditional apartment precinct.

“From a lifestyle perspective, it’s really more Hunters Hill than Gladesville,” Maroun said. “You’re close to the foreshore, close to parklands, and still connected back into the village precinct.”

From level four and above, apartments will capture water views&nbsp;toward Sydney Harbour. Communal amenity will include rooftop entertaining areas, wellness spaces, and a gym tailored toward owner-occupier buyers.

“We’ve really designed these apartments around that buyer coming from the Hunters Hill LGA and what they’re actually looking for in their next chapter.”

The proposed development has also been designed to respond to the changing character of the broader Gladesville town centre, where a growing number of mixed-use and residential proposals are expected to emerge over the coming years.

“Gladesville presented a rare opportunity to deliver a genuinely design-led residential project within an evolving lifestyle precinct, just moments from the growing Gladesville town centre, and we’ve approached the project with a strong focus on architecture, liveability and long-term community value,” Maroun said.

Maroun said Lanevick saw a first-mover advantage within the precinct as planning controls continue to evolve to accommodate greater housing density.

“We think there’s a real opportunity there that hasn’t really been serviced properly yet,” he said.

“There’s going to be a broader evolution of the whole Gladesville village precinct over time, particularly with more activation and mixed-use outcomes.”

The Venus Street proposal will include a commercial and retail component at ground level designed to contribute to that evolving streetscape activation.

“A big part of the thinking was how do you activate that area properly and create more vibrancy and amenity, which is what Hunters Hill has been looking for,” Maroun said.

Lanevick’s focus since 2020 has largely been on smaller-scale luxury townhouse and terrace developments. The developer recently completed Royale Randwick, also designed by Studio Johnston, where prices reached $3.65 million. The project was featured in the UDIA NSW 2026 Professional Development Prospectus and was also named a finalist for Development of the Year.

&nbsp;

Lanevick to cater for Hunters Hill downsizers with new Gladesville apartment development

Interest Rates

<html><body>
Variable rates remain Australian borrowers’ favourite option, however fixed rates have been growing to a now four month high over September, according to Mortgage Choice’s latest Homeloan Choices data.
Fixed rates in September accounted for 25.45% of loans written, up from 24.19% in August.
New South Wales home borrowers were keenest for fixed rates, with 30.75% opting for fixed products, up from 25.30% in August. Meanwhile, Victoria saw an uptick to 18.10% from a previous 16.70% result.
Jessica Darnbrough, spokesperson for Mortgage Choice, said that the lift was largely expected with lenders pushing fixed rates aggressively.
“At the end of July and the beginning of August, many of Australia’s lenders actively cut the interest on their suite of fixed rate products, which encouraged more borrowers to opt for a fixed rate mortgage,” Darnbrough said.
“It usually takes a month or two for us to see any increase in demand for a particular product flow through the data, but we are definitely starting to see that now.”
She noted that despite lenders trimming interest on fixed rate products, the majority are still happy to “take their chances on a variable rate mortgage.”
“Variable home loan rates are still sitting at historical lows, and as such, it isn’t surprising to see that this type of loan is popular with borrowers. That said, with fixed rates also sitting at historical lows, borrowers can rest assured that regardless of the product they choose, they should be able to snag a very competitive rate,” she said.
Bankwest was <a href="https://%20www.propertyobserver.com.au/financing/interest-rates/36219-bankwest-drops-fixed-rates-to-new-record-low%20" target="_blank">recently the latest lender to cut their fixed rates to record lows</a>.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Fixed rate demand at four month high: Mortgage Choice

<html><body>
With interest rates low and property prices high, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, Residex’s John Edwards has warned property purchasers to be diligent about overpaying.
He noted that while interest rate increases will only cause problems to a limited extent for investors, due to tax deductibility of the interest, home buyers will be impacted more.
“Will there be people who are going to get into trouble as a consequence of the current high house price growth cycle and the low interest rates?
“Yes, there are always people who over leverage and have changes in personal circumstance which cause issues,” he said.
He said it’s crucial to recognise that house price growth is, indeed, slowing.
“It is easy to overpay for a property at this point in time, and over payment will not be covered by increasing property values over the balance of this growth cycle,” he said.
His word of warning to those tempted to stretch to borrow more than they can justify to themselves is simple. Don’t.
“This is not the time to do that. Buy a lower cost investment property and avoid the stress,” he said.
</body></html>

Residex’s John Edwards warns against overpaying in current market

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Nine housing graphs from the RBA on the 2014 property market

<html><body>
A new record low fixed rate offering is now available at Bankwest, through the broker channel, across two fixed mortgage products.
The two-year fixed rate is now at 4.59%, down 19 basis points, with the three year fixed rate at 4.74%, down 10 basis points, for both the Complete Fixed Home Loan and the Fixed Rate Home Loan.
Borrowers can obtain these rates up to 90% LVR.
The Complete Variable Home Loan currently sits at 4.74%, with a comparison rate of 5.13%.
It is certainly<a href="/expert-insights/finance/record-low-fixed-rates-who-is-offering-them"> lower than the fixed rates of some of the major banks</a>.
ME Bank’s <a href="/expert-insights/finance/me-bank-takes-three-year-fixed-rate-lower">three-year fixed offering currently sits at 4.59%</a>, also a record low for the lender.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ:
<a href="/expert-insights/aussies-john-symond-fixes-his-investment-property-mortgage-rate">Aussie's John Symond fixes his investment property mortgage rate</a>
</body></html>

Bankwest drops fixed rates to new record low

<html><body>
The general consensus is that the next movement we’ll see from the Reserve Bank of Australia will be an increase.
The main question is ‘when?’
Finder’s <a href="/expert-insights/finance/experts-predict-no-interest-rate-change-tomorrow-finder">regular monthly RBA survey saw all the experts surveyed in September opt for the rates on hold prediction</a>, which unsurprisingly turned out to be correct.
Interestingly, more than half of those surveyed predicted the increase would come in the second half of 2015.
Not in agreement with this general prediction is ANZ. In the Finder survey, Warren Hogan tipped an increase in the second quarter of 2015, as did three others.
Now ANZ have re-confirmed their opinion on a potential interest rate rise.
ANZ Research's David Croy noted that they are actually expecting three hikes from the RBA next year, in May, June and November.
Other forecasters are predicting that a rate rise may come even sooner.
Nicki Hutley of Urbis, predicted a rise as early as December this year.
“The Australian economy is still seeing growth a little below par," said Hutley. "Inflation is picking up but not yet alarmingly so... so the RBA won’t be in any hurry to move,” she said at the beginning of the month. However, she did note that the New Year is also an option for a rise.
10 of the 25 surveyed expected an increase in the first half of next year. This has been an opinion held for many months now, with <a href="/expert-insights/finance/no-july-rate-increase-look-to-next-year-instead-me-bank">ME Bank noting in June that rises are not expected until 2015</a>.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ:
<a href="/expert-insights/finance/how-to-prepare-for-an-interest-rate-increase">How to: Prepare for an interest rate increase</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/finance/interest-rates-crash-course-whats-the-relationship-to-the-property-market">Interest rates crash course: What's the relationship to the property market?</a>
<a href="/expert-insights/finance/10-things-to-know-about-the-current-interest-rate">10 things to know about the current interest rate</a>
</body></html>

More than one interest rate rise on the cards for 2015: ANZ

<html><body>
Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia’s concerns about the housing market’s price growth, it appears that not all are changing their predictions of a period of rate stability and macro involvement isn’t on everyone’s radar.
Westpac’s chief economist, Bill Evans, has noted in their latest bulletin that they are not altering their rate forecast – expecting the first hike to be in 2015.
He notes that they expect the rise to be in 2015’s September quarter, driven by a global outlook, modest lift in consumer spending momentum, non-mining investment and a falling unemployment rate.
While house prices and credit growth are also expected to also be rising, he says it will not be at a sufficiently rapid pace to trigger a rate increase.
However, Evans does note that the RBA is likely to either maintain or step up its public warning around housing prices and investor activity.
“A reasonable conclusion is that Australia is unlikely to introduce the New Zealand style of direct macro prudential controls,” he said.
He noted that APRA may lift its intensity of communication to ADI boards and even impose another round of stress testing, though it’s conceded that banks already regularly conduct stress testing.
“It seems unlikely that, at this stage, it would adopt the policies of 2003 where it raised the risk weighting on home loans and increased the capital requirements of mortgage insurers,” he said.
His notes suggest that the current boom is not a replica to that of the early 2000s, despite its similarities.
“The 2000-03 period bears some comparison with the current situation. In that earlier period annual growth in credit to investors peaked at 30% and overall housing credit  growth peaked at 22%,” he said.
The household debt ratio had risen by “26ppts in just two years” and lending standards were seen to have eased.
However, compared to the current environment, clear differences emerge.
“Currently annual credit growth for investors is running at 8.9% with the 6mth annualised pace at 9.5%,” he said.
“Overall housing credit is running at a steady 6.7% annual pace. The household debt to income ratio has risen 4ppts over the last year and remains below its peaks in 2010 and 2007.”
While the debt to income ratio level is higher than it had been in 2003, he notes that they believe this understates the extend of Australian households’ deleveraging since 2007, including accumulating funds in offset accounts.
</body></html>

RBA’s bubble warning has not changed ‘on hold’ prediction: Westpac

<html><body>
Mortgage broker network 1300HomeLoan has warned that if the Reserve Bank reacts in a sudden kneejerk fashion to changes in house price movements, the result could be disastrous.
Managing director of 1300HomeLoan John Kolenda said that with current speculation over a potential rate increase for the first time in four years due to overheating house price concerns, the RBA could be making a major mistake.
He pointed to the fact that the house price rises are mainly happening in Sydney.
“We have consistently warned about the potential detrimental impact of the RBA lifting its cash rate prematurely in response to factors such as house prices, which are in a two speed market,” he said.
“Creating a more confident consumer climate required numerous rate decreases over the past few years and pulling the trigger too early could have disastrous consequences.”
Kolenda said that consumer sentiment is still subdued, with a 4.6% fall in September recorded by the Westpac Melbourne Institute Index, while unemployment is still above 6%.
“The RBA hasn't lifted its cash rate since November, 2010, and we believe the lower interest rate strategy has helped to restore some confidence among consumers in challenging economic times highlighted by patchy retail spending and a soft jobs market.”
</body></html>

RBA kneejerk reaction to house price changes could be disastrous: 1300HomeLoan

<html><body>
The Reserve Bank's September board minutes "look a little dated", according to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
The board meeting, held earlier this month, came before the latest national data on retail trade, building approvals, housing finance, employment and GDP.
The Commonwealth Bank's latest Global Markets Research economics update claims recent data show that Australia's economy is faring better than the Reserve Bank (RBA) expected.
Since the board's meeting, the Australian dollar has dropped by about 4 US cents. If the Australian dollar's decreased value remains unchanged, the Commonwealth Bank expects that the Reserve Bank will upgrade its forecasts for growth and inflation.
The board noted that labour market conditions "had remained subdued", but employment figures released last Friday show a 121,000 increase in employment, with the unemployment rate falling by 0.3 percentage points, from 6.4% to 6.1%. 
"Cutting through the monthly noise shows that trend employment growth is running at 20k on a three-month basis," states the Commonwealth Bank update.
"Employment growth around this level is in line with a flat unemployment rate.  
"And coupled with the positive leading indicators suggests that the RBA is, in [The Commonwealth Bank's] view, being overly pessimistic in its assessment of the jobs market.
"The risk is that the unemployment rate starts to decline ahead of the RBA’s expectations."
In the Reserve Bank's September minutes, the board also highlighted recent Australian property price growth, stating that "additional speculative demand could amplify the property price cycle and increase the potential for property prices to fall later."
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

RBA meeting minutes may not reflect current conditions: CBA

<html><body>
The Reserve Bank of Australia's September meeting minutes are full of crucial information about the current state of the housing market and the potential future for interest rate changes.
Here are 10 things they mentioned that every property investor should know. If you <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.rba.gov.au/monetary-policy/rba-board-minutes/2014/02092014" target="_blank">want to read the full meeting minutes they are available online</a>.
<ol>
<li>We’re most likely going to see stable interest rates. “Members considered that the most prudent course was likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.” 
</li>
<li>The rate of house price growth has the Reserve Bank a little uneasy. “Members further observed that additional speculative demand could amplify the property price cycle and increase the potential for property prices to fall later.” 
</li>
<li>Competition in lending is up, but standards have not been loosened by lenders. “[Easier wholesale funding conditions globally] had encouraged stronger competition in lending for housing and to large businesses, but members noted that this had not, to date, led to a general easing in mortgage lending standards and policies.” 
</li>
<li>Investors, rather than owner occupiers, were noted as the influential factor of the current cycle. “For investors in housing, the pick-up in housing credit growth had been more pronounced than for owner-occupiers, with investor demand particularly strong in Sydney and, to a lesser extent, Melbourne.” 
</li>
<li>Australia’s commercial property market is also performing well and has attracted both local and foreign investment interest with higher rental returns yielded than commonly seen overseas. “This had boosted prices even though rents for some types of commercial property had declined. In contrast, demand for finance from other parts of the business sector remained subdued, although business credit growth had picked up a little in recent months.” 
</li>
<li>China’s residential property market is an increasing concern for the RBA, particularly as it continues to weaken. “[These developments] and their potential to spill over to broader activity and the financial system – remained a risk to the outlook for China. They noted that there was scope for further adjustments to policy settings by the authorities if needed, as well as the potential for tension between the objectives of maintaining economic growth at close to its current pace and placing growth in financing on a more sustainable footing.” 
</li>
<li>Further growth in dwelling investment is expected to be seen, with new dwellings seeing an uptick. “Members noted that dwelling investment had expanded further in the June quarter and that leading indicators pointed to continued growth in the months ahead. For new dwellings, loan approvals and first home owner grants had increased strongly over the year and dwelling approvals remained at a high level despite having declined a little since late last year.” 
</li>
<li>The established market is also showing signs of strengthening across a number of indicators. “In particular, housing prices had been rising at a rapid pace and auction clearance rates were above average levels. Housing credit had continued to grow at an annualised pace of around 7%, with investor credit a particularly strong component.” 
</li>
<li>The average rate on all outstanding housing loans has fallen significantly since the cash rate was dropped over a year ago. “Members noted that Australian banks continued to raise funds relatively cheaply, with a recent issue of residential mortgage-backed securities being of record size in the domestic market and occurring at the tightest pricing since the financial crisis. Reflecting lower funding costs and competitive pressures, rates on Australian intermediaries' housing loans continued to edge down in August. The average interest rate on all outstanding housing loans had fallen by around 15 basis points since the cash rate was reduced in August 2013.” 
</li>
<li>Commodity prices declined slightly over the past month, with the price of iron ore falling to recent lows and coal prices remaining little changed following earlier sharp declines. Mining investment is still expected to drop. “Members noted that survey measures of business conditions and confidence continued to improve across non-mining industries and were now above their average levels. While mining investment was estimated to have been little changed in the June quarter, it was expected to decline significantly over the next year or so, consistent with what had been indicated for some time by liaison contacts.”
</li>
</ol>
</body></html>

10 things to know about September’s RBA meeting minutes

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
In its September meeting, the Reserve Bank decided to leave interest rates on hold at 2.5%. I believe this is positive news for Australians seeking to purchase their first home, as a low interest rate environment lowers the cost of financing this purchase.
In other good news for first home buyers, recently the HIA-CBA Housing Affordability Index posted its most favourable result in 12 years. 
In combination, these factors are likely to motivate any first home buyers who may have been sitting on the fence to enter the market and start looking for a suitable property to purchase.
I also encourage all property owners to take advantage of the borrowing environment at present, as any loan containing an interest rate with the number four or five in front of it should help a buyer over the next five to six years. It's also wise for property owners to <a href="/expert-insights/finance/unprecedented-low-interest-rates-wont-last-forever">budget for the possibility of any future rate movements in advance</a>, so that they’re adequately prepared for movements if and when they occur.
Additionally, recent price movement is also a positive indicator for the Australian property market, as value growth has started to slow after a period which saw rapid and sustained value growth across many of our capital cities.
Importantly, conditions have shifted from a sellers' market, where buyers have been willing to meet the high expectations of sellers, to a negotiators' market wherein real estate agents may need to seek to negotiate a lower price with vendors in order to close sales.
Banks and valuers are also starting to become more conservative after last year's strong house price growth, acting as two more mechanisms which will help to ensure future price growth in the property market is steady and sustainable.
Overall, I believe that the outlook for the property market continues to be positive and should present many opportunities for buyers and sellers in the Australian property market.
Charles Tarbey is chairman and owner of <a href="https://www.century21.com.au/" target="_blank">Century 21 Australasia</a>.
</body></html>

Interest Rates

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Interest Rates

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News