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;

Joel Robinson

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

Property developer One Living, backed by former Macquarie banker turned investment manager Chris Green’s investment firm, has unveiled plans to bring more institutional capital into housing to help address the national supply crisis.

The New York-based investor has focused his firm, GreenPoint Partners, on addressing the supply shortage hitting middle market housing in Australia.

It is backing the new One Living business to develop more than 1000 units along the eastern seaboard. The new firm is starting with a development on Mona Vale Road, on the border of Mona Vale and Pymble, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with around 140 apartments planned. They are eyeing off more sites across the city.

With cost pressures rising in the industry, One Living’s model is to be a vertically integrated developer-builder, so it can respond directly to the housing gap by removing the cost inefficiencies embedded in traditional residential delivery.

“We are building a platform designed to operate at scale and starting in a market where there’s a clear need for quality, attainable housing,” One Living joint managing director Joseph Scuderi said.

“It’s that missing middle – it’s that attainable end of housing… that’s what most Australians invest into and what Australians can actually afford.”

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="798dfa93-4941-4db6-a696-31e9dc18e81c" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.31.50%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=mKBqi5C_DmeiXS.AtJkcR8LQIxqCqmFi" />

GreenPoint Partners brings years of experience assembling and scaling real estate operating businesses across major markets. And Green sees a big opportunity in Australia.

“For its size, sophistication and importance to the community, Australia’s living sector has remained largely under-institutionalised, which represents significant opportunity,” Green said. “GreenPoint identified that gap, assembled the right team, and is backing One Living to build a platform that is aligned to market needs.”

Green said being a builder-developer would give the company the capacity and flexibility it required to deliver reasonably-priced homes.

“We want it to be at that attainable level; not super high end luxury but at that attainable level,” he said.

<img alt="Mona Vale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74a5344a-4b26-4d4a-ada3-056b1220be77" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-05-28%20at%202.32.15%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=vY8hXHO4reBMdO8ZXMWCNtGZJofUPQ3j" />

&nbsp;

One Living will undertake a component of affordable housing in its schemes, which it will own and operate, and it could also run build-to-rent on some sites.

Green praised local policy settings.

“The NSW government is being very supportive, strategic and pragmatic in terms of how do we generate more supply of housing,” he said. “We think it’s actually positive for development and the bit that’s been lacking at that attainable level is that it’s lots of relatively small private developers, whereas we want to create an institutional platform.”

One Living is also&nbsp;looking at high-density projects and could take on more institutional funding in the future.

“The way we will be able to achieve economies of scale is through size,” Green added.

One Living enters Sydney's new apartment market with Northern Beaches site acquisition

It's been several years since there's been an opportunity to buy a brand new townhome in Melbourne's coastal suburb of Mordialloc. Even apartment developments in recent times have been few and far between in the area.

Local developer LDS Property identified the gap in new housing, securing a site on White Street, directly opposite&nbsp;Woodlands Golf Club Mordialloc. They've recently launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/wm-residences-mordialloc-102-white-street-mordialloc-vic-3195">WM Residences</a>, just 13 townhouses which they have already started building.

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson, who is selling WM Residences, says the townhouses x that perfect middle ground be

"Mordialloc residents have had limited options to downsize within the suburb, often forcing them to look elsewhere despite long-standing ties to the area," Thompson says.

"With very little comparable new supply coming to market, projects like WM Residences are well placed, particularly as buyers look to capitalise on current conditions amid constrained supply."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6109]

The development, designed by regarded architecture firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ewert-leaf">Ewert Leaf</a>,&nbsp;adopts a deliberately restrained architectural approach, focusing on simplicity, durability and liveability rather than overt design gestures.

The boutique scale is central to the offering. With only 13 three-bedroom residences, each home is configured to prioritise functional layouts and everyday use, supported by private terraces and secure two-car garages.

Ewert Leaf’s design response leans into a calm, neutral material palette. Interiors are defined by oak flooring, white walls and soft finishes, creating a consistent and understated backdrop. The approach avoids trend-driven detailing in favour of longevity, with an emphasis on natural light and spatial clarity.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6110]

Beyond aesthetics, the homes are designed to meet contemporary performance expectations. Each residence targets a minimum 6-star energy rating, incorporating double glazing, comprehensive insulation and all-electric Bosch appliances.

The project’s location supports a walkable coastal lifestyle, sitting within close proximity to Mordialloc’s foreshore, Main Street retail strip and the train station. Local cafés and dining venues, including Suburbia Deli and Hendriks Café, are within a short walk, reinforcing the area’s established neighbourhood character.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134646 project_image_fid=6116]

While <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/mordialloc-vic-3195">Mordialloc</a> is often defined by its beach and pier, the project taps into other areas of day to day living, offering easy access to local food, casual dining and transport, rather than positioning itself purely as a lifestyle retreat.

WM Residences reflects a continued trend across Melbourne’s coastal suburbs towards smaller-scale, design-led townhouse developments, particularly on infill sites where proximity to amenity is already established.

With construction commenced prior to its market entry, the project aligns with a growing preference among buyers for developments with visible progress and defined delivery timeframes.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134646]

WM Residences fills gap in Mordialloc townhouse market

Mortgage Brokers

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Non-major lender Macquarie Bank said it will reduce trail commission along with a reduced clawback period to all new home loan products. 
The changes to broker commissions and clawback structures would take effect for new loans settled on or after 16 October 2017, according to a broker note on <a href="https://www.connective.com.au/broker-resources/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/More-Info-20.pdf" target="_blank">mortgage aggregator Connective’s website</a>, which was carried by the Australian Broker.
A new trail commission of 0.15% per annum (plus GST) will be paid on all new products, according to the note.
“These changes support the continued delivery of competitive products, service and pricing in a dynamic home loan environment,” wrote James Angus, division director of Macquarie Bank, in the note.
It said that where a new loan is fully repaid within 18 months of the settlement date, the broker will refund to Macquarie the initial fee, the variation fee or the product change initial fee according to the following:
<ol>
<li>Where a new product loan is fully repaid between 0 to 365 days from the settlement date – 100% clawback </li>
<li>Where a new product loan is fully repaid between 366 to 548 days from the settlement date – 50%.</li>
</ol>
The move follows recommendations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to the mortgage broking sector to reform payments to brokers and aggregators.
Loans recommended by brokers are on average larger and have a higher loan-to-value ratio than loans sought directly by lenders, says a recent regulatory analysis, according to The Australian Financial Review.
More than half of home loans are through brokers (53 percent) with more than $2 billion in annual commissions, or about $4,600 per mortgage, which is about six times the cost of simple advice from a financial adviser, according to analysis by investment bank UBS.
It said that mortgage brokers are adding 16 basis points to a borrower’s cost on every home loan they write.
 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Macquarie Bank to tighten broker commissions

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

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An overwhelming percentage of mortgage brokers say the central bank will hold rates at its September rate meeting, according to a survey of home loan marketplace  HashChing.
The survey was conducted across a cross-section of its broker network. 
More than 90 percent (93.62 percent) surveyed said rates would be on hold. 
The central bank has held rates constant at a record low of 1.5 percent for the last 12 months.
Here are the results of HashChing's survey, which included other metrics as well:
<ul>
<li>93.62% of brokers believe that interest rates will stay on hold in September</li>
<li>67.57% of mortgage brokers do not think that 'robo-adivice' has the potential to put them out of business, while 19.82% are unsure</li>
<li>78.38% of brokers expect a growth in business in the lead up to spring selling season</li>
<li>56.76% of brokers think it takes 3 days for banks to process a home loan application, while 19.82% think it can take up to a week, 17.12% think up to 24 hours, and 6.31% think between 2-3 weeks</li>
</ul>
At the same time as the release of the survey results, Siobhan Hayden, COO of HashChing, said  robo-advice platforms were not likely to pose a threat to mortgage brokers.
“I think the two work best as complementary rather than competitive solutions. I expect we’ll continue to see robo-advice used to accommodate the administrative side of a broker’s work, leaving brokers with more time to work on lead generation, face-to-face interactions and professional development.”
Hayden added that at the end of the day, customers use brokers because they want an expert – not a machine – to help them with their home loan. 
“As clever as technologies like machine learning and predictive analytics are, these will never be able to fully address the complexities and nuances of interacting with a human as well as another human can."
 
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RBA to hold rates in September, say majority of brokers in HashChing survey

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Mortgage Choice said its full-year profit for the year ended June 30 rose in double digits for the second consecutive year, helped by a strong settlements in its core broking business.
The mortgage brokers’s loan book grew 3.6 percent on the previous financial year to $53.4 billion, while its core broking business recorded settlements of $12.3 billion, its highest yet.
The company also declared a fully franked final dividend of 9 cents per share.
Full-year revenue grew a modest 1.1 percent over the previous year to $199 million.
Cash net profit after taxes was $22.6 million, up 10.2% on on the previous financial year.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/25/MortgageChoice1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/25/MortgageChoice1.png" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/08/25/MortgageChoice2.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/08/25/MortgageChoice2.png" alt="">
Mortgage Choice has forecast a strong year of business, with CEO Flavell saying the company will focus on growing its network and training of recruits.
“FY17 was a year that saw increased complexity across all areas of retail financial services," said Flavell. He said the volume and velocity of policy and lending products "drove more consumers to Mortgage Choice than ever before”. 
He added that the broker would "continue to accelerate our local area marketing activities to deepen the relationships we have with our customers. Throughout FY17, we implemented a series of grass‐roots brand awareness."
"You may well have noticed a new Mortgage Choice retail store in your local area, seen more Mortgage Choice branded cars on the road, or heard more Mortgage Choice  advertising on the radio. Heading into FY18, the momentum created will be carried forward.” 
In FY2017, its self-branded financing solution, Mortgage Choice Asset Finance. It said the product had seen more than 1,600 loans across the country.
It added 46 new greenfield franchises added to the network.
The broker recently announced that Bennelong Funds Management and Mirvac Funds Management director, Vicki Allen, was replacing retiring chairman Peter Ritchie.
<div class="cq-article-content-paras section">
Questions are being asked about what plans CBA has for its minority stake in ASX-listed Mortgage Choice.
</div>
<div class="cq-article-content-media section">Sources told the Australian Financial Review that while CBA wanted a foothold in mortgage broking it was unlikely to target an acquisition of Mortgage Choice. </div>
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Mortgage Choice says full year cash profit up 10.2 percent on strong settlements

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Online mortgage marketplace HashChing has welcomed financial services and media heavyweights Paul Rickard and Marty Switzer to its advisory board.
Paul Rickard is a well-respected financial services veteran.
Previously the founding managing director of CommSec and a senior executive and CIO of Commonwealth Bank, he is now a non-executive director at Property Exchange Australia (PEXA), Tyro Payments and Switzer Asset Management Limited.
Marty Switzer brings a wealth of media savvy to the HashChing board with his extensive experience as a finance commentator across broadcast, print and online.
He is also the chief operating officer of Switzer, a leading media and financial services group.
Both have also invested an undisclosed amount in HashChing as part of the company’s current $6 million capital raise.
Rickard and Switzer join senior executives already on the HashChing advisory board who boast expertise across fin-tech, foreign investment, legal, and financial planning: Victor Jiang, Helen Lorigan, Claire Wivell-Plater and Siobhan Hayden.
“I'm excited to be involved with HashChing.
“Mandeep and the team have done an outstanding job in building a disruptive business model and distribution network in such a short period of time.
“The future looks bright and I am looking forward to the journey,” said Mr Switzer.
“The HashChing business model of connecting home loan borrowers with customer- reviewed brokers and the best rates is unique, and I am excited by the investment opportunity,” said Mr Rickard.
HashChing CEO Mandeep Sodhi said the new additions to the board would be instrumental in helping the company disrupt the stranglehold of the big four banks and evolve its business model to encompass other financial services successfully.
Since launching in August 2015, the online mortgage marketplace has received more than $7 billion worth of home loan applications, helped upwards of 14,000 customers find a better deal on their home loan and boasts an expansive network of more than 500 verified brokers.
The company has also achieved a number of other industry firsts by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, including predictive analytics, geo-targeting, machine learning and virtual verification of identity (VOI) into their platform.
Rickard and Switzer join senior executives already on the HashChing advisory board who boast expertise across fin-tech, foreign investment, legal, and financial planning: Victor Jiang, Helen Lorigan, Claire Wivell-Plater and Siobhan Hayden.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

HashChing fin-tech adds Switzer links to its advisory board 

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A senior industry executive has come out with a book on the predatory lending practices within the commercial finance sector.
The book, Get a Second Opinion before You Sign by Shane Reynolds of Reynolds Private Wealth, is about first and second tier lending, construction finance, preferred equity and distressed debt transactions.
Reynolds told the Australian Broker that the book attempts to “lifts the curtain” on under-the-table practices occurring in an unregulated industry with no consumer protection.
It targets the dual audience of consumers and mortgage brokers.
“I’ve always believed in giving the intellectual property to the people,” he was quoted by Australian Broker. 
“I had a number of fund managers tell me not to publish the book because it would take away an element of my advisory and their advisory business. They said I was giving the keys away; that clients would scrutinise our letters of offers and mandates. If you truly have a good business model then you shouldn’t concern yourself with the fine print. You should concern yourself with delivery.”
The book explains the steps in the preparation of a mortgage application and the process for successfully obtaining a commercial loan.
Reynolds said that “every broker in Australia should read this book 1) for product knowledge and 2) for developing that additional income stream and skillset to say to clients that you understand commercial loans”.
Unable to get loans from the banks, borrowers are “already distressed” before entering the unregulated commercial finance sector, Reynolds said. A further lack of knowledge from consumer and broker can put the borrower in a more vulnerable state.
“It depends on the desperation of the borrower as to the terms and conditions that they’re offered. You may find yourself in a situation where if you don’t fulfil your obligations under the agreement, you’ll have a caveat or mortgage on your property for fees. Unless you’re very well versed in commercial litigation, often you’re either faced with settlement provisions, terms with the lender or broker, or they simply enforce their position and sell you up.”
One common practice, according to Reynolds is called a “set up to fail” agreement in which the lender knows the borrower will default, using this as a way to create a deed of forbearance.
“Lending money is no longer built on the premise of receiving interest. It’s become about receiving interest and then taking the client’s security when their mortgage goes into default,” he said.
Aware of the client’s asset position, a lender may create a deed of forbearance, inserting additional security including a selection of properties that the client has in their portfolio.
“The moment the 60 days is up on the deed of forbearance, the lender then has rights against all those other properties as well. No one in their right mind would sign these agreements but borrowers are so in distress that they don’t know the difference.”
He said the commercial market lacked aggregators or franchises such as Yellow Brick Road or Mortgage Choice in the commercial space, so residential mortgage brokers need to be doubly aware when seeking information in the opaque world of commercial finance, he said.
“If you’re going to deal with these people, then just beware of the fine print. Get a second opinion from your lawyer before you sign anything and if there are nasty clauses in those agreements, strike them out.”
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Book lifts veil from the foggy world of commercial property finance

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Recent moves by the REA Group and Domain into the broking space will likely not be a smooth journey for the property search websites, according to senior executives of two mortgage fintechs.
Realestate.com.au recently acquired an 80% controlling stake in mortgage broking franchise Smartline and announced a partnership with lending major NAB. Meanwhile, the Fairfax-owned Domain Group said it is set to launch Domain Loan Finder, in partnership with mortgage platform Lendi.
Founder and CEO of online brokerage uno., Vince Turner told The Adviser said while the moves by Domain and REA’s realestate.com.au site were “logical”, the companies could face “challenges” in the mortgage business.
“These guys have a lot of eyeballs, a big audience, and their traditional line of business in terms of advertising [such as website advertising via cost per click] is now going into the nominal value territory. They are not on the way out yet, but they will be soon,” said Turner.
“So, from Domain or REA’s point of view, they have to think what their transactions are that they can monetise … So, you can see why they want to get into transactional mortgages, that’s the logical part.”
But he said it was a challenge from both a cultural and customer perspective.
“You could argue that it’s pretty hard to get out of bed in the morning and be a media company [publishing company Fairfax owns Domain] and a financial services company.”
Online brokerage HashChing CEO Mandeep Sodhi said the new moves from Domain and realestate.com.au could upset the market as these have been traditionally seen as helpful, independent websites for consumers to research their home or investment property. 
Sodhi said their partnerships with mortgage broking platforms could restrict choice in the market.
“Pushing borrowers to one group of brokers – who may not have access to all the banks and lenders – means they could unwittingly miss out on home loan products that better suit their needs.”
Sochi added that brokers could be negatively affected, as the two sites had historically been “strong sources for generating leads for aggregators to date” and brokers who are not members of the partnered mortgage broking platforms would now have to look for new lead sources.
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REA and Domain's move into broking space won't be easy, say fintechs

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Property search platforms realestate.com.au and domain.com.au are poised to enter the broking space.
Domain Loan Finder is set to launch in early July, teaming up with Lendi, it announced today.
Lendi managing director, David Hyman, said he was looking forward to bringing an integrated home loan experience to the property buying process.
“With more and more consumers turning to online channels as part of their home loan research, there’s a huge opportunity to enhance that journey with contextual and relevant engagement as they progress through the property buying journey.”
Domain Loan Finder will operate as a joint venture with Lendi’s parent entity, Auscred Pty Ltd, with Domain holding a 60% stake.
The amount invested in the JV remains confidential.
Lendi started in 2013 as an online and phone-based broking business backed by major institutional investors and venture capital.
Realestate.com.au recently acquired an 80% controlling stake in mortgage broking franchise Smartline. 
And earlier this year Realestate.com.au and lending major NAB announced they were building a realestate.com.au-branded mortgage broking business for launch later this year as the online platform looks to cash in on the 5.9 million unique visitors a month to its website.
Tracy Fellows, CEO of owner REA Group, said the partnership was a vote of confidence in broking. 
“We’re excited to be partnering with NAB to build a new mortgage broking solution. The way people want to look for and buy property is changing. We want to make it easier for Australians to access the help and experience of a mortgage broker through the digital channels they’re already using to find their new home.”
The REA Group said consumers would have access to a “broad panel of lenders, including NAB home loans and a realestate.com.au branded white label product.” 
Smartline will keep its branding and continue to operate under its current management, who retain a 19.7% share in the business for at least the next three years, the MPA said.
“We’re delivering on our promise to simplify property search and financing by offering genuine choice when it comes to finding the right home loan,” REA Group’s executive director of Financial Services Andrew Russell said.
It was not clear whether Smartline brokers will get access to leads from realestate.com.au. 
REA Group said “we will be working with Smartline to explore how both businesses can leverage each other’s scale and capability for the longer term.”
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Realestate.com.au and Domain.com.au launching home loan broking services

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Mortgage Choice has named Bennelong Funds Management and Mirvac Funds Management director, Vicki Allen, to replace retiring chairman Peter Ritchie.
Allen has been appointed a director at the broker and will assume her role as Chairman after Ritchie retires on July 1.
Ritchie, who announced his intended retirement at the company’s AGM in October 2016, will officially retire from the Board next month after more than 13 years with the business, Mortgage Choice said in a media release.
Allen has a background in financial services and property investment.
“This year, Mortgage Choice celebrates its 25th birthday. The company was one of the original mortgage brokers in Australia and remains one of the pre-eminent brands within the marketplace,” Allen said on her appointment.
“I am excited and honoured to have the opportunity to work alongside both the Board and the executive team to continue to deliver positive results for the company."
Mortgage Choice chief executive officer John Flavell, while welcoming Allen, said Ritchie would be missed. 
“Peter joined Mortgage Choice in 2004, and throughout the years he has helped the business transform from a mortgage broker, to an ASX300, fully-fledged financial services company that has cemented itself as one of Australia’s most loved financial services brands,” Flavell said.
The broker had said earlier that more than 20 percent of borrowers were choosing to fix their home loan as lenders continued to change their interest rates out of cycle with the central bank.
Ritchie said he was honoured to have been a part of the Mortgage Choice business.
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Mortgage Choice names new chairman to succeed Peter Ritchie

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Mark Bouris, executive chairman of Yellow Brick Road, says borrowers need to vote with their feet.
"Quite simply, if the banks ratchet up rates and costs, go elsewhere and borrow from another lender," he wrote in his weekly Fairfax column.
He noted the property federal budget bank levy goes back to 2008, when a financial crisis was building and the four major trading banks – plus Macquarie Bank – wanted assistance from the federal government to stabilise our financial system.
"The government – actually, the taxpayer – guaranteed Australian deposits at deposit-taking institutions, up to $250,000.
"The banks also got a governmentguarantee over some bank debt and an ongoing facility up to $180 billion, which gave the banks access to very cheap debt.
"This new levy is 0.06 per cent of this government-guaranteed facility – it’s a very low charge for allowing banks to reduce their overseas borrowing costs and therefore, make bigger profits.
"So why would the bank charge you for giving it access to the cheapest capital?," he asked adding we’ll see what the banks decide to do – absorb the levy or pass it on.
He told borrowers there are only five banks being taxed with the levy.
"But have a look at a comparison website and you’ll see many lenders out there, from credit unions and building societies to small and regional banks, as well as loans offered by mortgage brokers and other financial services players.
"On any week, there can be a 1 per cent difference in interest rate between the lowest cost and most expensive standard variable mortgages.
"Why pay more than you should?"
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