A landmark former orphanage site in Surrey Hills could be transformed into a new residential community under plans lodged by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/antipodean-land-developments">Antipodean Land Developments</a> that would deliver 76 apartments and townhouses while restoring some of the suburb's most significant heritage buildings.

The burgeoninng Melbourne-based developer has submitted plans for the 9,158 sqm site at 1 Kent Road and 24 Durham Road, home to the former St Joseph's Home for Destitute Children, a historic institutional complex dating back to the late 19th century. The proposal seeks to adaptively reuse several heritage buildings while introducing two new four-storey residential buildings set within extensive landscaped grounds.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a> and Kerstin Thompson Architects, the project has been conceived as a contemporary residential village embedded within a restored heritage precinct. The development team describes the design approach as "The Village in the Garden," with new buildings positioned among mature landscaping by OCULUS and significant heritage structures.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44ec8c1b-c0b6-44ae-859e-5811b3e6a023" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.png?VersionId=p.p1_KFh4iQoV4nisdnPfQBAsWNi7m79" />

The proposal would deliver 76 dwellings comprising a mix of apartments and duplex-style residences, significantly increasing housing supply on one of the largest privately held residential landholdings in Surrey Hills. The development includes 127 car spaces, 24 bicycle spaces and more than 1,000 sqm of communal amenity, with the existing chapel building earmarked for conversion into resident facilities.

According to the planning submission, the project centres on the restoration and adaptive reuse of the site's most significant heritage assets, including the original c.1889 St Joseph's building, the chapel designed by architect Augustus Andrew Fritsch, and the historic brick perimeter walls and entry gates. The proposal also incorporates the retention of other contributory buildings including the former infirmary and school building.

Tract Consultants, in the planning report accompanying the application, said the scheme had been shaped through extensive heritage analysis and design development.

"The shared vision for the Site by the project team has culminated in a scheme which successfully breathes life back into a historic site while delivering upon the objectives of Victoria's Housing Statement in a carefully curated and contextually responsive manner."

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7263b7d8-95ea-400f-9531-6ca7d22c3c33" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.png?VersionId=4cR1tiWOsDpgxEOwZi5vVFcyvvOsYkIE" />

The proposal is being assessed under Victoria's Significant Residential Development with Affordable Housing pathway. As part of the application, three per cent of the project's residential development cost would be contributed to the Social Housing Growth Fund. The development would also provide a diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom residences targeting a broader range of buyers than typically found in Surrey Hills' detached housing market.

Sustainability initiatives include an anticipated 66 per cent BESS score, natural cross-ventilation to 80 per cent of apartments, 28 per cent deep soil landscaping and a canopy cover outcome exceeding local planning requirements. The proposal also sets aside more than 1,083 sqm for communal indoor and outdoor resident amenity spaces.

<img alt="First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33fad46f-fe26-4d0a-acfd-6b776e1c6a3d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Untitled%20design.png?VersionId=D9F6WVSyYCtGvSUmith35LRp6R7PQkw_" />

Planning documents describe the property as one of the largest underutilised residential sites in Surrey Hills, arguing it presents a rare opportunity to introduce "missing middle" housing in an established inner-eastern suburb while preserving and revitalising a significant heritage precinct.

Antipodean Land Developments has built a reputation for design-focused residential projects across Melbourne, particularly in the medium-density sector. Previous developments include Neighbourhood in Brunswick East, delivered with Breathe Architecture, and Balfe Park Lane, designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects.

They've been very active in site acquisition as they build out their future development pipeline. They recently launched Thornubury House, 45 apartments above a mix of commercial, retail, and food and beverage tenancies, and have plans for a boutique project in Fitzroy and another <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/antipodean-plan-apartments-for-deepdenes-missing-middle-on-whitehorse-road">"missing middle" project</a> on Deepdene's Whitehorse Road.

Joel Robinson

First look: Antipodean Land Developments plans heritage-led apartment community in Surrey Hills

Developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/auyin-property-development">Auyin</a> is the latest to turn to the Victorian Government's Development Facilitation Program in an effort to secure approval for its long-planned, mixed-use project in Elsternwick.

In 2018, Auyin lodged plans with Glen Eira City Council for a 14-storey building, however Council approved a reduced eight-storey scheme. A subsequent VCAT appeal in 2019 upheld the eight-storey height limit.

The project was later amended to nine storeys, but Auyin is now seeking to revive something closer to its original vision. The developer argues that the planning context has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly within the Elsternwick Activity Centre, where higher-density development has increasingly been encouraged along Glen Huntly Road.

The proposal would transform the 1,239 sqm site at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/7-12-horne-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">7-15 Horne Street</a>, opposite Elsternwick Railway Station, into a 13-storey residential and retail development designed by CBG Architects, with 40 apartments

The site currently comprises three commercial properties.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f465dd4-509b-4082-a669-0253b313914b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20podium.png?VersionId=72frWi0SmQ5AVJ3ARRhX5ILUYObhTm7x" />

The proposed apartment mix comprises 25 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom residences above 200 sqm of retail space at ground level. Residents would have access to a 90 sqm wellness facility, a 351 sqm communal indoor and outdoor terrace on the third level, and extensive landscaped areas throughout the development. A publicly accessible 135 sqm plaza would be created on the north-east corner of the site, providing seating, landscaping, and a new gathering space adjoining Horne Street.

The design adopts a four-storey podium that references the finer-grain character of the surrounding streetscape, with the upper tower recessed behind generous setbacks on all boundaries.

<img alt="First look: 13-storey mixed-use tower planned for Elsternwick activity centre" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e637e763-2abc-4c34-a0aa-5c7ad36fae18" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/elsternwick%20open.png?VersionId=J1AoOpZgTyaF.KeeFSX6lMjEScX8KKRi" />

A key element of the proposal is the reconfiguration and widening of the surrounding laneways. Vehicle access would be retained from Lois Lane, with upgraded pedestrian connections linking Ross Street and Horne Street. The development would provide 58 residential car spaces, two retail car spaces, and 52 bicycle spaces across two basement levels and ground-floor facilities.

Architecturally, the building draws inspiration from the established character of Elsternwick Village. The façade combines dark charcoal brickwork, textured concrete, bronze-toned metal detailing, and extensive planting integrated into podium and tower levels. The design also incorporates a chamfered corner treatment and publicly accessible plaza intended to strengthen pedestrian activity around the station precinct.

Elsternwick's last new development completion was&nbsp;EVA Elsternwick by Pitard late last year. <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/milieu-property">Milieu</a> is working away on its nature-led neighbourhood, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick-vic-3185">Elsternwick Gardens</a>, on Gordon Street, with its first stage expected to complete next year.

First look: Auyin seeks mixed-use apartment project in growing Elsternwick Activity Centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/otium-parkdale-123-125-como-parade-east-parkdale-vic-3195">Otium Parkdale</a>, the 13-residence boutique development by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/huxtable-property">Huxtable Property</a>, has entered its final stages of delivery, with completion expected within the coming month and more than half of the residences sold.

The Como Parade East project is nearing the finish line at a time when opportunities to purchase new apartments in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parkdale-vic-3195">Parkdale</a> remain exceptionally limited. Fewer than 10 per cent of dwellings in the bayside suburb are apartments, making developments like Otium a relatively rare addition to a market traditionally dominated by detached housing.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5427]

The three-level development comprises 13 residences, including ten two-bedroom apartments and three larger three-bedroom homes, all positioned above a secure basement car park.

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/almeida-architects">Almeida Architects</a> with a strong connection to its coastal surroundings, Otium combines red brick, exposed concrete and dark metal detailing with integrated landscaping and greenery. Expansive glazing, generous balconies and terraces have been incorporated throughout the design to maximise natural light and reinforce indoor-outdoor living.

Inside, the residences feature engineered European oak flooring, natural and reconstituted stone benchtops, Bosch kitchen appliances, ducted heating and cooling, lift access and secure entry systems. The larger three-bedroom residences on the upper level have been designed with house-like proportions, while the two-bedroom apartments prioritise functionality, flexibility and low-maintenance living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134974 project_image_fid=5421]

The project is now in its final stages, with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/labco">Labco</a> completing the remaining landscaping and external finishing works following the completion of the residences' interiors.

Otium's location within the heart of Parkdale continues to underpin its appeal. Residents will be just steps from local cafés, restaurants, shops and the newly elevated Parkdale Station, while the beach is less than a kilometre away.

With the project tracking ahead of schedule, buyers can currently secure a residence with a five per cent deposit and benefit from settlement terms of up to eight months. The advanced stage of construction also provides buyers with the opportunity to walk through the near-complete residences and experience the quality and finishes firsthand ahead of completion.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=134974]

Otium Parkdale enters final month before completion as rare apartment opportunity nears sellout

A new boutique apartment development is entering the market in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chermside-qld-4032">Chermside</a>, with Brisbane-based developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ausdev">Ausdev</a> bringing 33 residences to a well-connected pocket of Brisbane's north.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/parkdrive-apartments-chermside-25-sammells-drive-chermside-qld-4032">Parkdrive Apartments</a>, at 25 Sammells Drive, will comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences positioned within walking distance of Westfield Chermside, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Bradbury Park.

Established in 1989, Ausdev has a long-standing presence across both development and construction, with Parkdrive Apartments representing its latest residential project in Brisbane's northern suburbs.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363778]

The development has been designed around open-plan living and natural light, with residences featuring stone benchtops, timber cabinetry, BOSCH appliances, and private balconies that extend the living areas outdoors.

Kitchens are positioned as the centrepiece of the homes, incorporating natural material palettes and integrated appliances, while bathrooms have been designed with a focus on functionality and understated finishes.

Residents will have access to a communal barbecue and entertaining area on Level 3, providing shared outdoor space within the development. Secure parking and lift access are also incorporated into the building.

The project will deliver a limited collection of 33 apartments, with one-bedroom residences priced from $749,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152125 project_image_fid=363782]

Beyond the building itself, the location places residents within easy reach of several of Chermside's key amenities. Bradbury Park is around 350 metres away, while Westfield Chermside is approximately 1.3 kilometres from the site. The Prince Charles Hospital is located within 750 metres, and the Chermside Bus Interchange is around 1.5 kilometres away, providing connections across Brisbane.

Parkdrive Apartments adds to the growing residential pipeline in Chermside, a suburb that continues to evolve as a major retail, healthcare, and transport hub for Brisbane's north.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152125]

Ausdev introduces boutique Parkdrive Apartments to Chermside's growing centre

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/skymark-group">Skymark</a>'s boutique Cronulla development Solis has secured a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy through Resilience Insurance, providing buyers of the 16-residence building on Ewos Parade with structural and waterproofing protection that extends a decade beyond the building's completion.

Currently under construction and due for completion in late 2027, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/solis-cronulla-8-ewos-parade-cronulla-nsw-2230">Solis</a> is one of a small number of new developments in the Sutherland Shire to carry Resilience LDI coverage, a distinction that carries increasing weight as buyer confidence in the off-the-plan sector continues to be shaped by how developers stand behind their product.

Latent Defects Insurance, which entered the Australian market in 2022 when Resilience Insurance was approved to offer the cover, protects buyers against major structural or waterproofing defects for ten years post-completion. Unlike traditional statutory warranties, it operates as a first-resort policy, if a covered defect arises, the insurer responds directly, without the buyer needing to pursue the builder or developer through a lengthy claims process.

Resilience Insurance CEO Corey Nugent has noted that the product addresses something fundamental to the new apartment market.

"The overarching feedback from prospective buyers in the new development space is that they want more confidence and assurances around the quality of the build," Nugent says.

"Resilience Insurance Latent Defects Insurance not only gives them complete peace of mind for 10 years, but it shows the developer they are buying from is standing by their product."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370898]

For Solis, the Resilience LDI policy adds a meaningful layer of accountability to an already considered project. The development comprises nine two-bedroom and seven three-bedroom residences, including one dual-level three-bedroom apartment, across a five-storey building on Ewos Parade, positioned between Shelly Beach and South Cronulla.

Garden apartments connect directly to private landscaped courtyards, while upper-level homes capture beach views to the east from level four and above.&nbsp;

All 16 residences include at least one balcony or courtyard, and select apartments on the upper floors feature bar areas and secondary flexible living spaces.

Hiba Sander, Managing Director of Skymark, says Solis offers a rare balance, nestled between the quiet beauty of secluded beaches and the lively charm of South Cronulla's esplanade.

"It's a place to choose your pace and live gracefully, seaside'," Sander says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370900]

The architecture, designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/ida-design-group">IDA Design Group</a>'s Michael Trinh, draws from the natural erosion patterns of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/cronulla-nsw-2230">Cronulla</a>'s sandstone headlands, translating the organic forms of the coastline into soft curves, pavilion-style massing, and a material palette chosen for longevity in a salt-tinged environment.&nbsp;

Textured natural stone, soft renders, and timber-look battens reference the tones of the surrounding cliffs, while the building has been oriented to maximise natural light and passive ventilation, with primary living spaces facing north and east to capture morning sun and sea breezes.

"At Solis, our aim was to create architecture that feels quietly confident, grounded in natural materials like stone and timber, and elevated by light and landscape," Trinh says.&nbsp;

"The buildings are designed to sit gently within their coastal surrounds, with expansive glazing and abundant greenery creating a seamless dialogue between inside and out."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370897]

Interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/hot-black">Hot Black</a> carry the same material language through to every room. Kitchens feature integrated Gaggenau appliances, sculpted stone benchtops, and Lo &amp; Co joinery, while bathrooms feature natural stone, timber, and brushed metal finishes.&nbsp;

Hot Black Founder and Design Director Sophie Safrin describes the intent as one of considered restraint: "At Solis, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat, calm, refined, and effortlessly liveable. From natural finishes to seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Solis offers a quiet elegance that's deeply connected to its surroundings.

The landscape, designed by Julian Brady of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/sitedesignstudios">Site Design Studios</a>, treats green space as an integral part of the resident experience rather than an afterthought.&nbsp;

"Gentle curves and layered native plantings mirror the ebb and flow of the ocean," Julian Brady says, "creating a serene connection between architecture and place."&nbsp;

Coco Republic has provided bespoke furniture packages tailored to the project's coastal palette.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150499 project_image_fid=370899]

Skymark has an established track record in the Sutherland Shire, with a portfolio spanning Cronulla, Woolooware and Burraneer that includes Isla, Sylva, Bask, Shells, Sula and Mist. Securing LDI on Solis reflects a broader shift in how the developer is positioning its buildings to buyers, at a time when Resilience Insurance expects the policy to become mandatory in New South Wales by 2028.

Sales at Solis are launching soon through Ray White Projects, with an official event scheduled for 11 June. Enquire for more information.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150499]

Skymark takes out 10-year Resilience Insurance LDI at Solis Cronulla

Mortgage Rates

RBA Governor Philip Lowe&#39;s meeting statement

At its meeting today, the Board decided to maintain the current policy settings, including the targets of 10&nbsp;basis points for the cash rate and the yield on the 3-year Australian Government bond, as well as the parameters of the Term Funding Facility and the government bond purchase program.

The global economy is continuing to recover from the pandemic and the outlook is for strong growth this year and next. The recovery remains uneven, though, and some countries are yet to contain the virus. Global trade in goods has picked up strongly and commodity prices are mostly higher than at the start of the year. However, inflation remains low and below central bank targets.

Sovereign bond yields have been steady recently after increasing earlier in the year due to the positive news on vaccines and the additional fiscal stimulus in the United States. Inflation expectations have lifted from near record lows to be closer to central banks&#39; targets. The 3-year government bond yield in Australia is at the Board&#39;s target of 10&nbsp;basis points and lending rates for most borrowers are at record lows. The Australian dollar remains in the upper end of the range of recent years.

The economic recovery in Australia has been stronger than expected and is forecast to continue. This recovery is especially evident in the strong growth in employment, with the unemployment rate falling further to 5.6&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in March and the number of people with a job now exceeding the pre-pandemic level.

The Bank&#39;s central scenario for GDP growth has been revised up further, with growth of 4&frac34;&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent expected over 2021 and 3&frac12;&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent over 2022. A pick-up in business investment is expected and household spending will be supported by the strengthening in balance sheets over the past year. The unemployment rate is expected to continue to decline, to be around 5&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent at the end of this year and around 4&frac12;&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent at the end of 2022.

Despite the strong recovery in economic activity, the recent CPI data confirmed that inflation pressures remain subdued in most parts of the Australian economy. A pick-up in inflation and wages growth is expected, but it is likely to be only gradual and modest. In the central scenario, inflation in underlying terms is expected to be 1&frac12;&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in 2021 and 2&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in mid&nbsp;2023. In the short term, CPI inflation is expected to rise temporarily to be above 3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in the June quarter because of the reversal of some&nbsp;COVID-19-related price reductions.

Housing markets have strengthened further, with prices rising in all major markets. Housing credit growth has picked up, with strong demand from owner-occupiers, especially first-home buyers. Given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the Bank will be monitoring trends in housing borrowing carefully and it is important that lending standards are maintained.

At its July meeting, the Board will consider whether to retain the April 2024 bond as the target bond for the 3-year yield target or to shift to the next maturity, the November 2024 bond. The Board is not considering a change to the target of 10&nbsp;basis points. At the July meeting, the Board will also consider future bond purchases following the completion of the second $100&nbsp;billion of purchases under the government bond purchase program in September. The Board is prepared to undertake further bond purchases to assist with progress towards the goals of full employment and inflation. The Board places a high priority on a return to full employment.

The date for final drawings under the Term Funding Facility is 30&nbsp;June 2021. Given that financial markets in Australia are operating well, the Board is not considering a further extension of this facility. Authorised deposit-taking institutions have drawn $100&nbsp;billion so far and a further $100&nbsp;billion is currently available. Given the facility provides funding for 3&nbsp;years, it will continue to support low funding costs in Australia until mid&nbsp;2024.

The Board is committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions to support a return to full employment in Australia and inflation consistent with the target. It will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the 2&nbsp;to 3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent target range. For this to occur, the labour market will need to be tight enough to generate wages growth that is materially higher than it is currently. This is unlikely to be until 2024 at the earliest.

The RBA kept the official cash rate at record lows at its May meeting

Housing markets strengthen further in all major markets: RBA Governor Philip Lowe's May 2021 meeting statement

The RBA maintained its current policy settings at its May meeting, keeping the official cash rate at a record low 0.1 per cent.

RBA governor Philip Lowe said housing markets have strengthened further, with prices rising in all major markets.

&quot;Housing credit growth has picked up, with strong demand from owner-occupiers, especially first-home buyers,&quot; Mr Lowe said.

&quot;Given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the Bank will be monitoring trends in housing borrowing carefully and it is important that lending standards are maintained.&quot;

The RBA stood by their view that rates won&#39;t likely change until 2024. Around&nbsp;65 per cent of experts surveyed in Finder&#39;s monthly RBA Cash Rate Survey believe there won&#39;t be any rate change until 2023.

AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver is one who believes a rate change will come before 2024.

&quot;While&nbsp;the economy is recovering faster than expected, the RBA is still a long way away from seeing its stated requirements for a rate hike &ndash; being a tight jobs market, wages growth well above 3% and actual inflation sustainably within the 2-3% target range,&quot; Oliver said.

&quot;A rate hike is still a fair way off although I think it will come before the RBA&rsquo;s expectation for &lsquo;2024 at the earliest&rsquo;.&rdquo;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=3298]

The clear&nbsp;message from the RBA however&nbsp;hasn&#39;t stopped banks changing their fixed rates, with Westpac, including their subsidiary banks including St George, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA, lifting their four-year fixed from 1.89 per cent to 2.19 per cent. They also raised their five-year fixed to 2.49 per cent.

The four-year rise copied the move by CBA in March, however CBA reduced its one and two-year fixed rates at the same time.

UHomeLoan also raised their three-year fixed by 10 basis points to 1.85 per cent.

&ldquo;This sudden wave of lenders increasing longer-term rates and decreasing shorter-term rates reveals a strategy to lock their customers in for shorter time periods,&quot; Graham Cooke, insights manager at Finder said.

&ldquo;This can be seen as a bet on variable rates increasing sooner than expected. It also reveals that the tide could be turning on our historically low fixed home loan rate environment.&quot;

AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver is one who believes a rate change will come before 2024.

RBA hold rates at May meeting

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Westpac have followed ANZ and NAB and cut their two and three year fixed mortgage rates for new owner-occupiers.

They now have the lowest two year fixed rate on the market at 1.79 per cent, having chopped 20 basis points from their record-low 1.99 per cent offering.

Westpac's three year rate has seen an 11 basis point cut, now at 1.88 per cent.

The rates are only for owner-occupiers paying principal and interest with an LVR ratio of 70 per cent or less.

The two year investor fixed rates have also been cut by 0.2 per cent.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22584]

RateCity.com.au database shows that 57 lenders now have home loan rates under two per cent, including three of the big four banks.

“Westpac has thrown down the gauntlet to its competitors today proving there’s still heat in the fixed rate market.” RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall said.

“While we’re nearing the bottom of the rate cycle, provided the cash rates remains above zero, it’s likely there’ll be more cuts in the weeks to come as banks compete for the record levels of new lending coming through the door.

“Lenders are currently in a strong position to offer low fixed rates, which also have the benefit of locking a customer in for the fixed term.

“Westpac is now offering the lowest 2 year fixed rate, and was already offering the lowest 4-year fixed rate in the market – an unusual position for a big four bank.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2772]

Tindall says home loans at the nation's largest lender, Commonwealth Bank, are starting to look outdated, with just one fixed rate under 2 per cent.

“Westpac group is reserving its sharpest rates for people who own at least 30 per cent of their home.

“Property price rises aren’t just helpful for people planning to sell. If you’ve had your home loan for a few years you might find you have more equity than you think and qualify for one of these low-rate loans."
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RateCity.com.au database shows that 57 lenders now have home loan rates under two per cent, including three of the big four banks.

Westpac offer lowest two-year fixed rate mortgage after cutting home loans

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UBank, a subsidiary of NAB, has announced the new lowest fixed rate in Australia – 1.75 per cent for three years.

But customers will have to be quick, with the rate set to expire in a little over a month.

The three-year fixed rate is 0.13 per cent below the next lowest fixed rate and 1.34 per cent lower than the average existing owner-occupier rate of 3.09 per cent (RBA data).

UBank has also cut its other fixed rates by up to 0.35 per cent for new customers.

There are now 53 lenders offering at least one fixed or variable rate under 2 per cent on over 120 different home loans, according to RateCity.com.au data.

RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall said while the RBA was set to keep rates on hold, competition between lenders was still driving home loan rates down.

“Lenders have been offering home loan rates under 2 per cent since June last year, yet thousands of existing mortgage holders seem content with the idea of paying a rate starting with a ‘3’,” she said.

<img alt="" height="459" src="https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/cheaper_fixed_rates_urban.jpg" width="1200"> Source: RateCity.com.au

“UBank’s decision to offer a market-leading rate for just over a month is designed to get people to act.

“Putting an expiry date on this deal could help combat complacency among mortgage holders.

“Mortgage holders suffering from inertia are likely to be getting fleeced,” she said.

“Fixed rates are typically less flexible than variable ones, so if you want access to an offset account and unlimited repayments, you might look at splitting your loan or consider a variable rate loan,” she said.
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UBank, a subsidiary of NAB, has announced the new lowest fixed rate in Australia – 1.75 per cent for three years.

UBank announce Australia's lowest fixed rate home loan

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While it's possible to borrow money at significantly lower rates than reported here, mortgage rates have nudged higher over the last couple of months. 
Government bond yields have also crept steadily higher. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/09/RBA1.png" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/02/09/RBA1.png" alt="">
In fact the 10-year bond yield had dropped well below 2 percent in the second half of 2016, but has since staged a strong rebound to sit around 2.70 percent. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/09/RBA2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/09/RBA2.jpg" alt="">
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">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">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
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Mortgage rates nudge higher: Pete Wargent

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According to the latest housing finance data release for March 2017 there was $33.2 billion in finance commitments over the month. 
The monthly value of commitments increased by 0.9 percent to be 5.3 percent higher year-on-year. 
While the value of commitments to investors has slowed over recent months, owner occupier demand lifted slightly in March 2017.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/chart-1-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/24/chart-1-2.jpg" alt="">
The data shows that in March 2017, the $33.2 billion in housing finance commitments comprised of $20.2 billion to owner occupiers and $13.0 billion to investors. 
The value of owner occupier commitments increased by 0.9 percent over the month to be at its highest level since June 2016. 
Investor demand also rose over the month, up 0.8 percent however, it remains well below levels from a few months ago. 
Looking at recent monthly data it suggests that demand from owner occupiers has been reasonably steady while the level of demand from investors has eased. 
Keep in mind that this data pre-dates the most recent policy announcement from APRA; over the coming months there are likely to be a number of headwinds for investors in the form of: higher mortgage rates, reduced availability of interest-only lending and changes to depreciation benefits for plant and equipment on investment property for new purchases. 
Given this we would expect that investor demand is likely to fall further over the coming months.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/chart-2-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/24/chart-2-2.jpg" alt="">
Owner occupier demand continues to be fueled by purchases of established housing stock while refinance activity continues to fade. 
The $20.2 billion in housing finance commitments to owner occupiers consisted of $1.8 billion for construction of dwellings, $1.1 billion for purchase of new dwellings, $6.1 billion for refinancing of established dwellings and $11.1 billion for purchase of other established dwellings. 
The value of lending for construction and purchase of new dwellings has remained at fairly consistent levels over the past year and a half. 
The value of refinancing has been trending lower since it peaked in December 2015 and it is now at its lowest level since July 2015. 
At the same time, demand for purchases of established dwellings is trending higher and is at its highest level since September 2015.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/chart-3-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/24/chart-3-2.jpg" alt="">
Mortgage demand from investors overwhelmingly comes from investors buying established housing rather than new housing. 
The $13.0 billion worth of commitments in March 2017 consisted of $1.1 billion from construction of dwellings and $11.9 billion from established housing. 
The $1.1 billion in commitments for construction was 6.1 percent higher over the month while the $11.9 billion for established housing is 0.3 percent higher over the month. 
The value of lending for investors for established housing is now down -4.6 percent from its most recent peak two months ago and -12.5 percent lower than its historic peak in April 2015.
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/05/24/chart-4-2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/05/24/chart-4-2.jpg" alt="">
Comparing established housing to new housing continues to show that the bulk of housing demand is coming from established housing stock. 
Over the month, 85 percent of mortgage demand (excluding refinances) was for established housing stock ($23.0 billion) with the remaining 15 percent ($4.0 billion) for new housing stock.
The data is pointing to ongoing weaker demand from the investor segment of the market and refinances from owner occupiers slowing while demand from owner occupiers for established housing stock is trending higher. 
With the lending environment continuing to change, particularly for investors, we would expect that demand from investors will continue to wane. 
Higher interest rates, the rationing of the availability of interest-only lending and reduced negative gearing benefits is likely to weigh on investor demand over the coming months.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/">here</a>.
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Investor mortgage demand continues to wane: Cameron Kusher

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GUEST OBSERVER
CoreLogic’s Accumulation Index looks at the total returns from the housing asset class factoring in the change in the value of the dwelling and the gross rental return from the property.
The CoreLogic Accumulation Index shows that nationally, the total returns from the housing asset class over the 12 months to August 2017 were 13.2%.  Because the return is calculated from value change as well as the gross rental yield, you tend to find that houses have a superior value growth performance while units offer superior rental returns.  
Over the past year, total returns for houses nationally have been recorded at 13.5% compared to a 12.0% return for units.  Over the 10 years to August 2017, the annual total returns for housing nationally have been recorded at 8.8%, split between 8.9% for houses and 8.5% for units.
<h3 class="text-align-center">Annual total returns from the housing asset class, National</h3>
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/2017-09-18-image1.png" alt="">
Total housing returns have generally been superior in capital cities to regional markets however, in the 2008 and 2010-11 downturns, returns slumped by a greater magnitude in the capital cities.  Over the past decade, combined capital city annual total returns have been recorded at 9.3% with returns of 9.5% for houses and 9.0% for units.  Over the 12 months to August 2017, total returns have been recorded at 14.0% for houses and 12.3% for units.  Like the national chart, the recent data for the combined capital cities shows that total returns have started to slow.
<h3 class="text-align-center">Annual total returns from the housing asset class, combined capital cities</h3>
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/2017-09-18-image2.png" alt="">
Regional markets are also beginning to see total returns slow however, the returns over recent years have generally not been as strong as those across the combined capital cities.  Over the past 12 months, total returns have been recorded at 11.7% for houses and 10.2% for units.  Over the past decade, annual total returns for housing outside of the capital cities have been recorded at 7.0%, 7.2% for houses and 5.6% for units.
<h3 class="text-align-center">Annual total returns from the housing asset class, combined regional markets</h3>
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/2017-09-18-image3.png" alt="">
Hobart has recorded the strongest annual growth of all capital cities over the past year and it also has some of the highest rental yields which has meant it has had the strongest total returns.  Total returns for houses over the past year have been above 10% in each of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra.  For units, double-digit total returns have been achieved over the past year in each of Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart.  Units in Darwin were the only capital city property type to achieve negative returns over the past year.
<h3 class="text-align-center">Annual total returns from the housing asset class, individual capital cities, to Aug-17</h3>
Click to enlarge
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/09/20/2017-09-18-image4.png" alt="">
With capital growth now appearing to have peaked and rental yields at record lows it is reasonable to expect a further moderating of total returns over the coming months.  
The other important thing to consider when looking at total returns is the calculation of the rental income.  Although rents are increasing in many areas, the assumption in a gross rental yield calculation is that the property is occupied for 52 weeks of the year.  In some parts of the country this is increasingly difficult to achieve and it can eat into the investment returns.
The total returns data, particularly for the past decade, shows why housing investment has been so popular and hit record highs.  
Returns have been fairly consistent and less volatile than equities however, the ongoing strength and the evidence of a recent slowdown should give investors pause for thought.  
With mortgage rates starting to increase for investors, record-high levels of new housing supply and value growth slowing, housing investors shouldn’t assume that the types of returns seen over recent years will continue to be replicated going forward.
Cameron Kusher is research analyst for CoreLogic. You can contact him <a href="https://blog.corelogic.com.au/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.
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Total returns from housing are starting to ease: Cameron Kusher

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Through 2008, outstanding loans to households by Australia's banks totalled less than $700 billion.  The final 2016 numbers are not yet plugged into the chart below, but the monthly banking statistics suggest that the total by the end of the year will exceed $1.5 trillion. 
Australia has experienced strong population growth during this period, but nevertheless outstanding housing debt has been compounding at around 9 percent per annum. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/28/A1.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/28/A1.jpg" alt="">
Such a strong pace of increase in household debt is bound to be reflected in housing market conditions one way or another, and in Australia's case the result has been price increases in Sydney and Melbourne. 
This dynamic since the financial crisis has been arousing the interest of short sellers, including from overseas. 
Although house prices have declined in Perth, Darwin, and parts of regional Queensland in particular, to date the most heavily populated markets have held up well. 
If anything, housing market sentimen<a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/deuces-are-wild">t</a> seems to be improved in Sydney and Melbourne again at the beginning of 2017. 
Changes to the lending environment
Regulators have encouraged several tweaks to lending criteria over the years since the financial crisis first erupted. 
"Low-doc" loans, once fairly commonplace, today only comprise a small share of the mortgage market, while 100 per cent mortgages have thankfully gone the same way.
In fact, new mortgages today overwhelmingly have a loan to value ratio (LVR) of 90 per cent or lower, although in reality many borrowers have used equity from existing properties to fund their deposits. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/28/A3.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/28/A3.jpg" alt="">
Lending standards in Australia are higher than they were, but on some measures remain concerning.
For example, the share of interest only loans remains high by international standards, despite having declined from somewhat alarming levels in 2015. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/28/A2.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/28/A2.jpg" alt="">
ASIC had previously reported that about two in three investor loans in Australia were interest only mortgages, and around a quarter of owner occupier loans - with the repayment typically increasing when the interest only period ends. 
Shorting: what and when
Short sellers rarely bet on house prices directly, rather they tend to be interested in the outcomes of a market downturn (and housing markets are necessarily always cyclical). 
Some will sell the stock of banks, others will look at developers or home building companies, materials companies, retailers of household goods, financiers, or the institutions that insure mortgages. 
Alternatively some may look at buying Australian government bonds, while one of the cleanest and potentially profitable ways to bet against the housing market might be to short the Australian dollar, which at 76.7 US cents arguably still has plenty of downside. 
Timing short bets is important
Maintaining short positions can be costly in terms of interest or dividend obligations, while opportunity cost of suboptimal market timing is another factor to be considered. 
There has been plenty of discussion of the potential impact of an apartment glut in Australia, but in the case of both Melbourne and Sydney accelerating population growth appears to be absorbed much of the new supply to date, although tens of thousands of apartments remain under construction.
The potential for non-resident buyers defaulting on apartment settlements has been another salient risk closely watched by sceptics, though to date news of any fallout appears to have been relatively contained.  
One market risk which cannot so easily be quantified is the potential for defaults in the scenario whereby mortgage rates increase, prices in secondary and lower socio-demographic areas decline, and a swathe of interest only loans reach the end of their interest only period. 
Maths can get ugly
Anyone who had a standard variable rate mortgage in 2009 at above 8 percent will recall that principle and interest repayments could be excruciatingly difficult.
Consider that a homeowner with a $600,000 interest only mortgage at 4.5 percent today might be paying only ~$2,250 per month, whereas as and when the mortgage flips to principal and interest, were the mortgage rate to have increased to 6 percent the repayments could be more than 50 percent higher, even on a 30 year product.
Mortgage repayment calculators don't always give the option to calculate what would happen in a 7 percent scenario, but the answer on a 30 year product might be a potentially punishing ~$4,000 per month. 
With the amount of outstanding interest only debt having increased at an unprecedented pace through this cycle it's not too hard to analyse when this market risk will arise, and in turn which areas might see defaults increase. 
The most successful shorters will be those that can combine market timing with bets lined up against those companies with the most vulnerable financials. 
The big players
Market participants will be well aware of the attractive mortgage rates that the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has been offering lately, and in turn the growth in the CBA investor mortgage book looks likely to bump up against the notional 10 percent per annum cap set by the regulator APRA.
Unfortunately for analysts the market data reported for investor loans has been muddied by reclassifications from investor to owner-occupier loans.
For example, the Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC) switched more than $21 billion of loans between July and October 2015 taking outstanding investor credit down from $156 billion to $135 billion and in turn causing its year-on-year growth in outstanding investor credit to appear negative for some time. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/28/A5.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/28/A5.jpg" alt="">
Despite the reclassification Westpac retains the greatest balance of outstanding investor loans, while Commonwealth has the largest total of outstanding household mortgage debt, although the quality of loans rather than the volume is what should be of interest to analysts. 
Investors today typically pay higher mortgage rates than owner-occupiers, with further tweaks a possibility in 2017. 
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2017/02/28/A4.jpg" target="_blank">Click to enlarge</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/02/28/A4.jpg" alt="">
What shorters should really be paying attention to is which financiers, insurers and developers have been active in the highest risk markets, areas which have been discussed here on this blog previously. 
Prospective borrowers should take into account the likelihood that mortgage rates may move higher over the years ahead. 
PETE WARGENT is the co-founder of <a href="https://allenwargent.com/">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) and a best-selling author and <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/">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">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>.
 
 
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Outstanding housing debt has been compounding: Pete Wargent

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<div>The Reserve Bank released its Board Meeting Minutes today for June 2018. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>I noted the other day that there was an addition in June relating to declining mortgage rates on outstanding loans. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>It was interesting to note that in today's release the wording was given a little tweak to add a bit more clarity, suggesting that mortgage rates on new housing are no longer falling. </div>
 
<div class="separator"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUa5IBHKl30/Wyi8hJGD8LI/AAAAAAAAqqQ/uOGb4cMNgIYJvLI3hzpxqcC0W1ZQETVaQCLcBGAs/s400/RBA%2BTweak.jpg" width="392" height="400" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="704"></div>
 
<div>There was a bit of discussion about the positive impacts of immigration on the ageing population. Australia has experienced strong population growth over the past decade. Thanks to young migrants, notably the median age had declined in New South Wales and Victoria. There was a murmur of excitement due to there being no direct reference to the next move in rates being up.</div>
<div> </div>
<div>Not sure I'd read too much into that personally, although currency markets flickered a little!</div>
<div> </div>
<div>There was also a reference to wages being 'low and stable' which isn't wording that exactly screams imminent tightening, although there is reportedly some evidence of wage pressures in parts of the economy. </div>
<div> </div>
<div>In any event, reality is dawning on financial markets, with RBA meeting overnight indexed swaps looking increasingly skinny and now not pricing in a hike until 2020. </div>
 
<div class="separator"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DKhJxLca4W0/Wyi8IWgEHSI/AAAAAAAAqqI/S7QL7LzI-4kS9hTrJTk-Uw1HH1ntXiVTQCLcBGAs/s640/OIS.jpg" width="640" height="406" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="1240"></div>
 
<div>Source: Martin Whetton, ANZ</div>
 And a lot might change between now and 2020 - including the government. As you were.
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Financial markets now not pricing in a cash rate hike until 2020: Pete Wargent

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Demand for fixed rate home loans fell in February, according to new data from Mortgage Choice.
The broker's latest national home loan approval data showed demand for fixed rate home loans fell over the month of February, accounting for 22.82% of loans - a reduction of 1.05% from the month prior.
Demand for fixed rate loans had picked up in the latter half of 2018, in what may have been a response to rate hikes on variable home loan products.
Mortgage Choice found that borrower preference varied across the country :
<ul>
<li>Borrowers in Queensland were the most likely to fix their interest rate, with over 25% opting for a fixed rate home loan; </li>
<li>This was followed by New South Wales where over 24% of borrowers chose to fix their home loans; </li>
<li>In South Australia 22% of borrowers opted for a fixed rate mortgage;</li>
<li>In Western Australia 20% of borrowers chose to fix;</li>
<li>And Victorians continue to prefer variable rate home loans with almost 17% choosing to fix their home loans.</li>
</ul>
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Mortgage Choice Chief Executive Officer Susan Mitchell (pictured above) said a number of reasons may be discouraging borrowers from locking in to a fixed rate.
“Mounting speculation that the Reserve Bank may cut the official cash rate later this year may be weighing on borrower expectations around interest rates. These borrowers, who are expecting interest rates to fall in the near term may be less inclined to lock in to a fixed rate,” said Mitchell. 
“Borrowers’ caution may be compounded by continued property price falls in the nation’s capitals which, according to the latest figures from CoreLogic fell 0.9% in the month of February. 
“In the current property market, it is unsurprising to see an increase in demand for variable rate loan products. These loans are more flexible and allow borrowers to make added loan repayments, access home loan features such as an offset account and redraw facility, and of course save on their loan repayments if their interest rate drops.
“That being said, fixed rate loans are still an attractive option to people who are looking for certainty in their home loan repayments.  This is particularly important at a time when there is considerable uncertainty in the market.
“Fixed rate loans may be a suitable option for borrowers who foresee a potential change to their income or, budget constraints.
“At present, there are many deals to be had for those looking to lock in a fixed rate, with two-year fixed rate loans on our lender panel as low as 3.69% p.a.* it’s a great time to review your home loan.
“My advice for anyone looking to have the best of both worlds is to speak to their mortgage broker about splitting their loan, which allows a borrower to allocate a proportion of the loan to a fixed interest rate, and a proportion to a variable interest rate depending on their financial situation.”
* NAB First Home Buyers Special 2 Year Choice Fixed Rate OO P&amp;I accurate at 8 March 2019
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/14/1.jpg" target="_blank">Click here</a> to enlarge:
 <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/14/1.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2019/3/14/2.jpg" target="_blank">Click here </a>to enlarge:
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2019/3/14/2.jpg" alt="">
Source: Mortgage Choice
 
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