News & Views
More incentives for builders
New home sale figures have not jumped as anticipated with the introduction of the federal government's stimulus package. There could be a number of reasons for this - the current global credit crisis, the rising unemployment figures and consumer confidence.
2009 - what to expect
In Michael McNamara's latest column - 2009 is here so what is on the cards - he discusses the changing dynamcis of the market and whether we will see a big shift from shares to property.
Tipping the balance
Is there a certain stage as a renter that you say enough is enough and you decide that your next move is to purchase a home? Recent research from RP Data shows that nationally over the past three years the average weekly rental rate for a house has jumped by a third. As an example, three years ago the average Sydney house could be rented for $261 per week. Today, the average weekly rents have increased by 25 per cent.
How much further will interest rates fall?
We are now reaching ground that hasn't been trodden on for many years - interest rates declining in three months to the same level they were before six years of increases. So will this be the end of it or, as many commentators are predicting, will they fall even further? Most are predicting another 100 basis points decrease by next February!
We can now buy a house!
This sentiment is now being echoed by first home buyers across Australia in the wake of the increased First Home Owners Grant. Although encouraged by the drop of the cash rate by 1 per cent in the past week and with the banks passing most of this on to consumers, it is still a hard road to hoe for many first home buyers. The Federal Government may have increased the First Home Owners Grant to $14,000 (for all first home buyers) and to $21,000 for those buying a new home as their first home, but is this going to be enough?
Australian Property News
Assumed first homebuyer profile not right
Recent reports have suggested that first homebuyers would be put off buying a property due to rising interest rates but Grow Consulting Group doesn't believe that's the case.
Fringe suburbs deliver top growth
Affordable fringe suburbs have delivered the fastest growth in property prices in Australiaâs capital cities over the past decade, RP Data research reveals.
Units might need TV signal distribution system upgrade
People living in units might be left without television when the analog signal switches off, warns a Queensland body corporate company.
Undersupply not the only obstacle
Market forces determine the dwelling size but not the stock supply, according to Housing Industry Association chief executive Graham Wolfe.
Dwelling quality takes priority over quantity
Australians are choosing quality over quantity when it comes to the construction of new houses, Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) assistant governor Philip Lowe says.
