Housing affordability drifts from highs
October 21, 2009
Housing affordability unsurprisingly dipped in the September quarter after a rapid surge late last year and early this year, the latest HIA-CBA First Home Buyer Affordability Report shows. The affordability level of Australian housing soared from September last... Read more »
Payment days hint at improved business conditions
October 21, 2009
The payment terms of Australian firms have declined for the second consecutive quarter, providing further evidence that local economic conditions are improving. A fall of three days since the previous quarter and 5.6 days in the past six months has reduced terms... Read more »
ACCC institutes proceedings against Refund Home Loans
October 21, 2009
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has commenced proceedings against Refund Home Loans Pty Ltd and its Managing Director and founder, Wayne Rodney Ormond, alleging they made false and misleading representations in breach of the Trade Practices Act... Read more »
RBA minutes point to steady rises
October 20, 2009
The Reserve Bank of Australia today released the minutes of their October Board meeting, highlighting the thinking behind the recent rate rise. The Board had toyed with the prospect of leaving rates unchanged at their October meeting, the minutes suggest, but decided... Read more »
CGT not to be imposed on family home
October 20, 2009
Treasury Secretary Ken Henry has dismissed rumours that a capital gains tax (CGT) could be imposed on the family home. “Imposing capital gains tax on the family home was not on the cards, just as it wasn’t in 1985, despite hysterical suggestions to... Read more »
Where to look for the most affordable housing in Queensland
October 19, 2009
Prospective homebuyers should look to the west of Queensland and the Rockhampton Government Area to discover the most affordable suburbs in the state, according to new research by PRD Nationwide. “Due to the nature of demand, most of the top 10 most affordable... Read more »
Interest rates to rise, but not cause hardship: RBA
October 19, 2009
The Reserve Bank of Australia has provided a further update on the monetary policy outlook, with RBA Governor Glenn Stevens reiterating that they were still focussed on returning to a more ‘normal’ setting. In a separate speech, another senior official... Read more »
Weekend property wrap
October 19, 2009
A quick look around the capital cities on the eastern seaboard shows the key markets remaining strong despite a softening since the reduction of the First Home Owners Boost. Melbourne was again the standout performer, with another 621 auctions over the weekend... Read more »
House prices to rise 20 per cent by 2012
October 14, 2009
A new report has claimed the current growth in house prices is just the tip of the iceberg, with strong housing market activity set to continue into 2010 thanks to ongoing positive incentives for property investors and upgraders to enter the market. The Australian... Read more »
Identity thieves take out mortgages
October 14, 2009
Identity thieves have made millions out of unsuspecting home owners, using their house as collateral to take out loans without the owners’ knowledge. The cases highlight the importance of face-to-face contact when it comes to large loans, with police telling... Read more »