Max Walls International Real Estate

As a property investor the question that is always front of mind is: what is going to happen to interest rates?

The Reserve Bank's decision to leave them on hold is a clear sign it believes the earlier increases have had the desired effect and cooled the property market.

The... more >>>

Dual-key apartments make luxury living a little more affordable.

As inner-city housing becomes increasingly unaffordable, a property developer has proposed building hundreds of ''dual-key'' apartments designed to accommodate separate households.

Stanley Quek, managing... more >>>

Investors continue to form the backbone of new business activity in the property market, a recent report has found.

According to a Quarterly Economic & Property Report, investors now account for 36.8 per cent of all financial housing commitments in Australia - the largest amount... more >>>

Price and size shouldn’t be your only considerations when buying an apartment.

The position of a unit within a development can also have a huge impact on your quality of life, especially when it comes to privacy, noise, views and access to natural light.

Despite what sales... more >>>

Avoid the stress and make your move before the auction.

When the auctioneer's singsong voice is soaring higher, all eyes are on you and the agent is whispering sweet sales tactics in your ear, the stress levels of the coolest house-hunter can rise.

Auctions are often... more >>>

Australians are gearing up to take on more debt, despite one in two households indicating that another rate hike would negatively impact their finances.

According to the latest Dun & Bradstreet Consumer Credit Expectations Survey, 20 per cent of households expect their debt... more >>>

New law aims to put clamp on mortgage exit fees and has the teeth to back it up.

Two-and-a-half years after Treasurer Wayne Swan promised to make it easier to switch home loans, it is about to become cheaper - but not for those who already have a mortgage.

Mr Swan's... more >>>

Renters and would-be buyers will find little relief in coming years as the house shortage persists.

The recovery in the residential construction industry needed to relieve Australia's 200,000 house shortage will most likely stall next year as rising interest rates and a slump in... more >>>

How best to add value to an ugly duckling is an issue faced by many buyers interested in appreciation.

Real estate abounds with adages. A perennial is "buying the worst house in the best street".

But it's extremely difficult to do because everyone has the same ... more >>>

S&P credit ratings expert confirms the strength of the housing sector but questions the benefit of high home prices for society

A managing director of a credit ratings agency responsible for scoring the quality of Australia's mortgage debt has questioned the social impact of... more >>>

With property prices skyrocketing in the past year, many home owners may be thinking about using their equity to renovate.

ABS data shows Sydney property prices increased 20 per cent, yet the Housing Industry Association says investments in renovations dropped.

"In 2008... more >>>

Despite widespread speculation that Australia is in the midst of a housing bubble, Residex chief executive officer John Edwards has said this is not the case.

According to Mr Edwards, the Australian housing market is starting to slow in an "orderly fashion", indicating that... more >>>

European investors are lining up to plough money into Australian mortgage securities as the strength of the local housing market attracts international attention.

Non-bank lender FirstMac said European fund managers want the federal government to consider supporting euro-dominated... more >>>

JPMorgan says government policy is distorting measurements of the Australian housing market in a way that is not fully understood.

In a report, the bank tips house prices to rise 12 per cent this calendar year, driven by a shortfall in production of dwellings estimated at 180,000... more >>>

To live in Sydney and be comfortable you need an annual salary of about $100,000 and an inner city or beachside home close to work, the city's residents believe.

A survey of the opinions of 304 Sydneysiders shows living near the harbour or CBD is a top priority, even though ... more >>>

The state government is planning to use its early return to surplus to boost the ailing home building market.

The headline announcement of the budget was stamp duty cuts totalling $140 million, including the country’s first zero per cent tax, for off-the-plan purchases worth up to... more >>>

Landlords will be able to exert greater control over who moves into shared households under proposed changes to residential tenancy laws.

Key provisions of the legislation, tabled in State Parliament yesterday, will also make it easier to change leases in cases of domestic violence, as... more >>>

In 1999, just 421 apartments sold for seven-figure sums across Sydney. Fast forward to last year, when 2087 apartments sold for more than $1 million, a massive increase of 495 per cent.

"The nearly fivefold increase in unit sales above $1 million is a consequence both of the... more >>>

St George Bank is to cut its two-year fixed mortgage rate by 0.4 per cent to 7.14 per cent per annum.

The wholly Westpac Banking Corp-owned St George said the change would be effective from June 4.

St George Bank chief executive Greg Bartlett said the rate decrease would be... more >>>

Borrowers struggling under rising rates can breathe a sigh of relief, with the RBA expected to keep interest rates on hold for the next few months.

AMP Capital Investors chief economist Shane Oliver told Real Estate Business that while he expects to see more upside in this cycle, the... more >>>

Struggling first home buyers could be back in the market within six months, analysts say.

BIS Shrapnel economist Jason Anderson says 25 to 35 year-olds are now moving on a "solid growth path" to property ownership after a slow period earlier this year.

"We think... more >>>

Sydney has retained its spot in the top ten of the world's most liveable cities - beating Melbourne by eight places.

Sydney remains stable in tenth place in the global survey, scoring 106.3 points and overshadowing Melbourne, which ranks 18th on 104.8 points.

Australia's other... more >>>

Strong yet cautious - this seems to be the general impression of the weekend property market after a third successive clearance rate below 80 per cent.

Of 756 auctions reported, the rate was 74 per cent, the lowest since the Easter weekend.

''Sanity is returning to the... more >>>

Lands Minister Tony Kelly announced in Parliament today that the government will introduce new charges on transfers of properties valued at more than $500,000, as part of... more >>>

The opposition will oppose the NSW government's proposed property tax and will repeal it in government if necessary, Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell says.

Mr O'Farrell said the proposed ad valorem fee on property transfers, quietly announced by Lands Minister Tony Kelly, is "based... more >>>

Sydneysiders are paying up to $30 a week more for rent than they were just three months ago as prices soar amid the city's housing shortage, a lobby group says.

Renters of suburban homes and inner-Sydney apartments were the hardest hit in the latest series of rolling increases, according... more >>>

With some reports that growth in unit prices around the country has been outstripping that of house prices recently, it's interesting to look at how units have been performing against houses in Sydney in the past quarter or two and over the longer term.

First, we're talking only about... more >>>

Rising interest rates will not end the desire to buy property in an undersupplied housing market, real estate agents say.

A lack of housing meant people were buying properties quickly and the
0.25 percentage point increase in rates yesterday would have little impact on the... more >>>

Dramatically higher resource prices have emboldened the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates for the fifth time in seven months, making it clear there is no end in sight.

The bank's decision to lift its cash rate from 4 to 4.25 per cent pushes most bank standard variable mortgage rates... more >>>

Interest rates may be rising, but that's not stopping people from dishing out more than $1 million for prestige property, a leading mortgage broker says.

Loan Market says its brokers have seen a 30 per cent increase from people seeking loans in excess of $800,000 in the past year.... more >>>

Australia's ongoing population boom is creating opportunities as well as challenges.

During the September quarter Australia's residential population broke the 22 million mark. Fuelled by one of the highest population growth rates in the Western world, the number of Australian... more >>>

Rating agency Moody's Investors Service says the Australian residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS) market is strong enough to withstand rising interest rates, with the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA's) latest hike unlikely to spur a rush of delinquencies or downgrades.

In its... more >>>

Auction clearance rates across the country soared last month, with thousands of properties selling under the hammer and many going for well above their reserve, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
According to figures released by RP Data, national auction clearance rates for March... more >>>

Investment and Financial Services Association chief executive John Brogden yesterday blamed the federal government's changes to superannuation last year for prompting people to turn to investment properties for their retirement savings.

In an interview with The Australian, Mr... more >>>

The Reserve Bank says the global financial crisis did not stop the flow of credit to consumers looking to buy houses, although the costs of funding those loans increased and lending standards were tightened.
RBA assistant governor of financial markets Guy Debelle said the GFC had a... more >>>

Demand for home lending could soon outstrip supply, as the major banks restrict mortgage credit after a period of rapid market-share expansion, according to a report by JPMorgan and Fujitsu.

JPMorgan banking analyst Scott Manning said the big four, which have expanded their share of... more >>>

RP Data's national research director Tim Lawless has slammed claims Australia is currently in a housing bubble.

According to Mr Lawless, a housing 'bubble' suggests housing values increased too rapidly and are set to experience a rapid decline, a fate not likely to come to fruition in... more >>>

Despite four rate hikes in six months, and the possibility of more on the horizon, buyer demand is not showing any signs of waning.

RP Data’s national research director, Tim Lawless, told Real Estate Business that early indicators suggest house prices will continue to rise thanks to... more >>>

PROPERTY investors have returned in force to Australia’s major capital cities with more than one-third of home loans sourced for investment purposes.

The percentage of loans made through Australia’s biggest mortgage... more >>>

The government's stimulus packages are finally starting to be felt in the construction sector, with the establishment of residential buildings surging ahead in the December 2009 quarter.

The Housing Industry Association's chief economist Dr Harley Dale said the strong recovery in... more >>>

Australia's love affair with large homes is extravagant and unsustainable and their size needs to be reduced to make housing more affordable, developer Stockland Group says.

Chief executive Matthew Quinn also said governments needed to back adequate planning if the nation was to... more >>>

Australia's most expensive homes are likely to rise in price by 10-15 per cent this year as wealthy locals and overseas buyers hunt for prestigious addresses in a resilient economy, according to researcher RP Data.

The rebounding share market and increased business confidence is ... more >>>

Australia has narrowly missed out on the winners’ podium, placing fourth in a list of the world’s top performing property growth centres.

According to the Global Property Guide's latest survey, Australia achieved average annual price growth of 11.2 per cent in 2009.

Property investors are dominating the mortgage market, new data from Australian Finance Group (AFG) has found.

According to AFG’s latest mortgage index, 34.1 per cent of all mortgages arranged nationally in February were for property investors - the highest percentage ever recorded... more >>>

Russian billionaire, Mikhail Prokhorov, has reportedly lost his deposit of $60 million he paid to secure a house in South-East France.

Currently the chairman of Polyus Gold, Russia's largest gold producer and... more >>>

Sydney and Melbourne continue to perform strongly, with last weekend’s auction clearance results tipping 70 per cent in both cities.

Melbourne continues to position itself as a force to be reckoned with, recording a clearance rate of 80.9 per cent and a median house sale value of... more >>>

The Australian economy has emerged from the global financial crisis relatively unscathed and is now gearing up for another major cyclical upswing, according to BIS Shrapnel's Long Term Forecast Report.

The report, released today, also said Australians should brace themselves for further... more >>>

The Australian housing market has started 2010 with renewed confidence, with home values rising 1.8 per cent in January, according to the latest RP Data-Rismark Hedonic home value index.

Overall, home values pushed up 2.4 per cent in the January quarter, bringing the annual increase to... more >>>

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lifted the official cash rate by 25 basis points to four per cent.

It marks the first increase in the cash rate since December, when the central bank lifted rates by 0.25 per cent for a third consecutive month.

"The board judges that... more >>>

Buying a property Step 1 - Do your research Step 2 - How much can you afford? Step 3 - Find a lender Step 4 - The buying process

Step 1 - Do your research

OWNING ... more >>>

The inner west and north shore are Sydney's best-performing residential property markets with surging land values outpacing the traditionally top-ranking eastern and lower northern suburbs last year.

But land values in the central business district fell at the sharpest rate since the... more >>>

Despite an improvement in consumer confidence, the Reserve Bank is cautious about raising rates too soon.

According to the Reserve Bank's 2 February board meeting minutes, while the housing market remained "fairly buoyant" throughout December, loans approvals declined.

"Perhaps... more >>>

AUSTRALIAN families are being priced out of the property market by record numbers of highly paid skilled workers arriving from overseas. 

Research by The Sunday Telegraph has revealed for the first time how skilled immigrants - predominantly from Britain, India and China - are forcing... more >>>

Worried their children may never be able to afford their own home, a growing number of parents are putting their hand in their pocket to give their kids an early inheritance by buying them their first home. 

This increasingly common trend is part of the legion of parents taking charge of... more >>>

Up-graders will be a force to be reckoned with in 2010, according to the BIS Shrapnel Residential Property Index.

"In the absence of continued first home buyer growth, demand from both up-graders and investors will be pivotal to sustained price growth over calendar 2010," the report... more >>>

Ever wondered how to discriminate between the different house price measures that are available out there? Then you need to read this >>>>

I have received a bunch of questions from journalists about how to discriminate between the different house price measures that are ... more >>>

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has left the official cash rate unchanged at 3.75 per cent.

The central bank's surprise move marks the first time since its October policy meeting that it has not moved to increase the cash rate.

"Lenders have generally raised rates a... more >>>

Rents for homes across Australia increased nationally by a mere two per cent in 2009 - the weakest annual increase since 2002, a new report says.

The figure compares with average annual rent increases of 12 per cent across Australia for 2007 and 2008, Australian Property Monitors'... more >>>

Double-digit increases in property prices over 2009 suggests that further interest rate rises may come sooner rather than later, an economist says.

Australian property prices have risen by 11.3 per cent over the first 11 months of 2009, according to the RP Data-Rismark national home... more >>>

Welcome to 2010, which is set to be the most eagerly anticipated and intensely watched property markets in a decade.

And after the twists and turns of the past two years - the 2008 bust and the shock 2009 recovery - it's not difficult to understand why.

RP Data-Rismark... more >>>

No. 6  -  Property in Australia

The Australian economic and property market recovery has been swifter than the other leading nations around the world.

It has been claimed that the revival in the country's property market and economy is as much as 12 months ahead of the other... more >>>

Market activity remains buoyant despite the overall ease in market activity with the approaching festive season, according to RP data.

RP data’s weekly leading indicator of market activity eased slightly over the last week, with the fall in the index possibly the first sign of the... more >>>

Overseas investors are driving top end property prices upwards, recent record sales show.

In the past week, three sales were brokered above $10 million to local buyers, including a mansion called Avon Court, which sold for $25 million.

The Australian Financial Review reported... more >>>

Australia is expected to see a further expansion of the resources sector in the next few years, which will ultimately impact the housing industry, says RBA deputy governor Ric Battellino.

At the 6th National Housing Conference in Melbourne yesterday, Mr Battellino said that the key... more >>>

While housing markets in the world’s leading economies embark on the slow road to recovery, Australia has emerged one of the top performers.

Of 27 countries Australia’s housing market recovery was the second best performer on a global basis, with house priciest climbing 4.9 per cent ... more >>>

More than one third of Australians plan to buy a property in the next two years despite concerns over higher living costs and rising interest rates, a survey shows.

And 40 per cent of Australians plan to revisit their financial plans as the nation emerges with a more positive... more >>>

Rental property vacancies remain very tight in Sydney, according to the NSW Real Estate Institute (REINSW).

The REINSW president Steve Martin said Sydney had not experienced an increase in the rental vacancy rate since July 2009.

"In Sydney last month the available... more >>>

Limits on the supply of new housing will mute the home building recovery over the next three years, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

Although housing starts are expected to increase by 9 per cent over the coming year, HIA chief economist Dr Harley Dale said this... more >>>

by Alex Brooks, Fairfax.

As I shake the gyprock dust out of my hair and splutter my way through an apartment renovation, I've been thinking about whether it's truly possible to "add value" by spending money on renovating property.

I realise that businesses and companies can... more >>>

More than 70 per cent of Australians over the age of 25 believe the time is ripe for property investment.

According to Citibank’s Australian wealth survey, 74 per cent think now is a good time to invest in property, while 40 per cent believe it is a bad time to invest in... more >>>

Soaring business conditions have raised the prospect of a further interest-rate rise when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board meets in December.

Money markets are pricing in a 75 per cent chance of another 25-basis-point increase in the cash rate, following the two... more >>>

The popularity of fixed rates continues to dwindle, according to Mortgage Choice.

The brokerage’s October 2009 data shows fixed rate loans now account for less than 3 per cent of all new loan approvals, while the demand for variable rate loans has risen by two percentage points to 97... more >>>

The property pundits have been gazing into their crystal balls once again, and the outlook for the next few years appears rosy.

A recent report from QBE Lenders Mortgage Insurance projects double-digit growth in median house prices for all capital cities until June 2012.

While ... more >>>

Lachlan Murdoch has set the Sydney house price record of the year, after netting a mansion in the sprawling eastern suburbs for $23 million.

The Bellevue Hill fortress, Le Manoir, owned by the French Government since 1956 was purchased by a savvy Mr Murdoch during a hotly contested ... more >>>

Home buyers were blissfully unaffected by this week's 0.25 per cent rise in the interest rate, the second time the Reserve Bank has hiked the rate in as many months.

The Real Estate Institute says that 81 per cent of the 498 properties up for auction this week sold.

While it... more >>>

Lavish a little love on your outdoor area now for the perfect relaxation space in summer.

Summer is looming and the outdoors beckons. But before you can laze away the sweltering days in your backyard oasis, a little preparation is in order. We spoke to the experts to... more >>>

The spring market is still well and truly active, according to RP Data's latest market activity index.

Although RP Data's head of property research Tim Lawless said he expects the index to dip in the weeks leading up to Christmas, current figures show properties are selling faster and... more >>>

Home prices rose across Australia in the three months to September, as investors upgraded to more expensive properties.

The adjusted median price on houses in capital cities rose 3.7 per cent in the September quarter, while prices for units jumped 3.4 per cent, according to... more >>>

When it comes to selling your home, it needs to stand out from the competition. Here's a few value-adding tips from the Property Experts;.

1. Replace splashbacks

2. Refresh with paint

3. Update flooring

4. Quick kitchen fixes - new cupboard doors and handles or... more >>>

Ten years ago, our lounge rooms were dominated by bulky wooden cabinets housing big, clunky televisions; our kitchens were shut off from the living areas; one indoor bathroom was considered more than adequate for a family of five; and bedrooms were only for two things - one being ... more >>>

Follow Property Professor Peter Koulizos’ comprehensive guide and reap the rewards of selling well in spring.

As spring is here and the football finals are over, people start thinking about real estate again.

At this time of year, many prospective purchasers have more time on... more >>>

Property prices across Australia are expected to grow by as much as 23 percent over the next three years, as upgraders and investors pile back into the market.

Low interest rates and a shortage of affordable housing, coupled with growth in rental rates, will continue to drive up... more >>>

In contrast to market conditions that point to upward rate movements, Liberty Financial will today drop rates on all of its residential loan products.

The non-bank lender believes that the move will help inject competition into a market that is currently dominated by the big four... more >>>

CONSUMER SENTIMENT

• Consumer confidence lifted for the fifth straight month in October. The index of consumer sentiment rose by 2.1 points to 121.4 in October, marking the highest level in more than two years (since June 2007).
• The 32 per cent lift... more >>>

Business remains brisk for real estate agents, according to RP Data’s latest Market Activity Index.

The Index, which measures the activity of real estate professionals, has risen by 14 per cent since the start of June.

The increase in action corresponds with the rise in... more >>>

Reuters

Direct ownership of property in Australia has delivered higher returns than listed property trusts or fixed interest products, an industry association said.

Owning property directly has yielded total returns of 10.1 per cent over the past 10 years, compared to 2.1... more >>>

The latest data on residential property prices by RP Data-Rismark shows a rise of 2% for August 2009. This is the fastest increase since the service started compiling the figures in 2005, and indicates that the stable financial system, relatively low unemployment, and housing undersupply due to... more >>>

As part of the 'Crave Sydney' celebrations throughout October, locals and tourists alike will be able to travel along the Sydney Harbour foreshore with Sydney Harbour Island Hopping.

For the first time from October 3-25 there will be a ferry ticket that will enable people to make a... more >>>

Despite the world economic slowdown and a reduction in skilled migration, Australia’s population growth continues to surge ahead, creating unprecedented demand for Australian housing.

Over the 12 months to March 2009 Australia’s estimated population has increased by just... more >>>

National property values have jumped by almost 2 per cent in August in the largest monthly movement since January 2005.

According to figures from RP Data, Australia’s housing recovery solidified during the month of August with strong capital gains registered across the country... more >>>

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has warned that rising house prices and interest rates could have a significant effect on affordability.

Speaking at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia’s housing forum yesterday, the RBA’s Tony Richards said supply was not... more >>>

Australia’s residential property market is rebounding strongly…   Global residential property markets bottomed in the March quarter of 2009 with numerous markets rebounding in the June quarter…It does appear that the worst is behind us…Buyers are still being very specific when... more >>>

Australians have coped with the economic slowdown by staying home, chilling out and saving money - and we're all the happier for it.

That's the finding of the second annual happiness survey by marketing research consultancy The Leading Edge.

Based on a survey of 1,500 people... more >>>

Australia is leading the global recovery in residential property prices, according to research from Knight Frank.

The latest Global House Price Index shows house prices are beginning to stabilise across the globe, with an increase in value recorded for the second quarter of 2009 for... more >>>

Agents can still expect to see strong sales to first home buyers over the coming months despite the wind-back of the beefed-up First Home Owners Grant.

More than 200,000 Australians are expected to take their first step on to the property ladder this year thanks to low interest rates... more >>>

AAP

The property market rebounded in the past year with house sales up by almost third across the nation, a leading analyst says.

The number of houses sold across Australia was 130,000 in the June quarter, up 32 per cent from the corresponding period in 2008, RP Data said.... more >>>

Here are three sins of home sales that can negatively impact on the ease of the sale and the size of the cheque you end up receiving.

Selling your home can be a demanding process, and too often sellers focus on one area of improvement, rather than a broad-based approach.
The... more >>>

Business confidence has lifted to the highest level in almost six years, helped by federal government measures to support the economy, stock market rallies and encouraging signs from abroad, a report shows.

The National Australia Bank (NAB) monthly business survey's measure of... more >>>

The first anniversary of the onslaught of the global financial and economic crisis has been marked by a run of positive economic leads suggesting Australia will be the first developed country to emerge from the downturn.

Private sector surveys for August are pointing to an economy... more >>>

Borrowers should consider switching from fixed rate home loans to variable rate mortgages because they are cheaper over the longer run.

Joint head of lending at Centric Lending Services Sheyne Walsh said the pendulum had swung against fixed rate mortgages.

Mr Walsh said also... more >>>

The minutes of the latest monetary policy meeting do not offer any compelling reason to expect an interest rate hike in October.

The board of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held its monthly meeting on September 1 and ended with the decision to leave the overnight cash rate, the... more >>>

Spring is here, the housing market is in bloom and home owners everywhere are preparing to put their biggest assets on show.

For vendors who exhibit their properties to their greatest potential, the end results are likely to be far happier. Statistics show that good property... more >>>

The popularity of fixed rate loans in Australia has dropped to just under 7 per cent, as lenders continue to raise the interest rates applied to this loan type.

Demand for fixed products has remained under 10 per cent of all its loan approvals for the past 14 months, Mortgage... more >>>

According to the Sunday Telegraph 6 Sep, Australia could be heading for a rampant house-price boom! The article says this will be fuelled by superannuation fund investors exploiting generous goverment concessions.

The Treasury is trying to dampen demand by winding back the First Home... more >>>

The traditional spring auction season is off to a strong start with Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne all achieving clearance rates over 70 per cent.

Figures from Australian Property Monitors show Sydney achieved a 70.1 per cent clearance rate over the weekend, continuing its pattern of... more >>>

Consumer sentiment surged 5.2 per cent in September, a leading survey has shown, placing sentiment at its highest level in more than two years.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index jumped to 119.3 in September, from 113.4 in the previous month – its highest... more >>>

by Alan Kohler  Bus.Spec.

The Japanese election result is a distant blast reminding us that there are big things going on elsewhere.

But down under, it's business as usual: we're even talking about interest rates going up again.

And even the landslide victory by the... more >>>

Ready to learn more about the wild side of Sydney's past?

If you delve into the seedy underbelly of Australian history you will soon come across stories of bushranging, rum-smuggling, cattle rustling, robbery, arson, murder and all sorts of intriguing misdemeanors from our early... more >>>

Based on Australia’s largest property database, which includes around 145,000 sales for the first seven months of 2009 (and over 129m data records in total), Australia’s housing recovery has continued in the month of... more >>>

Consumer sentiment; Labour Price Index

• Consumer confidence rose for the third straight month in August. The lift in confidence over the past three months has been the strongest since the survey began in 1973.
• Wages rose by 0.8 per cent in the June quarter,... more >>>

The average price of a Sydney home could rise by $100,000 in the next two years, according to an investment group.

A shortage of homes and a growth in population will cause the property boom, The Investors Club says.

Kevin Young, president of the group, which has 90,000 members... more >>>

Auction clearance rates were up in almost every capital city last weekend, according to Australian Property Monitors (APM).

The auction clearance rate in Sydney hit a healthy 74.2 per cent, with $84.2 million in property sold.

The 74 per cent auction success rate was well up... more >>>

IF YOU can feel the panic rising in your body about the possibility of higher interest rates, take a few deep breaths and consider this: all but the most hawkish commentators are saying there'll be no... more >>>

Consumer confidence has risen towards a two year high driven largely by an increase in house prices and the resilience of the labour force.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index increased by 3.7 per cent in August.

According to Westpac senior economist... more >>>

Consistently high clearance rates and positive data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) are pointing towards a consolidation in the housing market.

ABS figures released this week show that finance commitments, excluding refinancing, were at their highest level for the past 18... more >>>

Reserve Bank Board meeting

• The Reserve Bank (RBA) has left the cash rate unchanged at a 49-year low of 3.00 per cent.
• The RBA has removed its easing bias (inclination to cut rates). For the past two meetings, the RBA indicated that there was scope to cut interest rates... more >>>

Australian expatriates are among the richest in the world, with one in five earning more than $A322,000 a year. But almost a third are planning to return home, blaming global economic turmoil for limiting their career prospects.

Research by HSBC Bank Australia, based on 3100 expats... more >>>

The property market is back, or so we've been led to believe by a recent run of data that shows property prices across the nation have been increasing over the past year.

In part aided by the first-home buyer grant at the lower end and lower interest rates for all buyers, house... more >>>

The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to leave official interest rates on hold will give borrowers more time to maximise the benefits of current low rates, lenders say.

The RBA has maintained official interest rates at a 49-year low of three per cent, amid signs that the... more >>>

New housing data shows the value of Australian properties rose 3.9% during the first five months of 2009, nearly wiping out losses incurred during 2008.

The RP Data-Rismark national home value index shows prices increased in May by 0.9% to a median of $468,819, just $520 below their... more >>>

Monthly house prices

• The RP Data-Rismark Hedonic Australian Home Value Index rose by 0.9 per cent in May, the fifth consecutive monthly gain.
• Over the first five months of 2009 capital city home prices rose by 3.9 per cent, or at an annualised rate of... more >>>

Property commentator Michael McNamara debates the pros and cons of not altering your payments when variable home loan rates change.

Australians, by default, are paying their loans off quite rapidly at the moment. Is this the best thing to do?

The situation arises because even... more >>>

Stamp duty on housing loans is set to be abolished after the Henry tax review, which is... more >>>

RBA Board minutes;    ABARE crop report 

• Reserve Bank Board members agreed on “a wait and see” policy at the last interest rate meeting, noting the significant improvement in economic conditions in domestic and global economies.
• Board members noted the... more >>>

The Australian economy expanded by 0.4 per cent in the March quarter after contracting by a revised 0.6 per cent in the December quarter.

The Australian economy out-performed all other industrialised nations in the quarter by a big... more >>>

A key measure of Australian consumer confidence has soared 12.7 per cent in June, the biggest monthly rise in 22 years, as the nation celebrates its fortune in dodging a global recession.

The survey of 1,200 people by the Westpac-Melbourne Institute showed its index of consumer... more >>>

Did you know many of our property listings are sold without even being advertised? The majority of these ‘express sales’ are to buyers who have pre-registered on our exclusive in-house database.

These buyers are notified by email alert at least 2 weeks prior to our... more >>>

What’s my budget?
Before you start looking, work out how much you can afford to spend. Talk to several mortgage providers to agree your borrowing capacity. This is an essential first step in successful buying.

Have I done my... more >>>

In the past Australians have opted for sprawling lawns and large thirsty gardens. It is possible however, to embrace higher density living and smaller backyards without compromising your lifestyle. Whether you own an inner-city apartment for work trips, or have permanently downsized, you can... more >>>

The latest figures tracking the performance of the US housing market came out this week, with the First American Core Logic House Price Index (HPI) release revealing US housing prices fell 11.5 percent as of March ‘09 compared to a year ago, a slight improvement from an 11.7 percent annual... more >>>

The move is part of a bid to boost the home construction market, following lobbying by the housing industry.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd would not commit on the issue yesterday - prompting Liberals to attack him for "cruelly teasing" couples weighing up their purchasing... more >>>

Sydneysiders enjoy Australia's best quality of living - ahead of Melbourne - but better conditions can be found across the Tasman, so a survey claims.

Vienna topped the 2009 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey, but... more >>>

RBA Board minutes

• The Reserve Bank Board debated the possibility of further rate cuts at the March meeting before deciding to keep rate on hold. The board believes generational low interest rates and fiscal stimulus is having an expansionary effect on the Australian... more >>>

February 3, 2009 - 3:24PM

The central bank has slashed the cash rate to a 45-year low, saying the reduction will work in tandem with the government's latest stimulus measures to help cushion Australia from the global economic crisis.

The Reserve Bank of Australia... more >>>