New report from leading Australian developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/thirdi-group">Third.i</a> reveals that their one-of-a-kind residential development, Elevate Hume Place—situated above the newly opened Crows Nest Metro Station—offers a prime real estate opportunity with strong long-term value and high rental yields.

Research has revealed that over the past decade, suburbs along the Metro line have seen a 49 per cent increase in capital values, with <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/crows-nest-nsw-2065">Crows Nest</a> experiencing a remarkable 79 per cent growth, driven by improved accessibility and future infrastructure potential*.

A review of 11 stations across Sydney shows that rental and sales prices for properties centrally located near these stations are, on average, 33 per cent higher than those on the periphery of the local government area*.

The convenience and lifestyle benefits associated with living near public transport make these properties highly desirable. Historical data shows that residential properties near transit stations consistently outperform the market in both rental rates and sales prices.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297877]

In addition to local trends, global patterns indicate a growing demand for properties near public transportation.

In Tokyo, properties within a five-minute walk of major train stations enjoy a value premium of 20-30 per cent. while Shenzhen in China has seen residential property values increase by 17-23 per cent within a 400-600 meter radius of new metro stations.

These international examples underscore the potential for significant growth in property values for Elevate Hume Place, situated directly above Crows Nest Metro Station.

Crows Nest is not only benefiting from improved connectivity but is also poised for economic growth. The Metro Station is expected to attract new businesses and residents, bolstering the local economy. As more people flock to this well-connected area, property values are anticipated to appreciate further.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elevate-hume-place-crows-nest-25-hume-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Elevate</a> offers 130 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, thoughtfully crafted to foster social interaction through upscale communal amenities. Residents will enjoy seamless connectivity to the heart of Sydney, as demand for centrally located properties with superior transport access continues to drive growth for both buyers and investors.

Third.i Co-Founder Luke Berry says that the Metro will boost Crows Nest’s connectivity and accessibility, elevating its appeal and driving property values, while attracting new residents, visitors, and businesses to the area.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297878]

“The Crows Nest Metro station is poised to become a catalyst for commercial growth and investment in the area," Berry says.

"The Metro will allow you to be in North Sydney, Barangaroo, and the CBD within minutes. It’s going to draw new and interesting people who want to explore the village, shop, consume and invest in the area."

Berry says&nbsp;Crows Nest offers a unique blend of urban convenience and community charm.

"With its prime location, excellent amenities, strong demographic profile, and now the Metro, it’s an ideal choice for both residents and investors seeking long-term financial gains."

The Crows Nest Metro Station has transformed connectivity for residents, placing Crows Nest just seven minutes from the CBD and four minutes from Chatswood. According to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the metro will also shorten the average one-way commute for Crows Nest residents by 18 minutes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=142550 project_image_fid=297878]

In addition to improved connectivity, the Crows Nest Metro introduces several upgrades to the area, including enhanced pedestrian crossings, increased pedestrian capacity, bike parking, and bidirectional cycle links, all of which promote a more active lifestyle for locals.

These improvements complement the vision for Elevate Hume Place, a project conceived by Third.i and Phoenix Property Investors with interior and exterior architecture by <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, who also designed the Crows Nest Metro.

“Elevate will cater to a variety of purchasers from first time owners and/or investors to downsizers and right sizers wanting to be close to the Crows Nest Village and all this has to offer in terms of lifestyle, amenity and long term value,” Berry added.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=142550]

“Elevate will cater to a variety of purchasers from first time owners and/or investors to downsizers and right sizers," Third.i Co-Founder Luke Berry said.

Joel Robinson

Why the investment potential at Elevate Hume Place above Crows Nest Metro is proving too good to miss

Brisbane developer Aria is reviving its South Brisbane development which is being pitched as&nbsp;‘one of the world’s greenest residential buildings.'

The sustainability-focused developer initially sought to build a 34-level tower back in 2020, before scaling the density back to 20 levels. That was approved in 2021.

Three years later, they've filed again with the Brisbane City Council, seeking to go back up to 30 levels. Proposed are 321 one, two, three, four and five-bedroom apartments, under a full rooftop amenity level, a signature feature in Aria's developments.

<img alt="Aria" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1a4a2726-78da-4c7a-a0bc-ad953292173f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-10-02%20at%2011.42.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=HNjyHhrRCjW0V.LrJ40PQ9WbB7fjOTUx" />

The reason for the uplift is to take advantage of the recently gazetted&nbsp;Kurilpa Temporary Local Planning Instrument.

Urbis noted in its Town Planning Report that the TLPI&nbsp;provides for greater density, building height and reduced car parking requirements where design and sustainability benchmarks can be delivered.

"These benchmarks include design excellence, community benefit, sustainability measures and housing diversity where proposing higher density residential buildings."

They said Aria's Urban Forest&nbsp;comprises a truly iconic and world-class residential building, one which links Musgrave Park and South Bank Parklands.

"The proposal goes above and beyond the usual offering for a residential building with a level of community and public benefit that is unprecedented for any development of this scale in Brisbane – a true landmark for the city and a new benchmark for innovative subtropical design in Australia.

"This community and public benefit is made possible through the additional density allowed for by the TLPI and is more than justified through its suburban, precinct and site-level context."

<img alt="Aria" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64a2b4d3-b412-4dc9-8fdf-601205cc29bb" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-10-02%20at%2011.44.00%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yWbGbomfus.gsrevf0cqYk9PP1Qd4j5V" />

Renowned Japanese architecture firm Koichi Takada Architects has been in charge of the design.

"The design has a layered living facade, inviting dappled light into the balconies and living rooms," the Urban Design Report submitted to Council noted.

"Urban Forest design learns from the natural environment, using a living facade to filter air and provide ventilation while protecting windows for heat gain. The apartments and common areas enjoy fresh air improving indoor health and quality."

Urbis said the project landscape architects, LatStudios, have analysed the world’s most recognisable and acclaimed green buildings to confirm that the proposal does indeed provide the most landscaping for any residential building in the world.

The ground plane has been dedicated as a considered open space at a more intimate scale than the nearby large and medium-scale public green spaces with a variety of seating, open space, lighting, art, water features, high volume, sculptural green columns.

The 30-level tower would home 321 apartments, down from 383 apartments in the original 30-level design. There will be a variety of configurations, from one-bedroom to five-bedroom apartments.

Recreational space will be on the communal rooftop, where there will be a 50-metre infinity pool and several spas, cabanas and day beds, yoga spaces, meditation pods, and barbecue and alfresco areas.

Renowned Japanese architecture firm Koichi Takada Architects has been in charge of the design

Aria to move ahead with bulked-up 'Urban Forest' apartment development in South Brisbane

Integrated builder-developer TOGA Group has completed the residences at Surry Hills Village, its landmark mixed-use community on the border of Surry Hills and Redfern.

There are only 18 apartments and townhouses left in the building on the corner of Cleveland St and Baptist Street. They're part of the wider precinct that will include a hand-picked selection of&nbsp;boutique retailers, restaurants and food purveyors which will create a vibrant local destination for the new residents and the broader community.

<img alt="Surry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3935818d-95f5-4457-ba13-dc1058d9707a" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-10-02%20at%2010.09.53%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=Nq75jyMk2m4KAGnNwH7fwWEvbzqdGv4x" />

TOGA Group Managing Director, Allan Vidor, said it’s rare to find a development that offers a balance of luxury residential, green space and location alongside the city’s finest restaurants, bars, boutique retailers, art, music and culture.

"We have brought this all together in one unique destination and it’s a proposition that has resonated with the market," Vidor said.

The retail heart of the development, Wunderlich Lane is already buzzing with activity.

Coles, Vintage Cellars, Harris Farm, QMan Barber, Blooms The Chemist and Beyond Eyecare have now opened, and they will soon be joined by Lumi Dining Group, House Made Hospitality and Olympus Dining (by the Apollo Group). The precinct opens in stages until autumn next year.

Once complete in early 2025, Wunderlich Lane will be home to a collective of 25 restaurants and all-day dining, bars, beauty, wellness, and boutique retail by some of the city’s best operators, event spaces, fresh food village-style market, creative office space and luxurious residences.

<img alt="Surry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="705a98b1-498b-459f-ac54-f5ef48421a05" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202024-10-02%20at%204.12.44%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=JWlewTDaV0PT0aqC4OzHx98cN_w8E2no" />

Complementing the residential and retail components, The EVE Hotel Sydney will open later in 2024.

“It was important to us to pay homage to the rich history of Surry Hills and Redfern by bringing together the best Sydney has to offer, creating a destination that celebrates the city and will become a mainstay of its future," Vidor added.

"We have an array of well-known local retailers, restaurateurs and food purveyors set to open their doors in the coming months. It’s wonderful to see our vision coming to life.”

SJB was responsible for the designs of the residences and The Eve Hotel.&nbsp;

Haddow, a Surry Hills local, says&nbsp;Surry Hills Village has been stitched back in place.

"The project draws on the diversity of the community and will engage locals, business and visitors through its retail, commercial and hotel offerings.&nbsp;

"The residential apartments sitting above are a quiet sanctuary within the bustle of the city and have the added amenity of a vibrant precinct at their fingertips. Homes are generous in scale and enjoy large private terraces and secluded communal gardens. It’s a place people will really want to be.”

The remaining two and three-bedroom apartments and terrace homes start from $2,175,000.

The remaining two and three-bedroom apartments and terrace homes start from $2,175,000

Surry Hills Village completes with just a handful of apartments remaining

Victoria &amp; Albert, the new two-tower apartment development currently under construction in the heart of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a>, can wear many different hats when it comes to the type of buyer it is attracting.

The two towers by Sam Arnaout's <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/iris-capital">Iris Capital</a>, home to just over 400 apartments, have been cleverly designed to offer something for every type of buyer, be it an investor, holiday-maker, or downsizer.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234100]

The Victoria tower, the tallest of the two towers at 64 levels, has been configured to offer more affordable options, more suited to investors and first home buyers.

The neighbouring Albert tower, rising 40 levels on the eastern side of the large 5,463 sqm site, complements the lifestyle of a downsizer, whether they be local from the Gold Coast, Brisbane, or retirees from Sydney or Melbourne wanting to embrace the Gold Coast lifestyle that has been so well documented since the onset of the pandemic.

The apartments in Albert, generally larger than those in Victoria, start from $1.8 million.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234153]

Urban.com.au data shows an even split of investors and next home buyers since&nbsp;the project launched to much fan-fare in late 2021.

Over the last three years, there's been equal demand from the two camps, but more recently, next home buyers have shown the most interest as the more typical investor-friendly stock was snapped up. All of the one-bed apartments were reserved by mid-2023.

Investors are still showing keen interest however in the two-bedroom apartments that start from $1,235,000.

It's the two-bedroom apartments that have been the most popular on Urban.com.au, followed by the large 161 sqm three-bedroom units that come with two car spaces.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234103]

Current data shows there's still strong demand from New South Wales, with traffic from Queensland's southern neighbour accounting for around a third of total listing views.

Residents in both <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/victoria-albert-broadbeach-20-albert-avenue-broadbeach">Victoria &amp; Albert</a> towers will have access to significant shared amenity, including but not limited to a&nbsp;subtropical recreational podium on level four, home to a 25-metre lap pool, a fully equipped gym, a yoga deck and a resident’s lounge. The podium will also feature a children’s area, a Zen garden, and an outdoor dining and barbecue area set in extensive landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107928 project_image_fid=234097]

Another major drawcard has been the proximity to the $200 million retail precinct, located in the podium and ground levels of the building. Residents will have direct access into the retail arcade which will offer a range of high-end dining and shopping options.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Iris Capital brought construction in-house, announcing <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/builders/iris-built">Iris Built</a>. Construction is underway, and is slated for completion in 2027.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=107928]

Urban.com.au data shows an even split of investors and next home buyers since the project launched to much fan-fare in late 2021

Victoria & Albert's unique appeal to downsizers, holiday-makers and investors in the heart of Broadbeach

Melbourne's soft property market continued over September, but there's better news for units than their is for houses.

Unit values did grow, a modest 0.1 per cent in contrast to house values, which declined -0.2 per cent, CoreLogic's Monthly Index showed.

Unit values are however -0.5 per cent down over the September quarter and -1.6 per cent down so far in 2024.

Units generally are performing better than houses across the country, with six of the eight capitals seeing unit values rise by more than house values over the quarter.

The median value of units in Melbourne now sits at $612,000.

<h2>What happened in Melbourne's off the plan apartment market in September</h2>

Confidence is building Melbourne's off the plan apartment market, with September being marked with several exciting developments and project launches from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/hawthorn-vic">Hawthorn</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/south-melbourne-vic-3205">South Melbourne</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;as far as Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula.

Milieu announced it saw a strong response at Elsternwick Gardens, its new garden-centric community on the site of the former ABC Studios in Elsternwick.

Their&nbsp;VIP open saw a huge uptake of apartment reservations, to a broad range of buyers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/milieu-property" target="">Milieu</a>&nbsp;also had some repeat purchasers attend the opening of the display suite.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=136535 project_image_fid=288414]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/elsternwick-gardens-by-milieu-8-gordon-street-elsternwick">Elsternwick Gardens</a>&nbsp;has attracted strong interest due to several unrepeatable components, none more obvious than the location of the prime 11,740 sqm site which neighbours the historic Rippon Lea Estate.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/milieus-elsternwick-gardens-development-gains-momentum-following-successful-vip-launch">Milieu's Elsternwick Gardens development gains momentum following successful VIP launch</a>

In keeping with new nature-focused neighbourhoods, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton Property Group</a>&nbsp;secured approval for their latest precinct-style&nbsp;residential project in Hawthorn.&nbsp;

Located on a former University of Melbourne site, the development will feature a new garden community comprising 365 residences across six low-rise buildings.

<img alt="Hamton given green light for $550 million masterplan on former University of Melbourne site in Hawthorn" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202024-09-17%20at%2011.49.20%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=EqNeBmCmWGGH9ZC.m.hDEWFKAqm7ku44" />

The development includes a mix of apartments and townhouses, along with 5,500 sqm of publicly accessible green space and a new retail village.&nbsp;

The project is set to significantly transform the Hawthorn landscape and is one of the largest to be approved under the Allan government’s accelerated Development Facilitation Program.

Read more: <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/hamton-given-green-light-for-550-million-masterplan-on-former-university-of-melbourne-site-in-hawthorn">Hamton given green light for $550 million masterplan on former University of Melbourne site in Hawthorn</a>

Golden Age Group also saw their luxury Bayside townhouse development approved, located on the site of the former&nbsp;Xavier Junior School site at 47 South Road, Brighton.

This 3.3-hectare site will be subdivided into 14 individual lots, with plans to deliver 84 new homes.&nbsp;

<img alt="Victorian Planning Minister approves Golden Age townhouse development in Brighton" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/Screenshot%202024-09-02%20at%207.14.13%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=5yrzKwa4OkgQTkTzldccdS_fw7rr.LYP" />

The development is expected to provide much-needed housing in the area, contributing to both economic growth and community development.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/golden-age-group" target="">Golden Age Group</a>'s director, Damien Hehir, emphasised the importance of this project in the continued expansion of Brighton's housing market.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/victorian-planning-minister-approves-golden-age-townhouse-development-in-brighton">Victorian Planning Minister approves Golden Age townhouse development in Brighton</a>

There was further movement in Brighton in September as developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/primeland">Primeland</a>&nbsp;revealed its plans for&nbsp;the former Brighton Savoy Hotel at 150 Esplanade.

The $25 million plans are for a luxury apartment development that will replace the 1900s-built hotel that was first a private residence before becoming a hotel in 1959.

<img alt="First look exclusive: Former Savoy Hotel, Brighton apartment redevelopment revealed" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/f_auto,c_limit,w_1440,q_auto/https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/field/image/150%20Esplanade%20Brighton%20proposal.png?VersionId=IJQdVGfSaap7OybfEXpoM3SWNnJmfMC5" />

The 3,386 sqm corner site at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/savoy-hotel-150-esplanade-brighton">150 Esplanade</a>, opposite the famous beach, had been owned by the Lee family for 55 years before it was acquired by Primeland as part of its growing $1 billion portfolio which includes assets across hotel, residential, and mixed-use sectors.

The plans by Toorak-based Kennon Architects are for two separate three-level buildings with 14 luxury apartments.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-former-savoy-hotel-brighton-apartment-redevelopment-revealed">First look exclusive: Former Savoy Hotel, Brighton apartment redevelopment revealed</a>

Luxury developments and releases too were timed for September.

Developer <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/dcf-property" target="">DCF Property</a> launched First Light, just 30 apartments lcoated in South Melbourne's popular Domain Precinct.

The new tower at 28 Albert Road will be a mixed-use building with luxury apartments sharing the building with an 88-room Nu by YOO Hotel, the brainchild of property entrepreneur John Hitchcox and&nbsp;French industrial architect and designer Philippe Starck.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=2556 project_image_fid=299333]

The collaboration continues in the two ground-floor restaurants. One will be run by acclaimed chef Scott Pickett, from Chancery Lane and Estelle, and the other by restaurateur Jason Lau.

The apartments have been designed by&nbsp;French architect Léo Terrando, whose approach was to blend global design principles with Melbourne's charm, using materials like brushed nickel, charcoal oak and travertine flooring.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/inside-first-light-south-melbournes-newest-apartment-development-shaped-by-french-architects-and-celebrated-restaurateurs">Inside First Light: South Melbourne's newest apartment development shaped by French architects and celebrated restaurateurs</a>

Penthouse collections were released in two of Melbourne's newest landmark towers.

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developers/osk-property" target="">OSK Property</a>&nbsp;revealed their&nbsp;Penthouse Collection at <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/blvd-at-melbourne-square-19-hoff-boulevard-southbank">BLVD</a>, the latest stage of the massive $3 billion <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/melbourne-square-93-119-kavanagh-street-southbank">Melbourne Square precinct</a> in <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/developments/southbank-vic-3006">Southbank</a>.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=107714 project_image_fid=211866]

Designed by renowned interior designer David Hicks, the eight penthouses range from 180 sqm to 471 sqm and start at $4.46 million, with one already sold for $6 million.&nbsp;

Hicks' 'East meets West' design theme merges Eastern minimalism with Western luxury, offering unique, high-end living spaces.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/luxury-penthouse-collection-by-david-hicks-revealed-at-blvd-southbank">Luxury penthouse collection by David Hicks revealed at BLVD Southbank</a>

R.Corporation also released its penthouses atop&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/r-iconic-south-melbourne-259-normanby-road-south-melbourne">R.Iconic</a> in South Melbourne. We took a tour of the recently completed building, its significant amenities, and the penthouses on offer.

The open-plan penthouse collection flows seamlessly from the kitchen—featuring Gaggenau appliances, a butler’s pantry, and a stunning marble island bench—into a spacious living area that opens up to a generously-sized balcony with expansive views.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5234 project_image_fid=298022]

Exclusive to sub-penthouses, penthouses, and townhouses is The Horizon Lounge, offers breathtaking bayside views and a communal kitchen for private gatherings.

&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/vic/urbans-video-tour-of-r-iconics-luxury-penthouse-collection-in-south-melbourne">Urban's video tour of R.Iconic's luxury penthouse collection in South Melbourne</a>

A rare opportunity also presented itself down on the Mornington Peninsula with the launch of <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/buildings/osprey-safety-beach-15-martha-cove-boulevard-safety-beach">Osprey Safety Beach</a>, and award-winning development by Figurehead Constructions.

Osprey Safety Beach&nbsp;comprises just 18 two and three-bedroom apartments, and are as competitively priced as any new apartment in the burgeoning community.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138447 project_image_fid=290648]

Projects by Buxton Director Heath Thompson is already seeing demand from several buyer camps.

"Where Osprey is located and the configurations it has on offer, it can suit several uses, which is attracting several different buyer types," Thompson says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138447 project_image_fid=290744]

"Local downsizers who either live in the immediate area or those who have large landholdings in some more remote areas of the Mornington Peninsula who want to be closer to the water, have been the most active buyers so far.

"Then there's those from Melbourne who want a lock up and leave, low-maintenance weekender that they can use themselves or lease as a holiday let when not in use."

Confidence is building Melbourne's off the plan apartment market, with September being marked with several exciting developments and project launches from Hawthorn and South Melbourne and as far as Safety Beach on the Mornington Peninsula

City Beat October 2024: Units fare better than houses in soft Melbourne property market

National Australia Bank (NAB) has brought forward the timing of the first RBA cash rate cut by three months.

NAB is now expecting a cut in February, in line with ANZ and Westpac, having initially thought a cut wouldn't come until May.

Commonwealth Bank, the nation's largest lender, still thinks the first cut will come in December.

NAB changed its call following the August monthly inflation figures that were released at the end of September, showing it had dropped to 2.7 per cent.

"The risk has been skewed to a first cut earlier in 2025, and today’s change acknowledges the balance of risks has likely shifted sufficiently for the RBA to feel comfortable cutting a little sooner than we earlier expected," NAB noted in its latest update.

They added that the cadence of the cuts may be faster than its central profile.

"Domestic inflation pressures are cooling, but only gradually, and we continue to expect the conditions for a cut will not be in place this year.

NAB believes the easing cycle will end at 3.1 per cent by early 2026, which is five cuts from the current 4.35 per cent cash rate.&nbsp;

CBA also thinks 3.1 per cent will mark the end of the cutting cycle, while Westpac is forecasting 3.35 per cent, and ANZ is the most pessimistic at 3.6 per cent, which would be just three interest rate cuts.

<h2>What would a rate cut in February look like for borrowers?</h2>

According to&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn%3Du001.IVvjJ-2BPT0A8C3VxtqKc6e3bj5hBuw27WFEYqovsYs7kPsgFulYrdOzeP8gI7CybJOya3_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20hPXdLlPP9yD7DvFFDBM5yrTqxvcCiMfAsW1onD-2FcriL628eYdhNQE7bwzYrxcOYnmaYfRhGl-2FEHQ6eK2uQcLxs6Cbu6Dx0bYvpi5A6enmxMWU5TkcRYrP6Z8GbXZYtc5qSoKu6eWFBQR9K7fsjXwHMmby3D3X6Yx-2BxcDcdRruTG&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727774368149000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vK2ujS77CHs9VRvSSXzLC" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IVvjJ-2BPT0A8C3VxtqKc6e3bj5hBuw27WFEYqovsYs7kPsgFulYrdOzeP8gI7CybJOya3_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20hPXdLlPP9yD7DvFFDBM5yrTqxvcCiMfAsW1onD-2FcriL628eYdhNQE7bwzYrxcOYnmaYfRhGl-2FEHQ6eK2uQcLxs6Cbu6Dx0bYvpi5A6enmxMWU5TkcRYrP6Z8GbXZYtc5qSoKu6eWFBQR9K7fsjXwHMmby3D3X6Yx-2BxcDcdRruTG" target="_blank">Canstar</a>, if there is a cut in February, a borrower with a $600,000 loan today and 25 years remaining would see their monthly repayments drop by $92.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">
			Impact of 0.25% pt cut in February 2025
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			Current loan size
			</td>
			<td>
			Drop in monthly repayment
			</td>
			<td>
			New monthly repayment
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$600,000
			</td>
			<td>
			-$92
			</td>
			<td>
			$3,907
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$750,000
			</td>
			<td>
			-$114
			</td>
			<td>
			$4,884
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
			$1M
			</td>
			<td>
			-$153
			</td>
			<td>
			$6,512
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td colspan="3">
			Source:&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn%3Du001.xWMOP9hChsvn-2BC9O-2FebBihXIZ4cEzbiuENdxm-2Bx3-2FYEEgYMhZlKWNj5Zzy1YZ56RuASD_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20v2akwr6-2BqLyRrlEgkJ4J-2BCCyY0x189xEHZA4Ylf8c7ChBqNIkhmftZzoFuZKFn43pw3oJVg2o1gumrpdA-2B7MB-2FBtmL2rFCI-2FXORATQHySCLVOMg7Vywv-2BqnnQUAtDz6XkvpwxdHFXh70VwKazzhJsICilEYOvP4ju0sIfi5g6TL&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1727774368149000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2qVnp6oqATgqDUi2Frm22q" href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.xWMOP9hChsvn-2BC9O-2FebBihXIZ4cEzbiuENdxm-2Bx3-2FYEEgYMhZlKWNj5Zzy1YZ56RuASD_RgrM7qq-2BfK-2FtAHeRBLv5Qrb-2Bii5fzjLeKcP4w-2FkNgJPXygpiRhVUan3WV3QEggcf617UC8Z60RjQJZAqx7PiO7FtVJQSn0D46Zc3iTVP0kAhTTzG51cPpa5hrqz1OkSA-2BiXAxUajQ686MTtiseWBIdMdknd83aB7cOVgXlVTeHCGf3-2BcMHwfvI8TYlkUovqEhn4dj0KXf2eJGpb9-2BBv20v2akwr6-2BqLyRrlEgkJ4J-2BCCyY0x189xEHZA4Ylf8c7ChBqNIkhmftZzoFuZKFn43pw3oJVg2o1gumrpdA-2B7MB-2FBtmL2rFCI-2FXORATQHySCLVOMg7Vywv-2BqnnQUAtDz6XkvpwxdHFXh70VwKazzhJsICilEYOvP4ju0sIfi5g6TL" target="_blank">www.canstar.com.au</a>. Starting rate is the RBA existing average owner-occupier variable rate of 6.36%. Assumes banks pass the cash rate cut on in full the month after the meeting.
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Canstar Data Insights Director, Sally Tindall, says if core inflation continues to track in the right direction, or unemployment starts to accelerate significantly, we could well see a cash rate cut as early as February of next year.

“All four big banks now believe the RBA will be ready to cut the cash rate in just over four months’ time, if not before, in the case of CBA.

“However, the outlook for both inflation and unemployment is still highly uncertain. A couple of wobbly sets of inflation data could see the RBA holding for longer, particularly if unemployment remains relatively steady."

&nbsp;

Commonwealth Bank, the nation's largest lender, still thinks the first cut will come in December.

NAB bring forward first RBA cut to February 2025

The following is the statement provided by Michele Bullock which can be <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2023/mr-23-35.html">found here</a>.

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent and the interest rate paid on Exchange Settlement balances unchanged at 4.25&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent.

Last month, the Board increased interest rates by 25&nbsp;basis points, following a period of four months where it had held interest rates steady. This decision reflected the Board’s view that progress in bringing inflation back to the target range of 2&nbsp;to 3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent was looking slower than earlier forecast. While the economy has been experiencing a period of below-trend growth, it was stronger than expected over the first half of the year. Underlying inflation was higher than expected at the time of the August forecasts, including across a broad range of services. Conditions in the labour market had eased but remained tight. Housing prices were continuing to rise across the country as was the number of new mortgages. Given this, the Board judged that the risk of inflation remaining higher for longer had risen and an increase in interest rates was therefore warranted to be more assured that inflation would return to target in a reasonable timeframe.

The limited information received on the domestic economy since the November meeting has been broadly in line with expectations. The monthly CPI indicator for October suggested that inflation is continuing to moderate, driven by the goods sector; the inflation update did not, however, provide much more information on services inflation. Overall, measures of inflation expectations remain consistent with the inflation target. Wages growth picked up in the September quarter but this was expected given that it captured the earlier Fair Work Commission decision on award wages. Wages growth is not expected to increase much further and remains consistent with the inflation target, provided productivity growth picks up. Conditions in the labour market also continued to ease gradually, although they remain tight.

Higher interest rates are working to establish a more sustainable balance between aggregate supply and demand in the economy. The impact of the more recent rate rises, including last month's, will continue to flow through the economy. High inflation is weighing on people’s real incomes and household consumption growth is weak, as is dwelling investment. Holding the cash rate steady at this meeting will allow time to assess the impact of the increases in interest rates on demand, inflation and the labour market.

Returning inflation to target within a reasonable timeframe remains the Board’s priority. High inflation makes life difficult for everyone and damages the functioning of the economy. It erodes the value of savings, hurts household budgets, makes it harder for businesses to plan and invest, and worsens income inequality. And if high inflation were to become entrenched in people’s expectations, it would be much more costly to reduce later, involving even higher interest rates and a larger rise in unemployment. To date, medium-term inflation expectations have been consistent with the inflation target and it is important that this remains the case.

There are still significant uncertainties around the outlook. While there have been encouraging signs on goods inflation abroad, services price inflation has remained persistent and the same could occur in Australia. There also remains a high level of uncertainty around the outlook for the Chinese economy and the implications of the conflicts abroad. Domestically, there are uncertainties regarding the lags in the effect of monetary policy and how firms’ pricing decisions and wages will respond to the slower growth in the economy at a time when the labour market remains tight. The outlook for household consumption also remains uncertain, with many households experiencing a painful squeeze on their finances, while some are benefiting from rising housing prices, substantial savings buffers and higher interest income.

Whether further tightening of monetary policy is required to ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe will depend upon the data and the evolving assessment of risks. In making its decisions, the Board will continue to pay close attention to developments in the global economy, trends in domestic demand, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market. The Board remains resolute in its determination to return inflation to target and will do what is necessary to achieve that outcome.

Urban Editorial

RBA keeps rates on hold at final meeting of 2023

The full statement from the Reserve Bank of Australia on its November Cup Day rate hike

At its meeting today, the Board decided to raise the cash rate target by 25&nbsp;basis points to 4.35&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent. It also increased the interest rate paid on Exchange Settlement balances by 25&nbsp;basis points to 4.25&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent.

Inflation in Australia has passed its peak but is still too high and is proving more persistent than expected a few months ago. The latest reading on CPI inflation indicates that while goods price inflation has eased further, the prices of many services are continuing to rise briskly. While the central forecast is for CPI inflation to continue to decline, progress looks to be slower than earlier expected. CPI inflation is now expected to be around 3½&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent by the end of 2024 and at the top of the target range of 2&nbsp;to 3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent by the end of 2025. The Board judged an increase in interest rates was warranted today to be more assured that inflation would return to target in a reasonable timeframe.

The Board had held interest rates steady since June following an increase of 4&nbsp;percentage points since May last year. It had judged that higher interest rates were working to establish a more sustainable balance between supply and demand in the economy. Furthermore, it had noted that the impact of the more recent rate rises would continue to flow through the economy. It had therefore decided that it was appropriate to hold rates steady to provide time to assess the impact of the increase in interest rates so far. In particular, the Board had indicated that it would be paying close attention to developments in the global economy, trends in household spending, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market.

Since its August meeting, the Board has received updated information on inflation, the labour market, economic activity and the revised set of forecasts. The weight of this information suggests that the risk of inflation remaining higher for longer has increased. While the economy is experiencing a period of below-trend growth, it has been stronger than expected over the first half of the year. Underlying inflation was higher than expected at the time of the August forecasts, including across a broad range of services. Conditions in the labour market have eased but they remain tight. Housing prices are continuing to rise across the country.

At the same time, high inflation is weighing on people’s real incomes and household consumption growth is weak, as is dwelling investment. Given that the economy is forecast to grow below trend, employment is expected to grow slower than the labour force and the unemployment rate is expected to rise gradually to around 4¼&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent. This is a more moderate increase than previously forecast. Wages growth has picked up over the past year but is still consistent with the inflation target, provided that productivity growth picks up.

Returning inflation to target within a reasonable timeframe remains the Board’s priority. High inflation makes life difficult for everyone and damages the functioning of the economy. It erodes the value of savings, hurts household budgets, makes it harder for businesses to plan and invest, and worsens income inequality. And if high inflation were to become entrenched in people’s expectations, it would be much more costly to reduce later, involving even higher interest rates and a larger rise in unemployment. To date, medium-term inflation expectations have been consistent with the inflation target and it is important that this remains the case.

There are still significant uncertainties around the outlook. Services price inflation has been surprisingly persistent overseas and the same could occur in Australia. There are uncertainties regarding the lags in the effect of monetary policy and how firms’ pricing decisions and wages will respond to the slower growth in the economy at a time when the labour market remains tight. The outlook for household consumption also remains uncertain, with many households experiencing a painful squeeze on their finances, while some are benefiting from rising housing prices, substantial savings buffers and higher interest income. And globally, there remains a high level of uncertainty around the outlook for the Chinese economy and the implications of the conflicts abroad.

Whether further tightening of monetary policy is required to ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe will depend upon the data and the evolving assessment of risks. In making its decisions, the Board will continue to pay close attention to developments in the global economy, trends in domestic demand, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market. The Board remains resolute in its determination to return inflation to target and will do what is necessary to achieve that outcome.

Source: <a href="https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2023/mr-23-30.html">www.rba.gov.au</a>

At its meeting today, the Board decided to raise the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 4.35 per cent

RBA hike interest rates at Cup Day meeting

Property values across the country continued to decline over November, research from property data firm CoreLogic found, but there was a further ease in the speed of the declines.

Dwelling values (which incorporates both houses and units), contracted a further one per cent in November, driven by declines in Hobart (-2 per cent), Canberra (-1.2 per cent), and Sydney (-1 per cent).

Capital city housing markets declined -1.2 per cent, with Brisbane (-2.2 per cent), Hobart (-2 per cent) and Sydney (-1.5 per cent), feeling the declines the hardest.

Capital city units however dropped just -0.6 per cent. Hobart (-1.8 per cent), Sydney (-0.9 per cent) and Canberra (-0.8 per cent) the capital's the most affected in the unit market.

Declines however have continued to soften since August when the national index dropped by -1.6 per cent.

CoreLogic Research Director Tim Lawless said the easing in the rate of decline is mostly emanating from the Sydney and Melbourne markets, but is also evident across many of the smaller capitals and most regional markets.&nbsp;

“Three months ago, Sydney housing values were falling at the monthly rate of -2.3 per cent. That has now reduced by a full percentage point to a decline of -1.3 per cent in November," Lawless said.&nbsp;

"In July, Melbourne home values were down -1.5 per cent over the month, with the monthly decline almost halving last month to -0.8 per cent.

“The rate of decline has also eased across the ACT (from a -1.7% fall in August), and is no longer accelerating in Brisbane. Most of the broad rest-of-state markets have also seen the pace of declines decelerate."

Lawless said that it is possible we are seeing the initial uncertainty around buying in a higher interest rate environment wearing off, while persistently low advertised stock levels have likely contributed to this trend towards smaller value falls. He does however note that housing risk remains skewed to the downside while interest rates are still rising and household balance sheets become more thinly stretched.

“There is still the possibility that the pace of declines could reaccelerate, especially if the current rate hiking cycle persists longer than expected.

"Next year will be a particular test of serviceability and housing market stability, as the record-low fixed rate terms secured in 2021 start to expire."

<h2>Melbourne Market Snapshot</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Unit values across Melbourne dropped just -0.2 per cent across November, the lowest declines the Victorian capital has seen since May. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>It's stark comparison to the housing market, which dropped another -1 per cent.</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112174 project_image_fid=199593]

<ul>
	<li>Unit values are now -4.1 per cent down over 2022, almost half the declines felt in the housing market, now -8.1 per cent since the turn of the year. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The median Melbourne unit value is now $597,000, and houses $759,000.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Sydney Market Snapshot</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Unit values across Sydney dropped just -0.9&nbsp;per cent across November, the third highest of all the capital city markets. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Sydney houses dropped another -1.5 per cent in November.</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204929]

<ul>
	<li>Unit values are now -8.2 per cent down over 2022, which is double the declines in Melbourne. Houses in the Harbour capital are down -11.9 per cent in the same period. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The median Sydney unit value is now $781,000, and houses $1,025,000.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Brisbane Market Snapshot</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Brisbane had the biggest divergence between the house and unit market in November 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Unit values across Brisbane dropped just -0.2&nbsp;per cent across November, the third best performing unit market across the capitals. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Brisbane houses however were the worst performer, down -2.2 per cent</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102309 project_image_fid=163977]

<ul>
	<li>The Brisbane unit market has been one of the biggest success stories of 2022, bucking the trend of the downturn. Values are still 7.1 per cent higher than they were at the start of the year. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The Brisbane house market has also remained resilient, just ticking into negative territory, down -0.8 per cent this year. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The median Brisbane unit value is now $492,000, and houses $798,000.</li>
</ul>

CoreLogic Research Director Tim Lawless said the easing in the rate of decline is mostly emanating from the Sydney and Melbourne markets

Property downturn continues, but rate of decline softens again: CoreLogic

The RBA has hiked rates for the sixth month in a row, with the Tuesday meeting seeing rates rise by 0.25 per cent.

Three of the big four banks expected a half a percentage point rise, with just Commonwealth Bank predicting the 25 basis point rise.

The official cash rate is now at 2.6 per cent.

The RBA noted in their statement that, as is the case in most countries, inflation in Australia is too high.

"Global factors explain much of this high inflation, but strong domestic demand relative to the ability of the economy to meet that demand is also playing a role," RBA Governor Philip Lowe noted in the announcement.

The RBA predicted a further increase in inflation over the months ahead, before it then declines back toward the two to three per cent range.

"The expected moderation in inflation next year reflects the ongoing resolution of global supply-side problems, recent declines in some commodity prices and the impact of rising interest rates.

"Medium-term inflation expectations remain well anchored, and it is important that this remains the case. The Bank’s central forecast is for CPI inflation to be around 7¾ per cent over 2022, a little above 4 per cent over 2023 and around 3 per cent over 2024."

As for mortgages, Lowe noted that higher inflation and higher interest rates are putting pressure on household budgets, with the full effects of higher interest rates yet to be felt in mortgage payments.

"Consumer confidence has also fallen and housing prices are declining after the earlier large increases.," Lowe suggested.

"Working in the other direction, people are finding jobs, gaining more hours of work and receiving higher wages. Many households have also built up large financial buffers and the saving rate still remains higher than it was before the pandemic."

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said Aussies with a $500,000 mortgage will be paying almost $9,000 more a year in interest compared to just six months ago.

“Australians with a $500,000 mortgage will be forking out $735 more per month compared to what they were paying in April.&nbsp; 
 
“That’s a whopping amount of extra money to pay every month – especially when everyday items like groceries and petrol are skyrocketing in price."

The RBA noted in their statement that, as is the case in most countries, inflation in Australia is too high.



RBA hike interest rates by 0.25 per cent, points to high inflation

Affordability issues appeared to have curbed borrowing activity of first home buyers and owner occupiers, but not investor loans in September, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

The value of new home loans dropped for the second month in a row.

In September, $30 billion of new mortgages were settled, down 1.4 per cent from August, in seasonally-adjusted terms.

Owner-occupier lending dropped 2.7 percent from August.

Investor lending continued to climb, reaching its highest level since April 2015 with $9.62 billion in loans settled in September, up 1.4 per cent month-on-month.

Increased investor loan commitments were seen across most states, with particular strength in Queensland (up 4.2 per cent), South Australia (up 16.4 per cent) and Western Australia (up 7.3 per cent). Smaller rises in investor borrowing were seen in Victoria (up 1.4 per cent), New South Wales (up 0.1 per cent), the Australian Capital Territory (up 1.0 per cent) and Tasmania (up 1.4 per cent). 

For the eighth conscutive month, the number of owner-occupier first home buyer loans fell, down 5.6 per cent in September, to be down 27.1 percent since the January peak.

Ratecity noted Victoria, in lockdown, led the retreat with the number of first home buyer loans dropping 16.7 percent in the month, while NSW dropped by 3.1 percent.

Western Australia fhbs had the largest rise of 5.9 percent, while Queensland rose 2.1 percent and South Australia rose 4.3 percent.

ABS head of finance and wealth, Katherine Keenan, said the average loan size for owner occupiers has grown, but the value of new loan commitments for owner-occupier housing fell for the fourth month in a row, to $20.7 billion in September.

"Affordability constraints are biting in the first home buyer space, with dwelling prices rising by over 20% on an annual basis," the Comm Bank said.

NSW owner occupiers borrowed an average of $750,000 in September which was a record high.

The big banks are all now applying stricter loan criteria on applications as of November 1 given lending requirements imposed by APRA.

There has been positive growth in investors taking on mortgages since October last year

jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Investors return to property with six year borrowing high: ABS 

RBA Governor Statement

At its meeting today, the Board decided to:

maintain the cash rate target at 10&nbsp;basis points and the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances of zero per&nbsp;cent

maintain the target of 10&nbsp;basis points for the April 2024 Australian Government bond

purchase government securities at the rate of $4&nbsp;billion a week and to continue the purchases at this rate until at least mid February 2022.

Prior to the Delta outbreak the Australian economy had considerable momentum. GDP increased by 0.7&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in the June quarter and by nearly 10&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent over the year. Business investment was picking up and the labour market had strengthened. The unemployment rate had fallen below 5&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent and job vacancies were at a high level.

The recovery in the Australian economy has, however, been interrupted by the Delta outbreak and the associated restrictions on activity. GDP is expected to decline materially in the September quarter and the unemployment rate will move higher over coming months. While the outbreak is affecting most parts of the economy, the impact is uneven, with some areas facing very difficult conditions while others are continuing to grow strongly.

This setback to the economic expansion is expected to be only temporary. The Delta outbreak is expected to delay, but not derail, the recovery. As vaccination rates increase further and restrictions are eased, the economy should bounce back. There is, however, uncertainty about the timing and pace of this bounce-back and it is likely to be slower than that earlier in the year. Much will depend on the health situation and the easing of restrictions on activity. In our central scenario, the economy will be growing again in the December quarter and is expected to be back around its pre-Delta path in the second half of next year.

Notwithstanding the strong economic and labour market outcomes pre-Delta, wage and price pressures remain subdued. Over the year to the June quarter, the Wage Price Index increased by just 1.7&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent.

Housing prices are continuing to rise, although turnover in some markets has declined following the virus outbreak. Housing credit growth has picked up due to stronger demand for credit by both owner-occupiers and investors. Given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the Bank is monitoring trends in housing borrowing carefully and it is important that lending standards are maintained.

Very accommodative financial conditions will continue to support the recovery of the Australian economy. Borrowing rates are at record lows, sovereign bond yields are at very low levels and the exchange rate has depreciated over recent months. The fiscal responses by the Australian Government and the state and territory governments are also providing welcome assistance in supporting household and business balance sheets.

The Board&#39;s decision to extend the bond purchases at $4&nbsp;billion a week until at least February 2022 reflects the delay in the economic recovery and the increased uncertainty associated with the Delta outbreak. The Board will continue to review the bond purchase program in light of economic conditions and the health situation, and their implications for the expected progress towards full employment and the inflation target. These bond purchases, together with the low level of the cash rate, the yield target and the funding that has been provided under the Term Funding Facility, are providing substantial and ongoing support to the Australian economy.

The Board is committed to maintaining highly supportive monetary conditions to achieve 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. The central scenario for the economy is that this condition will not be met before 2024. Meeting this condition will require the labour market to be tight enough to generate wages growth that is materially higher than it is currently.

RBA holds rates, turnover declines following the virus outbreak: RBA Governor Philip Lowe's September 2021 meeting statement

The RBA has held interest rates at a record low 0.1 per cent at its September meeting.

RBA Governor Philip Lowe&#39;s said that housing prices are continuing to rise, although turnover in some markets has declined following the virus outbreak.

&quot;Housing credit growth has picked up due to stronger demand for credit by both owner-occupiers and investors, Lowe noted.

&quot;Given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the Bank is monitoring trends in housing borrowing carefully and it is important that lending standards are maintained.&quot;

In Finder.com.au&#39;s monthly RBA Survey, AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver said the lockdown and its hit to the economy&nbsp;has further delayed the time when the effective RBA conditions &ndash; full employment and 3% or more wages growth to sustain 2-3% inflation &ndash; will be met to justify a rate hike.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=103179 project_image_fid=167473]

Commentator Saul Eslake said he takes the RBA at its word&nbsp;when it says it won&#39;t begin tightening monetary policy until the labour market is sufficiently tight to generate wage inflation that&#39;s sufficiently strong to push &#39;underlying&#39; consumer price inflation sustainably into the 2-3% target range.

&quot;While I think that may well be sooner than the RBA&#39;s &lsquo;central case&rsquo; of 2024, I don&#39;t think it will be any earlier than mid-2023,&quot; Eslake says.

Dr Andrew Wilson from My Housing Market says that no change in fundamental economic weakness confirmed again with low wages growth despite robust labour market.

&quot;As usual &ndash; absolutely no plausible case on current data for higher rates over the foreseeable future &ndash; and then there is Covid.&quot;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102580 project_image_fid=167435]

New research from Finder reveals that over half of&nbsp;homeowners across the country&nbsp;are concerned about interest rates increasing in the near future.

Around15% fear they may not be able to make their repayments once rates creep up.

Finder.com.au&#39;s head of consumer research Graham Cooke says some homeowners may have purchased beyond their means in the midst of the housing market frenzy.

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&ldquo;The past 12 months have seen property prices explode as record numbers of Australians have fled into the housing market,&quot; Cooke says.

&ldquo;Low interest rates have encouraged many buyers to purchase earlier than they otherwise might have for fear of missing out.

&ldquo;But not all of them will have budgeted for their monthly repayments to go up if or before the cash rate increases,&rdquo; Cooke said.

Finder analysis reveals the average monthly mortgage payments in Sydney are worth 76% of the average worker&rsquo;s after-tax earnings &ndash; the highest in the country. Melbourne (57%) is not far behind, followed by Canberra (49%) and Hobart (49%). Perth is at the bottom of the list, with the average mortgage costing a more reasonable 35% of average earnings.

RBA Governor Philip Lowe's said that housing prices are continuing to rise, although turnover in some markets has declined following the virus outbreak

RBA leave cash rate on hold at September meeting

The RBA has held interest rates at a record low 0.1 per cent at its August meeting.

RBA Governor Philip Lowe&#39;s comments on the housing market were much the same, noting all markets continuing to strengthen, with prices rising in all major markets.

He did cite an increase in borrowing by investors, and that given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the Bank is monitoring trends in housing borrowing carefully and it is important that lending standards are maintained.

The experts and economists surveyed in Finder.com.au&#39;s RBA Cash Rate Survey all called the cash rate hold, with 75 per cent predicting the increase won&#39;t happen until 2023.

Tony Makin of Griffith University was the lone expert predicting the rate to rise before 2022.

&quot;In coming months a clearer picture will emerge of underlying inflation trends both in the US and [in Australia]. The recent US inflation spike is unlikely to be temporary given the massive money supply increase, recovery from the pandemic, and substantial US fiscal expansion.&quot;

AMP Capital&#39;s Shane Oliver said the RBA is still a long way from meeting its conditions for a rate hike &ndash; namely inflation sustainably back in the 2&ndash;3% target range which will require full employment and wages growth sustainably above 3%. And the latest coronavirus outbreaks and lockdowns risk delaying progress towards its goals.

Over a third of experts (71%), called for a change in stamp duty.

They agree that changes need to be made to either stamp duty or government stimulus in order to help buyers enter the property market.

Just over half (54%) think that only stamp duty should be changed, while another third (29%) think neither should be changed.

Finder&#39;s insights manager Graham Cooke said an easing of stamp duty could reduce the burden for first time buyers and establish a more even playing field.

&ldquo;Stamp duty is essentially a tax that slows down the turnover of property. It discourages current&nbsp;homeowners from downsizing, which locks up some of the market. &ldquo;A long-term land tax would provide a fairer long-term solution, while adding liquidity to the housing market,&rdquo; Cooke said.

RBA holds rates at August meeting, experts call for stamp duty changes

RBA Governor Statement

The economic recovery in Australia has been stronger than was earlier expected. The recent outbreaks of the virus are, however, interrupting the recovery and GDP is expected to decline in the September quarter. The experience to date has been that once virus outbreaks are contained, the economy bounces back quickly. Prior to the current virus outbreaks, the Australian economy had considerable momentum and it is still expected to grow strongly again next year. The economy is benefiting from significant additional policy support and the vaccination program will also assist with the recovery.

The economic outlook for the coming months is uncertain and depends upon the evolution of the health situation and the containment measures. Beyond that, the Bank&#39;s central scenario is for the economy to grow by a little over 4&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent over 2022 and by around 2&frac12; per&nbsp;cent over 2023. This scenario is based on a significant share of the population being vaccinated by the end of this year and a gradual opening up of the international border from the middle of 2022. The Board also considered a range of other scenarios, with the main source of uncertainty being the health situation.

The labour market has recovered faster than expected, with the unemployment rate declining further to 4.9&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent in June. Job vacancies have remained at a high level and there are reports of labour shortages in parts of the economy. Some increase in the unemployment rate is expected in the near term due to the current lockdowns, but most of the adjustment in the labour market is likely to take place through a reduction in hours worked and in participation. In the central scenario, the unemployment rate continues to trend lower next year, to be around 4&frac14; per&nbsp;cent at the end of 2022 and 4&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent at the end of 2023.

The CPI inflation rate spiked to 3.8&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent for the year to the June quarter, largely reflecting the unwinding of some earlier&nbsp;COVID-19-related price declines. In underlying terms, inflation remains low, at around 1&frac34; per&nbsp;cent.

Looking forward, a pick-up in both wages growth and underlying inflation is expected, but this pick-up is likely to be only gradual. In the Bank&#39;s central scenario, it takes some years for the stronger economy to feed through into wage and price increases that are consistent with the inflation target. In underlying terms, inflation is expected to be 1&frac34; per&nbsp;cent over 2022 and 2&frac14; per&nbsp;cent over 2023. One source of uncertainty is the behaviour of wages and prices at the low levels of forecast unemployment, including because it is some decades since Australia has sustained an unemployment rate around 4&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent.

Housing markets have continued to strengthen, with prices rising in all major markets. Housing credit growth has picked up, with strong demand from owner-occupiers, including first-home buyers. There has also been increased borrowing by investors. Given the environment of rising housing prices and low interest rates, the Bank is monitoring trends in housing borrowing carefully and it is important that lending standards are maintained.

Domestic financial conditions remain very accommodative, sovereign bond yields have declined and the exchange rate has depreciated to around its lowest level this year, despite elevated levels of commodity prices. The recent fiscal responses by the Australian Government and the state and territory governments are also providing welcome support to the economy at a time of significant short-term disruption.

The Board remains committed to maintaining highly accommodative monetary conditions to support a return to full employment in Australia and inflation consistent with the target. Together, the low level of the cash rate, the bond purchase program, the yield target and the ongoing funding that has been provided under the Term Funding Facility are providing substantial support to the Australian economy in the face of lockdowns in parts of the country and the expected resumption of the economic expansion.

The Board will maintain its flexible approach to the rate of bond purchases. The program will continue to be reviewed in light of economic conditions and the health situation, and their implications for the expected progress towards full employment and the inflation target. The Board will not increase the cash rate until actual inflation is sustainably within the 2&nbsp;to 3&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent target range. The central scenario for the economy is that this condition will not be met before 2024. Meeting this condition will require the labour market to be tight enough to generate wages growth that is materially higher than it is currently.

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