I’ve said over the last couple of weeks that I reckon the December quarter CPI figure (released on 29 January) will be lower than most people think and that we are at the top of the interest rate cycle. Just as the September CPI surprised everyone by being higher than expected, the December quarter will… Read more »
For years I’ve been following Louis Christopher from SQM Research, who I reckon is one of our very best property analysts. Long-time readers will know I often quote him here and share his research. But this time every year he issues what I think is the best property forecast for the year. It’s called Christopher’s… Read more »
Rent increases are one of the biggest factors fuelling our inflation rate, keeping it high and forcing the RBA to keep interest rates high. According to SQM Research’s Christopher’s Housing Boom and Bust Report, that pressure on inflation from rising rents is not going away next year. SQM’s overall capital city forecast is for rents… Read more »
The Reserve Bank has been constantly saying that as it monitors the economy for any further need for interest rate increases, apart from inflation its focus is on jobs, household spending and the property market. This week we received key data on all these areas. First up jobs. Unemployment up but job creation still strong… Read more »
A major consequence of the ongoing rate rises is that the number of Australians defaulting on their home loans has surpassed the mortgage stress peaks during the Global Financial Crisis. Borrowers can’t take this hit lying down though, they need to be proactive, and spring clean their finances to make sure they’re on the best… Read more »
Over the last couple of months I’ve been talking about the impact of Australia’s record migration levels on the housing and rental markets. This week I received a fascinating report from CoreLogic’s Head of Research, Eliza Owen, who had five key insights about overseas migration and the housing market: 1. Migrant housing demand skews toward… Read more »
The financial squeeze on most Australian families from higher interest rates and inflation is leading to a great focus on managing the household budget better. New research from Compare the Market has found that saving money is the top New Year’s resolution for Australians ahead of the new year… which is only the end of… Read more »
Given the strong October rise in housing values, is this just further confirmation that this is always the best time of year to sell a property? The sun is out, gardens look great, sellers and buyers come out and there is a rush to finalise sales before the summer break. But I was fascinated by… Read more »
Borrowing power has plunged over $260,000 for some Australian families, trapping many mortgagees that can’t qualify for better rates, and hampering house hunter hopefuls. Lenders have been far more cautious in an effort to offset the risk of recession and higher rates that could impact long-term serviceability. Fixed rate borrowers who have just had their… Read more »
With our cheapest capital cities, Adelaide and Perth, now recording the strongest growth in prices over the past 12 months, is there anywhere you can still find a cheap home? Looking at homes priced under $500,000, the answer is that it is becoming far less likely, particularly for houses. But, according to Ray White chief… Read more »
