Guidance needed for borrowers, industry body says

Property owners and prospective first home buyers are increasingly in need of clear guidance on home lending as the housing markets in Melbourne and Sydney begin to cool, says the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

The RBA on Tuesday again resolved to leave the official cash rate on hold at 1.5%, noting that the current settings continue to offer appropriate support for the Australian economy.

Borrowers are uncertain

Despite the stable cash rate, Geordan Murray, HIA Senior Economist, says borrowers are still wary of any potential hike in their borrowing costs.

“In the post GFC era lenders have frequently adjusted home loan rates independently of movements in the official cash rate in order to ensure that their lending rates more accurately reflect their true cost of capital,” explains Murray.

Clear guidance needed

Murray adds that as the housing markets in Melbourne and Sydney continue to cool it will be increasingly important that households have clear guidance on any potential changes they may face in home lending.

While industry guidance is great, having a trusted professional (that’s us!) watching out for market changes on your behalf is even better.

That’s because over the last couple of years there has been an additional degree of complexity in the home loan market – and we can help decipher what that all means for you.

“Lenders have been squeezed by regulators which led to a degree of credit rationing and higher borrowing costs for investors and those wishing to borrow in interest only terms,” explains Murray.

Why were lenders squeezed?

A while back APRA – the regulator – introduced a range of measures that tightened lending standards to curb growth in risky lending.

“APRA’s interventions were appropriate at the time that they were implemented. (However) the housing downturn now has its own momentum and does not need additional assistance from the regulator,” says Murray.

In fact, recent figures published by the RBA show that growth in housing credit to investors has dropped to a historic low and owner-occupier lending growth is also now slowing.

“The housing market is now in a very different position to the time when APRA imposed the restrictions. We have already seen the speed limit on investor lending dropped but other restrictions remain,” says Murray.

“It will be important for the RBA, APRA and the federal government to monitor developments in the housing market and ensure that we have appropriate policy settings to ride out the cyclical downturn smoothly.”

Want some guidance?

As Murray explains, now more than ever borrowers are needing someone to help guide them through uncertain lending times.

That’s where we can help.

We have our ear to the ground when it comes to all industry movements, which means you don’t have to stress about doing so.

So if you’d like to find out more about how we can help you navigate the tricky lending times ahead, get in touch today.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.