Home Loan News

Bank pulls plug on investor lending, for now

Heritage Bank has announced a temporary halt to investor lending to remain within the regulator’s speed limit for lending growth.

Banks shut the door on new interest-only borrowing

More home buyers are being forced to pay down their debt according to the latest APRA figures, which shows a marked drop in interest-only terms for new housing loans.

Almost half of Sydney houses sold for $1 million or more

Good news for those looking to sell property, with million-dollar house sales at record highs (and not just in Sydney and Melbourne).

Bank admits overcharging offset account holders

MyState Bank has refunded more than $230,000 in over-charged interest and fees to about 1,040 customers with mortgage offset accounts.

Banks lure borrowers with cash rebates and fee cuts

Ten lenders of all shapes and sizes are enticing new home buyers and refinancers with an array of special offers.

APRA orders banks to increase their financial reserves

Australia’s banking regulator has spelled out to lenders how much more capital they need to hold, as it continues its efforts to strengthen the financial system.

Aussies less worried about housing, more about unemployment

New research released from Roy Morgan indicates that Australians are more worried about unemployment than they are about house prices, though interest rates and the economy are also on their minds.

Home building activity suffers big slump

Building approvals have plummeted over the past year, with South Australia and Tasmania the only states to defy the trend.

1 in 6 borrowers suffering from mortgage stress

The amount of mortgage stress in Australia is significant but declining, Roy Morgan Research has revealed.

Banks take one-two punch

Australia’s leading banks have been hit with a double-whammy, with the Senate passing the Major Bank Levy, and Moody’s downgrading their credit ratings.