Interest Rate News

This month, the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.5 per cent, and it’s widely believed any change to the cash rate is still some way off. Meanwhile, some banks have dropped interest rates on investor and interest-only mortgages in recent months. If you have an investment property, it’s worth checking in with us to see whether your investment loan is right for you. We may even be able to find you a more competitive rate.

Property Market News Across the combined capital cities, home dwelling values fell by -0.31 per cent over the month ending April 30. Hobart was the outstanding performer, with home values rising 1.16 per cent. Canberra was next with a rise of 0.64 per cent, followed by Darwin at 0.58 per cent and Adelaide at 0.06 per cent. Perth and Brisbane experienced marginal home value reductions of less than .05 per cent, whilst Sydney home values fell 0.36 per cent and Melbourne saw the biggest monthly home value reduction of 0.45 per cent.

Auction activity increased across the combined capital cities in the week ending Sunday April 29, however clearance rates around the nation are showing significant declines. In Victoria, there were 1,419 auctions with a 66 per cent clearance rate. NSW held 975 auctions, but only 58 per cent of stock sold. In South Australia there was a 62 per cent clearance rate on 134 properties, and in Canberra, 92 properties went to auction and 64 per cent sold.

Clearance rates were even lower in other states. In Queensland, 305 properties went to auction and 42 per cent sold, whilst Western Australia saw 44 auctions take place, returning a clearance rate of only 38 per cent, and Tasmania had the lowest clearance rate of around 33 percent, but only eight properties went to auction.

Winter is coming!

It can be a dreary time of year in the property market. So why not take advantage of the busy autumn selling season while it lasts? With auction clearance rates generally softening, you may be able to negotiate a fantastic deal for a new home or investment property. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, next home buyer or investor, Element Finance can provide expert advice about all your finance needs. Please get in touch to arrange pre-approval on a loan for your next property purchase today!