The average borrower is taking out a $636,209 home loan, with loan sizes ranging significantly in specific states, based on mortgage data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Lenders are competing strongly for borrowers, especially those with strong credit profiles. As a result, borrowing activity jumped 18.2% between January 2024 and August 2024, according to the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
About 20% of home owners bought their property in the past five years, CoreLogic has estimated. The data shows that 2021 was the most common year in which homes were last purchased, with 5.3% of all homes being bought in that year.
Recent developments in the Australian mortgage landscape bring promising news for essential workers aiming to invest in property. Major lenders are now extending Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) waivers to a broader range of professions, potentially saving eligible borrowers thousands of dollars.
There’s a lot more to a home loan than just the interest rate. The features of the loan can also have a big impact on your total mortgage costs and repayment flexibility, which is why it’s important to understand the potential benefits of a redraw facility and an offset account.
Are you considering renovating? If so, you’re not the only one, because renovations are incredibly popular, with homeowners investing $2.84 billion on alterations and additions in the June 2024 quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Typical costs range from about $2,000 to $5,000 for bedrooms, $15,000 to $30,000 for bathrooms and $25,000 to $50,000 for kitchens, according to JDL Constructions.
Many Aussie expats use their time overseas to accelerate financially. Here’s how Australians living abroad are buying property back home and building long-term assets. Moving offers higher earning potential, global career experience, and the ability to accelerate financially in ways you can't back in Australia. Expats also recognise something else- the overseas window is powerful, but it isn’t permanent. This naturally raises the question: "How do I make the most of that time whilst I am here?"
If you’re an Australian expat navigating life abroad, the last thing you need is uncertainty around your finances back home. Whether you’re living in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, or beyond, staying on top of your Australian mortgage from overseas isn’t always straightforward - especially during times of personal or financial stress.
In a lending market that’s moving in different directions at once, it's easy to assume that lower rates elsewhere mean it’s time to refinance. But for many expats, the smarter move might not be switching lenders — it’s simply getting clear on where you stand.
Several experts anticipate the Reserve Bank will begin lowering interest rates in the fourth quarter of 2024. So, if you want to enter the market, should you buy now or wait for mortgage rates to go down?
If you would value a considered review of your position, we’re happy to talk.