Responsible lending laws to be axed: what that means for you

You might have recently heard that ‘responsible lending laws’ are set to be scrapped early next year. Rest assured though that you’ll still be able to borrow responsibly. Let us explain how.

The planned scrapping of the responsible lending laws is the federal government’s latest key initiative to boost economic recovery from the COVID-19 recession.

Now, the federal government (and the banks) say it will simplify the regulatory landscape and free up access to credit for home buyers and small businesses.

Consumer rights advocates, on the other hand, argue it’s all about “giving a free-kick to the banks” and will put borrowers at risk.

But, here’s the good news.

Not only can we assist you in making the most of the upcoming changes, but we can help you determine your borrowing power so that you’re confident to repay any loan you take out.

Sounds like a win-win, right?

Let’s break it all down in a little more detail, and how it might affect you come 1 March 2021.

What are responsible lending laws?

Basically, they put the onus on the lender to determine whether or not a loan is suitable for the applicant, and that the borrower can repay the loan without going into substantial financial hardship.

They were introduced in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis as part of the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

If you’ve applied for a loan recently, you’ll know firsthand that the bank scrutinises your ability to repay the loan very, very closely.

Ordered take-away a little too much? Had a punt on the latest sports match? Too many streaming subscriptions like Netflix? Chances are these non-essential expenses would draw some very close scrutiny from the lender.

Once the laws are scrapped, however, lenders will be able to rely on the information provided by borrowers.

That means if a would-be borrower overlooks expenses or provides misleading information in their loan application, the lender won’t be the one facing the heat.

Instead, the responsibility is flipped back onto the borrower.

That said, lenders will still be required to comply with APRA’s lending standards, which require sound credit assessment and approval criteria. So it’s not open-slather for banks.

Why it’s changing

Put simply: the federal government is pulling out all stops to kickstart the national economy in 2021.

“What started a decade ago as a principles-based framework to regulate the provision of consumer credit has now evolved into a regime that is overly prescriptive, complex and unnecessarily onerous on consumers,” says Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

By scrapping the laws, the federal government hopes to reduce the cost and time it will take you to access credit.

“Now more than ever, it is critical that unnecessary barriers to accessing credit are removed so that consumers can continue to spend and businesses can invest and create jobs,” adds Mr Frydenberg.

What it means for you going forward

As mentioned above, the proposed changes will reduce red tape and make it easier for the majority of Australians and small businesses to access credit.

But you’ll still want to make sure you’re not taking on debt that you can’t afford to pay back.

And that’s where we can make ourselves especially useful.

Not only will we be able to guide you through the updated process, but we’ll be able to help you work out your earnings and expenses so that you take on a loan that you’ll be able to confidently repay.

That way you’ll get the best of both worlds: responsible borrowing and easier access to credit.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

House prices tipped to surge 15%, RBA hints at cash rate cut

Strap yourself in: Australian house prices are tipped to experience a mild COVID-19 dip before surging 15% over the following two years, according to some of the nation’s top economists.

And in more good news for homeowners, RBA Deputy Governor Guy Debelle has hinted at further reductions to interest rates, while not going into negative territory.

Both NAB and Westpac economists have been quick to jump on board the rate cut hype train, predicting the RBA could cut the cash rate by 15 basis points to a record low 0.10% as early as October.

But back to that tipped 15% price surge

Westpac’s Chief Economist Bill Evans and Senior Economist Matthew Hassan believe house prices are set to bottom out by June 2021 after a further 2.3% fall – which would mean a total fall of 5% from the peak in April.

But the good news is they’re tipping prices to bounce back hard and fast across the country.

Indeed, the duo expects national dwelling prices to “surge” 15% until mid-2023, or 7.5% per year, led by massive gains of 20% in Brisbane and 18% in Perth.

Sydney (14%), Melbourne (12%) and Adelaide (10%) wouldn’t miss out on the action, either.

If it plays out as predicted, we could see a cumulative increase in national prices of 10% from pre-COVID highs over a three year period.

“This recovery will be supported by sustained low [interest] rates, which are likely to be even lower than current levels,” Mr Evans says.

Such a rebound would also be assisted by ongoing support from regulators, substantially improved affordability, sustained government fiscal support, and a strengthening economic recovery.

Mr Evans adds the recovery would be further aided “once a vaccine becomes available, which we expect in 2021″.

Got your eye on a property?

For those who are confident in their financial circumstances at present, Westpac’s housing market prediction certainly makes it a tempting time to buy, especially if another RBA cash rate cut soon comes to pass.

So if you’re looking to add to your property portfolio, looking for a change of scene, or keen to buy your first home and break into the market, get in touch today.

We’re here to help you find a loan that’s just right for you.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

JobKeeper 2.0 is about to begin: here’s what you need to know

Like most sequels, JobKeeper 2.0 won’t be as big a blockbuster as the original. But that’s not to say it won’t help many SMEs navigate the difficult times ahead. Today we’ll cover what you need to know about making the transition for your business.

It’s hard to believe that JobKeeper 2.0 is due to begin next week.

But it’s actually been half a year (or 13 fortnightly payments) since the scheme was first launched, over which time around 42% of small businesses have accessed it, according to a MYOB survey.

Today we’ll look at whether your business might be eligible for JobKeeper 2.0, and if not, some other potential options that might be worth considering instead.

28 September 2020, JobKeeper extension 1 starts

The first extension will cover seven JobKeeper fortnights between 28 September 2020 and 3 January 2021.

The rates of the JobKeeper payment in this extension period are:

Tier 1: $1,200 per fortnight (for eligible employees or business partners who worked 80+ hours within a four week designated period)

Tier 2: $750 per fortnight (all other eligible employees and eligible business participants).

To claim JobKeeper payments for this period, you will need to show that your GST turnover has declined in the September 2020 quarter relative to a comparable period (generally the corresponding quarter in 2019).

But here’s the good news just in: if the quarter ending 30 September 2019 is not an appropriate comparison period, you may be able to use the alternative tests, the ATO has just confirmed.

These alternative tests are broadly in line with the original seven alternative test circumstances, and cover businesses that started after the comparison period, had a substantial increase in turnover, had an irregular turnover, or were affected by drought or a natural disaster.

The key difference this time around, however, is that the tests must be applied on the basis that the turnover test period is a quarter (rather than the choice between a month or quarter, which you had for the first version of JobKeeper).

What if my business is no longer eligible for JobKeeper?

If your business is no longer eligible for JobKeeper, please know there may be other financing options available to assist you through the coming period.

One option to explore is the federal government’s Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, which allows lenders to provide eligible SMEs unsecured loans more cheaply and more freely than regular business loans.

Another potential option is something like invoice financing, which brings forward payment of your invoices so you have cash in hand sooner, rather than having to wait for your client/s to cough up the cash.

But to be honest, there’s a whole range of possible routes available, some of which might suit your business, others that won’t.

To discuss your options, your best bet is to get in touch with us today so we can sit down with you and see if we can help you work out a path moving forward.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

Is now a good time to buy property? Two-thirds of investors say ‘yes’

The majority of property investors are remaining upbeat despite COVID-19, with 67% believing now is a good time to invest in residential property, according to a new survey.

The 2020 PIPA Property Investor Sentiment Survey gathered insights from nearly 1,100 property investors in August, with the key finding that the majority of property investors remain optimistic about the months ahead.

Indeed, two-thirds of investors who participated in the survey said they believe now is a good time to invest in residential property.

Additionally, 77% of investors said any concerns about potential falling house prices won’t cause them to put their investment plans on hold.

Tim Lawless, head of research at CoreLogic, the nation’s largest provider of property information and analytics, echoed the investors’ positive sentiments earlier this month.

“Through the pandemic to date, housing values nationally have slumped by only 2% and housing activity has trended only about 5% lower than a year ago over the past three months,” Mr Lawless said.

“For people with confidence in their own financial circumstances and household balance sheets, arguably this is a good time to be considering a home purchase thanks to the low cost of debt and certainty that rates will remain low for at least the next few years.”

What are investors likely to do next?

Well, almost half of the investors surveyed by PIPA (44%) said they are looking to purchase a property in the next six to 12 months.

“Plus, about 71% of investors have indicated that the pandemic has made it less likely they will sell a property over the next year, which is another factor that will help to underpin property prices,” added PIPA Chairman Peter Koulizos.

Where are investors looking?

It seems many property investors are beginning to look further afield.

More than 40% of those surveyed intend to buy an investment property in a different state or territory to the one that they currently live in.

Queensland is definitely in the sights of investors, with 36% saying it offers the best investment prospects over the next year, followed by Victoria (27%) and New South Wales (21%).

But it’s not just investment properties that respondents were keen on interstate.

One in six investors (17%) said the pandemic has made them consider moving to another location altogether, with regional areas set to benefit the most due to the improved lifestyle factors they offer and an increasing ability to work from home.

Investors indicated their top locations to migrate were regional NSW (21%), regional Queensland (18%), Brisbane (16%) and regional Victoria (14%).

Coastal locations in particular are on the rise – up to 12% from 8% last year.

Keen to buy?

As mentioned above, for those who are confident in their own financial circumstances, now can certainly prove a tempting time to buy.

So if you’re looking to add to your property portfolio, looking for a change of scene, or keen to buy your first home and break into the market, get in touch today.

We’re here to help you find a loan that’s just right for you.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

Lenders begin contacting borrowers who have deferred loans

If you’ve deferred your home or business loan then it’s likely your bank will reach out to you in the coming weeks. Here’s what to expect and what options are available to you.

As the initial wave of six-month loan payment deferrals comes to an end, banks have started contacting customers to discuss the next step, which could include further support, assistance or deferral.

Of the more than 900,000 loans which have been deferred during the pandemic, at least 450,000 borrowers will be contacted as they approach the end of their loan deferral in September and October.

That includes 260,000 mortgages and more than 105,000 business loan deferrals to small and medium businesses that will be assessed.

The important thing to know is this: you have options

No one likes to be caught flat-footed. And if you’ve deferred your loan, the last six months have understandably been quite a stressful period.

Rest assured, however, that there are a range of options we can help you consider before the bank phones to see if you can resume your pre-covid loan repayments.

Those options include:

– switching to interest-only repayments for a period of time
– renegotiating your rate with your current lender
– refinancing to another lender
– debt consolidation, or
– a combination of these and other measures.

And if none of the above options are feasible right now you can seek a further four-month deferral with your lender – but at least you’ll know that you’ve fully explored the other potential avenues first.

We’re here for you

If you’d like to explore some of the above options before your lender contacts you then please feel free to get in touch today.

We’re here to help you with your loan any way we can – whether that be deferring, refinancing, or renegotiating.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

R U OK? We’re here for you, and here’s how you can support others

2020 hasn’t been an easy year for many Aussie households and businesses, which makes today an important one to check in on one another.

COVID-19 and associated lockdowns have placed all sorts of new pressures on families and businesses across the country this year.

In fact, more than 1.5 million Australians are currently suffering from mortgage stress – the equivalent of 40% of households.

With today (September 10) marking R U OK? Day 2020, first and foremost we wanted to touch base, check-in, and see whether you’re doing ok.

If not, please know that we’re genuinely here to help any way we can, including if you simply need someone to listen to you right now.

And if everything is fine and you’re doing a-ok, well, perhaps you know someone in need of a shoulder to lean on and an ear to hear them out.

“There’s more to say after R U OK?”

This year the key R U OK? message is “there’s more to say after R U OK?”

Which is great, because simply asking someone R U OK? without genuine thought, care and time can sometimes risk coming across as a platitude.

Fortunately, the team at R U OK? has compiled a handy list of tips and more subtle questions you can ask instead, as well as a series of follow-up questions.

The tips include making sure you’re in a good headspace yourself – relaxed, ready to listen, and with ample time to give – while also being in a comfy and private place.

Suggested questions include simply asking “How are you going?”, “What’s been happening?”, or “You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?”.

R U OK? encourages you not to rush the person, and show that you’ve listened by repeating back what you’ve heard (in your own words), and asking if you’ve understood them properly.

You can then follow-up with questions such as “How would you like me to support you?”, or “What’s something you can do for yourself right now? Something that’s enjoyable or relaxing?”.

And importantly, don’t just ask them on R U OK? DAY.

Set a reminder in your phone or on your calendar to check in again with them in a couple of weeks or, if they’re really struggling, sooner.

Feel free to reach out to us

We like to think of ourselves as more than just your broker who you turn to when you need a loan – but also a friend you can turn to in times of need.

So if you’re not feeling OK today, tomorrow, or next month, then feel free to give us a call whenever you need. We’re always here to listen and help in any way we can.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

How to enter the property market with a $15,000 to $30,000 deposit

First home buyers are now breaking into the property market more than four years faster than they typically would thanks to a little-known government scheme. Today we’ll discuss how. 

Ever heard of the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme? If not, don’t stress, it only launched this year and the first six months of data has only just been published.

Basically, it’s a government scheme that allows eligible first home buyers with only a 5% deposit to purchase a property without paying for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) – which can save you up to $10,000. ⁣⁣

Better yet, it’s giving first home buyers the confidence and ability to enter the property market much, much sooner.

How so?

Well, to save the 20% deposit that’s usually required to avoid paying LMI, first home buyers would typically need to save an additional $54,700 (national average) on top of their 5% deposit, according to the government report.

So by only needing to save a 5% deposit, first home buyers can enter the property market 52 months (4.3 years) faster on average.

“Buying a home has become more challenging,” says the report, “in the early 1990s, it took an average household around six years to save a 20% deposit to buy a typical dwelling. More recently, it takes around nine to 10 years.”

“Many people can afford to service a mortgage once they have passed the initial hurdle of saving a deposit.”

Another big benefit of the scheme is that it can be used in conjunction with other government initiatives, such as first home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions – so be sure to ask us about those too.

So what’s the scheme’s average first home buyer look like?

Well, they’re normally aged between 25 and 34-years-old and have usually saved a deposit of $15,000 to $30,000.

They typically earn $60,000 to $80,000 as a single, or $90,000 to $125,000 as a couple, and are often teachers (37%), nurses (25%), defence force personnel and first responders (17%), and child care workers (10%).

As to be expected, the value of the property they purchase often depends on where they live.

But here are the scheme’s median property purchase prices in each state: NSW ($450,000), Victoria ($495,000), Queensland ($350,000), WA ($335,000), SA ($306,000), Tasmania ($285,000), ACT ($442,000), and NT ($340,000).

Other interesting tidbits from the scheme’s report

– Almost two-thirds of first home buyers borrowed between 94% and 95% of the property price.

– Three-quarters of guaranteed loans were taken up by Australians aged between 18 and 34.

– The average monthly mortgage repayment for borrowers using the scheme was $1,729 at the point of funding, which was equivalent to 30% of household disposable income.

– Most guarantees in the scheme were issued through mortgage brokers.

Get in touch

So… here’s the big catch.

The scheme is limited to 10,000 guarantees per financial year, and places are filling up by the day.

So if you’re interested in applying for and reserving a spot in the scheme, get in touch today. We can help you apply through one of the scheme’s eligible lenders.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

More than a quarter of SME businesses knocked back for finance

As if small and medium-sized businesses weren’t already facing an uphill battle this year; now it turns out that more than a quarter were knocked back when they applied for finance in recent months. Here’s how we can help.

The latest Sensis Business Index – which surveyed 1,015 businesses in the first week of August – shows 26% of businesses that applied for finance over the past three months were knocked back.

The figure was worse in the bush with 37% of those applying in regional areas declined, compared to 25% in cities.

Additionally, fewer and fewer businesses are applying for finance.

The percentage of businesses that applied for finance dropped to 13%, down from 16% in March and 17% in December 2019.

How we can help

All of the above figures highlight the importance of having a broker like us guiding you through the process.

Here’s what small business lender OnDeck has to say in regards to its recent research on the importance of having a trusted professional to speak to while applying for finance.

“Our survey clearly highlights that SMEs place significant value on the input of a broker in the commercial finance process,” says Robbie Fidler, OnDeck Australia national broker channel manager.

“Brokers can act as a conduit between lenders and SME owners, providing the person-to-person link that is so valued across the SME community.”

Additionally, SME lender Scottish Pacific recently highlighted the important role brokers can play in helping businesses prepare for that September “cliff” you’ve probably heard about.

“When COVID-19 hit and JobKeeper and other initiatives were put in place, September seemed a long way away – it’s only a week away now, and small businesses need to act,” says Scottish Pacific’s General Manager for Victoria, Jane Starkins.

“We are having regular conversations with accountants and brokers who realise their clients need funding in place to pay expenses they have been deferring, including rent, asset finance, PAYG, superannuation and payroll tax.”

Ms Starkins adds that now is an ideal time for business owners to find new funding paths that harness the value of assets already in their business, such as their sales invoices or plant and equipment.

“Business owners are reluctant to extend their borrowings. They are busier than ever trying to navigate the COVID-19 environment, which means accountants and brokers have a crucial role to play in making them aware of other funding solutions,” she says.

Get in touch

If you’re an SME owner in need of finance solutions to get through the months to come, get in touch.

The sooner we can discuss your options with you, the better placed your business can be to avoid the September cliff and thrive beyond.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

There’s a good chance you have a lazy $6k lying around your home

Whether you’re looking for extra cash to purchase a property, or could do with a few thousand dollars to pay off your existing mortgage, the average Aussie household could make nearly $6,000 from selling their pre-loved items.

Turns out we’re a bunch of hoarders that’d make the Kerrigans blush, according to the 2020 Gumtree Second Hand Economy Report.

Indeed, more than 85% of us have unwanted items collecting dust around our homes that we could sell on second-hand trading platforms.

Just how much you ask? Well, the average Aussie household has 19 items, worth $5,800, scattered around their home that they should probably sell.

That’s a $500 increase per household from this time last year.

Tell him he’s dreamin!

It kind of makes sense when you think about it.

When was the last time you jammed on your guitar or keyboard? Or cooked in nan’s cast iron pot? Maybe it’s been a while since you shifted the gears on the exercise bike, bench-pressed those weights, or popped up on the surfboard.

Need some more inspiration for your big spring clean? Here are the most common pre-loved items households could sell:

Clothing, shoes and accessories: 53% (of households)
Books: 45%
Music, DVDs or CDs: 44%
Electronic goods (including phones, PC’s): 41%
Games and toys: 35%
Home decor/furniture: 28%
Tools/gardening/DIY items: 21%
Appliances: 20%
Kitchen/dining items: 17%
Chairs: 17%
Lamps: 15%

Covid-19 isn’t deterring buyers or sellers

Quite the opposite.

In fact, 42% of Australians surveyed in the report say they’re more likely to sell items through the second-hand economy now than before the pandemic.

That’s probably because 63% say they’re concerned about their ability to pay household expenses such as their mortgage, bills and food.

Just be sure to practice COVID-19 safe trading if your buying or selling, by:

– scheduling a video inspection of an item where possible
– washing your hands before and after meeting in person
– cleaning items before using (and asking the seller to do the same before purchase)
– considering contactless delivery via a courier service.

Final word

As mentioned above, if you’re looking for extra cash to purchase a property, well, you know where to find us when it comes to getting finance for it.

If, on the other hand, you’re simply wanting to pay off your existing mortgage faster, then be sure to get in touch with us – we have plenty of other tips and ideas we’d love to share with you.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

Where you’re most likely to score a $50,000 discount on property right now

Home sellers across the country are lowering their price expectations in droves, new data reveals. But which two capital cities have seen the highest percentage of sellers discount their asking price?

Here’s an exciting stat for all you property bargain hunters out there: the percentage of sellers dropping their asking price during COVID-19 has more than doubled in our capital cities across the country, new Domain data shows.

So which two cities have seen the biggest increase in sellers offering discounts?

Well, the head-and-shoulders leader is Sydney, followed by Melbourne, with Adelaide only just nudging out Brisbane and Perth in a photo finish for third.

But all cities are offering median discounts between $22,000 and $50,000, which we’ll look at below.

A closer look at the stats

Prices dropped on one-in-seven (14.7%) Sydney properties for sale last month, almost a threefold increase from the 5.3% of sellers who offered discounts a year earlier in July 2019.

In Melbourne, the percentage of sellers dropping their asking price during the COVID-19 pandemic increased nearly four-fold from 3.1% in July 2019 to 11.5% in July 2020.

Adelaide recorded the next highest discount figure at 10.1%, up from 3.1% last year, while in Perth the percentage of discounters almost doubled to 10% from 5.3%.

Brisbane followed closely with an increase to 9.7% from 4.4%, Canberra increased to 8.6% from 6.3% and Hobart to 5.4% from 2.8%. Darwin was the only capital to record a slight drop – with 5% of sellers offering a discount this year, compared to 5.5% a year earlier.

So what does that mean for prices?

With most capital cities offering a median discount around 4-5%, the savings you could receive on a median-priced property in each city are: $49,150 in Sydney, $35,254 in Melbourne, $26,810 in Brisbane, $26,210 in Canberra, $24,553 in Perth, $24,351 in Hobart, $23,745 in Darwin, and $22,121 in Adelaide.

But remember, that’s just the median. Better (and worse) discounts are sure to be found.

Here’s a quick table for you to compare the numbers yourself

The percentage of listings with discounts from July 2019 to July 2020:

Sydney: Increased from 5.1% to 14.7%

Melbourne: Increased from 3.1% to 11.5%

Adelaide: Increased from 3.1% to 10.1%

Perth: Increased from 5.3% to 10%

Brisbane: Increased from 4.4% to 9.7%

Canberra: Increased from 6.3% to 8.6%

Hobart: Increased from 2.8% to 5.4%

Darwin: Dropped from 5.5% to 5%

A quick note on the value of the discounts

Now, it’s important to note that the value of the discounts isn’t increasing – just the percentage of properties offering discounts.

Domain senior research analyst Dr Nicola Powell explains: “We’re seeing a broader slowdown in properties, rather than prices tanking, which is good news.

“And I think we’ll continue to see price weakness but the falls to date have been minimal and they’ll stay that way, rather than some of those outrageous predictions we saw at the start of COVID-19 of 30% falls.”

Think you might have found a bargain?

Have you recently stumbled across a discounted property that’s too hard to ignore?

If so, get in touch today and we can help you get your finances in order and apply for a home loan. The lending market can be a little tricky to navigate at present, but rest assured we’re here to help guide you through it.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

Property ranked as ‘best investment option right now’ by experts: survey

You’ve heard the saying ‘safe as houses’, right? Well, it seems that old adage may ring true even in the current pandemic, with many of the nation’s top economic experts saying that’s where they’d put their money right now.

A Finder survey asked 28 leading experts and economists to weigh in on future cash rate moves and other issues related to the state of the Australian economy.

When asked: “Where do you think is the best place to invest your money right now?”, the leading response was “property”, with 1 in 3 experts (32%) backing it as their top option.

This was followed by shares (21%), gold (14%), superannuation (11%) and then cash (7%).

But hang on, isn’t the property market meant to be in trouble?

Rest assured it’s not all doom and gloom out there.

According to CoreLogic’s latest data, nationwide median housing values fell just 0.6% in July and fell 1.6% for the quarter, bringing the median dwelling value to $552,912.

However, to put that into context, over the past year national housing values have risen by 7.1%.

Sydney property prices led the way with a 12.1% increase in median value, followed by Melbourne (8.7%), Canberra (7.2%), Hobart (5.9%), Brisbane (3.8%) and Adelaide (2.4%).

Perth (-2.5%) and Darwin (-2.2%) were the only capital cities to record negative growth in housing values over the past 12 months.

Tim Lawless, CoreLogic’s head of research, said housing markets have remained relatively resilient through the COVID-19 period so far.

“The impact from COVID-19 on housing values has been orderly to-date,” says Lawless.

“Record low interest rates, government support and loan repayment holidays for distressed borrowers have helped to insulate the housing market from a more significant downturn.”

However, with fiscal support set to taper from October, and repayment holidays expiring at the end of March next year, Lawless says the medium-term outlook remains skewed to the downside.

“Urgent sales are likely to become more common as we approach these milestones, which will test the market’s resilience,” adds Lawless.

Other interesting property market predictions

Here are a few other interesting stats and predictions we took out of the Finder survey:

– Almost half of experts (42%) believe now is a good time for homeowners to put their property on the market, while a quarter said homeowners should wait two years.

– Two-thirds of surveyed experts (65%) believe Australia will see GDP growth in 2020, despite the Treasurer confirming in June that the nation is now in recession.

– All experts believe no further cash rate cuts will be implemented this year. However, more than two-thirds (72%) of experts forecast an increase in 2021 or 2022.

– More than half of experts surveyed (58%) believe other banks will follow in St George’s footsteps to reduce lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) to $1 for first home buyers with a deposit of just 15%.

Seen a property you like? Get in touch

As mentioned earlier, it’s expected that properties priced for a quick sale will hit the market in the coming months – properties that may prove difficult for some buyers to resist.

So whether you’re looking to add to your property portfolio, looking for a change of scene, or keen to buy your first home and break into the market, get in touch today.

We’re here to help you find a loan that’s just right for you.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

Homeowners refinancing in record-high numbers: explore your options

Homeowners in record-high numbers are taking advantage of reduced interest rates and competitive refinancing offers. Are you ready to take the leap? 

When times are tough, the belt gets tightened.

And we’ve seen that play out across the country in a big way recently, with the number of Australian families who refinanced their mortgage in May the highest on record, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

In fact, 33,712 Australians refinanced a whopping $15 billion worth of mortgages in May.

To put that into context, before COVID-19 struck, that monthly figure floated around the $10 billion to $11 billion mark.

Anecdotally speaking, the recent 50% increase in refinancing sounds about right to us.

We’ve been flat chat over the past few months helping families refinance their home loans and save thousands of dollars in annual interest repayments.

Why are so many people refinancing?

First and foremost, the economic squeeze brought on by COVID-19 has made people stop and take stock of where they can make savings in their family budget.

And one possible way to do that is by refinancing, as Australian home loan rates have never been lower.

That’s because, on top of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) dropping the cash rate to a record low, lenders are currently competing hard for your business by offering never seen before interest rates.

ABS Chief Economist Bruce Hockman further explains: “The value of existing owner-occupier loans refinanced with a different bank [in May] was by far the highest on record as borrowers responded to reduced interest rates and refinancing offers.”

So how much can you save by refinancing?

Well, that’ll depend on your individual circumstances and a number of other factors, including how big and old your loan is.

But to give you a lower-end-of-the-scale example, a recent RBA study found that for loans written four years ago, borrowers are charged an average of 40 basis points higher interest than new loans.

“For a loan balance of $250,000, this difference implies an extra $1,000 of interest payments per year,” explains the RBA.

And if your loan amount is higher than the above example – or if your loan is older – then there’s a decent chance that refinancing could save you even more than $1000 in interest payments each year.

What’s your next step?

That’s the easy part – get in touch today.

There’s a reason tens of thousands of families are currently refinancing their home loans: now’s a good time to do so as competition among lenders is running hot. And the longer you put it off, the longer you’ll keep paying your current rate.

So if you’d like to refinance your home loan, give us a call and we can run you through your options and get the ball rolling.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

3 questions SME owners should ask themselves before JobKeeper 2.0

JobKeeper is due for a big shake-up next month, which means if you’ve been relying on it to get your business through these rocky times, you need to start planning ahead now.

With the small business ombudsman and many economists concerned about an “insolvency tsunami” hitting small businesses, it’s critical that you start thinking about your ongoing funding plans now to avoid being swept up in the tide.

JobKeeper support is set to end for many businesses on September 27, while it will continue for other eligible businesses under a reduced amount until March 28.

So with that in mind, you may want to start assessing your business’s ability to make loan repayments, pay staff without JobKeeper support, take care of ATO debts, as well as any other financial obligations.

So, what are the big 3 questions?

Businesses that have been drawing on JobKeeper should start asking the below three questions, says Wayne Smith, Group Executive of SME lender Scottish Pacific.

1. What support will I lose, and has my business got the cash available to replace it?

2. What payments will I have to make from October or March that I’m not making now?

3. Do I have any pressing creditors ready and able to take action against me once they are able to?

Why these questions are so important

The unfortunate fact is that over the coming months many businesses will have a funding gap and have to face some very tough decisions.

“Your answers to (the above) questions will guide whether you seek extra funding or make a tough call on your business,” Mr Smith says.

“You don’t want the business to accumulate debt if it’s not going to be viable.”

Mr Smith says businesses can consider seeking rent reductions, JobKeeper, government grants, and ATO deferments.

“These initiatives have helped many businesses hibernate or trade through the tough times. However it’s important to consider how this will pan out when commercial evictions for non-payment of rent return, and creditors are able to present winding up petitions,” Mr Smith adds.

Financing options you may consider

It’s important to note that the federal government’s Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme is being extended, with the initiative allowing lenders to provide eligible SMEs unsecured loans “more cheaply and more freely”.

Mr Smith says another option business owners could consider is Invoice Finance, which makes use of assets already in the business rather than using the family home for security.

“Put simply, using Invoice Finance brings forward payment of your invoices so you have cash in hand. You get 80% paid earlier, and the remainder later,” Mr Smith says.

Now may also be a good time to consider whether your business could benefit from a self-liquidating revolving line of credit facility, says Mr Smith, rather than further exposing yourself by taking on more loan repayments.

Get in touch

As mentioned earlier, if you think you might have a funding gap in your business, it’s good to act in advance – not when you’re scrambling to make ends meet.

So if you’d like to explore some funding options for your business please get in touch today – we’re here to help your business however we can.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.

Applications now open for $25,000 HomeBuilder grant in all states

It’s been two months since HomeBuilder was first announced, and I’m sure many of us spent a bit of that time dreaming about an extra $25,000 to spend on a reno or new home. The good news is grant applications are now officially open.

All states have now opened application channels (see below) for the federal government’s new HomeBuilder grants, with ACT the only government yet to provide an application form (however you can register online).

Back up, what’s the $25,000 HomeBuilder scheme?

The federal government scheme aims to assist Australians who want to buy a new home or begin work on eligible renovations by providing them with a $25,000 tax-free grant.

The scheme was announced as part of the federal government’s economic response to the coronavirus pandemic, with the stated aim of supporting more than 1 million builders, painters, plumbers and electricians across the country.

While many of the eligibility details were quickly revealed, there has been one key problem since the announcement of the scheme back in early June: there has been no way of actually applying for a grant.

But, there is now.

Here’s how to apply for a HomeBuilder grant in each state

New South Wales: Revenue NSW is now accepting applications online. For more information on eligibility and the process, visit: http://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/grants-schemes/homebuilder

Victoria: State Revenue Office Victoria is accepting applications online. For more details on eligibility visit: http://www.sro.vic.gov.au/owning-property/australian-homebuilder-grant

Queensland: In Queensland the Office of State Revenue is taking applications. For more info: http://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/financial-help-concessions/homebuilder

Western Australia: For those in the west, Revenue WA is the place to submit your application. For more info visit: http://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/grants-and-subsidies/apply-new-home-construction-grant

South Australia: The South Australian Revenue Office is accepting applications. For more details visit: https://www.revenuesa.sa.gov.au/grants-and-concessions/homebuilder-grant

Tasmania: For those in the apple isle, The State Revenue Office of Tasmania is handling applications. You can visit:  http://www.sro.tas.gov.au/Documents/HomeBuilder-grants-guideline.pdf

Northern Territory: The Northern Territory Revenue Office is now accepting applications. For more details visit: https://treasury.nt.gov.au/dtf/territory-revenue-office/homebuilder-grant

ACT: As mentioned, the ACT is yet to provide an application form, however you can register online. For more info visit: https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/covid-19-assistance/homebuilder-grant

Get in touch

So, that’s how you can apply for the HomeBuilder scheme. If you’re keen to proceed, the next thing to tackle is financing the project.

And that’s where we can help.

If you’d like a hand obtaining finance to pay for the new home or reno you’ve been dreaming of, get in touch with us today – we’re here to help make your HomeBuilder dreams a reality.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or 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.