August 06, 2013
According to Mortgage Choice, the Reserve Bank of Australia had only two options this month in relation to the official cash rate – to keep rates on hold at 2.75% or cut them further.
“With the uncertainty of the current economic environment, the possibility of the cash rate rising was never an option,” said Belinda Williamson, Head of Corporate Affairs from Mortgage Choice.
“There has been a lot of discussion recently about the signs that would warrant a hold versus those that would permit a further cut.
“We don't believe that a cash rate hold this month would have been out of place if you consider the signs of improvement in the economy that are showing. For instance, capital city house prices have risen by 3.5% in the last couple of months, housing finance commitments have been improving, and consumer confidence remains steady.
“However, the encouraging signs in the property market and consumer sentiment don't appear to have been enough for the Reserve Bank to confidently rest on its laurels. The decision to cut rates again, in an attempt to further stimulate the economy, would have been made by also taking other economic factors into consideration.
“One factor that would have likely been a catalyst for a rate cut is shaky business confidence. There is concern that unemployment may rise if the gap left by the peak in mining investment is not filled by an increase in business investment in the non-mining sectors, including the property market.”
Mortgage Choice believes that in light of the cash rate cut, the message for homebuyers and investors is clear – while business confidence, unemployment concerns and even political uncertainties in relation to the upcoming election simmer, the bottom of the current property market cycle would appear to have past. This combined with low interest rates means buyers and sellers alike can look to capitalise.
“Now is a great time for clued-in and prepared buyers to consider entering the property market, to get in ahead of the rising trajectory of property prices and to take advantage of the historically low interest rates. At the same time, sellers should heed the cash rate cut as a signal to spruce-up their property now in the lead up to the spring selling season,” Ms Williamson said.
“The good news for those who already have a mortgage is that these currently low interest rates pose the perfect opportunity to repay their home loan faster and look to achieve their next financial goal sooner.”
If you want to learn more about your home loan options, call 13 77 62. Or, visit Facebook.com/MortgageChoice or Twitter.com/MortgageChoice.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Lauren Booke
Mortgage Choice Corporate Affairs
(02) 8907 0502 / 0448 240 047
Lauren.booke@mortgagechoice.com.au
Alicia Eu
BlueChip Communication
(02) 9018 8603 / 0412 550 004
Alicia@bluechipcommunication.com.au
Important information
This article is for general information purposes only. It has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on the information, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.
