The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has cut the cash rate and interest rates have come down.
So, is now a good time to buy property?
The answer depends on your unique circumstances and goals. But generally speaking, it’s always best to get a leg up on the property ladder sooner rather than later.
Here are some compelling reasons to consider jumping right in, rather than staying on the diving board.
Competitive interest rates
In February, the central bank lowered the cash rate from a 13-year high of 4.35% to 4.10%. Many lenders, including Australia’s big four banks, announced they would pass on the rate cut in full.
The average home loan interest rate is now sitting at around 6.24% per annum for owner occupiers. Interest rates are far from the levels we were seeing a few years ago when they were in the 2% range, but they have been coming down in recent weeks, which is good news for prospective borrowers. Many lenders are also offering sweeteners to entice borrowers through their doors. Examples include free extra repayments and redraws, no application or ongoing fees, and annual rate discounts.
Your borrowing power may have increased
With interest rates coming down, your borrowing capacity, or the amount a lender is likely to lend you, may have increased. In other words, you may be able to afford a property that was previously just out of reach.
For new borrowers on an average income with an average-sized loan, the change in the cash rate is estimated to have increased borrowing power by $9,000 to $10,000. That, combined with the tax cuts that came into effect from 1 July last year and the easing of inflationary pressures, may put borrowers in a better financial position to borrow right now.
Property prices have rebounded
Up until the February cash rate cut, there were clear signs that Australia’s property market was cooling.
Over the past few years, property prices across the nation surged. Between March 2020 and January 2024, housing values increased 33.9% – or $239,000 – while units shot up 11.2% (around $65,235).
But last year, property price growth slowed. Five of the eight capital cities recorded a decline in values between July and December. In October, property prices peaked, then dropped 0.1% in December.
In February, however, national home values increased 0.3%, breaking a short and shallow downturn that lasted just three months. Every capital city except Darwin recorded a monthly rise in values in February. If property prices continue to rise, it may be wise to fast-track your purchasing plans and take advantage of current prices while they last.
Ready to get started?
Deciding when to buy a home or investment property comes down to your personal financial circumstances and goals. However, there are many good reasons to consider purchasing right now.
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