Lift in home loan approvals suggests strengthening housing market

Century 21 believes that the lift in home loan approvals over February 2013 could point to a further strengthening of Australia's residential property market.

According to recently released figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the total number of owner occupied housing commitments increased by two per cent (seasonally adjusted) in February, following four months of declines.

"While it's early days, a lift in housing finance approvals over February is good news for Australia's residential property market, and comes at a time when other sectors of the housing industry are also showing signs of improvement," said Chairman and Owner of Century 21 Australasia, Charles Tarbey.

"In recent months, we have seen notable increases in capital city dwelling values, buyer enquiry levels and auction clearance rates, as well as less discounting by vendors. These figures, in combination, should send a positive message to prospective buyers who may be looking at entering or re-entering the market."

The ABS data showed that finance approvals for new houses rose 1.5 per cent in February, while approvals for new homes and established homes jumped 0.6 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively.

For more information about the residential property market in your areas of interest, please feel free to stop by your local Century 21 Real Estate office for expert and clear advice. Additionally, if you would like to speak to a mortgage professional about suitable loan packages, please contact Century 21 Home Loans.


Disclaimer: The opinions posted within this blog are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of CENTURY 21 Australia, others employed by CENTURY 21 Australia or the organisations with which the network is affiliated. The author takes full responsibility for his opinions and does not hold CENTURY 21 or any third party responsible for anything in the posted content. The author freely admits that his views may not be the same as those of his colleagues, or third parties associated with the CENTURY 21 Australia network.