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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
All capitals post monthly growth as rate cuts spur demand By 02 Jun 2025 Australian housing values continued to edge higher in May, with the national index rising by 0.5%, bringing the year-to-date gain to 1.7%, according to new data from property research group Cotality.
The increase was seen across all capital cities, each recording a minimum growth of 0.4% during the month.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
Affordability window opens as market conditions shift in favour of buyers By 31 May 2025 The cost of renting across Australia has surged in recent years, prompting some financial experts to suggest it may be time for renters to reconsider ownership, with new research from Ubank and Cotality pointing to a narrowing affordability gap between weekly rents and mortgage repayments.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
How one broker's pursuit of a better work-life balance reshaped his career path By 31 May 2025
Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
New report highlights sharp contrast in SME confidence across industries and states By 31 May 2025 Australia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are showing a stark divide in revenue expectations, according to the latest ScotPac SME Growth Index, with forecasts ranging from an 18% increase to a 30% fall over the next six months.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
Big banks begin passing on RBA cut, but brokers urged to look beyond the majors By 31 May 2025 Variable home loan rates have started to shift downward after the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) recent cash rate cut, with some of the country’s largest banks passing on the reduction to borrowers.
As of Friday, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and ANZ have each lowered their standard variable rates by 0.25 percentage points, in line with the RBA’s May decision.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
Latest in a series of affordability adjustments by major lenders By 30 May 2025 Virgin Money and Clydesdale Bank have eased their mortgage stress testing requirements, allowing residential borrowers to qualify for larger loans on variable and short-term fixed rate products.
The lenders have lowered the stress rate used in affordability assessments for products with a fixed term of less than five years.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
March activity followed by steep April drop amid tax shift and economic uncertainty By 30 May 2025 Residential property transactions across the UK dropped sharply in April following adjustments to Stamp Duty thresholds, according to the latest figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Seasonally adjusted residential deals fell by 64% to 64,680 in April, compared to 177,440 the previous month.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
FCA data reveals rising number of borrowers owe over £300,000 as affordability pressures mount By 30 May 2025 A growing number of UK homeowners are carrying large mortgage balances, analysis of figures from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has revealed.
Data from the regulator’s latest Financial Lives Survey indicates that the share of homeowners with more than £300,000 left on their mortgage has increased from 5% in 2017 to 9% in 2024.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
First-time buyers hit hardest by unexpected charges, survey reveals By 30 May 2025 A majority of UK homebuyers encountered unforeseen expenses during property transactions over the past year, according to new findings from conveyancing software provider Smoove.
A survey, which polled recent homebuyers, revealed that 62% reported unexpected costs during the process, with 27% citing these surprises as the most frustrating aspect of buying a home.
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1 week ago | 
mpamag.com | Rommel Lontayao
Fixed rate deals and remortgage products see up to 0.10% increases By 30 May 2025 Barclays has increased rates on a broad selection of its residential and remortgage mortgage products, with the changes taking effect today, May 30.
The adjustments impact fixed rate deals across standard and green mortgages, as well as those under the UK government’s Mortgage Guarantee Scheme.
The updated pricing affects both Premier and standard customers.
