Blog

Housing Market Confidence ‘Booms’, Cash Rate Cut Expected

Oct 22, 2020 | Finance

Consumer sentiment is surging, confidence in the housing market is booming, and the number of experts tipping a Melbourne Cup Day cash rate cut is increasing. Let’s look at why households and businesses are becoming increasingly optimistic.

Ahh, spring. It’s fair to say we love it around here.

Not only do we usually see an uptick in property market activity (houses always look much nicer in spring), but this year – in particular – we’re seeing consumers more upbeat about what lies ahead.

This can be seen in the latest Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment survey, which saw consumer sentiment increase by 11.9% to 105.0 in October (up from 93.8 in September).

“This is an extraordinary result,” says Westpac’s chief economist Bill Evans.

“The index has now lifted by 32% over the last two months to the highest level since July 2018.”

Confidence in the housing market is also high

One of the biggest takeaways from the latest consumer sentiment survey is that more and more people believe now is a good time to purchase property.

“Confidence in the housing market has boomed,” explains Mr Evans.

“The ‘time to buy a dwelling’ index increased 10.6% to its highest level since September 2019.”

House price expectation sentiments also rose strongly, up 31.5% to 117.3 (from 89.2), with all states registering impressive recoveries.

Why is consumer sentiment soaring?

While leaving the doom and gloom of a COVID winter behind and entering spring sure doesn’t hurt, it’s not the only reason for the uptick in consumer sentiment.

This latest survey came right off the back of the federal government’s October Federal Budget, which allocated a record amount of spending and support measures to businesses and households.

There’s also an increasing “expectation that the Reserve Bank (RBA) board is likely to further cut interest rates at its next meeting on November 3”, says Mr Evans.

In fact, according to financial market pricing, there’s now around a 75% chance that it will happen.

That’s because, while previous communications from the RBA indicated that the “effective lower bound” of its official cash rate was 0.25%, in recent weeks it’s changed its tune, hinting at a willingness to cut it to 0.10% on Melbourne Cup Day.

“Recently, we have detected a change in attitude (from the RBA) indicating more confidence that the plumbing of the financial system can operate effectively at an even lower set of policy rates,” says Mr Evans.

“With that in mind, and the commitment towards full employment and the target for inflation, there seems to be no reason for the board to delay its decision.”

How’s your outlook at the moment?

So, how about you? Have things on the financial and property front started to look a little rosier recently?

If so, feel free to get in touch with us today. We’d love to run you through some of the financing options that may available to you in the current financial landscape.

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.

Recent Blogs

Navigating the Australian Property Market as a New Investor

Navigating the Australian Property Market as a New Investor

I’ve had the pleasure of assisting many clients in taking their first steps into property investment. One common concern I often come across is the challenge of saving up for a deposit. The good news is there are alternative paths, especially if you’ve been a property owner for some time. The equity in your existing property can serve as a valuable resource for your initial investment, potentially allowing you to enter the market without using your savings.

read more
Investing in Property: Demystifying the Process and Exploring Mortgage Options for Property Investors

Investing in Property: Demystifying the Process and Exploring Mortgage Options for Property Investors

Navigating the details of property investment requires a strategic approach, especially when considering the dynamic landscape of the Australian real estate market. This blog aims to provide an examination of the investment process and delve into tailored mortgage options specifically designed for property investors.

read more
Demystifying Mortgage Interest Rates: Fixed vs. Variable – Which One is Right for You?

Demystifying Mortgage Interest Rates: Fixed vs. Variable – Which One is Right for You?

One of the decisions you’ll face when buying a property is choosing between a fixed or variable interest rate. Understanding the nuances of these two options can have a profound impact on your financial journey. In this blog, we’ll demystify mortgage interest rates to help you make an informed decision tailored to your circumstances.

read more