Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week that was

We hope it helps inform you of the biggest issues shaping the mortgage and property markets. 

1. Government extends instant asset write-off deadline

The federal Treasurer has extended the $150,000 instant asset write-off scheme by six months to help businesses buy new and second-hand assets and help improve cash flow. 

The federal government first increased the instant asset write-off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020 – as part of the government’s first “targeted” $17.6-billion stimulus package in response to COVID-19. 

2. Broker market share hit by ‘blowout’ in turnaround times

A spike in processing times for mortgage applications has contributed to a decline in the share of broker-originated loans.

The latest data commissioned by the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia has revealed that brokers originated $49 billion in loans in the three months to 31 March 2020, up 20 per cent from $40.8 billion in the previous corresponding period – a record high for the March quarter.

3. HomeBuilder could ‘intensify’ slide in property prices

The federal government’s new housing stimulus could have an adverse impact on residential property prices and produce a “negative wealth effect” despite the assistance it will provide the residential construction sector, according to AMP chief economist Shane Oliver. 

4. True lockdown impact won’t be understood for months 

According to REINZ’s new Residential Confidence Report to understand the impact COVID-19 has had on the housing market and track recovery, the COVID-19 pandemic is entirely unprecedented, with little to compare with, therefore its impact can’t be immediately understood.

“Naturally, some of the indicators became quite marked during April, including a dramatic drop in sales volumes and the percentage of auctions held – although this isn’t entirely surprising given the lockdown. Additionally, median days to sell and listings increased and there was a slight falling in the sales price to valuation ratio,” Bindi Norwell, chief executive at REINZ, said.

5. How to get the most from the HomeBuilder scheme

There are plenty of options available for savvy owner-occupiers to receive terrific “bang for their HomeBuilder grant buck” and add value to their home, a buyer’s agent has flagged. 

6. REIA backs HomeBuilder package

The REIA said the HomeBuilder package will go a long way in supporting the residential building sector by providing assistance to owner-occupiers to build new homes and renovate existing ones.

“The REIA believes [it] will be a massive boost to the employment of home builders and tradesmen at a time when a major driver of economic activity was stalling,” president Adrian Kelly said.

7. WA retains most affordable state title 

Western Australia has been declared the most affordable state for buyers and tenants for the 11th consecutive quarter.

8. Elders makes new acquisition

Elders has confirmed it has acquired Eastern Rural in Dalby, coinciding with its expansion plans across the Darling Downs and surrounding districts.

9. Agency unveils 100% commission offering

A new earning scheme will see @realty agents given the ability to earn 100 per cent commission on their property sales.

The scheme will see agents who have paid $20,000 in service fees through their standard commission become eligible to retain 100 per cent of the commission earned on any further deals.

For more analysis and insight into these stories, tune in to Momentum Media’s new live talk show on Facebook, What’s Making Headlines, featuring Momentum Media’s executive editor - real estate, Phillip Tarrant, and business coach and Real Estate Gym trainer Tom Panos. The live stream can be found via The Adviser’s Facebook page every Thursday at 1.30pm

You can view this week’s episode (Thursday, 11 June 2020) below: