Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 22-26 March

To compile this list, not only do we consider the week’s most-read stories and the news that matters to you, but we curate it to include stories from our sister brands that also have an impact on the Australian property landscape.

Mortgage broker complaints remain below 1%

Less than 1 per cent of the complaints received by the financial complaints authority around banking and finance products related to mortgage brokers, AFCA data showed.

SME responsible lending exemption extended

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has announced that government will extend the SME responsible lending exemption, given the delays to the bill repealing responsible lending laws.

Victoria passes mortgage e-signature laws

Victoria has become the first state to make permanent reforms that will allow the use of digital signatures for mortgage documents.

CBA announces fixed rate cuts

The major bank has slashed its two-year fixed rates to new lows but increased its four-year fixed rates by 20 bps.

Major network appoints group CEO

The Agency has revealed a new group CEO, effective 29 March 2021.

Real estate giant adds chief economist to ranks

The chief economist for the REA Group is moving on to a newly created role within Australia’s biggest real estate network, Ray White Group.

Prepping for JobKeeper’s end as a PM

The end of JobKeeper on 28 March will not only impact renters, it’s set to have a massive knock-on effect for property managers, a property management expert has flagged.

Agency platform eyes growth, adds director

Gavin Croft has taken on the role of director of growth at UrbanX, after previous stints that have included: Queensland state manager for Landmark Harcourts, sales director and head auctioneer for BresicWhitney in Sydney, and COO for Ray White New Zealand.

House prices tipped to surge 17 per cent in 2021: ANZ

A combination of strong demand and cheap credit will continue to drive the housing market in 2021, with economists now predicting the major cities will grow by as much as 17 per cent, new research has revealed.

Property market update: Brisbane, February 2021

Brisbane has emerged as one of the most attractive capital cities for investors in 2021, as segments of the city’s property market continue to show strength in February. Will the Sunshine State capital live up to expectations of further growth in the coming months?

[Related: Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 15-19 March]