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SCMC ramps up competition with new website
by Staff Reporter • 25 Jan 2010
In a bid to increase competition in the mortgage market, State Custodians Mortgage Company (SCMC) has launched a new... READ MORE
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FirstMac launches new capped home loan
by Staff Reporter • 25 Jan 2010
Rising interest rates are expected to encourage more Australians to choose fixed mortgage products over variable rates,... READ MORE
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Housing affordability outstrips income
by Staff Reporter • 22 Jan 2010
Australian house prices are not as expensive as what is currently perceived, new data from Rismark has found. READ MORE
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Brokers split on value of industry body membership
by Staff Reporter • 22 Jan 2010
It would appear the mortgage industry’s leading professional bodies have their work cut out as more than half of all... READ MORE
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USA drops interest rates
by Staff Reporter • 22 Jan 2010
As the Australian majors continue to increase interest rates on fixed term home loans, their American counterparts are... READ MORE
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Rental yields take a dive
by Staff Reporter • 22 Jan 2010
Rental yields have declined in some parts of Australia as a result of strong first home buyer activity. READ MORE
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Vacancy rates climb in 2010
by Staff Reporter • 22 Jan 2010
The number of vacant residential properties in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane has risen close to long term averages,... READ MORE
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HIA questions construction recovery
by Staff Reporter • 22 Jan 2010
Despite a recent improvement in residential construction, the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) chief economist... READ MORE
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Westpac defends two-tier LVRs
by Staff Reporter • 21 Jan 2010
Westpac’s reduction of its maximum LVR for new customers is consistent with its strategic focus on building stronger... READ MORE
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Home buyers obsessed with inspections
by Staff Reporter • 21 Jan 2010
Open-home inspections have become somewhat of an obsession for house hunters who attend on average 52 homes over a... READ MORE
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China to cut lending
by Staff Reporter • 21 Jan 2010
Chinese banks are being advised by banking authorities to tighten their lending activities and in some cases stop... READ MORE
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Consumer confidence surges; rate rise likely
by Staff Reporter • 21 Jan 2010
Consumer confidence continues to remain strong, despite three consecutive rate hikes late last year. READ MORE
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ACCC reviews Axa takeover
by Staff Reporter • 21 Jan 2010
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has started its review of NAB's plan to acquire the... READ MORE
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Connective boosts professional development program
by Staff Reporter • 21 Jan 2010
Connective has announced it will ramp up its professional development program from 160 sessions last year to more than... READ MORE
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US survey reveals latest mortgage surge
by Staff Reporter • 20 Jan 2010
Home loan borrower and refinance applications have surged in the US, according to a recent survey. READ MORE
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RAMS withdrawal no impact: brokers
by Staff Reporter • 20 Jan 2010
RAMS' decision to leave the broker channel at the end of next month has left brokers shocked but ultimately unfazed. READ MORE
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SMEs struggle to pay debt
by Staff Reporter • 20 Jan 2010
Delinquent payments by small business owners are increasing in frequency, new data from Dun & Bradstreet has found. READ MORE
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ANZ helps women save
by Staff Reporter • 20 Jan 2010
Women are poor savers, according to a recent ANZ survey. READ MORE
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RAMS to exit broker channel
by Staff Reporter • 19 Jan 2010
RAMS Home Loans today confirmed that it will exit the broker channel effective 26 February 2010. READ MORE
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Govt to expand o/s financial services presence
by Staff Reporter • 19 Jan 2010
A new report on foreign banking and investment has made recommendations about how Australia can boost competition in... READ MORE
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St George launches new customer platform
by Staff Reporter • 19 Jan 2010
St George is hoping to increase its presence in the mortgage lending sector by introducing an Apple iPhone home loan... READ MORE
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NZ property prices soar
by Staff Reporter • 19 Jan 2010
The median house price for properties in New Zealand has risen a record $5,000 to $NZ360,000 ($288,000). READ MORE
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Rates help keep housing finance robust: Westpac
by Staff Reporter • 19 Jan 2010
The Reserve Bank is expected to lift rates during the first part of the year and then keep them on hold at 4.5 per... READ MORE
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Inflation increase gives weight to Feb rate hike
by Staff Reporter • 19 Jan 2010
Inflation has risen for the second consecutive month, adding to concern that more interest rate hikes are on the way. READ MORE
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NAB-owned UK banks offer free home insurance
by Staff Reporter • 19 Jan 2010
Two of NAB’s UK-based banking institutions, Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale bank, are attempting to ramp up their... READ MORE