Sizing up the Asia Pacific’s booming alternative finance sector

From The Conversation. If digital disruptors like crowd-sourced equity funding and peer-to-peer lending platforms are going to transform the finance sector, they need to be regulated. If they are going to create permanent positive change, they need to be regulated intelligently. But so far, the ability of regulators and industry to agree on the rules … Continue reading “Sizing up the Asia Pacific’s booming alternative finance sector”

Home values fall in Sydney and Melbourne as housing market moves through peak of cycle – CoreLogic RP Data

The CoreLogic November Home Value Index out today confirmed dwelling values fell across five of the eight capital cities in Australia over the month, taking the combined capitals index 1.5% lower. According to CoreLogic RP Data head of research Tim Lawless, slower housing market conditions for Sydney and Melbourne became evident earlier in the year … Continue reading “Home values fall in Sydney and Melbourne as housing market moves through peak of cycle – CoreLogic RP Data”

The root of Sydney and Melbourne’s housing crisis

From The Conversation. As is well known, the shortage of affordable separate housing in Sydney and Melbourne means that most first home buyers and renters cannot currently find housing suited to their needs in locations of their choice. The dominant response from the housing industry and commentators is that governments must unlock the potential for … Continue reading “The root of Sydney and Melbourne’s housing crisis”

Housing Affordability Deteriorates

The HIA Affordability Index for the September 2015 quarter indicates that housing affordability has deteriorated further, said the Housing Industry Association. “Sluggish earnings growth and the strong pace of dwelling price growth in the two key markets means that home purchase moved beyond the reach of a greater number of Australian households,” explained HIA Senior … Continue reading “Housing Affordability Deteriorates”

Five reasons the Turnbull government shouldn’t let us spend super on a home

From The Conversation. Allowing first homebuyers to cash out their super to buy a home is a seductive idea with a long history. Like the nine-headed Hydra, which replaced each severed head with two more, each time the idea is cut down it seems to return even stronger. Both sides of federal politics took proposals … Continue reading “Five reasons the Turnbull government shouldn’t let us spend super on a home”

Does Trading Down Trump Trading Up?

As we continue to look over the results of the latest household surveys, as captured in the recently released Property Imperative report to September 2015, we look at households who are wanted to trade up and trade down. These are important segments of the market because they have reason to transact, and access to funding … Continue reading “Does Trading Down Trump Trading Up?”

The Future of Capital Markets in a Digital Economy – Blockchain Disruption

In a speech by Greg Medcraft, Chairman, Australian Securities and Investments Commission he discusses digital disruption in capital markets. He rightly identifies blockchain technology as one of the most significant disruptive elements of all. Regulators globally are facing new challenges brought by structural change and digital disruption. There are both opportunities and challenges posed – … Continue reading “The Future of Capital Markets in a Digital Economy – Blockchain Disruption”

Tapping super not the answer to home ownership decline

From The Conversation. “All Australians should be able to retire with dignity and decent living standards.” So states the recently released superannuation report of the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA). CEDA’s report is commendable. And although I agree with most of its recommendations, including what the purpose of super should be, how retirement … Continue reading “Tapping super not the answer to home ownership decline”

CEDA Super Report, A Curate’s Egg

A CEDA report released today is calling for an overhaul of retirement policy, including options such as pre-tax mortgage repayments and superannuation being available for owner-occupied home purchases, to be considered. We think, like the curate’s egg, it is good in parts! Whilst we agree that a root and branch review of retirement income provisions … Continue reading “CEDA Super Report, A Curate’s Egg”

National Wealth, Land Values and Monetary Policy

Philip Lowe, Deputy Governor RBA gave an address to the 54th Shann Memorial Lecture. In it he discussed the growth in land and property values and some important implications. Here are a few salient points. Households borrowing is higher and more risky, lower income growth means households are less likely to spend more, and value … Continue reading “National Wealth, Land Values and Monetary Policy”