Rates set to rise further in 2017 – Mortgage Choice

Mortgage Choice chief executive officer John Flavell believes Australia’s lenders will continue to lift interest rates throughout 2017 against a backdrop of increasing funding costs and possible increases in the local cash rate.

Mr Flavell’s comments come just hours after the US Central Bank announced it would increase its benchmark short-term interest rate.

“Yesterday, the Central Bank said the recent progress of the economy gave them the impetus they needed to increase the Federal Funds rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%.

“The Bank also indicated that the Federal Funds rate could rise by a further 75 basis points throughout 2017 – through three separate rate increases.

“This announcement, combined with the fact that many of Australia’s lenders have started to raise rates across their suite of home loan products, would suggest a cash rate increase by the Reserve Bank of Australia is now more of a possibility than not in 2017.

“The Reserve Bank of Australia had previously stated that the easing bias has passed and the latest changes by the US Central Bank would support this.

“Of course, even if rates rise, it is important for borrowers (and potential borrowers) to keep in mind that interest rates will still be very low by historical standards.

“Any rate rises are likely to be small, which will help keep the cost of borrowing incredibly affordable. As a result, I would expect certain parts of the property market to remain strong.

“Property prices are driven by four key factors: supply versus demand; the cost of credit; access to credit; and overall employment levels.

“Across the country, property demand remains relatively strong. In Sydney and Melbourne specifically, the level of stock coming onto the market has fallen over the last 12 months, with listings in Sydney and Melbourne down 9.4% and 2.9% respectively.

“When you combine falling stock levels with clearance rates above 75%, it is clear that demand remains strong in both of the capital cities.

“Furthermore, despite the latest spate of interest rate increases, home loan rates remain historically low, keeping the cost of credit at affordable levels.

“And, while many of Australia’s lenders have tightened their lending policy over the last 12 months, they remain hungry for business in both the owner occupied and investor space – a trend that will continue as we head into 2017.

“Furthermore, unemployment remains low by long-term standards. Latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistic shows the unemployment rate is currently sitting at 5.7% – which is a positive sign for the economy as a whole.

“With all of this in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised to see continued growth in property prices across some markets – specifically Sydney and Melbourne. While the level of growth may not be as strong as we have seen in recent years, overall, we can expect to see growth continuing.”

Mortgage Choice Closes “Help Me Choose”

Mortgage Choice Limited said today that as a consequence of a comprehensive strategic and operational review, the company has made the decision to shut down its Help Me Choose business unit. Mortgage Choice presented its FY15 financial results in August and chief executive officer John Flavell made it clear that Help Me Choose’s financial result needed addressing.

“The less than favourable financial result of the Help Me Choose business prompted a comprehensive review of the operation and a decision has been made to close it down in its current form,” Mr Flavell said. “Mortgage Choice will continue to focus on evolving the Mortgage Choice business by building a compelling and differentiated financial services offering and, in turn, providing sustainable earnings for its shareholders. “Capitalising on the significant opportunities facing Mortgage Choice requires focus, and continuing to invest in a business that is unlikely to be profitable in the foreseeable future does not make sense.”

The operation was acquired in October 2010 when the comparison website HelpMeChoose.com.au, was said to be one of the top websites of its kind in Australia, offering guidance on home loan, health insurance and life insurance.

Mortgage choice total loan book reached $48.4 billion, up 4.5% from $46.4 billion at 31 December 2013 and they expect it to reach $50 billion by 1H16.