Westpac today announced an increase in interest rates for residential investment property loans, following the introduction of investor lending growth benchmarks set by APRA. They will lift the rates 27 basis points for Westpac brands, and 25 bps for the brands which sit under the St George umbrella, but sooner (21 August), versus 25 September for Westpac.
The standard variable interest rate on Westpac residential investment property loans for new customers will increase by 0.27% to 5.75%, effective 10 August 2015. For existing customers the increase will be effective 25 September, 2015. This timing is to ensure that there is a smooth transition to the differentiated rates structure for the mortgage portfolio.
Fixed rates on residential investment property loans will increase by up to 0.30%, effective 4 August 2015.
Westpac will decrease fixed rates on owner occupier home loans by up to 0.30% effective 4 August 2015.
Consumer Bank Chief Executive, George Frazis, said: “Today’s announcement is an important step in ensuring that Westpac meets APRA’s benchmark that investor credit growth should be no more than 10 per cent.
“We have already introduced a range of initiatives, including increasing the deposit required for investment property loans to 20 per cent as part of our commitment in meeting APRA’s benchmark.
“However, we are pleased to be able to reduce fixed rates on owner occupier loans. We know that the dream of many Australians is to get into their own home and the new lower fixed rates will benefit customers that are looking for security and peace of mind about their loans and monthly repayments.”
The Westpac delay is probably connected with the system changes which will need to be made, as we highlighted in an earlier post.
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