Editorial: Reserve Bank Interest Rate Increases and Property Investments

Welcome to our summer newsletter.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has pushed rates up for the third consecutive month, taking the official cash rate to 3.75 per cent.

While this has translated into increased mortgage repayments for those Australians on variable rate mortgages, the RBA's decision to hike interest rates would indicate that the economy is improving. With rates on the rise it's a good time to review your financial position and how you'll manage increased mortgage repayments.

In this issue of Mortgage News we take a look at managing your mortgage in a rising rate environment, detailing a number of tried and tested strategies that are well worth consideration. Renewed confidence in the domestic economy is starting to filter into the property markets, with growth reported across a number of capital cities plus strong auction results, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney. Statistics also indicate Hobart has one of the best affordability rates. Considering steady property price growth, coupled with ongoing low rental vacancy rates, it's worth considering dipping your toe into property investment or strengthening your current portfolio. This issue of Mortgage News takes a look at freeing up equity in your home to purchase an investment property, as well as some of the other associated benefits of property investment.

Two other key articles include tips to finding a good agent to sell your property and the importance of determining how much you can borrow based on your circumstances, not the banks' commitment to how much they are willing to lend.

If you'd like to discuss any of the topics raised in this issue of Mortgage News please feel free to give me a call over the break on mobile.

Sincerely, Allan Faint
Home Finance Centres (Hobart)