Australian property market: Homeowners to benefit from low interest rates for next three years

It’s the silver lining to the COVID-19 recession for those lucky enough to still have a job and own a home.

Low interest rates are here to stay according to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s governor Philip Lowe and economists.

And homeowners can expect interest rates to remain at record low for at least three years according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The Prime Minister recently made the prediction after Dr Lowe and Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy joined the national cabinet to discuss the economy post coronavirus.

“With unemployment expected to be at a measured rate of over seven per cent over the next two years, jobs is the issue. The number one economic issue’’ the Prime Minister said.

“And with rates low and expected to be low and financial markets performing well and rates being in the position where we could expect them to be for at least three years, if not more, which is what Dr Lowe told us this morning.”

For those who remain in stable jobs it also holds huge opportunities to pay off debts faster.

Related post: Are you paying a bank loyalty tax on your home loan?

For first home owners entering the market it’s also good news as property prices fall or remain stagnant in most capital cities.

The RBA has set the official cash rate at the historical low of 0.25 per cent, prompting interest rates on variable and fixed rate mortgages to tumble.

As a result, many home loan borrowers are looking to refinance due to the low rates and the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s an option the RBA has urged homeowners to consider to get a better deal during the pandemic.

“I encourage people who haven’t already taken up the opportunity to do that to look at their mortgage rate and look for a better deal,” the RBA’s Dr Lowe said last month.

“For many years I’ve been, in lots of public forums, I’ve been encouraging people to look at the rate they were getting from their bank, and if they weren’t getting a very low rate, speak with a professional to consider their options.”  he said.

“It’s a win for homeowners to see home loan rates in the low “2’s”, said Keenan Mickley, franchise owner at LJ Hooker Home Loans Northern Beaches in Sydney.

“Even investors can now access home loan rates in the 2’s so a refinance is definitely worth looking at. And the process is simple, with technology available to ensure we all stay socially distant and safe.” he said.

But for those struggling to repay loans after suffering a pay cut or job losses there are reports that banks are trying to hit them with a rate hike after offering a mortgage honeymoon.

“These customers should be getting a rate cut, not a rate hike. Asking people to pay more interest when they are in financial distress doesn’t seem fair or reasonable.

“They need genuine help from the banks, not a bigger interest bill. That’s why people should speak with an independent lending specialist.” Mr Mickley said.

The record low interest rates also mean that borrowing money is cheaper for the government too, with the RBA urging the states to borrow to spend on infrastructure programs to kickstart the economy.

“As I’ve noted before, the level of Commonwealth investment in fiscal intervention in this crisis is well over 15 per cent of our economy,’’ the PM said recently.

“But the Reserve Bank Governor called on the states and territories today to lift their fiscal investment over the next two years in programs of the nature that I’ve outlined, which didn’t lead to permanent increases in public spending to the tune of two per cent of GDP or $40 billion over the next two years.”

If you’d like to know more about LJ Hooker Home Loans refinance package options please fill in your details below and one of our lending specialists will be in touch. We’re available for a simple phone or web based chat.

This article is prepared based on general information. It does not take into account individual financial objectives or needs and is not financial product advice. You should always undertake your own independent property research.