ME Bank's latest Quarterly Property Sentiment Report shows positive sentiment among those in the property market is at record highs, while negative sentiment is at an all-time low, since the bank began its sentiment reports in 2019.

The report, which surveyed more than 1,000 Australian investors, owner-occupiers and first home buyers, found that confidence is being buoyed by expectations for rising property prices, increased levels of market activity, and a combination of record low interest rates and government incentives like HomeBuilder.

Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.

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LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees Max LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.04% p.a.
6.08% p.a.
$3,011
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
4.6 Star Customer Ratings
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Quick and easy online application process.
Disclosure
5.99% p.a.
5.90% p.a.
$2,995
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
Apply in minutes
  • No application or ongoing fees. Annual rate discount
  • Unlimited redraws & additional repayments. LVR <80%
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender. Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
 Disclosure
6.09% p.a.
6.11% p.a.
$3,027
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$250
60%
  • No annual fees – None!
  • Get fast pre-approval
  • Unlimited additional repayments free of charge
 Disclosure
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

ME Bank's Head of Home Loans and Personal Banking Claudio Mazzarella said the record high levels of positive sentiment among Australians is reflective of the resilience of the housing market, after some economists had predicted house price falls of up to 30% in 2020.

"While there are still many challenges such as unemployment and job insecurity, it's promising to see how sentiment and market activity have rebounded," he said.

"Government incentives such as HomeBuilder and record low interest rates have no doubt been large contributors to driving momentum across the market.

"We fully expect to see property investors back in full force this year. Sentiment within this group is bouncing back, with low interest rates make investing in property a more attractive option."

Positive sentiment among investors and owner-occupiers increased by 15 and 17 percentage points respectively. 

However, sentiment among first home buyers dropped 4 percentage points, despite 74% of FHBs saying that stimulus measures such as first home buyer incentives, stamp duty relief and HomeBuilder have made buying or investing more attractive to them.

High hopes for house prices

When COVID first began to impact Australians last year, fears of a housing crash began to build. Almost 12 months on, momentum in the property market is picking up speed fast, as speculation rises of a 2021 housing boom.

The report found 77% of those in the property market expect house prices to bounce back this year.

Similarly, fewer property owners are worried about COVID impacting the value of their property.

It comes after the last Domain house price report shows house prices hit a record high at the end of 2020 in all but two capital cities.

The national median house price surged by 5.8% in the three months to 31 December 2020, to $852,940.

When asked about property price expectations over the next 12 months, 54% of homeowners and buyers predicted prices will continue to go up.

Only 7% thought prices will fall.

"It's clear from our latest report that most Australians anticipate a strong uptick in residential property prices," Mr Mazzarella said.

"The data also shows a general increase in people's sense of wealth and financial confidence as a result of these price movements.

"The flip side to higher property prices is that it will make it harder for first home buyers to get their foot in the door. It will be important for new entrants in the property market to do their research."

Home loan lending data released yesterday reveals a 9.3% increase in first home buyer loans in December, the highest level since June 2009.

But despite the record increase in lending to first home buyers, an overwhelming 95% said housing affordability remains a big issue in Australia.

Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash



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