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“Australia has an unquestionably strong financial sector. It has withstood significant shocks, such as the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID recession, without the emergence of financial contagion.
“The share of loans that are impaired is exceptionally low, at around 0.4 per cent of all loans issued. This is significantly lower than in other developed economies.
“The very low levels of mortgage delinquency in Australia reflect the restrictive lending regulations imposed by financial regulators in Australia. Since 2010, financial regulations have made it increasingly conservative making it progressively more difficult for first home buyers to enter the market.
“Despite the lows levels of mortgage delinquency, APRA announced this morning that it has increased the ‘serviceability buffer’ for a new mortgage from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent.
“First home buyers accounted for 35 per cent of owner occupier loans issued in August 2021 and these measures will make it harder to access a loan.
“This additional constraint is being imposed despite the share of loans with a 10 per cent deposit or less declining since December 2020. This share is well below those observed over the past decade.
“First home buyers are the group who are typically constrained by serviceability thresholds. It is this group that will be hit the hardest by these changes.
“Restricting access to credit for new households seeking to enter the housing market will put further downward pressure on the rate of home ownership in Australia,” concluded Mr Reardon.
In what has been a difficult time for many Victorians, HIA welcomes the package of support measures announced by the Allan and Albanese Governments to support businesses, individuals and communities affected by the recent Victorian bushfires.
“HIA is disappointed that the Victorian government has announced new proposals to further increase property taxes,” stated HIA Executive Director Victoria, Keith Ryan.
HIA says residential builders and trades remain cautious about hiring in 2026. Not due to a lack of housing demand, but because of mounting cost pressures, regulatory hurdles, and persistent skills shortages, according to a survey of small to medium enterprise members.
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.