Small Loans Australia

... helping Australians to finance a better future

Small Loans Australia :: News

Share this news item!

Aussies Persevere in Housing Market Despite Economic Squeeze

In the face of rising living costs and consecutive rate hikes by Australia's Reserve Bank, the country's housing market is displaying unexpected vitality.

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showcases a surprising uptick in new home loan commitments during February.

Though financial experts predicted a 2 percent rise, the actual figures present a 1.5 percent increase to $26.4bn, suggestive of the market's resilience amidst economic challenges. This constant activity is happening as Australia witnesses a surge in migration, amplifying demand alongside a modest output in housing construction, which stifles supply lines.

Driven predominantly by the owner-occupier sector, the landscapes of home financing continue to evolve. The seasonally adjusted statistics indicate that owner-occupiers propelled the hike in new loans, registering a 1.6 percent month-on-month increase and a notable 9.1 percent annual escalation.

The perseverance of Australian households is mirrored by the numbers of newcomer buyers, with fresh loan commitments to this segment ticking up 4.3 percent in the month and a remarkable 13.2 percent annually. The total reached for first-time borrowers was 9,377 for the month following an impressive climb from January.

Investment-minded property seekers signal a similar defiance to rising costs, with their component of the loan values expanding by 1.2 percent and their year-on-year assessment a remarkable 21.5 percent. As per Mish Tan of the ABS, this group significantly swells the growth in total new loan commitments over the past twelve months.

Rate increases by the Reserve Bank starting May 2022 have substantially constrained borrowing capabilities. For instance, a typical family with dual income and children earning $150,000 has observed their borrowing potential sharply reduce by approximately 32.8 percent, coupled with average mortgage expenses climbing by more than $1500.

The official cash rate currently stands at 4.35 percent since the November adjustment, and inflation hovers at 4.1 percent, surpassing the RBA's goal range of 2-3 percent, thus hinting at a testing period for the market ahead.

Published:Wednesday, 10th Apr 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Rate Money Announces Rate Reductions for Self-Employed Borrowers

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a move to support self-employed Australians, non-bank lender Rate Money has announced significant reductions in interest rates across its 'Evolve Easy Doc' loan range. Effective from June 30, 2025, the new rates start from 6.64% per annum, aiming to provide more accessible financing options for small business owners and self-employed individuals. - read more

Renown Lending Partners with Marlbury Capital to Expand SME Asset-Backed Loans

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Renown Lending has announced a significant partnership with Marlbury Capital, securing a $100 million facility to expand asset-backed loans for Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is designed to offer fast, simple, and flexible financing solutions, enabling business owners to seize opportunities, manage cash flow, and stabilize operations. - read more

ASIC Highlights Compliance Issues Among Small Credit Lenders

21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has recently expressed concerns regarding the compliance practices of certain small credit lenders. A comprehensive review conducted by ASIC revealed that some providers of small amount credit contracts (SACCs) may be steering vulnerable consumers towards financial products that offer fewer protections, potentially exposing them to increased financial risk. - read more

Small Business Lending Surges After RBA's Interest Rate Reductions

13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) have led to a notable increase in small business loan applications. This trend underscores a renewed sense of optimism among business owners, eager to leverage more favourable borrowing conditions to drive growth and expansion. - read more

Expansion of Private Credit Market Opens New Financing Avenues for Australian SMEs

13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian financial landscape is witnessing a significant shift as the private credit market experiences substantial growth, offering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alternative avenues for financing. This expansion is particularly noteworthy in the context of traditional banks tightening their lending criteria, leaving many businesses in search of accessible funding solutions. - read more

Reserve Bank of Australia Advises Caution on Borrowing as Rate Cuts Loom

13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

As the Australian economy anticipates potential interest rate reductions, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has issued a cautionary note to households, advising against excessive borrowing that could lead to financial instability. This advisory comes amidst a backdrop of economic recovery efforts and aims to prevent the emergence of a boom-bust cycle driven by unsustainable debt levels. - read more

Westpac's Strategic Expansion in Business Banking

05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant expansion in its business banking division, with plans to recruit 350 new bankers over the next two years. This strategic move is part of Westpac's concerted effort to reclaim its leadership position in Australia's business lending market. - read more

New Credit Check Requirements for BNPL Services in Australia

05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian government has introduced new legislation mandating that buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) providers conduct credit checks on borrowers. This move aims to align BNPL services with traditional credit providers, enhancing consumer protection and financial transparency. - read more

APRA's Decision to Retain the 3% Serviceability Buffer

05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced its decision to maintain the 3% serviceability buffer for home loan lending. This buffer requires lenders to assess a borrower's ability to meet loan repayments at an interest rate 3% higher than the current rate, ensuring borrowers can withstand potential rate increases. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Personal Loans Articles

Creating a Financial Safety Net: Insurance and Savings Tips for Young Families

Welcome to our blog! For young families, securing your future often requires careful planning and prudent financial decisions. One of the most crucial steps you can take in this journey is creating a financial safety net. - read more

How to Create a Budget That Really Works for You

Budgeting is a foundational skill in the realm of personal finance, and as crucial as setting the sails is to a captain navigating through treacherous waters. Just as steady winds propel a ship towards its destination, a well-structured budget guides individuals towards their financial goals with confidence and control. - read more

A Beginner's Guide to Personal Loans During Financial Hardship

Welcome to our beginner's guide on personal loans during financial hardship. Navigating financial challenges can be overwhelming, but personal loans could serve as a viable solution. This article will cover what personal loans are, how they work, and why they might be beneficial during tough times. - read more

Quick Fixes for Common Credit Score Issues in Australia

Credit scores play a crucial role in your financial life, influencing your ability to access loans, credit cards, and even housing rentals. In Australia, your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, which lenders use to assess the risk of lending to you. - read more

Why Having an Emergency Fund is Crucial for Your Financial Health

Imagine being hit with an unexpected expense like a car repair or medical bill. Without a financial buffer, such surprises can wreak havoc on your budget. This is where an emergency fund plays its heroic role. - read more

Bad Credit? Here's How You Can Still Get a Competitive Personal Loan

In the landscape of modern finance, credit scores can often feel like gatekeepers to our goals, barring or granting access to essential funding when we need it most. The truth is, debt is as common as it is complex, threading through the lives of many with silent tenacity. Understanding its prevalence is the first step in navigating the choppy financial waters it can create. - read more

Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Loan for Your Financial Situation

Loans can play a significant role in shaping our financial landscapes. For many Australians, they are vital tools for achieving milestones like buying a home, financing education, or starting a business. However, selecting the wrong type of loan can have a detrimental impact on your financial health, leaving you with unwanted debt and stress. - read more

Budgeting 101: How to Get a Personal Loan Despite Bad Credit

Smart budgeting is the cornerstone of financial health. It helps you understand where your money is going and empowers you to make informed financial decisions. In Australia, like everywhere else, a well-managed budget can significantly improve your quality of life and financial stability. - read more

Interest Rates for Small Loans: Breaking Down the Basics

Interest rates play a vital role when it comes to borrowing money. They determine how much extra you'll pay on top of the amount you've borrowed. - read more

Need Help Finding a Loan?

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase

Credit Utilization:
The amount of credit you are using compared to the amount of credit available to you, typically expressed as a percentage.

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust) 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228, A.C.N. 010281008, authorised credit representative of Saccasan Pty Ltd, Australian Credit License 386297. Visit the ASIC website for additional licensing information.

IMPORTANT: We are neither authorised nor licensed to provide finance or financial products and we do not offer any form of credit or other financial advice. All product enquiries and requests for financial and/or other advice on this website are referred to third party intermediaries, insurers and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for vaidating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.