Investment lending has suffered the largest fall in seven years, news figures reveal, as the regulator crackdown hits the market in full swing.
According to the latest housing finance figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the value of investment lending tumbled 8.5% in September.
The total value of housing finance commitments dropped 1.6% over the month, buoyed by a 3% rise in finance for owner-occupied home loans.
In total, investment loans made up approximately 36.9% of all loans written over September, down from 39.4% in August and 41.4% in July.
According to
Mortgage Choice chief executive officer, John Flavell, the drop in the total value of investment lending is not surprising, however, he told
Australian Broker that brokers should not be concerned.
“While the value of investment lending has fallen slightly over the last month, our data shows mortgage brokers are still writing a significant amount of investment loans.
“While the product and policy changes being made by some lenders may impact some buyers, it will not put the majority off purchasing investment properties. As such, there is still plenty of investment activity happening and plenty of business for brokers.”
However, Flavell says brokers should be preparing now to future-proof their business against changing housing market conditions.
“In this market, diversification is key. Not only does diversification allow brokers to future proof their business against any down-falls in the home loan market, but it also helps them create better relationships with their customers,” he told
Australian Broker.
“Our research indicates that the majority of customers want their mortgage broker to offer them more than just home loan advice. Customers increasingly want to deal with finance professionals who can handle all of their financial needs and help them meet all of their financial goals. Through diversification, brokers are better positioned to help their customers with their growing financial needs.”
