REAL ESTATE

Australians appear to be reluctant in acquiring new properties for now as a new industry survey showed mere moderate gains in the real estate sector in August, posting sales improvement of only 1.1 percent in the month.

The MFAA has echoed warnings from Gadens Lawyers about the use of the term "independent" in describing the services provided by mortgage brokers.

While global and domestic data highlight the need for a rate cut, the RBA does not seem swayed, Westpac has said.

About 60 per cent of Australian mortgage holders have decided to create a bigger savings buffer for ‘unforeseen circumstances’ amid recent financial market turmoil, according to independently-owned mortgage broker, Mortgage Choice.

A Tallai mansion previously voted house of the year by the Queensland Master Builders Association has been snapped up by an undisclosed buyer for $5.8 million prior to its auction on October 5.

A financial services consultant has claimed banks will increasingly try to shut out brokers as the mortgage market becomes more competitive.

Brisbane’s commercial market is rebounding quickly as demand for office space continues to be led by increased business activity from the resources sector.

New research from mortgage provider RAMS Home Loans show first home buyers in Australia aren't overly concerned about foreign investor competition in the property market. Despite talk of overseas investment into the Australian property market, local buyers say they are not worried.

Sales of existing homes climbed 7.7 per cent from the previous month to an annual rate of 5.03 million units, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) said on Wednesday. The median price was 5.1 per cent lower than a year earlier, making analysts remark that the outlook is still grim for real estate.

Treasury boss Martin Parkinson has backed a move to abolish real estate stamp duties, saying they are biggest drag on productivity and inhibit economic adjustment.

The RBA has indicated that a 'clouded' international outlook had contributed strongly to a decision to keep the cash rate on hold.

Brokers should be careful before branding themselves as advisers, and ensure the term accurately reflects their business model, ASIC has stated.

First home buyers are poised to make a strong return to the property market as they move quickly to beat the loss of stamp duty concessions at the end of the year.

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and Austrade have launched two new publications designed to promote Australian green building capability to overseas governments, private sector developers, architects, engineers, specifiers and distributors of green building products.

The quality that consumers perceive is being provided by mortgage brokers, in comparison with banks and credit unions, will improve following the introduction of the NCCP, according to the MFAA.

Critics of the Victorian Government plan to expedite cases through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (VCAT) were attacking housing affordability and employment opportunities of thousands of Victorians, the Urban Development Industry of Australia warned today.

When it comes to property, Australians are starting to choose location over size, according to new Grattan Institute research.

Housing has become the biggest cost of living issue all over Australia and there is a significant crisis, according to a coalition of national housing, welfare and community sector organisations to highlight the problem of housing affordability in Australia.

Home prices in China grew only 4.1 percent in August, hinting earlier policy rules laid down by government in July may be slowly taking effect.

Australian house prices went up in the June quarter, recording the largest increases since September 2010.

Nigerian scammers are actively and successfully operating in the real estate industry in Australia, the Real Estate Institute of NSW has warned.

The REIQ June quarter median unit and townhouse report has found the preliminary number of sales rebounded across most of Brisbane, with median prices also holding firm.

The O’Farrell Government’s decision to slash First Home Buyers benefits by removing stamp duty concessions for existing homes will hit rural centres hard, according to the NSW’s peak industry body.

New home building has seen its third decline in four quarters, and could deteriorate further in the year ahead.

Changes to regulations surrounding self-managed super funds could ultimately impact on rental affordability, it has been claimed.

In the Gulf, developers are learning from what did not work and moving on to what is feasible for all. Property developers in the Gulf are trying something new in the market -- focusing on actual housing demands with great consideration to economic reaches of the potential occupants.

Stable rates have proven a boon to consumer confidence, with more households now eyeing the housing market than at any time in the past two years.

A US economic forecaster has claimed mortgage brokers could actually benefit from a housing bubble.

Brokers need to stop disputing low valuations, as it will seldom lead to any change in the original assessment, industry valuation management firm ValEx has said.