Home-purchase contracts in the US were canceled at a record rate for July as jittery buyers got cold feet https://t.co/Ib4EavE8iF ...

Core Insights - The Australian housing market remains resilient despite mixed economic signals, with national property prices holding steady [1] - The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to maintain the official interest rate at 3.85%, disappointing borrowers under pressure [1] - Strong buyer demand and limited housing supply contribute to the stability of property prices across most regions in Australia [1] Interest Rates and Borrowing Power - The average annual salary for full-time workers in Australia has just surpassed AUD 100,000, impacting borrowing capacity [3] - A single individual earning AUD 100,000 can borrow an additional AUD 21,000 compared to earlier this year, under current interest rates of 5.75% [3][4] - A potential rate cut to 5.50% could further increase borrowing capacity, allowing a single income of AUD 100,000 to borrow up to AUD 512,000 [6][7] Impact of Rate Cuts - If a 0.25% rate cut occurs, a single individual earning AUD 100,000 could see an increase in borrowing power by AUD 12,000, allowing for a total borrowing capacity of AUD 512,000 [6][9] - The overall increase in borrowing capacity since the beginning of the year for potential buyers is up to AUD 33,000, opening new purchasing opportunities in various regions [9] Market Dynamics - Borrowers are encouraged to negotiate with banks or switch to lower-rate lenders rather than waiting for official rate cuts [8] - Currently, 35 lending institutions offer at least one loan product with rates below 5.50%, unaffected by the RBA's decision [5]

Market Trends - US mortgage applications to purchase a home jumped to the highest level since early 2023 [1] Financial Indicators - Borrowing costs barely budged [1]

Group 1 - The core finding of the Mortgage Choice report indicates that despite rising housing prices in Australia, most Australians are relying on personal savings for their home deposits without external assistance [1][4] - Over 75% of potential homebuyers across all age groups can afford their down payments through personal savings, with 74% of Generation Z (ages 18-28), 70% of Millennials (ages 29-44), and 69% of Generation X (ages 45-60) relying on their savings [1][4] - The report highlights a competitive market, with a 5.6% increase in loan numbers and a 12.3% increase in total loan amounts year-on-year as of March, following a cash rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia [3] Group 2 - Despite the reliance on personal savings, a significant portion of individuals are seeking external assistance, particularly Generation Z, where 29% of respondents plan to borrow for their home deposit [4] - Generation Z is also the most likely to receive cash gifts from family to help with their deposits, with 22% indicating this, compared to 16% of Millennials and 8% of Generation X [4] - The median house price in Australia reached a new high of AUD 805,000 in April, with Sydney, Brisbane, and Canberra being the most expensive capital cities, averaging AUD 1.118 million, AUD 882,000, and AUD 822,000 respectively [4]