Invest
More rate hikes at Westpac
The major bank has lifted mortgage rates on its defence services home loan products, off the back of its 14 basis point hike in September.
More rate hikes at Westpac
The major bank has lifted mortgage rates on its defence services home loan products, off the back of its 14 basis point hike in September.
Effective as of 5 October, Westpac announced 9 basis point increases on its Defence Service Home Standard and Defence Service Home Intermediate products, which apply to Defence Service Home Loans offered by the bank.
Westpac stated that its rate increases follow the Department of Veteran’s Affairs’ decision to increase the Defence Service Housing benchmark rate to 5.39 per cent.
Westpac’s changes are as follows:
- Defence Service Home Standard product — up by 9 basis points to 3.89 per cent
- Defence Service Home Intermediate product — up by 9 basis points to 3.89 per cent
- Westpac noted that the Defence Service Home Standard rate is set at the benchmark rate less 1.50 per cent, and capped at 6.85 per cent, while the Defence Service Home Intermediate rate is capped at 4.50 per cent.
In August, Westpac increased rates on all of its variable home loan products by 14 basis points, making it the first major bank to lift rates out of cycle amid rising funding costs.
Commonwealth Bank and ANZ followed Westpac’s suit in September, lifting rates by 15 and 16 basis points, respectively.
This latest news from Westpac comes as lenders tighten conditions across the board, making life harder for borrowers and first home buyers in particular.
As reported last week, Mortgage Choice CEO Susan Mitchell believes further rate hikes across the board are on the table for the short to mid term.
You can read more about how to improve your chances of getting finance approved in the current market here.
RELATED ARTICLES
Property
North platform adds household reporting feature to boost adviser efficiency
AMP's North platform has launched consolidated household reporting across multiple client accounts, helping financial advisers streamline their client review processes. Read more
Property
What Adds The Most Value To Properties?
Wondering how to up the value of your property? Properties are worth a lot of money in general, but there’s always a way to maximise value. The good news is that most of the things you can do to ...Read more
Property
Centuria reports strong growth in alternative real estate sectors for FY24
Centuria Capital Group has reported significant growth in alternative real estate sectors for the 2024 financial year, driving stable performance and increased guidance for FY25. Read more
Property
How to leverage equity in your home for investment or renovation
Home equity, the value of your property minus any debts owed, is a powerful financial resource many homeowners in Australia can utilize to further their financial goals. Whether you're looking to ...Read more
Property
Exploring REITs: Real estate investment without buying property
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer a compelling investment alternative for those interested in the real estate market but may not want to endure the complexities and capital requirements of ...Read more
Property
Retirement communities: a pivotal element in meeting Australia's housing targets
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has recommended that retirement communities should be considered a vital part in the Australian Government's initiative to fulfill the Housing Australia Future Fund ...Read more
Property
Australians adjust financial strategies amid changing property market dynamics
The 2023 calendar year saw Australian borrowers acquiring a total of $300.9 billion in new loans for property purchases, marking a 12.7% decrease from the previous year. Read more
Property
Split home loans unlocking doors for Aussie buyers
Australians are teaming up to dive into the real estate market and seize the advantages of home ownership, with the trend of split home loans surging as family and friends unite to buy properties ...Read more
Property
North platform adds household reporting feature to boost adviser efficiency
AMP's North platform has launched consolidated household reporting across multiple client accounts, helping financial advisers streamline their client review processes. Read more
Property
What Adds The Most Value To Properties?
Wondering how to up the value of your property? Properties are worth a lot of money in general, but there’s always a way to maximise value. The good news is that most of the things you can do to ...Read more
Property
Centuria reports strong growth in alternative real estate sectors for FY24
Centuria Capital Group has reported significant growth in alternative real estate sectors for the 2024 financial year, driving stable performance and increased guidance for FY25. Read more
Property
How to leverage equity in your home for investment or renovation
Home equity, the value of your property minus any debts owed, is a powerful financial resource many homeowners in Australia can utilize to further their financial goals. Whether you're looking to ...Read more
Property
Exploring REITs: Real estate investment without buying property
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) offer a compelling investment alternative for those interested in the real estate market but may not want to endure the complexities and capital requirements of ...Read more
Property
Retirement communities: a pivotal element in meeting Australia's housing targets
The Retirement Living Council (RLC) has recommended that retirement communities should be considered a vital part in the Australian Government's initiative to fulfill the Housing Australia Future Fund ...Read more
Property
Australians adjust financial strategies amid changing property market dynamics
The 2023 calendar year saw Australian borrowers acquiring a total of $300.9 billion in new loans for property purchases, marking a 12.7% decrease from the previous year. Read more
Property
Split home loans unlocking doors for Aussie buyers
Australians are teaming up to dive into the real estate market and seize the advantages of home ownership, with the trend of split home loans surging as family and friends unite to buy properties ...Read more
