Currently, approximately 6% of new loans exceed the six times income threshold, with nearly half of all new loans falling between four to six times the borrower's income. APRA Chair John Lonsdale emphasized the proactive nature of this intervention, stating that the goal is to reduce high-risk lending before it poses systemic threats to the financial system.
The Australian banking sector's substantial exposure to residential mortgages makes it particularly vulnerable to housing-related shocks. This policy marks APRA's first change in loan regulations since 2017 and aligns with similar actions taken in countries like New Zealand and Canada.
The decision follows recent interest rate cuts and government initiatives aimed at assisting first-home buyers, which have contributed to record property prices and an 18% surge in investor loans in the last quarter. Market expectations now suggest a potential rate hike by the Reserve Bank of Australia, currently holding at 3.6%.
The Australian Banking Association has expressed support for the policy, particularly praising the exemption for new housing loans, which is expected to help maintain housing supply.
For strata property owners and investors, this development underscores the importance of prudent financial planning and awareness of regulatory changes that may impact borrowing capacity and investment strategies.
