Central banks across the globe have been expanding their balance sheets again, at speed this year:
An interesting graph from the Reserve Bank of Australia today shows funding costs at historical lows.
Banks have also benefited from an influx of low-cost deposits, and this should be reflected in some very attractive mortgage rates this year.
Stamp holiday
The NSW State Government today announced a stamp duty holiday for first homebuyers buying new property up to the value of $800,000.
There will also be an exemption on vacant land up to $400,000, which phases out at $500,000, while the existing grant remains in place.
The $10,000 first homebuyer grant remains available for purchases up to $600,000 for a new first home (or $750,000 for new house and land deals).
This announcement will support the Sydney and NSW housing markets from the bottom up.
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The Victorian government is expected to announce more than 500 cases of COVID-19 in the state today for the first time.
While sales listings have largely behaved themselves, there are more than 3,300 properties listed as available for rent in Melbourne's CBD, and more than 800 in Melbourne's Docklands.
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The Victorian government is expected to announce more than 500 cases of COVID-19 in the state today for the first time.
While sales listings have largely behaved themselves, there are more than 3,300 properties listed as available for rent in Melbourne's CBD, and more than 800 in Melbourne's Docklands.
