Australia: Value of housing finance commitments fell a solid 2.2% m/m in February - ANZ

The research team at ANZ, points out that the value of Australian housing finance commitments fell a solid 2.2% m/m in February, led by the investor segment.

Key Quotes

“While owner-occupier finance rose slightly, the value of investor commitments posted the largest monthly drop since APRA’s macro-prudential regulation first took place in September 2015. The drop in investor activity is likely to provide some comfort to the RBA and APRA. The RBA noted at their meeting last week that house “prices are rising briskly”, while concern over financial stability led to APRA implementing further regulation on housing lending at the end of March.”