RBA Shocks Markets with Cash Rate Cut: Mortgage Relief for Townsville Investors and First Home Buyers

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has shocked the markets today with a cash rate drop to 2.25 percent after being left on hold at 2.5 percent since August 2013.

The changing conditions in the housing market across the country featured in the RBA policy announcement today as a measure to assess and contain economic risks, typically driven by an easing in capital city prices.

RBA Governor Mr Stevens said; “Credit growth picked up to moderate rates in 2014, with stronger growth in lending to investors in housing assets. Dwelling prices have continued to rise strongly in Sydney, though trends have been more varied in a number of other cities over recent months. The Bank is working with other regulators to assess and contain economic risks that may arise from the housing market.”

The overwhelming majority of economic commentators expected the RBA to leave interest rates on hold. Based on the finder.com.au survey of 30 economists and commentators, they found that 28 expected the cash rate to remain unchanged.

Mr McMullen from RAMS said that with consumer confidence and inflation low, the RBA would cut rates to help boost the economy and depreciate the Australian dollar.

Consumer confidence has been weaker, cheaper prices in the global oil market and the weakening of the Australian dollar were major factors in the decision.

“Market sentiment has fundamentally shifted over the past two months as oil prices have plummeted and concerns about deflation in Europe grow. This has led to markets expecting 0.50 percent in the rate cuts in the first half of 2015, “Mr Caelli from ME Bank said.

Today’s rate cut would normally provide a boost to the local market and lead to improvements in building starts if it were not for low business confidence and high unemployment numbers in the local North Queensland market, Mr McLeod said from MCINC Investments and Consultancy.

Providing cheaper mortgages for first home buyers and existing mortgage holders on variable rates is a relief for the local market, Mr McLeod commented.

However, in a low confidence market positive downward movements in cash rates need support by businesses leveraging a lower Australia dollar to attract export dollars, and more favourable private and government investment in critical infrastructure and facilities developments to kick start the economy with more jobs and cash flows, Mr McLeod said.

Reference:

Reserve Bank of Australia – www.rba.gov.au/

McINC Investments and Consultancy

Raid Realty Australia – www.rapidrealty.com.au

Townsville Real Estate Blog – http://townsvillerealestate.blogspot.com.au/

Breaking Story: Townsville Property Investors Left out of Pocket;Building Contractor License Terminated

The newly reformed Queensland's Building Construction Commission (QBCC) has terminated the licence of an alleged unethical building contractor operating in the Townsville new construction industry, leaving many angry investors in the dark and out of pocket thousands of dollars.

Reports of the contract builder's termination comes as the Townsville property investment and rental market feels the strain of increasing vacancy rates, reported by Herron Todd White in September 2014 to be trending at 6.08%.

Mostly South-Eastern and Western Australian investors who signed up to off-the-plan house and land contracts are impacted by the termination of the builders' license. Most of the 20-30 new investment properties are now abandoned, partly completed like ruined buildings and ghost houses nearing final completion waiting for QBCC assistance, which cannot come soon enough for mum and dad investors across Australia.

Approximately 500 new developer lots were available in April 2014 for purchase in the Townsville market. The scope of impact is relatively minor at this stage in the context of the entire new construction market in Townsville. But this offers no consolation to the many investors committed to the Townsville and Darwin property markets through what is known as the "Base Camp" investment system.

Local estate agents are reporting that unpaid contractors are returning to the properties and removing installed equipment because they have not been paid by the disgraced contract builder. One agent who wished not to be identified said; "we went to the property to check progress of works on behalf of our client and take photos, then found at the next visit that the irrigation system had been stolen or ripped out of the ground".

Ex employees of the contract builder have also confirmed that sub contractors are recovering their equipment from the abandoned buildings in lieu of being paid for their services. Suppliers have cancelled scheduled services on the news of the builder's license termination, and in some cases honestly refunded up front payments to the client on the "smell of a rat".

Townsville Real Estate Principal and Property Management Expert, Aaron McLeod said; Investors must be very careful dealing with venture building contractors especially those engaged by property investment spruikers to build and commission new investment properties. Investors are advised to engage the services of a licensed real estate professional in the location of the project, and work with local reputable builders.", Mr McLeod commented.

Back in 2013, Townsville contractors remember all too well when "Walton Construction (Australia) Pty Ltd and Walton Construction (Queensland) Pty Ltd were placed under administration on October 4 this  year owing millions of dollars to sub contractors across Queensland, NSW and Victoria." (Sunshine Coast Daily, Oct 2013)

Distressed investors are anxiously seeking help from the newly formed QBCC, insurance providers, lenders and the Southern investment spruikers who brokered the investment opportunities in the first place through participating finance brokers, often luring investors through effective telemarketing or property investment seminars in the capital cities.

At least one innocent investor has reported to the Townsville Real Estate Blog that they paid the final payment to the builder, then learned through the developer's covenant inspector that a substantial list of defects needed fixing. Defects such as fences, gates, roller doors, doors, security screens, locks and plumbing services, irrigation, etc. we're found not working at the property.

A practising Townsvilke building certifier reported; "These are components not typically included in the final inspection covered by the statutory Form 21 process. These defects seemed to have slipped through the gap in this certification process because plumbing and drainage is handled by local council inspectors, not the privately contracted and licensed building certifiers."

Perhaps most culpable could be the inspector, believed to be the licensed certifyer, that verified to the Client's lender via the investment spruiker that the building was completed and ready for handover. In addition, the plumbing and drainage final either was not done or was not delivered by the investment spruiker to the Clients lender before the final loan payments were disbursed to the failed builder.

Meanwhile, the builder and onsite supervisor reportedly coerced the investor into paying the final payment before keys could be provided to an independent agent, knowing forewell the property was not satisfactory for handover.

Because the investor has drawn down 100% of the borrowings after the Form 21 final certification form was received by the lender, the undisclosed defects still prevented the building from being occupied and rented so interest payments on the client's borrowings for the project could be serviced from cash flows.

Sources of the Townsville Real Estate Blog believe the Company Directors behind this particular investment scheme are based in Yatala, located between the Gold Coast and Brisbane. It is believed the company, which produces the steel framing for all of the new buildings, has set up a subsidiary contract building company in alliance with investment spruikers, delivering poor quality uninhabitable homes on this occasion to unsuspecting investment clients.

This type of company, setting up intermediary building companies, are taking advantage of the substantial increase in demand from property investors wanting to set up self managed superannuation funds on the back of government legislation reform and taxation changes on private superannuation contributions.

Questions are now being asked how a licensed certifier could complete the final Form 21 when the building was not completed satisfactorily? And the licensed builder, now the subject of QBCC license termination, could get away with causing such financial stress and mounting losses to innocent investors? How could the QBCC issue licenses in the first instance to seemingly unqualified and underfunded intermediary companies?

This property investment scheme debacle is unfolding at a time when Minister for Housing and Public Works, Tim Mander, said a "new early dispute resolution service would make solving problems between builders and families far less stressful than in the past". (Queensland Government and Ministry Director website, 30 June 2014)

"Contract disputes are never pretty but when you're talking about disputes between mums and dads who are making the biggest investment of their lives, and builders whose livelihoods could be on the line, it's only natural that emotions can run high," Mr Mander said.

"In the past there was no assistance fro families, or for builders, until the contract had either been terminated or completed, which meant the process cold drag on for months.

"This new service will significantly reduce the cost that disputes can place on consumers and contractors as well as substantially reducing the time it takes to resolve them, without legal action.

"This free service is part of our strong plan to grow construction, as we promised, and will create a brighter future for the industry."

Mr Mander, said the early dispute resolution service was just one of a raft of measures coming into effect on July 1 which would make life easier for builders and consumers.

It seems the integrity of the Campbell Newman Government's reforms of the old Building Services Authority (BSA) with the reformed QBCC will face its first real test in light of these serious events unfolding in Townsville, Darwin and across Australia.

Innocent investors already caught up in this potentially explosive property investment scheme impacting Northern Australia, could pay a high price in an economy under enormous strain from a government hellbent on centralised procurement in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The depth of impact involves a supply chain of property investment spruikers, mortgage brokers, banks, builders, subcontractors, property managers and the government's own construction licensing regime.

Townsville Real Estate Blog reported in August with insight the impact that new construction and property spruikers were having on the supply and demand dynamic of the Townsville property market. (Boom or Bust? Convergance of Factors Impacting on Townsville Real Estate Market, http://townsvillerealestate.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/boom-or-bust-convergence-of-factors.html)

Owners and contractors impacted by failed construction investments can contact the QBCC hotline on 139 333 for help.

References:

Sunshine Coast Daily

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/state-probe-into-walton-49m-failure/2091194/

Townsville Real Estate Blog

http://townsvillerealestate.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/boom-or-bust-convergence-of-factors.html

Queensland Government and Ministry Directory website, 30 June 2014
http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2014/6/30/building-disputes-to-be-resolved-faster-and-cheaper

Media Release: Local Agent Head On with Foreign Franchises

Townsville's sporting community is proud of our local teams winning on a state, national and international stage be it the NQ Cowboys, Townsville Crocs, Townsville Fire or Queensland’s record breaking State of Origin team.

Well it's no different in the real estate game with locally founded company, Rapid Realty Pty Ltd (Australia) approaching the playing field with a feeling of pride and determination, taking on the foreign franchises head on with its own style of marketing, education and auction extravaganza events.

Townsville's own real estate franchise, often recognized by a "big red man" on 2.4m high signs around the streets of Townsville, was established in South Townsville in 2007 by two brothers with one employee.

Now employing a team of six staff, over 20 regular contractors and an alliance network of finance, legal and planning professionals with a "standout brand" delivering real estate sales and property management services across North Queensland.

"The innovation of our team to design and deliver a solid brand, practicing values of integrity, quality and service efficiency in a combined property education and trading event is remarkable; Rapid Realty's Founder and Managing Director, Aaron McLeod said from his Kirwan home.

Mr. McLeod commented; this marketing initiative is consistent with our "real service, rapid results" commitment and is a reflection of the passion, gutsy and try-all attitude of our people to exceed client expectations. Our clients want “rapid results” but not at the expense of fair prices, so achieving a sale within 8 weeks 90-95% of the time is a quality outcome.”

Rapid Realty is seeking more local people to aspire and share in the values and growth plans for the company, firstly in North Queensland and then across Australia. With the real estate industry and property market on the verge of recovery in 2014, enquiries from aspiring real estate professionals wanting to enter the industry is picking up, Mr. McLeod reported.

Helping the community with education and achieving great sales results for clients through the "learn and earn, one-stop-shop" initiative is a win win outcome in a competitive real estate market in Townsville.

More often than people may acknowledge, the corporate business gives to the needy in the community with sponsorship or donations. In kind, people going through the pain of divorce, deceased estates, financial stress forcing a down grade or disposal of a property are all reasons an agent helps distressed customers with no financial gain. The client’s freedom to decide to sell is withdrawn for legal, emotional or economic reasons.

Providing free expert opinion and no obligation information is invaluable to the community needing the freedom of choice and movement. Learning and earning is an essential community need for personal growth and economic prosperity.

Being a real estate agent today is about "giving, not taking"; Mr. McLeod said. The mantra of giving and helping is a soft approach to selling. This has seen the company’s earnings increase 20% per year since Rapid Realty was launched in 2007. With their headquarters to remain in Townsville, the "learn and earn" initiative creates perfect synergy with all levels of investors needing to research before they buy.

Supporting a true local agent means the Townsville community benefits from employment opportunities, capital investment and profit reinvestment, as well as in kind knowledge expertise with genuine interest in caring for people. That’s the Rapid Realty way and point of difference from foreign franchisers, Mr. McLeod stated.

Ready for further development and expansion from its Townsville home, Rapid Realty is presenting their marketing talent this Tuesday 25^th Feb at the Master Builders House on Sturt Street showcasing the "learn and earn, one-stop-shop" property investment seminar and auction extravaganza.

There are limited seats available so registrations will be necessary. If you want to support this Townsville company, register rapidly at www.rapidrealty.com.au or call their office on 4771 3600.

Time to Wake up and Smell the Roses Townsville Real Estate; Queen Bees are Being Born

Townsville’s Real Estate economy is on the cusp of renewal and regeneration after an extended period of hibernation, passive demand and external uncertainties, a leading independent North Queensland Real Estate Principal said.

Mr McLeod of Rapid Realty Australia and Director of McINC Investments and Consultancy said, “Consumer confidence indices have been improving over many months which suggests that lower prices and retail discounting is stirring the end consumer to feel they have more bang for buck. “This sentiment has been evolving in the non-discretionary spending sector such as accommodation and housing for many months”, Mr McLeod said.

“Leaders in our North Queensland headquarters in Townsville have reported that prospective tenants and buyers for that matter are asking to negotiate prices down more frequently and with more depth suggesting consumers have a higher expectation that prices could be discounted”, Mr McLeod said.

This is also reflected in the Melbourne Institute’s Consumer Sentiment Index which reports that sentiment has increased by 2.0% over the month to 110.5 points which is its highest level since December 2010 (111.0 points). The consumer sentiment index has increased over six of the past seven months and is up by 12.6% over the past six months.

Each component of the index except for time to buy a major household item rose over the month and only the index which measures family finances over the past 12 months is showing higher levels of pessimism than optimism. RP Data Property Pulse, 15/03/2013.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Townsville rental vacancy rate has bounced over 3% to 3.14% in February 2013, HTW Rental Vacancy Survey, Feb 2013.

For many in the industry this is unprecedented and could typically put downward pressure on rental accommodation prices if sustained. However, Mr McLeod believes this anomaly will be short lived and should improve for investors as North Queensland, and Townsville particularly, traditionally has a seasonal movement of consumers out of accommodation in November and December and January. Accommodation is now being filled with new arrivals and streetscape changes occurring.

"The imbalance in the depth of this movement of consumers through December, January and February 2013 out of the economic zone could have been affected by delays in the State government’s placement of employees in the health, education and infrastructure-related departments, following the Campbell Newman government’s announcement late in 2012 of job cuts in this sector”, Mr McLeod said.

By contrast, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the January 2012 housing finance data this week. The data revealed that the number of owner occupier finance commitments fell by -1.5% over the month with non-refinance commitments falling by -1.9% and refinance commitments -0.7% lower. Year-on-year, non-refinance commitments are -0.8% lower than last January while refinance commitments have recorded a much greater -10.0% fall.

The total value of housing finance commitments rose by 2.4% over the month with investment finance commitments increasing by 4.4% and owner occupier commitments increasing by 1.3%. Year-on-year, the total value of owner occupier finance commitments has fallen by -0.5% however, investment commitments have seen a significant increase of 18.6% as reported by the ABS. The increase in investor finance compared to domestic finance is a significant measure of consumer-centric investors’ finding confidence in a more favorable property market, improving global economic data from the United States, Asia and Europe on our domestic equities markets expanding.

The Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Survey identified 21.3% of respondents felt that real estate was the wisest place, down from 24.0% last quarter to invest over bank deposits, shares, paying down debt, etc. The proportion of loans to first home buyers was at its lowest ever level in Queensland (10.4%) over the month.

“The gestation period for consumer-centric investors as confident buyers has been long coming over the past four years since the housing market peeked, and with a cultural effect from consumers becoming comfortable with retail price discounting, now is the time to “wake up and smell the roses” before the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund and experienced and astute investors pick the early blossom in the Townsville real estate market”, Mr McLeod said.

So when could be the best time to pick the right property?

At a micro level it is impossible to pick the perfect day. The lead indicators are in place to act within the next 6-12 months because the number of competitive buyers with consumer-centric needs (owner-occupiers) should be in less demand. Although not the only lead indicator of owner-occupier buying behaviors, the higher rental vacancies rate over 3% in December 2012 suggests a historical correlation of lower domestic demand by owner-occupier’s could be occurring in the next 6-12 months.

We did see a contrasting behavior by owner-occupiers later in 2012 as Townsville welcomed the 3^rd Army Battalion approximately 6-12 months before as rental consumers. Demand indicators showed lower rental vacancy rate at around 2% during March and April 2012.

A sustained improvement in investor and business confidence could play out in the Townsville economy after the Federal election is held in September 2013, by which time State Government infrastructure spending, institutional, SMSF, private equity and development investor’s may also ramp up the flow of capital on the back of lower domestic interest rates and a global financial recovery.

In the meantime, a residual demand of owner-occupiers seeking to upgrade, downgrade and street change, and those economically resilient consumers with residual wealth and a growing institutional investor market should see property prices be maintained over coming months in the Townsville residential market.

Data Source:

Rapid Realty Townsville Vacant Rates Data, Feb 2013. www.rapidrealty.com.au

Australian Bureau of Statistics
Westpac and Melbourne institute Consumer Sentiment Survey
RP Date Property Pulse, February 2013
Herron Todd White Townsville Rental Vacancy Rate Survey, Feb 2013

FISHERMAN’S RETREAT BEACH HOUSE

Make and Offer to Purchase - Situated only 45 klm to the heart of Townsville City and a short stroll to the beach and waterfront, this tidy, clean and cool 2 bedroom beach house is located in a quiet and friendly fishing village only 400 metes to the water.

As a priceless lifestyle opportunity, the vendor is not able to decide on a suitable price and was wondering if a serious buyer could get the discussion started with an offer.

Positioned on a slightly elevated block, this property could be an excellent lifestyle for the adventurous traveller seeking peaceful retirement or an urban professional looking for a great weekend getaway for the kids and family to enjoy on the door step to the seaside fishing and boating playground.

When you are tired and exhausted from the beach and water, you can return to your own comfortable home and relax on your breezy front veranda with BBQ and coldie or lay back in the air-conditioned living room for a good night’s rest.

With a generous size block, you have plenty of room to grow your own tropical fruit just like the massive paw paws ripening and ready to eat as we speak.

The dwelling itself is serviced by town water, bitumen road and electricity and is constructed from steel with 2 bedrooms, open plan kitchen, dining and lounge with bathroom.

Fulfil your dream today and contact your friendly agent Aaron for more information on 0414 590 110. A Sustainability Declaration is available upon request.
www.rapidrealty.com.au