Renewed Confidence In Housing From Rate Cuts

Monday, 7 July 2003, 9:05 am
Press Release: ASB Bank

Renewed Confidence In Housing From Reserve Bank Rate Cuts

Renewed vigour in the Housing market follows a big turnaround in New Zealander’s interest rate expectations reveals the ASB BANK Quarterly Housing Confidence Survey released today.

Over the quarter a net* 5% of Kiwis surveyed throughout the country believe interest rates will increase. This result is down sharply (25%) from the first quarter of 2003. For the month of June a net 9% believed interest rates would decrease.

A net* 14% of those surveyed throughout the country believe it’s a good time to buy a house.

The majority of New Zealanders (63% of respondents and 54% on a net basis) believe that house prices will continue to increase over the coming twelve months.

“It’s no coincidence that the record turnover in housing in recent months has occurred at the time of falling interest rates,” says Anthony Byett, Chief Economist ASB BANK.

“The New Zealand housing market is still very active, prices are still rising and it appears that the up-phase in the housing cycle is far from over yet. Given, there has been a slight decrease in those who believe now is a good time to buy a house, this is offset by the change in heart over interest rates.

“Strong migration, rising incomes and low returns from other investments are other key factors behind the strong housing market in New Zealand, however lower interest rates are now the major impetus.

“Housing is as affordable now as in the previous four years, and more affordable than in the mid 90s. The annual interest payable on a 100% debt financed house bought today would be 9% less than a similar transaction a year ago. Add higher incomes now and the picture becomes even clearer,” says Mr Byett.

The ASB BANK survey reveals starkly contrasting views to predictions about the global housing market by The Economist Magazine which just predicted nominal house price falls of 20-30% in countries such as Australia, the UK and the Netherlands.

The same does not apply to New Zealand believes Mr Byett.

“Should the Economist have included New Zealand in its study, our house price to income ratio would have risen around 9% in recent years, as opposed to 20% and greater in other countries.

“There are always risks: new housing will eventually catch up with demand over the long term, investment returns could reduce on the basis of rent-to-price ratios, and global house prices could decline sharply. However, each of these scenarios would likely encourage the Reserve Bank to cut the cash rate even further than what is now forecasted. Furthermore, population growth will continue strongly despite the recent changes to migration policy.

“The future is always uncertain. But for now the housing market is busy, demand doesn’t look like it’ll decline and supply of houses is still tight. The best bargains may have passed but it remains a very positive environment for the housing market,” says Mr Byett.

The Results *

The net result is the difference between those who believe rates/prices will increase or it’s a good time to buy and those who do not believe rates/prices will decrease or it’s a bad time to buy.

© Scoop Media

ASB Bank

Helping you get one step ahead.

In 1847, ASB opened as the Auckland Savings Bank with the pledge: 'to serve the community; to grow and to help Kiwis grow'. And that is very much what ASB is about today.

ASB is a leading provider of integrated financial services in New Zealand including retail, business and rural banking, funds management and insurance.

ASB strives to consistently provide its customers with outstanding service and innovative financial solutions. They're dedicated to providing simple financial products that allow their customers to bank with them how and when they want.

We all have our own ways to measure progress, and our own stories about the things that matter to us. Whatever way you choose to measure progress, and whatever your goals, ASB is there to help you get one step ahead.

Contact ASB Bank

• Info on - Bank Accounts
• Info on - ASB Home Loans
• Info on - ASB Credit Cards
• Link to - Mortgage Calculator
• Info on - Business Banking
• Info on - ASB Kiwisaver
• Link to - ASB Blog
• Info on - Personal Loans