Rates hold should support housing sector

by Rachel Seymour 8/07/2009

 Rates kept on hold

 Housing experts have welcomed the decision to keep interest rates on hold, saying it will ensure more home buying. 

The chairman of the Hunter chapter of the Property Council of Australia, Robert Dupont, is pleased with the move saying with rates remaining low, the local property market can remain 'buoyant'.

Mr Dupont says it should encourage more people to buy their first home.

"Especially at the lower end, yes it'll entice everyone," he said.

"Lets face it, interest rates have been at the lowest they've been in 20 years and if you've got full-time employment, now is the time to get in the market."

The Reserve Bank of Australia met yesterday and decided to keep the cash rate at the 49-year low of 3 per cent. This was the third month in a row that rates were kept on hold, after massive cuts during late 2008 and early 2009.

Home loan interest rates have fallen by more than 4 per cent in the past ten months and the boost to the first home buyers grant is still available in full until the end of September. 

The RBA has said that there is scope for further cuts if necessary.  If unemployment rises considerably, then the RBA may consider cutting rates again in the coming months.


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