The non-bank sector struggled again in October to hold onto market share.
Figures released by the ABS yesterday revealed the number of owner-occupied dwellings financed by non-banks decreased by 13.5 per cent in October compared to September this year.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Looking for more benefits? Become a Premium Member.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Looking for more benefits? Become a Premium Member.
The fall, according to the ABS, was driven by a 20.3 per cent decrease in financing by wholesale lenders.
The banks however were able to increase the number of owner-occupied dwellings they financed over the same period by 2.3 per cent.
Moving to other market indicators, the total value of owner-occupied housing commitments (seasonally adjusted) rose by 1.1 per cent (up $169 million) from September to October, driven by a rise in purchases of established dwellings as well as the construction of dwellings.
Investment housing commitments also increased by 2.9 per cent (up $195 million) over the September to October period, a result of an increase in the construction of dwellings for rent or resale.
First home buyers continued to increase their share of the owner-occupied market, with the number of first home buyer commitments as a percentage of total owner-occupied housing finance commitments climbing from 17.7 per cent in September to 18.7 per cent in October.
Uncertainty over continued rate movements was also evident, with fixed-rate loan commitments, as a percentage of total owner-occupied housing finance commitments, rising from 19.2 per cent in September to 21.0 per cent in October.
October 2007 at a glance
(Changes from September 2007; seasonally adjusted)
Value of owner-occupied dwellings – increased by 1.1 per cent
Value of investment housing commitments – increased by 2.9 per cent
Number of owner-occupied dwellings financed – decreased by 0.7 per cent
First home buyer finance commitments – increased by 1.1 per cent
Fixed-rate loan commitments – increased by 1.8 per cent
Finance commitments for the construction of owner-occupied dwellings – increased by 2.6 per cent
Finance commitments for the purchase of new dwellings for owner-occupation – decreased by 9.4 per cent
Finance commitments for the purchase of established dwellings for owner-occupation – decreased by 0.6 per cent
Owner occupier housing refinances – decreased by 3.9 per cent
Owner occupied dwellings financed by banks – increased 2.3 per cent
Owner occupied dwellings financed by non-banks – decreased by 13.5 per cent
Outstanding housing loans by ADI’s – increased by 1.6 per cent