APRA Says House Prices Not Its Job

The Australian Prudential Regulatory Association (APRA) has told the government its responsibility is financial stability and lending practices, not house prices which are on an unprecedented rise across our nation’s capitals.

The soaring housing prices, which has seen an increase in 2.1% growth in February alone, the fastest pace in almost 17 years, has seen calls for regulators to cool the market.

“It’s not our job to solve house prices and it’s not our job to solve house pricing affordability. The extent to which there is dynamic emerging of increased risk-taking by the community … at this stage it’s not evident,” APRA chairman Wayne Byres told a federal parliamentary committee on Monday.

When questioned at the live-streamed House Standing Committee on Economics hearing, whether the regulator was concerned about young people and first home buyers being priced out of the market Mr Byres reminded the government that the regulator’s focus was on lending practices and not housing.

“I think the bank has been very clear, and we have been very clear, in saying our job is not to set or seek to target house prices,” Mr Byres said.

Mr Byres acknowledged credit restrictions could have a knock-on effect on housing prices, however, reiterated APRA’s position.

“The last statement from the Council of Financial Regulators said quite clearly we are watching for a deterioration in lending standards and that’s not evident at this point,” Mr Byres said. “That is not to say it won’t emerge, but it’s not obvious at this point. We are watching with our fellow regulators.”

When people talk about making a seachange, chances are this is the kind of property on the NSW South Coast that they have in mind.

Open for inspection for the first time this Saturday, 24 Point Street Bulli offers rare absolute beachfront, with never-to-be-built-out north facing views of the ocean. Located on the tip of Sandon Point, this two-storey property is a surfer’s dream with one of Australia’s most iconic surf breaks just beyond the back wall.

On the lower floor at street level, there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a family bathroom and an ensuite in the master suite. A fourth bedroom is on the upper floor, along with the main living area, and is serviced by its own bathroom.

While this would make a spectacular holiday home, it is well equipped for day-to-day living, with a spacious gourmet kitchen and butler’s pantry set into the articulated open plan living area on the first floor. A separate media room to the street side of the property on this level provides additional living space.

Every aspect of this property has been considered to take in the light and views, with high ceilings internally and spacious, north facing decks on both levels to take in views of rolling waves. If the pull of the ocean is irresistible, it’s just a 100m walk to feel the sand between your toes.

The house is complemented by a Mediterranean, coastal-style garden, while the garage has room for a workshop and two car spaces.

An easy walk to Bulli village, the property is a 20 minute drive from the major hub of Wollongong and just over an hour to Sydney.

Open: Saturday August 6 2pm-3pm Auction: Saturday September 3 Price guide: N/A but expected to exceed $5.3m paid in March for 1 Alroy Street

Contact: McGrath Thirroul – Vanessa Denison-Pender, 0488 443 174

APRA Says House Prices Not Its Job

The prudential regulator has reminded the government of its focus.