Home loan approvals up in October as first home buyers weigh in
The lending patterns over the month follow on from the RBA’s decision to pause rates in October
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Lending for housing is on the rise, new data from the ABS reveals. Statistics released today show lending for housing rose 5.4 percent seasonally adjusted in October, up from an increase of 0.6 percent in September.
Owner occupiers saw the highest increase over the month, up 5.6 percent compared with loan commitments for investors at 5 percent. The stronger results may reflect the pause in interest rates over October.
The RBA declined to increase the cash rate at its board meeting in October, giving those entering the market confidence that rates may have peaked. However, at its November meeting, the board announced interest rates would increase a further 0.25 percent, bringing the rate up to 4.35 percent.
The number of first home buyers gaining approval for new loans was up 6.2 percent in October, compared with 5.0 percent for investors, seasonally adjusted.
In terms of the differences between owner occupiers and investors, there’s a clearer contrast over the past 12 months, with loan commitments for investors up 12.1 percent compared with a much more modest 1.4 percent for owner occupiers. Among owner occupiers, the value of new home loans commitments by first home buyers rose 11.8 percent over the 12 months.
Construction of new dwellings was up 9.1 percent over the month, although it is still -19.5 percent down over the 12 months to October 2023. Purchase of newly erected dwellings was up 1.7 percent, compared with -5.3 percent over 12 months and purchase of existing dwellings
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Crafted by Pandolfini Architects with interiors by Lisa Buxton, the Glen Iris residence pairs industrial-inspired design with refined contemporary living and a five-car showroom pavilion.
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A bold architectural statement in Melbourne’s inner east, this unique Glen Iris home marries sculptural design with sophisticated family living in a remarkable real estate relationship.
Conceived by Pandolfini Architects, with interiors by Lisa Buxton, the custom-built four-bedroom, two-level home was crafted for its current owners but is now coming to market for the first time.
Listed via an expressions-of-interest campaign with Marshall White agents Rae and Hugh Tomlinson and Mandy Zhu, 8 Erica Ave is on the market with price expectations of $7.5 million to $8 million.
Its dramatic street appeal sets the tone for what’s to come, because beyond the contemporary façade sits a modern residence unlike any other.
Pandolfini’s team brief was to create an inviting home made from hard-wearing materials, with a palette inspired by ancient ruins and old industrial buildings.
The result is striking, cantilevered terracotta brickwork and a patinated copper-screened exterior that borrows hues from the classic neighbouring cottages.
One within the home, the Erica Ave property unfolds across three interconnected pavilions positioned along the deep block. Long gallery hallways are framed by floor-to-ceiling glass to showcase garden and pool views, making the most of the 886 sq m site.
Raw, heavily textured walls create an industrial aesthetic inside and out, while curious “upside-down” arched windows introduce a creative architectural twist.
At the heart of the home, the central living and dining zone is divided by a sculptural fireplace rendered in hard plaster. High barn-style spotted gum timber ceilings rise above bush-hammered concrete walls with Roman travertine floors, and American oak joinery.
In the marble kitchen, there are premium Wolf and Miele appliances, a butler’s pantry, an integrated study nook, and a bespoke curved window that wraps around a custom-made banquette dining space.
Walls of glass frame the north-facing terrace where a heated swimming pool and spa are enveloped by private landscaped gardens with an integrated barbecue setting.
Within the front pavilion, the large parents’ retreat features built-in and walk-in wardrobes, a dresser, and a travertine ensuite with a freestanding bathtub, rain shower, and a dual-marble vanity. Also on the ground floor is a second bedroom and a media room with a built-in daybed and a picture window overlooking the yard.
One floor up via the curved staircase with skylight, there are two more bedrooms with terrazzo bathrooms, study spaces, and leafy outlooks.
Car enthusiasts not only have a single lock-up garage on Erica Ave, but an additional rear showroom-style five-car pavilion or grand studio accessed via Irymple Ave. It has a high vaulted ceiling, a concealed in-floor Maha car lift, a workbench, and a sink.
Added extras include a mud room, laundry with side access, in-floor heating and climate control within the engineered European oak floors, deluxe joinery, and CCTV security.
The Glen Iris home is within walking distance of Central Park Village, Harold Holt Swim Centre, and Gardiner Station, as well as popular schools including Sacré Cœur, Korowa, and Caulfield Grammar.
The Pandolfini-designed house at 8 Erica Ave, Glen Iris is listed with Marshall White for $7.5 million to $8 million via an expressions of interest campaign.
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