Home loan approvals up in October as first home buyers weigh in

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

Mirvac has topped out Trielle at Melbourne’s Yarra’s Edge, with more than 70 per cent of the riverfront development sold and approximately 80 per cent of purchasers intending to make their apartment a home.

The figures, released on September 22, point to an owner-occupier audience for one of the precinct’s final residential towers. Mirvac began developing Yarra’s Edge in 2003, and its latest addition occupies one of the remaining absolute riverfront sites.

Mirvac CEO of Development Stuart Penklis said existing residents were among those moving up within the neighbourhood.

“Many purchasers already have a connection to Yarra’s Edge,” Mr Penklis said, describing buyers whose changing needs were encouraging an upgrade within the precinct.

“As one of the final residential towers within Yarra’s Edge, Trielle represents the culmination of more than two decades of creating one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after waterfront communities,” Penklis said.

“Positioned on the Collins Street axis with absolute river frontage, Trielle offers residents a rare opportunity to enjoy sweeping views across the Yarra River, Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, while remaining seamlessly connected to the CBD. With Trielle now more than 70 per cent sold, we’re continuing to see strong demand from buyers seeking quality homes in established locations.”

The developer also flagged a penthouse and sub-penthouse collection with larger layouts, premium finishes and broad outlooks. The planned wellness centrepiece, The Oasis, encompasses a 900-square-metre elevated urban rainforest.

Mirvac General Manager Residential Development Victoria Elysa Anderson said Trielle had resonated strongly with buyers seeking a rare lifestyle offering in Melbourne.

“Opportunities to secure a new luxury residence on a riverfront site of this calibre are incredibly rare, particularly within a community like Yarra’s Edge,” Anderson said.

“What makes Trielle unique is the combination of exceptional views, world-class residential facilities and the lifestyle that already exists around it. Residents are buying into a mature waterfront community with parks, promenades, dining, wellness and strong community connections already in place.”

The 45-level tower brings a substantial new presence to that waterfront. Its residential offering spans one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, with Signature, Prestige and Sub-Penthouse collections accommodating different household sizes. The north-facing position connects the apartments visually to the river and city beyond.

Seven storeys above the promenade, the planned Oasis combines planting and a running stream with a Scandinavian-inspired wellness club developed with spa specialist Naomi Gregory. Facilities include a 25-metre lap pool, hot magnesium pool, sauna, hydrotherapy, a gym, yoga and Pilates room, and treatment spaces.

The amenity extends beyond exercise. Residents will have access to The Biblioteca library and workspaces, ground-floor work pods, and The Salone piano lounge. A private Chef’s Table dining room offers a setting for larger gatherings, while a cinema, games room and sports lounge broaden the entertaining options. Concierge services and a dog-wash area support everyday routines.

Trielle comprises a collection of one, two, three and four-bedroom residences. Reflecting strong demand from owner occupiers, approximately 80 per cent of purchasers to date intend to live in their homes, highlighting the project’s appeal to those seeking a long-term waterfront lifestyle.

Mirvac has recently delivered The Albertine, a premium apartment development on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, and is nearing completion of Prince & Parade in Brunswick, further strengthening its portfolio of thoughtfully designed apartment communities in some of Melbourne’s most sought-after urban locations.

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

Mirvac’s 45-level Trielle has topped out at Yarra’s Edge, pairing riverfront apartments with wellness facilities, private dining and resident services.