Interest rates could fall by the end of the year, major lender predicts
There’s good news on the horizon for stretched mortgage holders ahead of April RBA meeting
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Mortgage payments could ease as soon as the end of 2023, according to predictions by Australia’s largest mortgage holder.
Economists at the Commonwealth Bank expect rates to peak at 3.85 percent (0.25 percent above current levels) in May before easing off towards the end of the year. This comes ahead of tomorrow’s meeting of the Reserve Bank of Australia board, which is widely tipped to keep rates on hold for the first time in 10 months.
While the other three major banks – Westpac, ANZ and NAB – are all suggesting rates will not begin to fall until 2024, the CBA and NAB have made the most accurate predictions over the past six months.
Westpac predicts interest rates will peak at 3.85 percent in May, while NAB and ANZ expect two more possible rate rises in May and June, bringing interest rates to a peak of 4.1 percent.
The RBA has been using rises in the cash rate to drive down inflation, which has fallen from a peak of 8.4 percent in December 2022 to 6.8 percent in February, further strengthening the possibility of a pause.
Property data provider CoreLogic has just released its Home Value Index, revealing national home values increased by 0.6 percent in March, the first month-on-month rise since April 2022. Research director at CoreLogic, Tim Lawless, said low stock levels, tight rental conditions and greater demand from overseas migration were the most likely causes.
“Although interest rates are high and there is an expectation the economy will slow through the year, it’s clear other factors are now placing upwards pressure on home prices,” Mr Lawless said.
“Advertised supply has been below average since September last year, with capital city listing numbers ending March almost -20 percent below the previous five-year average. Purchasing activity has also fallen but not as much as available supply; capital city sales activity was estimated to be roughly -7 percent below the previous five-year average through the March quarter.
“With rental markets this tight, it’s likely we are seeing some spillover from renting into purchasing, although, with mortgage rates so high, not everyone who wants to buy will be able to qualify for a loan. Similarly, with net overseas migration at record levels and rising, there is a chance more permanent or long-term migrants who can afford to, will skip the rental phase and fast track a home purchase simply because they can’t find rental accommodation.”
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The megamansion was built for Tony Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune and brother of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
The megamansion was built for Tony Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune and brother of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
2 minOne of the priciest homes for sale in the Los Angeles area just got $40 million knocked off its listing price.
The Beverly Hills megamansion is now listed for $135 million, the highest asking price on the open market in Los Angeles County.
One other property , in Bel-Air, is also asking $135 million after a similar-sized price cut last month.
“It’s time (for the sellers) to move to the next chapter…They’re ready to pass the torch,” said Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate Agency, who shares the listing with his colleague Stephen Shapiro.
The home was built for Tony Pritzker—heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune and brother of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker—and Jeanne Pritzker, who listed the home for sale in October 2024 for $195 million after settling their divorce, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time. That price was lowered to $175 million in April.
The estate is made up of multiple parcels, and, under an LLC, they bought at least some underlying property in 2005 for about $14.7 million, according to records accessed via PropertyShark.
The Pritzkers hired architect Ed Tuttle to design their contemporary mansion, made of steel, glass and limestone and completed in 2011. At 50,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest homes in the U.S., and nearly as big as the White House.
It stands on a 6-acre promontory—an unusually large lot size for Beverly Hills—allowing for an unobstructed view that stretches across Los Angeles all the way to the ocean.
“It’s one of the best and largest view promontories in Los Angeles,” Rappaport said. “The architecture design and scale of the property are irreplaceable.”
The 16-bedroom, 27-bathroom home is filled with all the expected high-end amenities, including a theater, a game room, a bowling alley, a wellness centre, a gym and a wine cellar, according to the listing.
There’s also a security room, 18 fireplaces, solar panels, and a heating and cooling system powered by geothermal technology.
On the grounds, there’s a two-story, two-bedroom guest house; parking for up to 100 cars; a green marble infinity pool and hot tub; an outdoor kitchen; and a lighted tennis court with a pavilion, according to the listing.
The Pritzkers couldn’t be reached for comment.
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