Business Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

RBA Highlights Housing Shortfall as Key Driver of Rental Crisis

RBA Highlights Housing Shortfall as Key Driver of Rental Crisis

RBA Highlights Housing Shortfall as Key Driver of Rental Crisis?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In a fresh perspective on Australia's ongoing rental crisis, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has shed light on housing supply shortages as the primary cause, rather than the commonly blamed higher interest rates.

The report, authored by Declan Twohig, Anirudh Yadav, and Jonathan Hambur, comes at a critical time when the nation faces intense scrutiny over rising rental prices and the affordability of housing. Despite widespread assumptions, the authors highlight that landlords are unlikely to transfer increased costs resulting from interest rate hikes to their tenants. This perspective is noteworthy, considering the RBA has adjusted interest rates upwards on 13 occasions over the past 18 months.

The analysis reframes the conversation on Australia's rental market, positioning the lack of adequate housing development as the more influential factor. As observed in other global cities experiencing similar crises, such as New York and London, the shortfall in housing creation rather than borrowing costs often stands at the crisis's core.

The backdrop to this report highlights a bigger picture, one that considers urban planning and government policies as central issues to be addressed. By focusing on maintaining a steady construction pipeline, there could be hope for stabilizing the rental market and easing the burden on renters.

An illustrative example of housing projects being delayed or paused could be seen as correlating with the rental shortages. Furthermore, initiatives like tax reforms and incentive structures for developers might stimulate faster growth in housing supply, with potential knock-on effects benefiting struggling renters.

Interestingly, the authors pointed to scenarios in other sectors, such as commercial property, where despite fluctuating interest rates, the availability of market stock generally dictates lease terms and rent reviews, rather than interest financial pressures alone.

Published:Thursday, 17th Oct 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

APRA's New Cap on High DTI Home Loans: What It Means for Borrowers
APRA's New Cap on High DTI Home Loans: What It Means for Borrowers
30 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will implement a cap restricting banks from issuing more than 20% of new home loans to borrowers with debt-to-income (DTI) ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
Global Dynamics and Their Impact on Australia's Financial Landscape
Global Dynamics and Their Impact on Australia's Financial Landscape
30 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
In a recent address in Sydney, Penelope Smith, head of the international department at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), shed light on the significant influence of global factors on Australia's financial conditions. She pointed out that indicators such as low equity risk premia and credit spreads suggest that financial conditions may be more accommodative than they appear at first glance. - read more
Westpac's Financial Performance: Navigating Challenges in a Competitive Mortgage Market
Westpac's Financial Performance: Navigating Challenges in a Competitive Mortgage Market
30 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Westpac Banking Corporation has reported a slight decrease in its annual profit, recording A$6.99 billion for the year ending September 30, 2025, down from A$7.11 billion the previous year. Despite this decline, the result surpassed analysts' expectations of A$6.83 billion. - read more
NAB Lowers Business Loan Interest Rates by 0.25%
NAB Lowers Business Loan Interest Rates by 0.25%
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
National Australia Bank (NAB), Australia's largest business bank, has announced a 0.25% per annum reduction in interest rates for eligible business lending products. This decision follows the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) recent 0.25% cut to the cash rate. - read more
ASIC Advocates for Improved Standards in Private Lending Sector
ASIC Advocates for Improved Standards in Private Lending Sector
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released a comprehensive report urging the private lending sector to elevate its standards to align more closely with traditional banking practices. This call to action stems from ASIC's findings of inconsistent reporting, downplayed risks, and opaque fee structures within the rapidly growing private credit market. - read more
Australian Commercial Credit Demand Increases by 3% in Q3 2025
Australian Commercial Credit Demand Increases by 3% in Q3 2025
22 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data from Equifax indicates a 3% year-on-year rise in overall commercial credit demand in Australia for the third quarter of 2025. This growth is primarily driven by an uptick in business loan applications across the eastern states, reflecting a positive trend in the nation's business sector. - read more
ANZ Bank's Financial Performance and Strategic Cost Reductions
ANZ Bank's Financial Performance and Strategic Cost Reductions
14 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
ANZ Group has reported a 14% decline in annual cash earnings, amounting to A$5.79 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025. This downturn is primarily attributed to a significant post-tax impact of A$1.11 billion, which includes A$414 million in redundancy costs for 3,500 employees and A$264 million in penalties from a regulatory lawsuit. - read more


Business Loans Articles

Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans: Which is Right for You?
Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans: Which is Right for You?
In Australia, business loans are a crucial tool for companies looking to grow, expand, or manage cash flow. From small enterprises to large corporations, securing funding can mean the difference between success and failure. The financial landscape is diverse, offering various loan options tailored to different needs and business models. - read more
From Setbacks to Success: Overcoming Credit Challenges and Fueling Business Growth
From Setbacks to Success: Overcoming Credit Challenges and Fueling Business Growth
In the dynamic world of business, navigating credit challenges is a reality for many Australian business owners. These challenges can stem from various sources, including unpaid customer invoices, unexpected expenses, or the complexities of managing cash flow. Such hurdles often come at inopportune moments, leading to recurring stress for entrepreneurs trying to maintain a stable financial standing. - read more
Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company?
Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company?
Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it often requires a significant amount of funding to get off the ground. Whether it's for purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or marketing your new venture, securing the right type of financing is crucial for success. - read more
Commercial Property Financing: Top Strategies for Aussie Entrepreneurs
Commercial Property Financing: Top Strategies for Aussie Entrepreneurs
In the entrepreneurial world, securing the right type of financing can be the catalyst for substantial business growth and success. Commercial property financing in Australia encompasses a range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses, each with its own set of advantages and intricacies. This article delves into the heart of strategic financing, providing Aussie entrepreneurs with guidance on navigating this vital aspect of their business ventures. - read more
A Growth Blueprint: Crafting a Financial Plan for Expanding Enterprises
A Growth Blueprint: Crafting a Financial Plan for Expanding Enterprises
Financial planning plays a crucial role when businesses are poised for growth. As enterprises expand, a well-crafted financial plan acts as a guiding framework to navigate the complexities that come with scaling operations. This plan helps in ensuring that resources are meticulously allocated and potential financial hurdles are effectively managed. - read more
Business Loans in Australia: Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Business Loans in Australia: Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Funding is crucial for startups and small businesses looking to grow and succeed. In Australia, there are multiple financing options available, each catering to different business needs. These options range from traditional bank loans to more flexible lines of credit, helping entrepreneurs find the best fit for their specific requirements. - read more
Alternative Funding Options for Your Australian Business
Alternative Funding Options for Your Australian Business
When it comes to starting or expanding a business in Australia, securing funding is often a top priority. However, traditional funding options, such as bank loans or government grants, can be difficult to obtain for small businesses. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.

All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Fixed-Rate Mortgage:
A mortgage loan where the interest rate remains the same for the entire term of the loan.