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

So Money Broadens Services to Support Australian SMEs
So Money Broadens Services to Support Australian SMEs
24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In response to the growing demand for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing in Australia, non-bank lender So Money has expanded its services to include tailored lending solutions for self-employed borrowers and SMEs. This strategic move aims to simplify the income verification process and strengthen partnerships with brokers, thereby enhancing access to business financing. - read more
ASIC Advocates for Enhanced Standards in Australia's Private Lending Sector
ASIC Advocates for Enhanced Standards in Australia's Private Lending Sector
24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a call for the private lending sector to elevate its standards to align more closely with traditional banking practices. This initiative follows an extensive review by the regulator, which uncovered inconsistencies in reporting, downplayed risks, and opaque fee structures within the rapidly growing private credit market. - read more
Westpac Restructures to Strengthen Business Lending Focus
Westpac Restructures to Strengthen Business Lending Focus
24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Westpac Banking Corporation has announced a significant restructuring initiative aimed at bolstering its presence in the business lending market. The bank plans to replace a substantial number of in-branch tellers with business bankers, a move designed to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and capitalise on the growing demand for business financing. - read more
ASX Adjusts Dividend Policy Following ASIC's $150 Million Capital Charge
ASX Adjusts Dividend Policy Following ASIC's $150 Million Capital Charge
16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has announced a reduction in its dividend payout ratio to 75-85% of underlying net profit after tax. This decision follows the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) imposition of an additional A$150 million capital charge on the exchange operator. The regulatory action stems from an inquiry into ASX's operational shortcomings, including a failed software upgrade and recurring trade-processing issues. - read more
Hanwha's Investment in Austal Expands Amidst Regulatory Oversight
Hanwha's Investment in Austal Expands Amidst Regulatory Oversight
16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian government has approved South Korean conglomerate Hanwha's proposal to increase its shareholding in Australian shipbuilder Austal from 9.9% to 19.9%. This approval comes with stringent conditions concerning security and data access to safeguard Australia's strategic and national security interests. - read more
November Sees Softening in Australian Business Conditions Amidst Capacity Challenges
November Sees Softening in Australian Business Conditions Amidst Capacity Challenges
16 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In November, Australian business conditions experienced a decline, as reported by the National Australia Bank (NAB) survey. The business conditions index fell by 3 points to +7, indicating a softening in sales and profits after a period of strong performance. The business confidence index also dropped by 5 points to +1, suggesting a potential cooling in consumer demand following October's strength. - read more
RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60%, Forecasts Extended Stability
RBA Holds Cash Rate at 3.60%, Forecasts Extended Stability
08 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced its decision to maintain the official cash rate at 3.60% during its December meeting, signaling a potential extended period of stability through 2026. This move reflects the central bank's response to higher-than-expected inflation and a robust economic environment. - read more


Business Loans Articles

Mastering Cash Flow: Essential Tips for Expanding Your Business's Working Capital
Mastering Cash Flow: Essential Tips for Expanding Your Business's Working Capital
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, signifying the money that flows in and out of your operations. It's essential for covering daily expenses, paying employees, and capitalizing on growth opportunities. Maintaining a healthy cash flow ensures that a business can meet its obligations and invest in its future. - 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
From Application to Expansion: The Complete Roadmap to a Successful Business Loan Journey
From Application to Expansion: The Complete Roadmap to a Successful Business Loan Journey
For many Australian entrepreneurs, a business loan is a vital step towards achieving growth and success. Access to capital can fuel expansion, help manage cash flow, and provide the necessary resources to capitalize on new opportunities. However, navigating the journey from application to approval, and eventually, to expansion, presents its own set of challenges. - read more
Maximizing Your Chances of Approval for a Startup Loan in Australia
Maximizing Your Chances of Approval for a Startup Loan in Australia
Securing financing is a pivotal step for any startup looking to establish itself and grow. In Australia, the startup lending landscape is buoyant, offering a mix of traditional and innovative financing options. The financial ecosystem is robust yet competitive, and understanding how to navigate it is crucial for new business owners. - read more
Drawing a Roadmap: Effective Planning for Business Loan Utilization in Australia
Drawing a Roadmap: Effective Planning for Business Loan Utilization in Australia
Effective planning is the backbone of any thriving business, and when it comes to leveraging financial products like business loans, this foresight becomes even more crucial. In the dynamic economic landscape of Australia, businesses are continually walking a tightrope, balancing investment, growth, and financial stability. The importance of prudent and strategic planning for business loan utilization cannot be overstated; it can mean the difference between a flourishing enterprise and one that struggles to keep its head above water. - 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
Unlocking Cash Flow: How Equipment Leasing Can Benefit Your Australian Business
Unlocking Cash Flow: How Equipment Leasing Can Benefit Your Australian Business
In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian business, equipment leasing has emerged as a pivotal financial tool for companies across the spectrum. Whether you're a small start-up or a well-established corporation, the agility to pivot and adapt to market changes is critical. This introduction seeks to shed light on the concept of equipment leasing and its significance in bolstering the operational efficiency of Australian 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
Equity:
The value of an ownership interest in an asset or company, after all debts and liabilities are deducted.