As new mortgage rules kick in, will home prices drop?

By Maria Gil · · 2 min read
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suburb near the water going to be affected by new apra rules

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced that future property buyers will have to prove that they can repay their mortgage if rates rise by 3%.

Typically when you apply for a home loan, your lender stress tests your ability to meet loan repayments (also known as home loan serviceability) at a higher rate. This is to make sure that you don’t default on your loan if interest rates go up. 

The new APRA rule increased the standard stress test by 50 basis points, and lenders are expected to increase their own tests by the same number of points. 

The rule will reduce how much you can borrow by about 5%, which means if you have an annual income of $150,000, your borrowing power falls by about $46,000. 

If you have already lodged a home loan application or applied for pre-approval, you won't have to worry about the stress test increase. Many big banks have said they will honour the original stress tests for those who applied before Monday 1 November. 

While this may seem like a slap in the face to potential first home buyers who are struggling to enter the property market, APRA’s new rule aims to reduce the number of people struggling with repayments, especially if the Reserve Bank of Australia increases interest rates. 

"[The move by APRA does make things harder for certain borrowers] but it also flows through to property prices. Fewer people can afford the ridiculous prices that are around now, so unless wages start to catch up, property prices have to slow down. So that’s what they’re trying to do by putting those kinds of higher hurdles in place," said Mozo banking expert Peter Marshall. 

It may sound a bit grim if you are trying to enter the market but with the potential of prices decreasing, it could be worth the wait. 

If you are looking to buy new property soon, check out Mozo’s home loan comparison table to find the right loan for. And if you want to learn more about how to enter the property market check out our home loan guides.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

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  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.22 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
    Go to site

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • >80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.29 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.32 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,328
    Go to site

    BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
    Interest rate
    6.75 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    7.09 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,540
    Go to site

    Get a flexible loan structure with up to six loan accounts with different rate types. Make free extra repayments. Enjoy free redraw facility. No upfront or ongoing fees. Option to earn Qantas points.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
    Interest rate
    6.75 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    7.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,540
    Go to site

  • Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
    Interest rate
    6.84 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.88 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,582
    Go to site

    Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.22 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
    Go to site

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.43 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
    Go to site

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

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