Home loans up as banks relax lending rules

At the height of the property boom in 2006, South Africa’s four major banks were approving an average of more than 30 000 new home loans every quarter.

During 2009 this number had dropped to well below 8 000 as banks tightened lending criteria considerably in response to the global financial crisis, as well as factors such as interest rate increases, high household debt ratios and the effect of the National Credit Act.

However, with sharp cuts in the repo rate over the past couple of years, the prime lending rate has dropped to below its 2006 level and, according to property analysts, all indications are that banks have been slowly relaxing their lending criteria again. The result is that the number of new home loans approved is on an upward trend again, having increased by 10 percent since 2009.

Mortgage Plus recently completed a study of the number of home loans approved per quarter and loan-tovalue ratios of the four major banks – Absa, Standard Bank, FNB and Nedbank – from 2006 to the first quarter of 2011, to assess whether the strict lending criteria applied over the past few years since the economic crisis have eased.

“There is a slow and cautious recovery and there has been a slight drop in the first quarter of 2011, with fears of a double dip recession being mooted. But an upward trend in new lending for the residential market indicates that banks are developing more of a desire for risk,” says analysts .

“Boosting indications that lending criteria have relaxed is the fact the loan-to-value (LTV) ratios are on a similar upward trend. After dropping from an average for all banks and all market segments of almost 90 percent in 2006 to just 79 percent in 2009, they have climbed back up to an average of 82 percent since the first quarter of 2010.”

She says there is a significant difference in LTVs, however, once these are assessed in terms of market segment. Poorer households are accessing home loans of over 90 percent LTV whereas the LTVs for the comfortably off and super-wealthy are around 80 percent and 75 percent respectively.

“A number of factors account for this trend. The first is affordability – it is often simply the case that comfortable and wealthier buyers have cash to put down deposits and have often sold previous homes at a profit, whereas those buying in poorer areas may not have savings or the profits from the sale of a home to invest.

“However, it should also be considered that much of the bad debt on the banks’ books after the downturn in property values and rising interest rates caused many homeowners to default, came from the wealthier sector and higher-priced homes. Also, there has been pressure on the banks to contribute towards South Africa’s low-cost housing backlog by making home loans more accessible to lower income earners.

“There has been comment from the property sector that the strict lending criteria are a major factor constraining house price growth, and that in light of low interest rates this approach may be too conservative – creating something of a buyer’s market,” says Ivins.

However, she says, there is clearly light at the end of the tunnel.

“Interest rates are low, home loan accounts are performing better and lending criteria should become more lenient, which should stimulate prices and demand as household debt comes under control and banks resolve the distressed property sales and properties in possession still on their books.”

Please contact us if you require any further information or would like to apply for finance:

Complete this short form online

011.327.4489 / 0861 1111 93

morne@mortgagepluscc.co.za

www.mortgagepluscc.co.za

Looking to buy your first house, flat, or other type of residential property?

Do your homework properly
Informed buyers get better bargains. If you familiarise yourself with the property market and get a feel for what properties cost in a certain area, you will recognise a good deal immediately, while simultaneously ensuring that you don’t end up paying too much for a property that isn’t worth it. 

Be realistic about what you can afford
A good property doesn’t come cheap, and a good property buy is more than just a house – it’s also the location that counts. Yet everything comes at a price, and you may find that you have to sacrifice on space or an extra bedroom in order to buy a property in a more sought-after area. Don’t be disheartened – the challenge is to get into the property market and buy wisely. The last few years’ rapid growth in the property market seems set to continue, which should help you to afford a bigger, more valuable property as time progresses and property growth continues. But first, you have to make inroads into the market as a buyer! 

Location is everything
If you wish to buy a property with good investment potential, the neighbourhood you buy in will be a key consideration. If you are looking to buy a family home, it may also be worth your while buying a house close to schools, crèches, etc. 

Also attempt to find a home that is situated relatively close to your place of work, as traffic congestion and increasing commuting times can also influence a residential property’s price. 

Read – and understand! – the fine print
Buying any property comes with a fair amount of administration. As a first-time homebuyer, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the mortgage application process, so be sure to ask questions if you don’t understand something. Also have your mortgage contract documents and application forms explained to you in detail, and keep copies of all signed documents in a safe place. 

Choose a home loan that best suits your needs
Unsure of which bond solution to choose? If you’re a first-time buyer, Mortgage Plus home loans can recommend different types of Home Loan solution. These mortgage plans are specifically designed to meet the home loan requirements of first-time homebuyers. 

Allow for interest rate increases
When calculating your budget, it is important to bear in mind that the prime interest rate will influence your monthly home loan instalments if your bond features a variable home loan rate. Unless you opt for a fixed rate home loan solution, any adjustments to the prime rate will directly affect your home loan interest rate. 

If prime is lowered, your monthly instalments will in turn be lower, and visa versa. If it increases, however, your monthly instalments will increase by substantial amounts. As such, it is advisable to allow for potential interest rate hikes when calculating your budget – even before buying a house! Be sure to use our
bond calculators to see how big a loan you could qualify for, and also to assess how much you’ll need to allow for potential interest rate increases. 

Consult a home loan expert
If you’re looking for some straight answers on bonds, home loan interest rates, fixed rate loans or any other part of the home loan application process, why not talk to one of our qualified  home loan consultants on 011.327.4489? They are ready to help you make things happen today! Alternatively, you can also click here to apply for a home loan now. Alternatively, speak to Morne Prinsloo one of our expert bond consultants today?

Remember by choosing us for a loan, you will get professional advice to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.

CONTACT US

Speak to a home loan consultant about financing your new property or reviewing your existing mortgage. We are able to assist in lowering your bond repayments and securing attorney discounts.

Complete this short form online
Call us on 011.327.4489
Email: morne@mortgagepluscc.co.za

www.mortgagepluscc.co.za