RBNZ still thinking about ways to slow the housing market
The Reserve Bank is still very worried about the housing market, particularly in Auckland, but has decided not to impose any further lending restrictions - for now.
Wednesday, May 11th 2016, 9:02AM 
4 Comments
In the just-released Financial Stability Report the bank says the country's financial system is resilient and continues to function effectively, but risks "have increased further in the past six months."
It highlights the dairy sector and housing as being two big risks. "Dairy prices remain low with global dairy supply continuing to increase. Many farmers now face a third season of negative cash flow with heavy demand for working capital.
“Imbalances in the housing market are increasing with house price inflation lifting again in Auckland, after cooling in late 2015 and early 2016 following new restrictions in investor loan-to-value ratios and government measures introduced in October.
“House prices have also begun increasing strongly in a number of regions across New Zealand, although house prices outside Auckland are generally much lower relative to incomes.
“The Bank remains concerned that a future sharp slowdown could challenge financial stability given the large exposure of the banking system to the Auckland housing market. Further efforts to reduce the imbalance between housing demand and supply in Auckland remain essential. This includes measures such as decreasing impediments to densification and greenfield development and addressing infrastructure and other constraints to increased housing supply.”
Deputy Governor, Grant Spencer, said: “In the banking system capital and liquidity buffers are strong and profitability is high.
“However, the system faces challenges. Internationally, credit spreads have widened, placing upward pressure on the cost of funds for New Zealand banks.
“While the moderation in house price inflation has been transitory, the LVR restrictions have substantially reduced the proportion of risky housing loans on bank balance sheets. This is providing an ongoing improvement to financial system resilience.
“The Reserve Bank is closely monitoring developments to assess whether further financial policy measures would be appropriate.
| « Ensure full disclosure - ComCom | LVR measures on the horizon » |
Special Offers
Comments from our readers
Another option would be significant non resident withholding tax on sale of property. Those who are non resident would be discouraged from purchasing here.
Sign In to add your comment
|
|
Printable version |
|
Email to a friend |
Most of the houses are bought by the property investors which drive the house prices up so rapidly.
I think it would make sense for banks to lend to investors at a higher interest rate. For example, 1.5-2% higher than residential (people who buy house to live in).
This would help first time buyers to get on the property ladder as some of the recovered mortgage interest can from investor rates can be used to help.
Secondly, it would help to stabilise the housing market to a more manageable/reasonable situation so house prices do not go through the roof so fast.
Thirdly, banks do not need to borrow so much from overseas, less pressure for banks, government, and individuals for long term.
Government can also bring a tax/stamp duty for property investors and money raised from these can be used to build more affordable houses in places where there is a high demand.