FHOG is Subprime-like

Karl FitzgeraldCommentary1 Comment

Commonwealth bank CEO Ralph Norris made some sensible comments about the first home owners grant, note particularly the second paragraph on the FHOG enabling the same risky lending as the sub prime lending practices in the US. “The first home buyers grant has provided a stimulus to this point, but we have to be careful that this doesn’t become a … Read More

Empty Spaces

Karl FitzgeraldCommentary, HistoryLeave a Comment

photo credit: euzesio Mason Gaffney February 2009 “Phantom faces at the window.
Phantom shadows on the floor.
Empty chairs at empty tables
Where my friends will meet no more” – from Alain Boublil, Les Mis Many stores have closed in the last year; they stand empty behind signs reading “Available”, “For lease”, or “First month free”. So have many industries, their gates locked, … Read More

Speed Renting Tues March 17th

Karl FitzgeraldCommentaryLeave a Comment

Are you frustrated with the search for affordable rentals???? Speed Renting is set to save renters of all ages, international and local students from sleep crumpin! Thousands of international students have hit Oz in the last month and stories abound of dodgy real estate sharks charging double the market rate for a crumpled corner of an over crowded lounge room … Read More

Grants distort lending in the housing market

Karl FitzgeraldCommentary2 Comments

photo credit: tanakawho This article was so good we contacted Australia’s best e-news Crikey to re-print. A must read Adam Schwab writes: If the only property data you looked related to the lower end, first home buyers sector, you would be forgiven for thinking we are in the midst of an economic boom, rather than what appears the be the … Read More