The Reserve Bank (RBA) said in its November Statement on Monetary Policy deterioration in the economy had been less severe than expected, helped by early success in bringing infection rates down. 

The RBA said the unemployment rate was likely to increase in the short term due to tightened JobSeeker requirements, but would peak far lower than the previously forecasted 10%. 

"The unemployment rate is expected to peak a little below 8% around the end of the year," it said.

"This peak represents a very high level of spare capacity in the labour market.

"The unemployment rate is expected to decline only gradually, to just above 6% by the end of 2022." 

Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest variable interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.

Update resultsUpdate
LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees Max LVR Lump Sum Repayment Additional Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.04% p.a.
6.06% p.a.
$3,011
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
4.6 Star Customer Ratings
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Quick and easy online application process.
Disclosure
5.99% p.a.
5.90% p.a.
$2,995
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
Apply in minutes
  • No application or ongoing fees. Annual rate discount
  • Unlimited redraws & additional repayments. LVR <80%
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender. Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
Disclosure
5.69% p.a.
6.16% p.a.
$2,899
Principal & Interest
Fixed
$0
$530
90%
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Flexibility to split your loan with both fixed and variable rates
Disclosure
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

The central bank said policy support and a reopened Victoria would enable a quicker recovery in the national economy. 

"After contracting by 4% over 2020 as a whole, GDP is expected to increase by around 5% over 2021 and 4% over 2022."

"This would bring GDP back to its end-2019 level by the end of 2021, but leave it well short of the path expected prior to the outbreak of the pandemic.

"The recovery can be expected to be bumpy and uneven, and highly sensitive to further virus outbreaks." 

These scenarios are based on no further large outbreaks of COVID-19, with no new major economic restrictions imposed. 

If there was to be a third wave and borders remained closed, the forecast for unemployment was significantly worse. 

"Unemployment would increase more and stay high under this scenario," it said.

"After peaking at around 9%, the unemployment rate would still be around 8.5% by the end of 2022." 

However, the RBA said additional progress in the control and treatment of the virus this year would significantly improve the labour market. 

"Better health outcomes and ongoing control over the virus would boost confidence and help sustain a swifter recovery in household consumption and business investment.

"This would see the unemployment rate decline faster, reaching around 5.5% by the end of next year." 

House price outlook uncertain 

The RBA said although the house price crash many economists had predicted didn't eventuate, a spike in mortgage defaults could weaken the market. 

"Although the national decline in housing prices has been limited to date, it is possible that conditions could weaken if there is a sharp increase in households that are unable to meet their mortgage obligations.

"This could be the result of a higher incidence of business failures and a further large rise in unemployment.

"Further out, the slowing in population growth could weigh on housing demand by more than is expected, resulting in lower prices and weaker dwelling investment." 

But in the event of further government support, like an extension of the HomeBuilder scheme, prices could increase. 

"In the other direction, substantial policy stimulus could lead to a sharper recovery in housing prices supporting a stronger outlook for private demand than currently forecast."

Cash rate to be unchanged for three years 

The RBA cut the cash rate in November to a new record low of 0.10% on Tuesday, while also expanding its quantitative easing program by $100 billion. 

It noted the Board was not contemplating a further reduction in interest rates. 

"With the cash rate target at 10 basis points and the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances at zero, interest rates have been lowered as far as it makes sense to do so in the current environment.

"The Board considers that there is little to be gained from short-term interest rates moving into negative territory and continues to view a negative policy rate as extraordinarily unlikely." 

The central bank said it doesn't expect to hike rates for at least three years, with progress towards its goals some time away. 

"The Board has committed not to increase the cash rate target until actual inflation is sustainably within the target range of 2–3%."

"This will require a period of strong employment growth and a return to a tight labour market."





Ready, Set, Buy!


Learn everything you need to know about buying property – from choosing the right property and home loan, to the purchasing process, tips to save money and more!

With bonus Q&A sheet and Crossword!

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy