For the first time since December 2012 the Reserve Bank of Australia have cut our national cash rate by .25 per cent. Interest rates currently stand at 2.75 per cent, setting a 50-year record low for the Australian cash rate. Compared with many other nations, interest rates in Australia are still considerably stable (and high). Economists view May’s rate-cut announcement as unexpected – yet they are a welcome relief for a number of local industries who have seen their returns drop or stall quarter-on-quarter. Today’s Chisholm & Gamon blog takes a look at motivation behind the RBA’s May decision – and how this change may affect home owners and mortgagees.

The decision to drop interest rates has been welcomed by the Australian public, as is generally the case whenever an extra amount of disposable income becomes available in a household’s budget. The RBA hopes May’s rate cut will provide the ‘breathing room’ to encourage domestic spending and a subsequent boost in the economy. The property market is one industry sure to see increased demand and competition, with many first home owners now taking advantage of fixed rate opportunities when rates are at record lows.

The effect of rate cuts over the past 18 months is beginning to slowly filter into the national economy.  Experts believe the effects of prior interest rate cuts have taken longer to ‘flow down’ into the wider economy than expected – which is further motivation for May’s discount. Slow growth in almost all national industries has continued in 2013, and interest rate cuts are primarily seen as a way to stimulate the consumer into spending, the investor into investing, and the business owner into further employment. Unemployment rates are also expected to drop due to May’s rate cuts.

The RBA have continued to take note of the international economic climate, identifying that China is stable and America continues to slowly improve. Despite growing global stability, further rate cuts may be on the horizon with a federal election coming in September. The RBA will continue their conservative monetary policies – as it is desirable to leave room for movement to adapt to any economic unpredictability in future.

The final word on the May monetary announcement is that prospective property buyers should consider making a move.  Favorably low interest rates simply won’t be available to forever – they’re merely a short-term strategy for greater economic prosperity. If buying is on your agenda – the ball is in your court.