The latest national housing finance figures just released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicate a stabilisation of lending activity across the country. While the value of investment housing commitments decreased slightly, the number of homebuyers entering the market for the first time increased. Overall, the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) says the numbers indicate that the Australian housing market is steady and, according to REIA President Neil Sanders, “any concerns of an overheating property market should be laid to rest.”

Meanwhile according to a separate report, optimism about housing affordability in Western Australia has “soared”. While general consumer sentiment dropped in September, the number of Western Australians that ticked a box indicating that it was ‘time to buy a dwelling’ increased by 24.1%.

Newly elected Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) President Hayden Groves said a combination of low interest rates, increased property listings and moderating house prices was contributing to the optimistic outlook on housing affordability in WA.

On a personal note, many of you know that last December, after almost 18 years together, Mark and I finally tied the knot. But to this day I have still been known as Shelley Roy. Well, we’ve finally changed over all the professional and personal documentation etc. (what a task that’s been) and from today onwards, I am now proud to be officially known as Shelley Clayton! Isn’t it lucky we chose to combine our first names not our last when we came up with our business name!