REIA welcomes decision by banks to extend loan repayment deferral period
The REIA welcomes the announcement by the Australian Banking Association to implement a new phase of support to assist customers, as the six month loan repayment deferral period draws to an end.
REIA President Adrian Kelly said supporting home owners during this phase where they may be finding it difficult to continue paying their mortgage, is to be applauded.
“If owners and landlords are supported, then tenants, some of who are from the most affected industries through COVID-19, are also supported,” Mr Kelly said.
“As the September deadline draws nearer, the banks have made a sensible decision to give home owners a bit more breathing space, for those who need it, to work with the banks and get them on their feet financially.
“The Federal Government will need to consider further rent subsidies post September in order to ensure that tenants who have lost employment are not evicted.”
The REIA has also put forward recommendations to the Federal Government to assist the real estate sector and tenants to continue contributing to the economy as it recovers from the pandemic.
“The government could go further in their support of the economy through the real estate industry by abolishing or temporarily ceasing stamp duties on residential property,” said Mr Kelly.
“An abolition or temporary concession on land tax would also help stimulate an economy in recession.
“These were some of the recommendations presented to the government after a survey of Real Estate Institute members.”
A healthy property sector has been a crucial support to economic growth over the past three years.
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