This weeks recap of the top stories in the mortgage and home loan market in Australia.

The top stories from the major press circuit for the week ending 8/07/07:

Stop whingeing. Life is getting easier
The Age
Here is an interesting article. Chantal Rumble from The Age with commentary from Commsec chief equities economist Craig James reminds us that things have been far worse (Anyone remember the interest rates and inflation rate of the 80 and 90’s!). The article presents some real life facts for example today’s average weekly wage could buy almost 1300 litres of petrol compared to just 730 litres five years ago. It is rare to see articles like this in an age when doom, despair and controversy sells newspapers.

Wealth builds on the home front
The Age
An excerpt of The Treasurers, Peter Costello, speech which he talks about the rise in home standards, Australians spending on investment, supply problems to the housing market and an ageing population.

Warning over predator lenders who target poor
Brisbane Times
Stuart Washington takes a look at unscrupulous lenders in Australia after concerns raised by the Consumer Credit Legal Centre in Sydney.

Tame your debt now
Brisbane Times
You can save thousands of dollars if you avoid the gimmicks and follow a few easy strategies. Lesley Parker reports. The article takes a look at the ‘Net Generation’ that are appearing to be more financially prudent and less materialistic along with some worthy commentary and examples of the need to get debt in order.

Costello wants states to release more land
The Sunday Mail
FEDERAL Treasurer Peter Costello said the government was encouraging states to release more land to ease poor housing affordability. Mr Costello said he would rather be buying a home today under eight per cent mortgage rates than under Labor’s 17 per cent interest rates when they were in power - I think there is many that would agree with that statement!

RBA leaves interest rates unchanged
Brisbane Times
Article reviews the Reserve Banks decision to leave interest rates on hold with commentary from various analysts.

Low rates key to housing
The Sunday Mail
Interest rates remain the key to housing affordability, says Prime Minister John Howard, who admits he is concerned about rising prices. “The dream of owning your first home remains both a strong one and also, as a pretty conservative bloke, can I say a pretty desirable one,” Mr Howard said.