Thu, 2nd Apr 2026

In this week's financial news, Australian housing market undergoes major changes with new regulations limiting lenders to offer only 20% of new loans to borrowers with high debt. Initiatives towards resolving housing shortages include promoting home construction on defence land and financial incentives. However, first-home buyers should note that some state-based incentives are set to end soon. A portable rental bond scheme is to launch in Victoria, aiming to simplify lease transitions for renters. Electric vehicle (EV) ownership becomes more affordable with a new partnership between the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Hyundai Capital Australia, offering discounted loan rates. The Australian Finance Industry Association has reported significant growth in EV financing, although challenges in infrastructure and ending incentives remain. Small-to-medium enterprises see a lean towards non-bank lenders, with more efficient operations, quick credit decisions, and flexible loan structures as the key driving factors.n