SA interest rates unchanged

Cape Town — The SA Reserve Bank (SARB) is keeping its key lending rate on hold at 5,5 percent, said governor Gill Marcus yesterday. The repo rate is the interest rate at which the SARB lends money to commercial banks. This implies that banks will not increase their prime lending rate of 9,0 percent. In January consumers were hit with a shock repo rate hike of 50 basis points at the SARB’s monetary policy committee briefing.The unchanged repo rate is good news for aspirant home buyers and those with existing home loans, said Andrew Golding, CEO of the Pam Golding Property group.

“Home buyers continue to be constrained by a variety of cost factors which remain on an upward trajectory, such as fuel and transport, electricity, municipal rates and utilities charges — in other words the costs associated with owning a home — and commuting to the workplace,” said Golding.

He says although criteria for access to credit remain stringent, banks’ appetite for mortgage lending has further improved, with some relief in regard to the average deposit required, and even 100 percent bonds being granted in certain instances, particularly in the lower end of the market.

“The first quarter of 2014 has reflected a marketplace which demonstrates resurgence in confidence among home buyers, investors and developers alike, resulting in rising sales volumes (unit sales) and capital value, both from a general market as well as Pam Golding Properties perspective,” said Golding.

First National Bank (FNB) will maintain its prime lending rate at 9 percent following SARB’s decision to keep rates on hold until the next meeting of the MPC on May 22, 2014.

“While rates remain unchanged for the next two months, the likelihood of further hikes in 2014 cannot be excluded,” said says Jacques Celliers, CEO of FNB.
“I urge consumers to act with care and plan ahead for the remainder of 2014 with the possible impact of higher interest rates in mind.”

He pointed out that SARB has stated that its stance will remain accommodative to enable economic growth.
“However, as inflation rises we expect rates to be adjusted upward. In doing so, the Reserve Bank maintains our effective rates on an even keel,” said Celliers.
Seeff chairman, Samuel Seeff has reacted to what he regards as too much uncertainty around the economy and in particular where interest rates are heading.- Fin24.