DISCLAIMER

In compiling this publication, rpdata.com has relied upon information supplied by a number of external sources and RP Data does not warrant its accuracy or completeness. To the full extent allowed by law RP Data excludes all liability for

any loss or damage suffered by any person or body corporate arising from or in connection with the supply or use of any part of the information in this publication. RP Data recommends that individuals undertake their own research and

seek independent financial advice before making any decisions. © 2012 RP Data Ltd.

RP Data Monthly Mortgage & Property Market Index Update

– February Results (Refer page 1 - Mortgage market update with Craig Mackenzie & on page 2 - Property Market Update with Tim Lawless)

Released: Monday 11 March, 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

According to RP Data’s head of corporate affairs, Craig Mackenzie, the RP Data Mortgage Index (RMI) has

surged over the past eight weeks, with the RP Data Mortgage Index (as at March 10) reaching 100.7 points, the

highest reading since August 2009. This result highlights the extent of new market activity between the

traditionally slow month of January and February.

In seasonally adjusted terms, the RMI Index increased from 76.9 to 78.1, foreshadowing a strong result for

February when the housing finance data is released by the ABS in mid-April.

“Of greater significance is the fact that the raw Index value of 100.7 over the 28 days to March 10 was the

highest since September 2009, which was a point in time when market activity was very strong, underpinned by

high levels of first homebuyer activity stimulated by low interest rates and the First Homebuyer Grant Boost.

This is supported by the fact that the average number of activity events across RP Data’s platforms per client

was the highest since August 2009.

“This suggests mortgage market activity has rebounded strongly in February after the post-Christmas lull, driven

by increased levels of consumer confidence, attractive mortgage interest rates (both fixed and variable) driving

strong refinancing activity and improved investor demand,” Craig Mackenzie said.

About the index

The RP Data Mortgage Index (RMI) tracks metadata flowing across RP Data’s mortgage platforms, which

accounts for more than 90% of the residential mortgage sector.

The RMI was launched in February 2013 and seeks to provide a lead indicator to the Australian Bureau of

Statistics (ABS) statistics which are released on a monthly basis. The seasonally adjusted RMI is 88%

correlated to the ABS statistics, but is available to the market approximately six weeks sooner.

About RP Data: RP Data is the number one provider of property information, analytics and risk management services in

Australia and New Zealand, 100 per cent owned by CoreLogic CLX – the world’s largest data and analytics provider.

www.rpdata.com

Mortgage activity surges over past eight weeks

RP Data’s Mortgage Index hit 100.7 points over the 28 days ending March 10

RP Data Mortgage Index, National

DISCLAIMER

In compiling this publication, rpdata.com has relied upon information supplied by a number of external sources and RP Data does not warrant its accuracy or completeness. To the full extent allowed by law RP Data excludes all liability for

any loss or damage suffered by any person or body corporate arising from or in connection with the supply or use of any part of the information in this publication. RP Data recommends that individuals undertake their own research and

seek independent financial advice before making any decisions. © 2012 RP Data Ltd.

RP Data Property Index update with Tim Lawless

About RP Data: RP Data is the number one provider of property information, analytics and risk management services in

Australia and New Zealand, 100 per cent owned by CoreLogic CLX – the world’s largest data and analytics provider.

www.rpdata.com

Real estate agent activity at highest level since March 2011 RP Data’s Property Index, which tracks real estate agent activity across RP Data’s online platforms surged over the

past 28 days suggesting a large number of properties are being prepared for listing.

February’s Results

According to Tim Lawless, RP Data’s director of research, the RP Data Property Index has likely reached its

seasonal new year peak, with the index increasing by 12.2% over the four weeks ending March third and slowing

slightly over the most recent rolling four week period ending March 10. The index reached 317.3 points on

March 3, the highest level since the same period in March 2011. The strong reading indicates that the number of

new listings being prepared for sale is likely to be at or near the seasonal peak in activity.

“The positive trend in real estate agent activity is another sign of improving vendor confidence and improving

housing market conditions. Auction clearance rates been demonstrably higher in 2013 compared with 2012,

rates of vendor discounting have also been improving and homes were selling faster in the lead up to the festive

season slow down.

“The big test of market conditions will be whether the additional supply being added to the housing market will be

absorbed by buyers. RP Data is currently tracking 289,561 sales across the national market, which is about

1.3% fewer listings than at the same time last year. Additionally, the number of home sales was almost eight per

cent higher over the second half of 2012 compared with the first half, suggesting that absorption of stock may not

be that big a challenge,” Tim Lawless said.

About the index

The RP Data Property Index (RPI) tracks metadata flowing across RP Data’s online real estate data platforms,

which approximately 70-80% of all real estate agents around Australia subscribe to.

The RPI was launched in February 2013 and seeks to provide a lead indicator as to the number of new listings

being prepared for sale around the country. The index shows a 75% correlation with the number of new listings

being added to the market with a one week lead time

RP Data Property Index, National