CBA pumps up low doc loans
In a sign that credit wobbles won't stand in the way of longer range objectives Commonwealth Bank has this week revealed an aggressive stance on low doc loans.CBA will also extend, rather than reduce, the now ubiquitous "discount" of the advertised interest rate of home loans.The bank advised brokers yesterday that it revised its low doc credit criteria, loan sizes and package rates.The key changes are: an applicant for a low doc loan need only have been self-employed for one year (down from two, though an ABN and a record in the Australian Business Register are required); there is now no limit on the loan size where the loan to valuation ratio is less than 60 per cent (the limit used to be $1.5 million); and the limit is now $2.5 million (up from $1.5 million) where the LTV ratio is up to 80 per cent.CBA said it will increase the maximum discount on advertised rates to 70 basis points up from 50 basis points, in line with market practice.This latter pricing decision may derail the theory that banks would seek to steer an increase in effective rates paid through by narrowing this discount.CBA also said it would introduce a no deposit loan for customers eligible for the first home owners grant.