RMBL AND COVID-19 — ACTIVITY STRENGTHENING

Following our previous communication sharing the news of our 60th birthday, it was heartening to receive so many responses from Members and Borrowers alike, some of whom have been with us for many decades and spanning family generations.

These certainly continue to be strange times, however, there does appear to be light at the end of the tunnel with restrictions generally easing and activity increasing. RMBL’s office is open and we are continuing to work with appropriate COVID-19 measures in place.

Victoria is leading in the COVID-19 recovery now and at the land estates, sales are picking up and enquiry is strong. Government support is continuing and the economy will gain traction.

Liquidity levels continue to remain high, and as activity generally improves, we have a significant pipeline of lending to fund so we appreciate your patience in placing funds.

As previously advised, the activities of the Reserve Bank and the Federal government are resulting in further easing of interest rates. The Reserve Bank has set a cash rate target never seen before at historic lows. Consequently, there is significant competition in both the bank and non-bank lending space. RMBL is working hard to retain and attract good quality Borrowers and loans. In order to achieve this, rates are generally softening. At present for development lending, rates are tending to hold but we continue to review this position.

We are offering Borrowers the opportunity to leave completed residual stock with RMBL rather than refinance this at the conclusion of their developments, at an interest rate of 5.75% pa. These are investment grade properties which developers may be retaining and leasing, or looking to sell. Members will appreciate the lower level of risk associated with such facilities.

There are a range of interest rates applicable from 6% pa up to 8.5% pa relating to stand alone and development facilities across a variety of property sectors and at different Loan to Value ratios. At the higher end of the spectrum are interest rates relating to subdivision and building construction facilities.

No doubt you will be measured in this COVID-normal environment, but if you are comfortable, we can meet with you to discuss any of your needs.

Please note during this time, we have detected higher incidences of attempted fraud. Cyber criminals are becoming very sophisticated and can impersonate emails, purporting to be from RMBL. We would strongly suggest that you call our office to verify any such email instructions before acting on the same. Additionally, if you ever receive an unsolicited phone call from a person purporting to be from RMBL seeking any form of payment, you must always call our office directly before acting on any such request.