At last some good news for first-home buyers: new rules are being fast tracked to provide lenders with greater access to 'positive data' about borrowers, potentially making it easier for first-home buyers, who may not have a long credit history, to have their loans approved.
From the end of this year, 'positive data' will be available to lenders to help them assess loan applications.
The federal government has fast tracked changes that will allow greater data sharing between banks, meaning borrowers will be able to be assessed on how well they have repaid loans in the last two year.
"The government's move to fast-track positive data sharing will mean more Australian borrowers will see the benefits of a fairer system much sooner," Susan Steele, credit bureau Experian's Australia / New Zealand managing director, told SCHWARTZWILLIAMS.
The change, which was recommended by the Productivity Commission, is particularly relevant to those seeking approval for home loans.
How do the new rules work?
Currently, when borrowers are applying for credit in Australia, lenders ask for permission to access the borrower's credit report to help them asses if they will be able to repay the loan.
The new rules will mean that lenders will be able to see 'positive data' as well, for example, lenders will be able to see how well borrowers have repaid credit card, personal loans, or mortgages over the last two years.
The data will also show how many credit accounts someone has, and how much credit they have in total.
What impact with the changes have?
The changes are likely to see credit scores change, sometimes dramatically.
"Your next application may be assessed differently with lenders for the first time being able to see how well a borrower has paid back credit over the previous 24 months," said Steele.
"This will include historical data coming online from credit cards, mortgages and personal loans."
Steele said most Australians are very good at repaying credit. Experian's data showed that around 80% of Australians have a clean record of not missing a repayment.
"Aussie borrowers are likely to see their credit scores increase or decrease in the coming weeks and months," said Steele, as "new data about how many credit accounts they have open and how much the combined credit limits they have is factored into their scores for the first time."
The new data is likely to have far-reaching impacts across a range of credit decisions, including loan approvals and declines, changes in interest rates, and changes in lending limits.
Industry research suggests around 40 per cent of decisions about credit applications will change, in comparison to when only negative data was shared.
Overall approval rates from banks are tipped to increase by 10-15 per cent. Research shows the share of bad loans could fall by as much as 45 per cent when positive data is included in credit decisions.
"Positive data sharing will also assist others to avoid entering into unmanageable levels of debt and getting into financial difficulty," said Steele.
Borrowers can improve their credit score by "diligently making repayments on time", she said.
What to do if you are applying for a loan
Steele advised that borrowers, and those hoping to have loans approved, should check their credit scores regularly, and make sure new positive data is being factored in.
"The best thing home hunters can do is check their credit report before applying for a mortgage, something which, worryingly, our research shows seven in ten Australians admit to never having done. Consumers can check their score at any time, free of charge," she said.
Positive data sharing is already in operation in 18 different countries.
"From our experience," said Steele, "in the 18 other countries where we operate a credit bureau, positive data sharing is a much fairer system".
First-home buyers
Steele said, "It may help potential first-home buyers who don’t have a long credit history, to be approved for finance, where previously they may have been declined due to a lack of insight into the way they handle their finances."
At last some good news for first-home buyers.
Read more about home loans:
Interest rates on hold: what does it mean for the property market?
Low inflation data suggests interest rates likely to remain low: REIA