Citigroup is the first major lender to investors to announce a broad clampdown on overseas property borrowers following the release of tough new regulatory guidelines targeting interest-only loans.

The global bank is blaming “changing market conditions” and regulatory attempts to cool the overheated property markets in Sydney and Melbourne for the changes—including a freeze on new interest-only lending to foreign buyers.

Effective from 13 April for all new Citibank applications, the interest-only repayment option on both standard-variable loans and the Mortgage Power line of credit will no longer be available for:

• Loans that rely solely on owner-occupied security
• All non-resident loans
• Loans that are reliant on foreign income
• Loans that require Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval

“This means, interest-only repayments will only be allowed for resident loans secured by investment property, unexpired pipeline deals remain unaffected,” Citi Australia said in a note released to brokers.

For loans with mixed securities (i.e. cross-collaterised owner-occupier and investment properties), interest-only repayments and Mortgage Power will only be available on the portion of the loan that exceeds the value of the owner-occupied security.

Citibank has also announced that interest-only repayments will not be available for mortgages with loan-to-value ratios greater than 80%.

Lastly, the bank’s offset mortgage product will no longer be offered to all new Citigold non-resident and foreign income applicants.

Whether you are looking to buy your first home, move home, refinance, or invest in property, a mortgage broker can help. Access loans from all the major lenders, get help with paperwork – plus there is no charge for this service. Get help from a local mortgage broker

OTHER SECTIONSFirst Home BuyersRefinance MortgagesProperty InvestmentInterest RatesNewsArticlesQ & ATips