how many could afford a 50% increase, page-14

It must be nice for the bears to throw out these statements to make each other feel better.

To point out just one critical flaw in your argument. If mortgage rates rise to 7.5% compared to the 5% (roughly) they are today... the repayments will not double. Only the interest charged will double.

Based on Sorteds online calculator and a median house price of $700,000 with a deposit of 10% over 25 years (ie a loan amount of $630k). https://www.sorted.org.nz/calculators/mortgage-repayment

The weekly repayments would be $958/week. If rates bump up to 7.5% then repayments would be $1073. About a 12% rise. Not really THAT much extra and most would be able to afford it. I'm sure my tenants will be able to afford a 10% rise to compensate me - or find a new property.

While you're all figuring out the next theory of why prices will collapse you might want to ignore this article. http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/biggest-auction-day-on-record-as-buying-frenzy-sets-new-property-highs-20131109-2x8l0.html

84% clearance. Sydney median price to $722k. $2.23b of property sold in October compared to $1.12b for same period last year. Auctioneers in a rush to get too all the auctions. Thankfully 6 of one guys 16 schedule auctions sold prior to the date.

Don't worry, it'll all come crashing down in November. Or December. Or sometime next year.... Maybe.