According to statistics released today by the Monetary Authority of Macao, new approvals of residential mortgage loans (RMLs) and commercial real estate loans (CRELs) rose in May 2012. With regard to outstanding balance, both RMLs and CRELs also witnessed slight increases. New Lending Approved In May 2012, new RMLs approved by Macao banks grew notably by 42.4% month-to-month to MOP4.0 billion; of which, 95.5% was extended to residents. In terms of value, new RMLs to residents rose 48.3% whereas those to non-residents fell 22.9%. New RMLs collateralised by uncompleted units (i.e. equitable mortgage) rose 61.7% month-to-month to MOP154.5 million; of which 91.0% was extended to residents. The equitable mortgage to residents and non-residents rose 51.5% and 395.9% respectively. New CRELs increased month-to-month by 31.3% to MOP2.0 billion; of which, 97.0% was granted to residents. In terms of value, new CRELs to residents rose 39.3% whereas those to non-residents dropped 54.1% from one month earlier. Outstanding Balances As at end-May 2012, the outstanding value of RMLs reached MOP81.0 billion, an increase of 2.2% from one month earlier. The resident component made up 92.5% of the total. Outstanding RMLs to residents grew by 2.5% while those to non-residents edged down 1.3% over one month earlier. Concurrently, the outstanding value of CRELs grew 1.7% from end-April to MOP62.9 billion. Residents accounted for 90.3% of the loans. Compared with one month earlier, outstanding CRELs to residents and non-residents edged up 1.8% and 0.2% respectively. Delinquency Ratios At the end of May 2012, the delinquency ratio for RMLs stood at 0.07%, down 0.02 percentage points from one month earlier. The ratio for CRELs remained unchanged from end-April at 0.09%. Source : Monetary Authority of Macao