Banks are reining in home lending to investors in resource sector hot spots, as lower spending by miners hits regional property markets and prompts banks to reassess their exposure.

Two of the country's biggest banks, Commonwealth and ANZ, have in recent weeks curbed riskier lending in areas that rely on resource industries.

Rent yield in mining towns is down. Credit:Reuters

The moves follow sharp falls in rents in mining hubs, at a time when regulators have urged banks to maintain prudent credit standards in the $1.2 trillion mortgage market.

In changes that took effect on Monday, Commonwealth Bank will cap at 8 per cent the rental yield it factors in for new property investment loans in mining towns.