How can property investors hedge against inflation?

The co-founder has given this statement off the back of pandemic and government stimulus programs that saw households accumulating $250 billion in savings over the last two years.

Looking at historical data, Mr Wargent noted a period in the mid-1970s when inflation peaked at 17.5 per cent and house prices reached sky high in big capital cities.

“The median price of a house in Sydney increased from $18,700 to $68,850 over the course of the decade, for an increase of well over 250 per cent, while real unit prices in the harbour city boomed, recording a nominal increase of over 300 per cent,” he said.

He added that during the same decade, the median house price in Melbourne climbed by more than 200 percent, showing that house prices are well ahead of the rapid rise in consumer prices.

The economic environment is different now, Mr Wargent acknowledged, given that interest rates are far lower than in the 70s. But still, he reiterated the anticipated action of investors: “We expect to see property investors looking for an effective hedge as the headline rate of inflation potentially pushes towards 5 to 6 per cent later this year.”

BuyersBuyers chief executive Doron Peleg has concurred with Mr Wargent and has noted possible double-digit rents rise and yields of at least 4 per cent in 2022, making this investment class attractive to investors.

Despite fixed mortgage rates rising, Mr Peleg has touted alternative options for financing.

“Large institutions have been busy cutting their variable mortgage rates down towards 2 per cent in March to date, while many lenders are still offering variable mortgage rates below 2 per cent for qualifying borrowers,” Mr Peleg said.

While the two experts highlighted the benefits of real estate as a profitable option to hedge against inflation, they have also cautioned buyers to keep buffers when purchasing a property.

“Borrowers should still consider whether they can afford repayments down the track if interest rates were to rise significantly. We will see negative real interest rates for the time being, but that dynamic clearly won’t last forever,” warned Mr Wargent.

“Overall, this year’s election pledges appear likely to be far more supportive of the demand side for housing, at a time when there is a chronic shortage of rental properties. Investors will naturally seek a hedge against inflation in such an environment.” 

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