Rental market slowed prior to COVID-19 outbreak

CoreLogic’s head of research Australia, Eliza Owen, said the March quarter results followed an upswing in values since September 2019, with January’s results showing growth of 0.5 per cent.

This occurred against slight moderations in new dwelling completions, which fell -7.6 per cent over 2019 from the previous year, and lessened the addition to supply in the rental market.

“Steady overseas migration also contributed to added demand in the rental market over 2019. It has been documented that overseas migrants typically initially rent when they first arrive from overseas.”

“However, it is worth noting that overseas migration rates had started to slow a little by September 2019,” said Ms Owen.

Also noting that “a deceleration in the growth of rents, as well as a decline in some areas, signals that this growth momentum is facing disruption. It is worth noting that rent data for the March quarter would capture little of the impact from COVID-19, where the regulations of social distancing that have been most disruptive to the economy commenced on 23 March.

Capital city rents are 1.3 per cent higher over the quarter and 1.0 per cent higher year-on-year. 

Regional rents are 1.0 per cent higher over the quarter and 2.6 per cent higher over the year.  

Six of the capital city dwelling markets experienced a month-on-month increase in rent values, led by Perth, where rent values rose 0.8 per cent in March. 

Brisbane rents were flat over the month, and Hobart rent values declined 0.4 per cent. 

In March 2020, Sydney remained the most expensive rental market, with a current median rental value of $577/week. The differential between Sydney and the second most expensive rental market, Canberra, has trended down to just $1.