Strong demand and limited supply boosting property prices
A recent report on the Australian property market by CBA Global Markets Research shows that demand for property is still strong and prices are still rising but if interest rates reach 7%, growth would be likely to subside.
Blogger: Jeremy Fisher, director and founder, 1st Street Home Loans
Price is determined by the interaction of demand and supply and according to CBA’s report, written by their Chief Economist, Michael Blythe, demand is high and supply is low which causes prices to rise. In the 12 months since March 2013, house prices in Australia rose 10.7% and unit prices increased 9.6%, both figures high compared to changes over the last decade. Sydney led the growth with dwelling prices rising 15.6%, closely followed by Melbourne which increased 11.6%.
When analysing the factors which are increasing demand, Blythe found that the population growth is nearing the highest it has been in the last 40 years which, put simply, means that there are more people wanting to buy properties. The population growth is largely due to a higher birth rate and an increased migration rate with many migrants being highly skilled and in a financial position to purchase a property. The current low interest rates are also making property investment an attractive option and foreign investors are another factor influencing demand, purchasing approximately 1 in 30 of the properties for sale. The limited supply of properties amplifies the levels of demand as buyers’ choice is limited with an average of only 1 in 20 properties sold each year. New constructions have an impact in increasing the supply of dwellings, averaging a 2% growth in the supply each year.
The RBA should be pleased with the state of the property market as their plan to stimulate housing activity worked, raising household wealth, improving market sentiment and increasing property purchases and new constructions. The RBA’s Governor Stevens described how a 10% p.a. growth in house prices on an ongoing basis would be “unwelcome” which indicates that further stimulation isn’t required and that the likely next move for rates is up. In previous housing booms, the heat was taken out of the market when interest rates rose 20% which, in the current market, would translate to when mortgage rates reach 7%.
About Jeremy Fisher
Director and Founder of 1st Street Home Loans, Jeremy Fisher, is one of the most awarded mortgage brokers in the industry and winner of the Australian Broker Association’s prestigious ‘Australian Broker of the Year’.
Since 2001, Jeremy has settled in excess of $500 million worth of property loans and delighted clients with exceptional results and highly personalised service.
