THE property market has been as edgy as it has ever been in recent years with COVID kicking off a roller-coaster ride that hoodwinked many analysts.<\/p>\n
Lockdowns followed by labour shortages, supply chain interruptions, and then interest rate rises amongst several building company collapses, were the trigger for some commentators to forecast a meltdown in the market.<\/p>\n
Contrary to the plethora of poor property forecasters who predicted significant property price falls, market conditions continue to be solid in the face of the low supply of sales listings around the nation, according to the latest Property Investment Professionals of Australia\u2019s National Market Update.<\/p>\n
This report pulls together insights and analysis from seven market experts and PIPA members from the latest edition of the PIPA Adviser e-magazine\u2019s national market update.<\/p>\n
PIPA Chair Nicola McDougall said that the significant price falls simply did not materialise in many property markets \u2013 even with the most rapid increase in interest rates in a generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, part of the reason why prices have been strengthening is the significant number of overseas migrants, some half a million seemingly, who have landed on our shores within the past year or two, which is also causing rental markets to continue to struggle with a critical undersupply of stock,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ms McDougall said as well as healthy market conditions, it appeared that the rising interest rate cycle may have come to an end.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Reserve Bank of Australia took its foot off the throttle in early July and held the cash rate steady at 4.1 per cent, which provided some confidence to property buyers around the nation,\u201d Ms McDougall said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe June quarter inflation reading also came in well under market expectations at six per cent with it highly possible we are at, or near, the peak of the cash rate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Surf Coast real estate agent Michael Ferris from Ferris Gold said that the 3228 area encompassing Torquay and Jan Juc historically experiences a slowdown during the cooler months but it’s important to note that well-positioned, and appropriately priced homes, continue to experience strong demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe micro-markets within these suburbs, such as the Top End market, are thriving and breaking records, showcasing the sustained interest from buyers of turnkey properties in these sought-after locations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also have some positive news for tenants as rental properties in the area have seen a significant increase in availability levels, rising by 21.77 per cent in the past 60 days.<\/p>\n