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How to avoid property FOMO in 2020

March 1, 2020
How to avoid property FOMO in 2020

Crown Group’s Director of Sales Prisca Edwards shares on the property rush in 2020.

As we draw to the close of 2019, it seems everyone is talking about property again – whether to buy, where to buy and how to make a good decision. Prices have started to climb again but there is not a lot of stock on the market, old or new. So as we enter the new year, buyers will risk getting FOMO (yes, fear of missing out) if they don’t act.

So why has this change come about? Buyer confidence has bounced back following a sustained dip that ended in mid-2019, prompted by the Federal election, the Reserve Bank’s triple cuts to interest rates and the end of winter. As a result, prices are rising quickly in Sydney and Melbourne and starting to rise in Brisbane.

All the factors are pointing to it being a good time to buy, as all the drivers are there – buyer confidence, tight supply versus growing demand, the lowest interest rates in history, APRA loosening its restriction on lending and rising prices in key markets.  No wonder people are starting to feel FOMO!

We have seen a strong spring season, with values going up 1.2% nationally and 5% in Sydney and Melbourne. Prices are rising faster than ever – by about $3000 per week in September in Sydney and $2500 a week in Melbourne, according to Deloitte.

In addition, negative gearing is still in place, stamp duty seems to be staying put and we can still get favourable tax benefits compared to other countries – this all combines to boost the market.

These price gains are set to continue. Corelogic and Moody’s 2019 third quarter housing forecast report has predicted east coast apartment prices will climb in 2020: 7.9% in Sydney and 4.8% in Melbourne.

Sydney’s restricted supply pipeline will continue to put upward pressure on prices.

The Reserve Bank said in October that a shortfall in housing supply was likely, with a downturn in construction expected to constrict supply of new homes in 2020 but demand continuing to increase from population growth and investors coming back into the market.

This supply dynamic is set to continue: the NSW Department of Planning predicts Sydney will need 725,000 new homes over the next 20 years for another 1.74 million people. Melbourne population could pass 10.1 million by 2051. Given the speed of development approvals in NSW, developers will struggle to meet that demand.

What features should you look for in a good investment property?

Firstly, always location! A good developer will have done the due diligence to locate the best sites where there is demand for new homes and new infrastructure such as train stations, shopping centres, libraries and recreation centres that will add to the appeal of the property. Infinity by Crown Group, for example, is at Green Square, where there is AU$13 billion in Government and private infrastructure developments that are transforming the precinct.

A reputable developer and builder with a strong track record of high-quality developments over several decades is ideal; look for those who have many recognised projects with a great reputation and awards for design and construction. Properties with high-quality design, construction, fixtures and finishes will be far more appealing to renters and owners and will enjoy better capital growth and good resale value.

In terms of potential for leasing and future capital growth, those properties that perform best over time tend to be close to a city centre or a hub where there is excellent transport, respected universities and schools, good medical facilities, convenient shopping centres, an airport and lifestyle attractions.

Australia is highly attractive to foreign buyers in particular for its quality higher education, with around 693,750 international students studying in Australia. Buying in university areas is a good idea because there is strong demand for property there from overseas buyers, therefore room for capital growth and good rental returns.

There is also a lot of infrastructure development underway in the key capital cities – $87 billion worth in Sydney including a new international airport and a metro rail system to Parramatta; $55 billion in Brisbane including the new Queens Wharf mega-tourism development; and $100 billion in Melbourne, Australia’s fastest-growing capital city. So, look out for growth areas.

Also, developments with inspiring, timeless architecture and shared facilities create a really attractive lifestyle and sense of community and connectivity that is increasingly sought after by buyers, who see its value in the long-term to add to the value of the property. Such developments also offer a level of convenience at a reduced cost to residents who would otherwise have to travel to get to their gym, pool or local café every day. Their lifestyle is on their doorstep, with their neighbours. It adds great value.

Prisca Edwards
Prisca is the Director of Sales at Crown Property Group. She has over 8 years of experience in the real estate industry
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