Time to read : 3 Minutes
The market is tough whether you own or rent right now.
🏠 House prices are starting to drop due to a combination of the Reserve Bank pushing interest rates up and regulator APRA tightening lending restrictions.
🏦 That's had a knock-on effect on renters, who've been stung by landlords lifting rents to pay their new and more expensive mortgages.
🔻 Housing market research specialist CoreLogic said that home values dropped a further 1.3% in July, marking the third month in a row that the prices have fallen in some states..
Be aware: CoreLogic’s Research Director Tim Lawless has drawn parallels with previous financial crashes:
" The rate of decline is comparable with the onset of the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008, and the sharp downswing of the early 1980s. In Sydney, where the downturn has been particularly accelerated, we are seeing the sharpest value falls in almost 40 years."
What do you need to know
Mortgage and rental pain looks to be with us for the next 18 months.
ANZ economists have said that they expect house prices to drop 15-20% by the end of 2023 before making a recovery in 2024.
The Reserve Bank says Australia has the reserves to manage the rate rises, with savings of 260 billion, but the market suggests otherwise.
One report in June suggested 45% of homeowners were already under mortgage stress, while another estimated around 1.8m households were spending over 30% of their income on servicing their home loan.
Rents are spiking around the country with regional NSW climbing 30% in two years displacing locals and essential workers.
It 's a similar picture around the country, with CoreLogic's latest research indicating that capital cities have risen 9.1% whilst regional properties are 10.8% higher than a year ago.
Is it all doom and gloom for homeowners?
Mortgage holders, particularly new first home buyers are in for a pretty tough time.
People who bought in the peak could now find themselves trapped in a home that they may struggle to refinance and be stuck with big repayments.
Repayments are climbing and will continue to do so – if you are on a variable 25 year 600K loan, you would be paying $614.90 more right now than you were in May.
If you need to sell, you may need to take a reduced price to meet the market. CoreLogic says Australia's medium house price has dropped 4.7% this quarter.
But... Some suburbs and states are bucking the trend. CoreLogic's data suggests Darwin's property prices still haven't peaked.
💡 TIP Speak to a broker about refinancing - especially if you're a few months off your cheap fixed term loan expiring. They may have access to some lenders who are more willing to refinance your mortgage than the big banks.
What does rising interest rates mean for renters?
The rental market is only getting fiercer, with the vacancy rate at its lowest on record.
According to Domain's latest report regional vacancy rates are currently .7% with our cities at 1%.
At open homes, lines will often be out the door and potential tenants bid against one another to secure places.
Tenants are also suffering from rent rises and too scared to argue in case they lose their homes. Single mum Anna says she was "shocked to receive a 25% increase this month, but I had to suck it up and pay it to stay close to the kids' school."
To compensate, families, essential and lower-income renters are being forced to look for accommodation further out.
Bottom line
We could be in for a rocky ride as we approach 2023.
Home owners can speak to their bank or brokers and negotiate for a better rate.
Renters have more limited options but can always push back on unreasonable increases or consider cheaper suburbs.
Financial Disclaimer:
The information contained on this web page is of general nature only and has been prepared without taking into consideration your objectives, needs and financial situation. You should check with a financial professional before making any decisions.
