ME Bank's latest Quarterly Property Sentiment Report shows positive sentiment among those in the property market is at record highs, while negative sentiment is at an all-time low, since the bank began its sentiment reports in 2019.
The report, which surveyed more than 1,000 Australian investors, owner-occupiers and first home buyers, found that confidence is being buoyed by expectations for rising property prices, increased levels of market activity, and a combination of record low interest rates and government incentives like HomeBuilder.
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ME Bank's Head of Home Loans and Personal Banking Claudio Mazzarella said the record high levels of positive sentiment among Australians is reflective of the resilience of the housing market, after some economists had predicted house price falls of up to 30% in 2020.
"While there are still many challenges such as unemployment and job insecurity, it's promising to see how sentiment and market activity have rebounded," he said.
"Government incentives such as HomeBuilder and record low interest rates have no doubt been large contributors to driving momentum across the market.
"We fully expect to see property investors back in full force this year. Sentiment within this group is bouncing back, with low interest rates make investing in property a more attractive option."
Positive sentiment among investors and owner-occupiers increased by 15 and 17 percentage points respectively.
However, sentiment among first home buyers dropped 4 percentage points, despite 74% of FHBs saying that stimulus measures such as first home buyer incentives, stamp duty relief and HomeBuilder have made buying or investing more attractive to them.
High hopes for house prices
When COVID first began to impact Australians last year, fears of a housing crash began to build. Almost 12 months on, momentum in the property market is picking up speed fast, as speculation rises of a 2021 housing boom.
The report found 77% of those in the property market expect house prices to bounce back this year.
Similarly, fewer property owners are worried about COVID impacting the value of their property.
It comes after the last Domain house price report shows house prices hit a record high at the end of 2020 in all but two capital cities.
The national median house price surged by 5.8% in the three months to 31 December 2020, to $852,940.
When asked about property price expectations over the next 12 months, 54% of homeowners and buyers predicted prices will continue to go up.
Only 7% thought prices will fall.
"It's clear from our latest report that most Australians anticipate a strong uptick in residential property prices," Mr Mazzarella said.
"The data also shows a general increase in people's sense of wealth and financial confidence as a result of these price movements.
"The flip side to higher property prices is that it will make it harder for first home buyers to get their foot in the door. It will be important for new entrants in the property market to do their research."
Home loan lending data released yesterday reveals a 9.3% increase in first home buyer loans in December, the highest level since June 2009.
But despite the record increase in lending to first home buyers, an overwhelming 95% said housing affordability remains a big issue in Australia.
Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash
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