The Property Market In Australia for 2010
The property market in Australia, similar to other countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States is struggling to know where it will turn in 2010. Many predict an increase in property prices of more than 5% and other experts predict a drop of more 20% or more.
Probably the main determining factor in property prices will be employment. Only people who have a deposit will be able to purchase real estate and new builds if the unemployment rate continues to rise and some predict that unemployment rates will soar to as high as 8%, compared to 4.5% in 2008.
Back in 2008, the Australian Reserve Bank cut interest rates by a massive 3% which helped many people meet their mortgage repayments and the new strict lending rules, issued by the Australian Government has significantly cut down on the amount of mortgages given to people who would struggle to meet their repayments.
These stricter lending rules have also reduced the amount of repossessions on the property market which has enabled the Australian property market to remain relatively stable in the last few years.
The Australian Government has also started a new grant available for first time buyers to help them get onto the property ladder although, again, only beneficial if people can keep up the repayments on their mortgages.
Throughout Australia, debt levels are at an all time high, with more people borrowing from credit cards and banks to keep their heads above water and for people to purchase new properties they will have to take on more debt, which unfortunately they can’t.
Thousands of home owners, throughout Australia are having a hard time keeping up with their repayments as many have lost their full time jobs and are now only working part time. A drop of over 44 thousand people in 2008, in full time employment was seen and an increase in part time employment of over 40 thousand in the same period.
Another factor that will affect the property market in Australia is the world economy. Countries such as the USA, Japan and other European nations are suffering a recession and even the big player, China is experiencing a slow down. Every country, all over the world will be affected and Australia, unfortunately, will not be spared.
The property market in Australia, although predicted to be generally weak in 2010, should hold out fairly well in the first 6 months or so, however it will be the employment issues that will be the deciding factor as to where the property market heads in the next few years or so.
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