BRISBANE – IS IT THE NEXT PROPERTY HOTSPOT?

For a long time, Sydney and Melbourne have been cities to watch in the Australian property market. Unprecedented growth, cut-throat auctions and large-scale developments dotted across these cities have helped many investors build investment portfolios that have far exceeded any expectations.

However, as we all know, growth in these cities has not only slowed but has gone backwards. According to recent research, our two biggest cities may see themselves surpassed when it comes to property price growth by a contender to the north.

The BIS Oxford Economics Residential Property Prospects 2019 to 2022 report has been released, and it predicts a slow recovery from the property downturn for almost all of our major population centres.

While the property slump seems to have turned a corner across the country since the federal election, buoyed by further interest rate cuts and APRA’s recommendation to lower the interest rate buffer lenders use to assess borrowing capacity, most experts are warning that the bounce back will be subtle and steady, nothing like the boom conditions that followed the GFC.

Unless, you are investing in Brisbane.

Brisbane Prices Set to Surge

The BIS Oxford Economics report suggests that house prices in the Queensland capital could leap by up to 20 per cent over the next three years, leaving Sydney and Melbourne in their dust. Units should also get a significant boost, with their price tag set to increase by around 14 per cent, according to the report.

By contrast, BIS Oxford Economics has forecast growth for Sydney at just 6 per cent, while Melbourne fares slightly better at 7 per cent. Even with these predicted gains, the median property value in both cities will fall well short of their previous peaks.

Over in the west, Perth is still recovering from the mining slowdown and should only see growth of about 7 per cent by 2022, while in Canberra the projected growth is 10 per cent.

These figures are echoed by other economists and property experts, who caution that while the worst is over in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, we won’t be witnessing double-digit gains any time in the near future.

Brisbane has had a relatively steady market, compared to the peaks and troughs seen in other capitals. Investors may not have enjoyed their wealth multiplying by the day, as they did in the height of the boom elsewhere, but at the same time they have not been subjected to the crushing blows of the last year or two. If the BIS Oxford Economics predictions are correct, those who have held onto their Brisbane investments may be about to get the payday they have been dreaming of.

Can We Take This Prediction to the Bank?

It is important to note that this report (and similar research) is just a prediction, albeit one put together by economics and property experts. The experts do not always get it right though, so I always advise all my clients to do their own research and due diligence before jumping onto any bandwagon. This includes checking out median rents, vacancy rates, demographic information and local infrastructure before deciding to invest in a property, no matter where in Australia it is located.

Whatever your investment plans are for the year ahead, be they focused on Brisbane or elsewhere, it is always a good idea to have your financial ducks in a row in case an excellent opportunity presents itself. Get in touch with us now for a financial health check, so we can help ensure you are in the best possible position to maximise your borrowing and grow your wealth.

Phone: 1300 855 022

Email: clientservices@zippyfinancial.com.au