- With Sydney prices soaring, some potential homebuyers are 'rentvesting'
- This involves renting where you want to live and investing elsewhere
- A survey found that 44% of first-time buyers may choose to rentvest
Sydney property buyers are deciding to invest more affordably elsewhere after being priced out of their preferred local suburbs already, according to a Sydney buyers’ agent.
BFP Property Buyers Founder and Principal Ben Plohl said the situation was particularly pronounced in the Lower North Shore with prices already increasing sharply.
“There is no question that the Sydney property market is in a rising market phase, but the speed of the uplift is already pricing out some potential buyers,” Mr Plohl said.
“Some would-be buyers are reconsidering their options and are choosing to invest their funds in more affordable locations, such as Brisbane and Adelaide, or major regional areas like Bendigo, Orange, or even Albury and remain remaining renting in their locations of choice.”
Ben Plohl, BFP Property Buyers
According to CoreLogic, Sydney property values have recovered to be beyond their 2017 peak price with dwelling values firming by nearly six per cent since October as year.
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Mr Plohl said some potential buyers in exclusive suburbs such as Cammeray, Mosman and Willoughby were finding it difficult to secure a holding with prices skyrocketing.
“Some people rent in these locations already and have decided that it’s more affordable for them to continue doing so than stretch themselves too far financially to buy at the current time,” he said.
“Wisely, they are also deciding to make their available funds still work for them by buying elsewhere.
“For example, $900,000 may not secure you much real estate on the North Shore, but it could potentially buy you two houses in a more affordable capital city or major regional location, which are also experiencing strong market conditions.”
According to the 2020 PIPA Annual Investor Sentiment Survey, about 60% of investors would consider ‘rentvesting’ – renting in one location and investing in another – as a property investment strategy.
The survey also found that the number of first-time buyers who choose to rentvest is increasing with 44% of first-time investors continuing to rent while buying elsewhere last year – an increase from 34% the previous year.
“Rentvesting is a sound property investment strategy for buyers who want to make the most of historically low interest rates and rising market conditions but who don’t want to sacrifice where they live to do so,” Mr Plohl said.
“With property prices rising so fast in Sydney, it can be cheaper to remain renting in most locations than buying, but that doesn’t mean buyers have to give up their property ownership dreams.
“Australia is a big country with a number of more affordable markets that are offering better bang for your buck as well as prospects for strong capital growth and rental returns over the years ahead.”
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