Media Release: Wednesday 26th March 2014
Key Points:
- New survey reveals majority of property investors looking to buy in 2014
- Low interest rate environment, capital growth prospects and property’s stability revealed as key drivers of investor interest
- Brisbane tipped by investors as the state capital with the best investment prospects
A national survey of property investors has revealed high levels of confidence in the property market, underpinning expectations that strong investor activity will continue well throughout 2014.
The inaugural Smart Property Investment / PIPA Property Investor Sentiment Survey indicates that a striking majority of investors (84.4 per cent) believe now is a good time to invest in property, with 70.8 per cent of investors looking to make a purchase within the next 6-12 months.
Capital growth opportunities (27.9 per cent), low interest rates (27.4 per cent) and property’s stability compared to other asset classes (19.6 per cent) were all cited as the top factors underlying property’s investment appeal.
Smart Property Investment managing editor Phillip Tarrant said the survey results confirm that the property market is set for a buoyant year.
“Property markets across Australia have really gathered momentum since the latter part of 2013 and all indications are, from this research, that this is set to continue throughout 2014,” he said.
“The low interest rate environment is certainly underpinning this trend, but it’s also interesting to see investors confident in property’s capital growth prospects and its recognised stability compared to other investment assets.
“It’s a real vote of confidence for Australia’s property market,” he said.
Metropolitan markets are proving the most popular among investors, with 61.8 per cent of investors selecting these as their top location to buy, while mining towns are well out of favour, with just 3 per cent of investors looking to target these areas.
Among the state capitals, Brisbane was the investment location of choice for almost half of all survey respondents (48.3 per cent), followed by Sydney (17.2 per cent),
Melbourne (14.5 per cent), Perth (9.6 per cent), Adelaide (6.2 per cent), Darwin (3 per cent) and Hobart and Canberra (both at 0.6 per cent).
The survey also revealed a strategic attitude among investors, with 59.7 per cent of respondents describing their investment selection approach as part of a careful, long-term investment strategy.
PIPA chair Ben Kingsley said these results were indicative of a more mature, professional approach to property investment.
“There are average property investments and then there are the superior investments that deliver above average capital growth and/or rental returns,” he said.
“These properties are the holy grail of property investment and they require time, due diligence and expert advice.
“The property market has calmed down over the years, and while still offering very attractive returns, careful selection has become more and more important and it’s certainly encouraging to see many investors taking a more considered approach.
“These investors will be best placed to reap the rewards that property offers.”
OTHER KEY FINDINGS
Of the survey’s respondents, 9.9 per cent have invested in property via an SMSF and 17.4 per cent plan to do so in the next 12 months
Houses are the clear favourite among investors, with a majority of respondents saying they would buy a house (54.1%) as their next investment, followed by units at 26.6 per cent.
Location (80 per cent), capital growth prospects (75 per cent) and rental return (71.3 per cent) are the top three most important factors for investors when it comes to selecting a property.
Meeting loan obligations is the number one concern for investors (37.9 per cent), followed by damage to their property (22.2 per cent).
The Smart Property Investment/PIPA Property Investor Sentiment Survey surveyed 784 respondents between 16 January and 20 February 2014.
**ENDS**
CONTACT
Kate Miller
Kate Miller Communications
kate@kmcommunications.com.au
0417 625 774
Lauren Donnelly
Smart Property Investment
lauren.donnelly@sterlingpublishing.com.au
02 8045 2047
NOTE TO EDITORS
About PIPA
Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) is a not-for-profit association established by industry practitioners with the objective of representing and raising the professional standards of all operators involved within property investment.
Since its inception, PIPA has developed codes of ethics and conduct and professional standards of accreditation and education for the property investment industry, including a Property Investment Adviser Accreditation Course.
PIPA is actively lobbying the federal government to bring property investment advice into a regulatory framework. Until such regulation is introduced, PIPA will continue to provide the public with warnings about working with ethical and professional industry practitioners.
About Smart Property Investment
Smart Property Investment magazine is a monthly publication for property investors. With strategies, tips and opinion from investment experts it gives investors the tools they need to make smart investment decisions.
Smart Property Investment is the only publication with its own property portfolio. This allows the publication to provide unique insights into today’s property market and what investors need to do to ensure they get the best results.
Smart Property Investment magazine is complemented by a daily news website, weekly newsletters, regular videos and special reports ensuring property investors are kept up to date with all the information they need as investors today.
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