Back to the topic.....the reason why there are less investors in the market is compounded by the following:
1. The FHB grant wsa reduced and at the same time the banks have tightened credit for FHB buyers via higher deposits (i.e. 90% plus) and the introduction of service critieria.
2. Gen-Y all want to live near the city....getting into this market will require very large deposits - i.e. 100k plus. However...with some considering families and entering their 30s things will change...see below
3. We have undergone a big rise and the market is consolidating.
From my perspective this is just a normal part of the cycle, the upturn will be from late 2012 onwards primarily driven by:
1. Rents are increasing at 7-8% per annum at some point it will click that it will be more affordable to buy than rent. I think this be particulaly the case in NSW where 7-9% yields in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Wollongong, Central Coast, and Newcastle/Hunter. I personally think this market will move within the next 2 years because of demand.
2. AS Gen Y enter their 30s and establish families....it will be surprise to many as they do what their parents have done and move to the suburbs....areas like Western Sydney, Central Coast, and Wollongong are seeing some of this. Wait till it starts taking hold a bit more.
3. The market in NSW has consolidated to the point where the next trend will be up. The funny thing is the demand pressure in NSW cities are huge.
4. The real elephant in the room is finance. Contrary to believe the banks have started to loosen credit whilst tightening the compliance requirements to get a loan due to the new Credit act. 95% loans are back in. Talking to a banker....things looking better. I have said before that I anticipate a cut in rates later this year...if this happens the markets in areas like NSW will take off.
5. Another thing is ...I believe that inflation wil head downwards next quarter as things recover from natural disasters and oil shocks. Unless of course a another disaster hits. I also see prices for food and vegies head down as the competition in retail heads down. The other thing which is important is to keep the immigration tap for skilled people constant. If all this happens we will CPI figures head down over the next 2 quarters.
6. If rates move down....the dollar will drop...this will be a good thing.
So in conclusion....my believe I feel some part of the RE...in particular NSW prices on property will move. Not sure about areas like Qld and WA yet...other than a few select mining areas.