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It is cheaper to buy a house in Adelaide than it is to rent from a cashflow perspective, according to RiskWise Property Research.

In three of the four major areas of Adelaide principal and interest repayments are lower than the annual rent and nowhere in the region are interest-only loan repayments for owner-occupiers higher than the annual rent.

RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg said ultra-low interest rates had created a unique environment where buying a house in many areas was cheaper than paying rent on one, as principal and interest repayments are lower than the rental payments.

He said in general, rent money was dead money, and that renters with secure jobs were better off buying a house than continue paying someone else’s mortgage.

Pete Wargent, co-founder of Buyers Buyers, a national marketplace now offering affordable buyer’s agency services to all Australians, said that there had been a notable shift in the buy versus rent equation in 2020.

“We clearly seeing more interest from first home buyers this year, keen to buy at a time when there’s less competition from investors, and taking advantage of the some of the incentives on offer from the federal and state governments” Mr Wargent said.

“Record low mortgage rates have clearly also been a key factor” Mr Wargent added.

“In three of the four areas the full mortgage repayments, i.e. principal and interest repayments, are lower than the than the rental costs. Also, interest-only loan repayments for owner-occupiers and investors in all of Adelaide are below the annual rent. This means, it's cheaper to buy than rent, assuming you have 20 per cent deposit, so it makes no sense not to take advantage of the current ultra-low interest rates and continue to rent,” Mr Peleg said.         

“For principal and interest loans, both owner-occupier and investor loan repayment amounts are lower than the annual rent in all Greater Adelaide, except for Adelaide-Central and Hills.

“This is especially of benefit to people who work remotely and want to enjoy a sea or tree-change without having to seek accommodation close to employment hubs, but rather move for lifestyle benefits.

“If you buy a house you can start building equity, particularly when you take a long-term strategic view and are in an appropriate position to negotiate well and buy a ‘Grade A’ property that will serve your family to many years to come.

“Our research also shows that nationally the interest only repayments for both owner-occupiers and investors is lower than the annual rental cost in most of the 88 areas at the statistical area level 4 (i.e. SA4s). Therefore, funding costs are lower than rental payments across all states and territories.

“And, except for Sydney and Melbourne, in all other states and territories, even the principal and interest repayments are lower than the annual rent, if you have 20 per cent deposit.

“No interest rate rises are expected in the foreseeable fortune and the intense competition between the banks is only going to further intensify, meaning buyers are in a very strong position to continue enjoying ultra-low interest rates.”

Mr Peleg said the biggest savings were in the capital cities where rental returns were the highest. 

“A sustained period of ultra-low interest rates seems almost certain in the near future and is likely to have a positive impact on the market during 2021. In fact, RBA research has found that for every 1 percentage point reduction to the cash rate, property values may increase 8 per cent over the following two years.”

Ultra-low interest rates have led some lenders to offer introductory home loan variable rates of 1.99 per cent, a move which follows the launch of the first fixed rate of less than 2 per cent.

Over the medium and the long term, he said solid price growth was highly likely for houses, particularly due to a systematic undersupply in the inner and middle rings, and in the more affordable outer areas with good access to the CBD, such as the Central and Hills area.

“What this all means is now is the time to buy if you are a first home buyer or an owner-occupier as this current slowdown in the property market is only temporary, with houses in popular areas likely to experience solid capital growth in the medium to long term. However, it must be stressed that units carry a higher risk and at this point of time so this strategy should only be considered for houses.

“Once the COVID-19 issue is resolved, most likely in 2021, the traditional connection between low interest rates and increase in dwelling prices is likely to take place.”                                                                                                                                                                                

Mr Wargent of Buyers Buyers said investors with a long-term view could also benefit despite interest repayments for investment properties being slightly higher.

“If the rent covers their monthly interest repayments, they are in a good situation. There is a relationship between low interest rates, low out of pocket expenses and stronger demand and this is attractive to investors,” Mr Wargent said.

NOTE: Our calculations of the rental cost is based on the median house price in each area, multiplied by the rental return (i.e. yield), in %. The calculation of the mortgage repayments is based on 80% LVR (i.e. 20% deposit) of the median price in each area. The interest rates are based on the actual variable interest rates for owner occupiers and investors, as published by the EBA, and as follows:

Homebuyers: 2.92% for all loans

Investors: interest only: 3.17% and principal and interest: 2.96%

 

ENDS

 

For all media enquiries, contact Buyers Buyers Media Manager Tatiana Marchant on 0410 655 020 or email tatiana@buyersbuyers.com.au