Lost momentum in property market has UDIA NSW calling for NSW Government to provide stamp duty concessions
Thursday 18 June 2020 (Sydney, Australia) – The UDIA | Urbis Home Purchaser Sentiment Survey data, released today, has tracked the shift in sentiment of home purchasers in Greater Sydney.
The report shows a downward shift in sentiment since the last survey with increased pessimism around purchasing property in the next 12 months. The softening in sentiment was however relatively moderate, suggesting cautious optimism by prospective purchasers in the medium-term fundamentals of the Sydney property market.
“Given the timing of the survey, which coincided with major Government announcements, and the fact that we did not see a dramatic decline in sentiment since the survey in July 2019, it is clear that signals from Government at all levels are critical to bring about confidence in the property market,” said Associate Director of Urbis Kylie Newcombe.
UDIA NSW has indicated in their March ‘Project Bounce Back’ that a long-term government strategy on stimulus was necessary with consideration over the next 24 months due to the long lead times on new housing builds.
UDIA NSW has previously stated that the Federal Government HomeBuilder stimulus package will have limited application in Greater Sydney due to the $750,000 cap. The average pricing for house and land packages in Sydney exceeds the cap. There is also limited application for off-the-plan sales and any greenfield lots which do not already have titling in place.
UDIA NSW has this week renewed calls for a $25,000 stamp duty discount for new and off-the plan sales for the next twelve months regardless of whether a purchaser is a first-home buyer or not.
“More than half of all residents in the UDIA-Urbis Home Purchaser Sentiment Survey believe changes to stamp duty will give them confidence in the property market,” said Steve Mann, chief executive UDIA NSW.
“Other states have sought to expand their own programs following the Federal Government’s program, leaving NSW lagging behind,” said Mr Mann.
“With our industry currently employing a quarter of NSW, we need the State Government to support this Federal Stimulus package with stimulus of their own which will fill the gaps,” said Mr Mann.
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Media Contact: Mia Kwok 0435 361 697 media@udiansw.com.au
UDIA | Urbis Survey Report – June 2020 Backgrounder
Five Survey Highlights
- Moderate shift in sentiment since July 2019 – 52% are positive about purchasing in the current market, down from 57% from August
- There was a more downward shift when considering whether it was a good time to buy through an investor lens. 32% were negative compared with 19% negative when making an assessment through an owner occupier
- Residents appear to view the impacts on property prices as short term. Half believe prices will be lower in 6 months’ time with the majority (63%) expecting prices will be higher in 18 months’
- The impact on searching for property has seen 22% of residents putting their search on hold since COVID-19 lockdowns, most of whom are casual
- There is strong support for stamp duty reform as a tool to improve confidence among homeowners and some renters. 54% of renters said First Home Owner targeted polices would impact positively on their confidence.
Top Five Preferred Suburbs to live in:
Residents were given five options for choosing which suburb they would most like to live in. These results show the top suburbs for most mentions in the 2019 and 2020 survey.
- Parramatta
- Castle Hill
- Chatswood
- Blacktown
- Balmain
About Urbis
At Urbis, we have one simple goal – to shape cities and communities for a better future. It’s something we achieve by drawing together a network of the brightest minds. Think of Urbis as a creative community of practice experts, working collaboratively to deliver fresh thinking and independent advice – all backed up by real, evidence-based solutions.
About UDIA NSW
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) NSW is the state’s leading development industry body, representing more than 500 member companies and agencies across the public and private sector.