Australia: More Reason to Buy vs Rent Dwelling

By Sophia Rodrigues

More reason to buy vs rent? For the first time since at least 2007, gross rental yields for properties in Australia's combined capital cities may be higher than investor mortgage rates (based on 3-year fixed rates). This is because mortgage rates fell faster than gross rental yields in recent months. According to CoreLogic data, gross rental yields for Australia's combined capitals fell to 3.65% in October, the lowest since November last year, due to subdued rental growth and rising housing prices. At the same time, 3-year fixed investor mortgage rate which was around 3.8% at the end of September, may have fallen below 3.65%. (ANZ website shows 3-yr P&I investor mortgage rate is currently 3.44%). This means more properties in capital cities might be showing positive cashflow. Equally importantly, renters may be better off buying a home and paying down mortgage than continuing to rent, according to CoreLogic.