Victoria leads, and Tasmania is back on track in Q1 2019 Key Market Indicators

2019 has opened with promise, particularly in regard to home affordability. The home affordability index has grown by 2.6% over the past 12 months (to the end of the September quarter of 2018), at a reading of 31.9 index points. 

The Royal Commission investigation into banking practices, along with changes in political leadership and uncertainties regarding negative gearing, have impacted the Australian Consumer Sentiment index reading to fall just below the positive line at 99.6 points in January 2019. This is a -5.2% decline compared to January 2018, and with 2019 being a state and federal election year, it will be interesting to see how the release of the Federal Budget 2019 and monthly cash rate decisions by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will impact consumer sentiment throughout the year. The Australian Consumer Price Index sat at a 1.8% change in December 2018, declining from a 1.9% change in September 2019, and still outside the RBA’s target band of 2.0-3.0%. This indicates that the economy is still not performing to its full capacity.  

The number of first home buyer loans in Australia declined by -3.7% over the past 12 months (to the September quarter of 2018), which may seem like a disappointing result considering the RBA has held the cash rate at a historical low over the past 28 months. This is reflective of tighter lending criteria enforced by banks, political instability, and a downturn in some capital markets. First home buyers are waiting for the optimal time to enter the market and are watching property trends closely. It would not come as a surprise if there was a spike in first home buyer activity towards the end of 2019.

The PRDnationwide Q1 2019 Key Market Indicators provide a quick snapshot of the current state of the market in Australia, from both an economic and property perspective. The Indicators cover both national and state-level data, comprising of: 

1. Number of loans to first home buyers 
2. Home loan affordability index
3. Number of dwelling approvals 
4. Consumer sentiment index
5. Standard variable loan
6. Consumer price inflation index
7. Unemployment rate
8. Weekly family income
9. Nett migration 

Read more: Q1 2019 Key Market Indicators