The Property Market In Australia for 2010

Similar to countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, the property market in Australia is struggling to know which way it will turn in 2010. Some experts predict a drop of more than 20% in property values whereas others predict a 5% increase or more.

One of the main determining factors, that will affect the property market, will be employment. If unemployment rates rise, then only people who have a deposit will be able to purchase real estate and newly built houses. Many predict the unemployment will soar to as high as 8% (compared to 2009 which was 4.5%) and this will decide the real estate price tags.

Back in 2008, the Australian Reserve Bank cut interest rates by a massive 3% which helped many people meet their mortgage repayments and the new strict lending rules, issued by the Australian Government has significantly cut down on the amount of mortgages given to people who would struggle to meet their repayments.

The amount of repossessions coming onto the market has also been cut down due to these strict lending rules which have enabled the market to remain stable throughout the last few years.

The Australian Government has also started a new grant available for first time buyers to help them get onto the property ladder although, again, only beneficial if people can keep up the repayments on their mortgages.

With debt levels, throughout Australia being at an all time high, more and more people are borrowing from banks and credit cards to keep their heads above water. If they want to purchase real estate then even more debt will have to be taken on, which they can ill afford.

Many people throughout the country are having a hard time paying their debts and many have lost their full time work and are now working part time. In 2008 the amount of people in full time employment dropped by over 44 thousand and part time jobs increased by over 40 thousand.

Other countries such as the USA, Japan and other European nations are all suffering a recession and even the big player, China has seen a significant slowdown. The world economy is another determining factor and as with other countries, Australia will not be spared.

The property market in Australia, although predicted to be generally weak in 2010, should hold out fairly well in the first 6 months or so, however it will be the employment issues that will be the deciding factor as to where the property market heads in the next few years or so.

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