WA housing affordability declines amid worth surge

Housing affordability in Western Australia took a success throughout the June quarter, in line with the newest REIA Housing Affordability Report.

The report revealed that the portion of household revenue required for mortgage repayments jumped 1.7 proportion factors, bringing the full to 39.5% – a 4.8% enhance in comparison with the identical interval final yr.

The typical weekly household revenue sits at $2,630, whereas typical month-to-month mortgage repayments have climbed to $4,504.

Value progress and rates of interest impacting affordability

REIWA CEO Cath Hart (pictured above) attributed the decline in affordability to strong property worth progress over the previous yr.

“A yr in the past, worth progress was comparatively low, however 12 rate of interest rises noticed mortgage repayments enhance by almost 50%, which has affected housing affordability,” Hart stated.

Whereas rates of interest have remained steady since late 2023, the continuing surge in property costs – Perth’s median home worth elevated by 20.5% over the yr – has led to mortgage repayments rising by 16.1%.

Demand and provide challenges underpin worth progress

Hart additionally famous that sturdy inhabitants progress mixed with restricted housing provide, as a consequence of low constructing completions, has additional fueled worth will increase.

Regardless of the challenges, Western Australia stays essentially the most inexpensive state for householders, with solely the ACT (33.3%) and Northern Territory (32.4%) requiring a decrease proportion of household revenue for mortgage repayments.

Nevertheless, states like South Australia noticed sharper declines in affordability, whereas New South Wales continues to be the least inexpensive state, with residents needing 57.9% of household revenue for mortgages.

Mortgage exercise grows regardless of affordability decline

Regardless of the drop in affordability, WA’s dwelling mortgage market has remained resilient.

The full variety of loans to owner-occupiers rose by 13% over the June quarter, with first-home consumers making up a considerable 38.1% of the market. The typical mortgage measurement for first-time consumers elevated to $475,393, reflecting a 17% rise over the previous yr.

Hart identified that WA stays one of many extra inexpensive locations for first-home consumers, with solely Tasmania and the Northern Territory providing decrease common mortgage quantities.

Rental affordability sees slight decline

Rental affordability in Western Australia additionally worsened barely throughout the June quarter, with the portion of household revenue wanted for hire funds rising by 0.6 proportion factors to 23.6%.

Hart famous that regardless of the marginal decline, “Altering market circumstances point out rental affordability will proceed to stabilise over the rest of the yr.”

As of August, rental costs have remained steady, with home rents at $650 per week and models at $600 per week, largely as a consequence of elevated provide from new investor-owned properties and accomplished tenant houses.

Nationwide rental affordability developments

On a nationwide stage, Western Australia sits mid-range when it comes to rental affordability, with Queensland, Victoria, and the ACT proving extra inexpensive.

New South Wales stays the least inexpensive state for renters, requiring 27.7% of household revenue for hire funds, though some areas, together with Tasmania and the ACT, skilled slight enhancements in rental affordability over the quarter.

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