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What’s in store for Melbourne after the elections?

Categories:Reading and Research

In the recent Victorian State Election, the Labor government led by Premier Daniel Andrews won a second four-year term, defeating the Liberal opposition by an increased majority of 52 seats. To be sure, Labor has grand plans for Victoria lining up to be executed, but investors will be more concerned about what’s in store for the property market. In their election manifesto, Labor had major plans for housing as well as transport and infrastructure. Let’s take a look.

Housing and Planning

Apartments in Melbourne set to reach the next level. Source: Financial Review
Apartments in Melbourne set to reach the next level. Source: Financial Review

Labor plans to improve the housing market in Victoria generally and to also put it on par with the Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET), the party’s primary focus for the environment. These efforts are to advance the quality and sustainability of the residential property in Victoria and forge a better standard of living.

Labor has promised that apartment buildings will be subject to a range of tougher standards such as mandatory green space, installation of sun protection and safe cladding. This is particularly important in consideration of the property boom in Melbourne’s inner city, with its rapid growth of high rise apartments. This suggests that there may be increased costs for future developments, in order to comply with these standards.

There also will be subsidies for rooftop solar panels on 700,000 homes, including a plan to allow the government to share costs with tenants and landlords for solar panel installation on rental properties. This will make buildings more energy efficient.

Transport and Infrastructure

Transport links in Victoria is in for a huge transformation. Source: Herald Sun
Transport links in Victoria are in for a huge transformation. Source: Herald Sun

Labor has a solid record for transport and infrastructure projects. Having already more than $60bn of rail and road projects in the pipeline, the party has further pledged to provide “the biggest transformation of public transport in Australian history”, which is to complete a $50bn suburban underground rail loop including 12 new underground stations.  This is set to complete in 2050.

Additionally, Labor has fulfilled their previous promise to remove 50 of the most dangerous level crossings over eight years, improving safety and efficiency. The revised promise is for 75 to be gone by 2025, and the good news is that they are ahead of schedule, having already removed a total of 29 this term.

Many of Labor’s big projects are either already underway or have start dates including the $11bn Metro Tunnel project, the North East Link and the West Gate tunnel. Work on the long-awaited rail link to the airport will begin by 2022, and $100m has been allocated for planning towards fast trains to Geelong and Ballarat. Upgrades for the arterial roads and country rail lines are also part of Labor’s manifesto.

What’s in it for Investors?

The re-election of Labor is great news for the property investment in Victoria, especially urban Melbourne. The party’s housing and planning manifesto gives good sustainability that would catalyze the housing market.

The transport and infrastructure manifesto has high potentials to increase job demand. Melbourne has overtaken Sydney as the best place to find a job in Australia according to the Commsec’s quarterly State of the States report, which would only fortify its population growth. Added to this is the increased accessibility for residents living in the suburbs to work in the city, making Melbourne a top choice for anyone looking for a home.

This gives investors promising opportunities with good potential for capital growth and good rental yields, both of which is the highlight of any investment prospect.

Interested in getting in to the Melbourne property market and benefitting from its low vacancy rate and future development plans? Give us a call at (+65) 3163 8343 (Singapore), 03-2162 2260 (Malaysia), or email us at info@csiprop.com!

Article by Lydia Devadas; Edited by Ian Choong

Sources:

  • https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/australian-politics-live-tuesday-november-27/news-story/9bd4e3ca763cb24fc3c83e0b9eaea33f
  • https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/24/labor-secures-stunning-victory-in-victorian-election-as-voters-reject-fear
  • https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/nov/20/victorian-election-what-the-parties-are-promising
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Victorian_state_election
  • Image Credit: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/victorian-state-election-2018-live-coverage-daniel-andrews-pleads-for-stable-majority/news-story/bd299031c2325f4401a499ff14a33c1f

 

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Victoria Smashes NSW as Australia’s Strongest Economy

Categories:Reading and Research

Victoria, for the first time ever, has finally overtaken New South Wales (NSW) as Australia’s strongest economy, according to CommSec’s latest State of  the States report.

CommSec (Commonwealth Securities) is Australia’s largest online stockbroking firm operated by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Each quarter, it releases its State of the States report, which is an economic performance report of Australia’s states and territories. The report covers eight major economic indicators including population, employment, housing, investment, and construction.

Victoria has never owned the top spot in the report’s nine-year history until now, thanks to strong population growth numbers which have been instrumental in driving construction activity. The state currently ranks first in economic growth, dwelling starts and construction work done. In economic growth, Victoria is ahead at 26.5%, followed by NSW at 25.7% and Northern Territory at 25.6%, while Western Australia remains in the last place by 7.6%.

NSW, long standing at the top spot for economic growth in the last four years, slipped to second place due to declines in a number of housing indicators.

Figure shows the percentage of economic growth by state in Australia. Source: CommSec
Figure shows the percentage of economic growth by state in Australia. Source: CommSec

The gap between the two states, however, remains narrow, leading to the possibility of a change in positions over the next 12 months, said CommSec’s chief economist Craig James.

In terms of population growth, Victoria maintains its position as the clear winner, having toppled other states since 2015. Victoria currently holds a population growth rate of a cool 2.3% above the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) at 2.15% and Queensland at 1.67%.

Meanwhile, the Northern Territory has the lowest population growth at 0.23%.

Victoria is poised to remain in the lead for population growth with research predicting that population figures will reach approximately 6.26 million in 2018.

Victoria claims the highest population growth for the 4th time. Source: CommSec
Victoria claims the highest population growth for the 4th time. Source: CommSec

High population growth will continue to drive the broader economy — by fuelling retail spending and housing demand.

Thus, Victoria’s meteoric population growth will continue to spur Melbourne on as it maintains its credentials as Australia’s “most attractive city” due to stronger rental growth supported by tight vacancy.

As it is, Melbourne — Victoria’s capital city — is predicted to have a swell in population due to its huge student population and migration. In 2016, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported Melbourne as having the most epic population growth of any Australian city, making up almost a third of Australia’s population growth. The contrast is quite significant, with 2.4% in Melbourne compared to 1.2% in the rest of Australia.

With the current undersupply of housing, and demand driving prices, it appears that Melbourne will continue to remain, for some time to come, Australia’s Most Attractive City for global property players in the Asia Pac region.

Looking to purchase a property in Melbourne City? Hit us up — we’ve got limited stock of one of the best residences in one of the most coveted locations in the city. Or, just connect with us to find out more!

By Noorasikin Ali
Additions & Edits by Vivienne Pal

Sources:

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Melbourne: Vacancy Tax to Hit Foreign Property Buyers

Categories:Reading and Research
Foreign buyers who don’t have a tenant in their property (or live in it themselves) for more than 6 months in a year, will be hit with a vacancy tax, effective 1 January 2018. Image credit: sourceable.net

Government measures for affordable housing at expense of foreign investors:

(i) Vacant Residential Property Tax (VRPT)
(ii) New residential developments restricted to only 50% foreign buyers

 

Last month we published an article announcing the latest raft of changes by the government to scrap off-the-plan stamp duty concessions in order to waive stamp duties for first-time buyers of houses worth up to $600,000 in Melbourne. (Click HERE to access the article).

More restrictions are in store for foreign investors. The Victoria government has also now effected a vacancy tax (Vacant Residential Property Tax or VRPT) which will will cost foreign buyers who don’t have a tenant in their property (or live in it themselves) for more than 6 months in a year, an annual penalty of 1% of the property’s capital-improved value. This means investors with a home worth $500,000 will pay $5,000 in tax if they don’t rent the place out.

The tax takes effect on 1 January 2018 and will target homes around inner and middle suburbs of Melbourne. This would include the following local council areas: Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Darebin, Glen Eira, Hobsons Bay, Manningham, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Monash, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse and Yarra.

At press time, it is still unknown how the new tax will be applied or policed, but a on the State Revenue Office (SRO) of Victoria website states that the tax will be self-reporting, i.e, owners of vacant residential property will be required to notify the SRO of any vacant properties they own.

Meanwhile, moving forward, developers can only sell 50% of properties in new developments to foreign buyers. This means that at least 50% of new homes will be sold locally.

The suite of changes introduced by the government has drawn mixed reactions from the public and industry players. Some agree that it is a great move towards housing affordability, but there are parties — including from within the party — that have criticised this move.

What’s clear is that while this is a populist move that brings in the votes, it is a temporary measure that could cause the property market to remain on the boil.

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CSI Prop proudly promotes international investment property with high yields at low risk. Our portfolio comprises residential property in cities across the United Kingdom (London, Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, York, Glasgow, Scotland; Sheffield, etc); Australia (Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane) and Thailand (Bangkok). Our projects are concentrated in high-growth areas with great educational, infrastructural and job growth potentials. We aspire to make a difference in the lives of our clients by helping them achieve their investment goals through strong market research backed by third party experts. 

Disclaimer: CSI Prop does not provide tax & legal advice and accepts no liability. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified tax or legal advisor for a thorough review.

Need advice or clarification? Call us for more information and/or to find out about our projects! Hotline: 03-2162 2260

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Why Investors Must Buy Melbourne Property NOW Before 1 July 2017

Categories:Reading and Research
The Victoria government has made changes to the stamp duty laws, which effectively means no more off-the-plan concession for investment properties. Image credit: Win Real Estate
  • From 1 July 2017, purchasers of off-the-plan (not yet built) commercial or residential investment properties will be liable to stamp duty on the purchase price or market value of the property (whichever greater)
  • Investors will possibly pay approximately $15K – $20K* more than what they are currently paying
  • Off-the-plan concession only for purchasers who make the property their principal dwelling

Investors should get into the Melbourne property market NOW and exchange by 30 June 2017 to avoid hefty stamp duty charges, which could cost some $15K to $20K* more than current rates. From 1 July 2017, investors of Melbourne property are no longer eligible for stamp duty concessions, resulting in payment of tens of thousands of dollars more. Note: Victoria is the only state in Australia that has stamp duty concessions.

The increase in stamp duty charges are due to the Victoria government’s changes to the First Home Owner Grant and new stamp duty exemptions and reductions for first home buyers (i.e, concessions have been removed to fund these reductions and exemptions). First home buyers in this case refers to local Australians or foreigners with PR who are purchasing a property for the first time with the intent of occupation.  

Effective 1 July 2017, off-the-plan stamp duty concessions will only be available for people who intend to live in the property. First home buyers no longer need to pay stamp duty on properties valued under $600K, while discounts are available on a sliding scale for purchases between $600K – $750K.

Impact of new stamp duty on investors

The new laws will impact borrowing capacity as investors will need to include the new stamp duty into their calculations. We advise that you speak to a mortgage broker to understand its full implications.

How does stamp duty currently work?

Victoria has the highest stamp duty rates in all Australia. However, unlike other states, Victoria stamp duty is split into land and construction.

Investors/owners of completed properties pay FULL stamp duty, fulfilling both the land and construction components.

Investors/owners of off-the-plan property that has yet to commence need only pay stamp duty on the land component.

Investors/owners of off-the-plan property that has begun construction will need to pay duty on the land component plus a tiered payment for the construction component depending on how far along construction has taken place.

Example:

Your apartment is valued at $500,000 and its land is valued at $100,000

PROGRESS OFF-THE-PLAN CONSTRUCTION BEGUN COMPLETED PROPERTY
PAYMENT DUE $2,150 $2,150 + tiered amount $25,070

AVOID FULL STAMP DUTY COSTS OF $15K – $20k* – INVEST IN MELBOURNE NOW AND EXCHANGE BY 30 JUNE 2017.

*The $15K-$20K estimation is benchmarked on a 1-bedroom property priced at $400K-$500K. A 2-bedroom property priced at $1million or more will cost higher stamp duty charges

CSI Prop proudly promotes international investment property with high yields at low risk. Our portfolio comprises residential property in cities across the United Kingdom (London, Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, York, Glasgow, Scotland; Sheffield, etc); Australia (Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane) and Thailand (Bangkok). Our projects are concentrated in high-growth areas with great educational, infrastructural and job growth potentials. We aspire to make a difference in the lives of our clients by helping them achieve their investment goals through strong market research backed by third party experts. 

Disclaimer: CSI Prop does not provide tax & legal advice and accepts no liability. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified tax or legal advisor for a thorough review.

Need advice or clarification? Call us for more information and/or to find out about our projects! Hotline: 03-2162 2260

Source: http://bit.ly/2prHWAb or http://bit.ly/2p405Y7

 

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Melbourne – 3 Weeks to Stamp Duty Increase

Categories:Reading and Research
Victoria-stamp-duty-increase-csiprop
Victoria is due to impose on foreign real estate purchasers a 4% hike in stamp duty effective 1 July 2016. This totals to a 7% hike. Image credit: http://bit.ly/1rfUryG

TICK TOCK.

The clock is ticking. Come 1 July 2016, the 4% increase in stamp duty surcharge imposed by the Victoria state government on foreign property investors shall take effect. This increase, announced late April 2016, comes hard on the heels of the 3% stamp duty surcharge introduced on 1 July last year.

Victoria’s new stamp duty for foreign buyers of residential property is similar to changes adopted by the governments of Hong Kong, Singapore (and Malaysia), which charge an additional 15% stamp duty over and above the amount paid by domestic buyers.

Below is a FAQ detailing what the increase in stamp duty surcharge means for the foreign investor, and the implications to housing and investment into Victoria moving forward.

What is the new stamp duty rate imposed on foreign purchasers on 1 July 2016?

On 1 July 2016, foreigners will have to pay a stamp duty of 7% on purchases of houses, apartments and vacant residential zoned land in Melbourne and across Victoria. This is a 4% increase from the stamp duty surcharge introduced barely a year ago.

When does it take effect?

The new stamp duty surcharge applies to contracts signed on or after 1 July 2016.

Why is there a hike in stamp duty surcharge?

The Andrews Labour Government is taking action to ensure foreign buyers of residential property — who do not pay payroll tax and GST — contribute their fair share to the liveability of the state, and maintenance and development of government services. We believe that this new and rather sudden increment could be politically motivated: a federal election to determine all 226 members of the 45th Parliament of Australia will take place on Saturday, 2 July 2016 (one day after new stamp duty rate taks effect) after an eight-week official campaign period. This is Australia’s first double dissolution since the 1987 election. Yup, the stakes are high and this is a big deal, politically.

Melbourne’s population is set for massive growth, overtaking Sydney in 2053.

Statistics show that Victoria will have the largest population in Australia in the future, driven by massive and rapid growth in Melbourne city (source: CBRE). The Australia Bureau of Statistics projects that Melbourne will overtake Sydney as Australia’s biggest city in 2053. An increased population will lead to continual sprawl in the city and drive the demand for housing. And as migrants continue to move into Melbourne, there will be a greater need for rental accommodation.

With this increased surcharge, the Victorian government expects to raise $486 million over the next four years.

Are there any exclusions?

Yes; permanent Australian residents and New Zealanders will be excluded from the surcharge.

How does this affect the foreign investor and how should you take advantage of the situation in the short term?

(i) Save RM50K++ in duties*

Foreign investors are rushing to lock in their investments before the increased surcharge takes place. Timing is crucial and the window leading up to the surcharge increase, is small. If you have been thinking of investing in Melbourne property, now is a good time o decide. Acting quickly could save you more than RM50K++ in duties and ensure that you snap an investment in a good location.

For example, you could save approximately RM50K in stamp duties on a property worth $400K and about RM100K for a property worth $800K.

*dependent on price of property

(ii) Wise decisions go a long way

You should not invest for the sake of it or if you are not ready. We are strong advocates of making informed decisions: a thriving locality with potential for job growth, a growing economy, good amenities and increased infrastructure are key to a good investment. The best areas for investment and living in Melbourne are within the fringe of the CBD (click here to find out why). These include areas like Brunswick, North Melbourne, St Kilda and South Yarra, as well as landed housing across Melbourne, as they fetch better rental, capital appreciation and have higher chance of resale to Australians (by law, foreigners are only allowed to purchase brand new property. As such foreign investors can only dispose of their property to Australians who generally prefer to live outside the CBD).

What happens if you do not buy now?

You will merely have to purchase at a higher price, which means your rental return will be diminished. We stand by our advice to not be hasty, but to make informed decisions.

What are the ramifications of the stamp duty hike on foreign investment?

We foresee a slowdown in investments into Victoria and Melbourne in the short term. This could translate to a slowdown in construction of new builds, thus affecting supply of housing. This also means that Melbourne will become a more expensive city to invest in than Sydney, which is starting to see a comeback in investment. However, with the impending  growth and changes in Melbourne, we feel that foreign investments into Victorian property will continue unimpeded in the long run.

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CSI Prop proudly promotes international investment property with high yields at low risk. Our portfolio comprises residential property in cities across the United Kingdom (London, Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, York, Glasgow, Scotland; Sheffield, etc); Australia (Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane) and Thailand (Bangkok). Our projects are concentrated in high-growth areas with great educational, infrastructural and job growth potentials. We aspire to make a difference in the lives of our clients by helping them achieve their investment goals through strong market research backed by third party experts. 

Disclaimer: CSI Prop does not provide tax & legal advice and accepts no liability. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified tax or legal advisor for a thorough review.

Need advice or clarification? Call us for more information and/or to find out about our projects! Hotline: 03-2162 2260

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Brunswick East: Transformed Property Landscape

Categories:Reading and Research
Brunswick East is surrounded by hip and happening dining, entertainment and retail outlets.

PLENTY has changed for the Brunswick East neighbourhood. The suburb in Melbourne’s inner North has transformed into a gentrified area featuring some of the hippest and trendiest dining, entertainment and retail outlets in the city namely along the Fitzroy and Lygon Streets.

At its most basic, Brunswick East’s allure lies in its close proximity to Melbourne CBD. Australians, in general, prefer living out of the city – a segregation that draws a clear line between work and play, both geographically and psychologically. Conversely, Asian investors prefer to be at the heart of the action, but are compelled to invest in dwellings outside the city to accommodate the local rental market comprising mainly young Australians.

One can imagine how being only 3km – 4km from the city centre, with fantastic public transport accessibility, makes living in the Brunswick East locality extremely attractive.

Additionally, housing is bigger and comparatively more affordable to neighbouring North Fitzroy and Carlton.

Hot Market

Today, Brunswick East is known to be the most difficult suburb in Melbourne to buy a house, forcing local and international buyers and renters alike to look to apartments instead. Recent CoreLogic RP Data statistics show that median house prices have increased by 26.6% in the last 12 months as a result. In the year ending Nov 30, only 2.1% of houses in Brunswick East had been listed for sale – well below the Melbourne average of 5.3%.

Built in 1910, this Brunswick East house was recently sold for $3.4 million to a foreign investor.

To illustrate, a house built in 1910 sold for an incredible $3.4 million at a recent auction. The house, which began at a starting bid of $1.5 million and rose by increments of $100, 000 was sold to an international investor who bid via mobile phone!

Brunswick East is followed by Carlton, Fairfield, Carlton North and Fitzroy North as some the most difficult suburbs to buy into.

Conclusion

In a neighbourhood like Brunswick East, there is high potential for capital growth (5.06%) given the amenities in the locality.

But, the increase in property prices in Brunswick East has an undeniable knock-on effect on rental yields. After all, rental that is too high forces potential tenants to look slightly further afield for something better. Yes, it is a constant juggle.

However, as with the law of physics, so it is with the property cycle: what goes up will come down. Prices can only go so high before the market rights itself.

What will remain constant is the demand for rental housing. Here are 3 reasons why:

  • A 2.1% vacancy rate
  • 20% residents are students (Uni of Melbourne and RMIT are about 10 minutes away)
  • Good public transportation system with direct access to CBD
  • The incredible growth rate of Melbourne’s population – more people, more need for housing (100K migrants per year; Victoria’s growth rate of 1.8% surpasses W. Australia (1.6%) and NSW & Queensland (1.4%)
Capital Growth in the Lygon / Brunswick East suburb

Additional reading:

  1. Time Capsule House in East Brunswick to go Under the Hammer
  2. Brunswick East the Most Difficult Suburb to Buy a House
  3. The Melbourne Market Will Continue to Perform for Investors if you Know where to Buy
  4. Melbourne’s Little Italy A Guide to Lygon Street
  5. Buying into A Tightly Held Suburb of Melbourne

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CSI Prop proudly promotes international investment property with high yields at low risk. Our portfolio comprises residential property in cities across the United Kingdom (London, Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, York, Glasgow, Scotland; Sheffield, etc); Australia (Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane) and Thailand (Bangkok). Our projects are concentrated in high-growth areas with great educational, infrastructural and job growth potentials. We aspire to make a difference in the lives of our clients by helping them achieve their investment goals through strong market research backed by third party experts. 

Disclaimer: CSI Prop does not provide tax & legal advice and accepts no liability. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified tax or legal advisor for a thorough review.

Need advice or clarification? Call us for more information and/or to find out about our projects! Hotline: 03-2162 2260