Australia property market cycles have traditionally lasted around seven years peak to peak. Overall, prices have risen, after a stalling during 2004, until middle of 2008. Some property market commentators believe the growth in the Australian market has caused property to be overpriced, which might be the case compared to wage growth, but demand in the Australia property market still outstrips supply. The following will assist you decide if the Australia property market should be part of your investment objectives:

1.

As per the chart, the Australian economy has grown consistently by 3-4% over the last 6 years. According to the Economist intelligence Unit (EIU) the 2008 GDP growth will be 2.6%. For 2009-2013, the EIU predicts the average GDP growth to be 2.4%, down from an average 3.3% between 2003 and 2007. House prices falls, tumbling international commodity prices, heightened turmoil in global financial markets and inflation are all forces which could have a negative impact on the Australian economy.

2.

The Australia property market is a popular investment for Australians. However, the global financial climate and economic downturn have had a dramatic effect on sentiment in the residential and commercial property markets in Australia.

Currently there is still a shortage of housing stock in the Australia property market compared to demand. This, along with the low unemployment level, are positive aspects for maintaining a strong rental market. Australia is also experiencing population growth via net immigration, which is another support for demand in the rental market.

Recently, the government has implemented interest rate cuts to help protect the Australia property market from the drastic impacts of the global economic downturn. In October, the Reserve Bank of Australia slashed interest rates by a full percentage point to 6% – the largest cut since May 1992. November saw a further cut and analysts have predicted the government could half the current rate by March 2009 to combat the impact of the recession. Banks are unlikely to pass on the full reduction to home loan consumers, but the reductions should help boost the sentiment in the Australia property market.

Foreign ownership in the Australia property market is permitted and can be within the different property sectors of i) residential real estate, ii) commercial real estate and iii) property investment

All foreign investment in the Australian property market requires approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). This investment authority is in place to protect Australian citizens while at the same time allowing investment which benefits communities within Australia. For example, foreign investment is allowed in new developments provided that it does not exceed 50% of any one development.

Australia's quality of living is one aspect that appeals to many international investors and entrepreneurs interested in investing in, or migrating to Australia. Mercer Human Resource Consulting rated Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in the top 5 cities within the Asia Pacific for living standards in its 2008 Quality of Living Survey. Sydney was ranked as the 10th most livable city out of 215 cities globally.

Taxes are payable when buying Australia property and selling Australia property. Asia Property Consultants assist clients with professional advice on accounting and tax matters related to the Australian property market to ensure their tax obligations are met efficiently.

The current economic environment has caused banks to tighten lending criteria, making obtaining finance to support investment in the Australia property market more difficult. Asia Property Consultants assists clients obtain property finance suitable for their requirements. In sourcing mortgages, Asia Property Consultants works with leading international banks including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ Bank, DBS Bank and OCBC Bank.

Asia Property Consultants independently assists international property investors manage all requirements for purchasing or selling in the Australia property market. Our firm draws upon the latest residential and commercial property market information to provide up-to-date analysis on a broad range of areas including i) Australia property cycles ii) current sentiment and future outlook for Australia real estate and iii) interest rate and currency movements and their impacts on the Australia property market. Reputable authorities that are used to source statistics and forecasts include the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), RP Data and more.

For more information on the Australia property market, call us in Sydney at +61 280 147 568.