HOT PERFORMERS: Unit Capital Growth Outperformed Houses

UNIT CAPITAL GROWTH OUTPERFORMED HOUSES: Latest RPData research is great news for smart investors who anticipated this trend and bought investor units:  Units now outperform houses in capital growth (7.3% growth in unit values, beating 7% for houses) In the past 5 years there has been a switch to demand for units and this trend looks set to become the norm. Why?.............

NO PLACE LIKE HOME in HIGH DENSITY: In the mid 1990's, only 25% of property purchases by homebuyers were apartments. Now 35% of homebuyers are choosing units in high-density urban locales.

WHO IS DRIVING THE CHANGE?: We no longer all yearn for a big house and backyard. Many young singles, busy working couples and empty nesters prefer the convenience of a low-maintenance apartment. Units are generally located close to amenities these demographics demand: transport, cafes, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, clubs and the city where they study, work and play.

APARTMENT AFFORDABILITY: Furthermore, units are on average more affordable, allowing these groups to purchase in a booming market. According to RPData, the average Sydney unit is $125,000 lower than an average house.

INVESTMENT YIELD: Even with current Sydney sale prices remaining steady, rents continue to rise. Rent returns on units are generally higher, partly because they tend to be located in high demand areas close to inner city workplaces and all amenities. Thus, unit price growth is further boosted by high demand from investor buyers.

BEST HIGH DENSITY SUBURBS: Looking to buy a unit? Potts Point, with one of the highest densities in Australia, was famously nominated by Paul Keating as a success in urban design. Here, a respect for quality in old and new architecture has created character and beauty despite density. Paul Keating described other suburbs' buildings as "ice cube trays" that were a "mess on the pavement".

INVEST NOW: We have a fantastic selection of property to purchase right now. See Sydneylinks website sales list or contact Sydneylinks Sales Agents: Martyne Ford and Trish Muljono. We're proud to represent efficiently designed property close to the city in the rich culture of the Eastern Suburbs and city. Many of our current sales are in Potts Point amidst fantastic cafes, boutiques, restaurants, galleries, parks and theatres. Ever-popular to buy and sell!
By Martyne Ford -Sales Agent and Marketing Manager, Sydneylinks Real Estate

RPDATA's full report on "Higher Density Living Gaining Popularity"
http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?a=9640&id=734468
RPData blog "Rents and Yield are on the improve"
http://blog.rpdata.com/
Paul Keating's "Ice Cube Tray" speech as covered in Telegraph http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/money/money-matters/paul-keating-takes-apart-sydneys-ice-cube-tray-high-rise-living/story-fn300aev-1225838889388

Remember.....Real Estate is not a 'Get Rich Quick" Scheme

 Our contemporary mindsets with the attention span adjusted to the length of a Twitter update, sees the idea of a quick "flip" as highly appealing. But the idea of "Buy Low.....Sell High" to make fast money does not always equate. Once you've paid the agent, solicitor, strata, government and conducted a quick makeover you may be disappointed at the end profit. Property investment requires time to see good capital gain.
You must also consider that with the advent of the internet, the last sold price of the property is at the fingertips of your potential buyer. So, if 3 months after purchase you are trying to sell the property for $100,000 more, prepare for buyer cynicism.
Even with renovations one cannot guarantee added value. Your dream design is not necessarily compatible with the market and even an experienced property investor can over-capitalise or simply miss the mark.
The key to rising value may not be found in a run-down "do-over" but rather to select property that has characteristics of enduring desirability - attractive views, quality design, well-conceived layout and of course, location, location,location.
This will ensure optimum long-term growth potential and in the short-term ensure the property is always rented at a great rate.
It's a Win-Win.

By Martyne Ford -Sales & Marketing Co-Ordinator  martyne@sydneylinks.net