Last Tuesday I attended a Domain breakfast at Mooloolaba Surf Club, Chief Economist for Fairfax Dr Andrew Wilson presented; he spoke about trends in the capital cities and he also gave a forecast of the Sunshine Coast Housing Market outlook for 2016-17.
In summary, he forecasts continued solid growth; this is clearly very positive news, and in line with the opinions of other property commentators.
He attributes the growth to the following factors:
- Increased confidence and activity by investors who are achieving high occupancy rates and attractive yields
- Sustained demand for housing on the back of inter and intra-state migration – this is driven by lifestyle factors, sea-changers, baby boomers retiring, and the rising costs of property in our southern capital cities making this region more appealing due to affordability
- Continuation of record low interest rates – this is stimulating investment and enhancing affordability
- Major infrastructure projects creating jobs growth and consolidating confidence in the region
Dr Wilson forecasts continuation of price growth by up to 4%, and believes the booming prices we experienced in 2007 are a thing of the past, that any growth now and into the future will be more moderate and sustainable.
In regards to the general economic outlook of the Sunshine Coast, he forecasts some challenges still lay ahead, as major construction projects and similar conclude there will a rise in jobless numbers. However, some of the construction projects have many years left before they are completed, eg: City of Aura in Caloundra South, so there are still attractive prospects for those in the building industry which does have a flow-on effect to other related industries.
The lower Australian dollar is a positive for local and international tourism – overseas travel for Australians is less affordable so domestic holidays more likely, and the Sunshine Coast will be on the radar for many. Australia will be cheaper for overseas visitors, so international tourism should increase and the Sunshine Coast should benefit from this also.
All in all, a positive outlook for this region which is very encouraging, and very much in line with what we’ve been experiencing in the past 12-18 months.