Property preferences changing

Interest in the market for existing houses is declining in favour of new developments, as shown by the 2013 Mortgage Barometer prepared by GfK Australia for QBE Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance.

The Barometer presents current trends in mortgages and property and perceptions of the market, tracking year-on-year changes while also considering topical influences on market sentiment.

The 2013 Barometer showed that demand for property has remained constant; preferences, however, are changing.

While existing houses are still the preferred property type for respondents, interest in this market is declining in favour of new developments.

Thirty-five per cent of respondents are looking to buy a new house in 2013, compared to 29 per cent in 2012.

Jenny Boddington, chief executive officer of QBE LMI, said that, interestingly, the trend towards new homes was not just limited to the one buyer group.

“While one in two first home buyers said they were more likely to consider purchasing a new house [15 per cent increase from 2012], there was also increased interest from investors and owner occupiers in 2013 [eight per cent and five per cent increase, respectively],” she said.

“Regardless of the type of dwelling, it would appear the Australian dream of homeownership is still strong, with almost three quarters of respondents believing they are better off owning than renting.”