Buying a home for the first time can be challenging, especially with house prices soaring in recent years. So could switching from house hunting to unit searching be the way forward for you?
There’s no denying that getting into the property market in today’s economic climate isn’t easy. The average Australian house price is now $725,000 – that’s 30% more expensive than the average national unit price. Compare the price gap to September 2021, when the national median house price was $570,000 – just 9.6% higher than the median unit price of $520,000.
But is opting for a unit the right move for you?
Affordability, lifestyle and location
First the pros: units are usually more affordable than houses. Median capital city house prices have grown 31.6% in the past five years, while units have only increased by 9.8%.
Lower prices can not only make it quicker for you to save a deposit for an apartment, they could also make you eligible for better stamp duty concessions (either reducing your stamp duty bill or eliminating it entirely, depending on your state or territory). And while a unit may not always have space to accommodate future expansions to your life and family, they are often located in thriving local community hubs with amenities, shops, and transport on your doorstep – great for young families still wanting to be in the thick of the action.
Potential for investment
Admittedly, owning a house can have advantages over owning a unit. For starters, you don’t have to fork out for body corporate fees. And the capital growth you can gain from owning the plot of land your abode sits on often makes house ownership more attractive. But buying a unit – rather than holding off until you can afford a house – also offers investment potential.
Lending and Member Services Executive Ivanka Bernyk says, “By purchasing a unit, you’re investing and building up your own equity, rather than paying off someone else’s mortgage if you’re renting”.
So, while you may not be able to buy the house just yet, an apartment can provide a valuable stepping stone to reaching that goal. And should you be in a position to hang onto your unit when you upgrade to a home, you may get some decent rental income – if you buy in the right spot. On top of this, unit upkeep can be easier because those body corporate or strata fees go towards various maintenance activities.
Other affordable options
All that said, if apartment living isn’t for you, there are other cost-effective options for you to explore. You could consider searching slightly further afield, with recent research identifying “sister suburbs” that are up to 200% cheaper than their in-demand neighbouring suburbs.
Rent-to-own arrangements could also make it easier for you to crack the market. These arrangements enable tenants to buy the property they’ve been renting once the lease ends, at a previously agreed price.
Get in touch
If you’d like to give renting the big swerve and get a place of your own, give us a call. We can arrange a suitable loan and help organise your finances, to get you into your first home sooner.
Call Dnister today on 1800 353 041 and arrange to speak with a Lending Specialist or book an appointment online.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. In providing you with this information you should consider the appropriateness of this advice with regard to your particular financial situation and needs. We advise that you carefully read our Home Loan Key Facts Sheet and TMD before acquiring a loan product. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent. Applications are subject to Dnister credit assessment criteria. Interest rates are subject to change without notice and should be verified with your local branch. Terms and conditions, including fees and charges, apply. For full details on our products and an analysis of your personal requirements, please arrange for an appointment with one of our friendly lending staff by contacting your local Dnister branch.
