Westpac research reveals Aussies are more optimistic about the property market

With Spring property season right around the corner, new Westpac research has found that Aussie house hunters are keen to make 2019 their time. 

According to the Westpac Housing Sentiment Survey, 51% of Aussies feel more confident about the property market than last year. 

And not only are Aussies feeling more positive, one in two are keen to make their move by taking advantage of current market conditions, including record low interest rates. 

The research also revealed that current homeowners are also gearing up to make a second purchase, with 66% believing now is a good time to purchase their next home. 

“Record low interest rates have created a positive environment for home owners to not only get ahead on their mortgage repayments, but to also purchase their next home,” said Will Ranken, Westpac General Manager of Home Ownership. 

The number of Aussies choosing to upsize their home has also doubled in the last year, jumping from 11% to 24%. 

“Australians looking to upsize, many of which are families, are particularly motivated to purchase a larger space. When you consider more young people are choosing to live with their parents longer than ever before, it’s no surprise many are hoping to purchase a bigger home to help future-proof their family.” 

Aussie home buyers limited in opportunities and education 

But despite the higher number of Aussies keen on getting onto the property ladder for the second time around, 18% reported that a lack of property supply is holding them back. 

However, Ranken does expect the number of listed properties to increase, encouraging home sellers to take advantage of the upcoming season change. 

“We’ve seen a recent rise in auction clearance rates, so it could be an opportune time for sellers to capitalise on growing demand, particularly in the lead up to spring; the time of year when house hunters tend to be the most active,” he said. 

A demand for more education about the changing market was also an issue felt by 42% of Aussies, as they believed it would give them an edge against the competition. 

One area of interest felt by 28% of Aussies looking to purchase their next home was their borrowing power. Our home loans borrowing calculator can help by instantly crunching the numbers to reveal how much you’ll be able to borrow for your first or next home. 

But if you already know what your numbers look like, head on over to our home loan comparison tool get started by comparing some of the latest home loan offers. 

Mozo may receive payment if you click the products below. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 7 October 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

image of houses

Need help with your Home Loan?

Whether you're looking to purchase a new home or refinance your existing loan, our friends at Lendi can help! Lendi’s expert advice is completely free of charge.

Learn more

* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.