Christies Beach There was plenty of good news for the national property market last year, especially during the second half when dwelling prices experienced some impressive rises.
The RP Data-Rismark Home Value Index results for December 2013 showed home values across the capitals increased 1.4 per cent during the last month of the year alone.
This followed a fourth quarter rise of 2.8 per cent, showing that confidence is returning to the property market as a whole – including in South Australia.
RP Data’s Cameron Kusher explained how 2013 emerged as a year of two halves, as property value increased 3 per cent during the first six months and 6.6 per cent during the second.
Each capital city recorded positive home value growth throughout the year, with Adelaide’s proving comparatively moderate compared to some other parts of the country.
House prices in the South Australian capital increased 3 per cent over the course of the year, while unit values experienced a 0.6 per cent lift, which may influence the real estate advice given to potential investors.
Over the course of the past year there has been no change to gross rental yields for houses, which have remained at 4.3 per cent.
Unit rental yields, on the other hand, have increased slightly from 4.8 per cent in 2012 to 4.9 per cent the following year.
Mr Kusher said these figures need to be analysed in context – although annual value growth is at its strongest since 2009, the rate may not be as impressive as it first seems. This is due to the low interest rate environment and the previous years when home values declined.
The expert noted: “Although home values increased by 9.8 per cent in 2013 the growth follows a -3.8 per cent annual fall in values in 2011 and a further -0.4 per cent annual fall in 2012.
“Cumulatively, from peak to trough, capital city dwelling values were down 7.7 per cent prior to this current growth cycle.”
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