-Recent data shows better-than-expected house price growth; further demonstrating the decoupling of economic fundamentals and housing market outcomes.
-Interest rate-induced demand remains strong, but momentum is slowing.
-Incidents of downscaling due to financial pressure continue swelling, although lower compared to GFC.
-Rental market pressures persist; vacancy rates are climbing and rental escalations slowing. Anecdotal evidence shows that some of this stock is being released into the market for sale.
-Labour market weaknesses remain a major concern. Data shows, in line with our expectations, that job losses are now migrating to more white-collar workers.
In the report, we also outline our expectations for 2021 by price buckets. Full report.