IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY A RENTAL PROPERTY?
There’s nothing like a worldwide pandemic to give you wobbly legs at the thought of making a big financial investment! It may seem like a precarious time to buy a rental property due to Covid-19 and political uncertainty around landlord requirements. However, there are other drivers which may indicate that it is a good time to enter the property market or expand your portfolio. Let’s take a closer look!
The Housing Market
According to the REINZ, in August median house prices across New Zealand increased by 16.4 percent. Furthermore, every region in the country has experienced an annual increase in median house prices. There are still housing supply issues which is hot on the political agenda and demand for rentals are said to be strong.
Interest Rates
LVR Ratio Restrictions
Pre-Covid-19, the loan-to-value ratio (LVR), or the size of the deposit that lenders require you to provide in order to buy an investment property, sat at around 30 percent. In response to Covid-19, these LVR restrictions were removed for one year in an attempt to make it easier for households and businesses to buy property. LVR seems to be regularly adjusted, but (as of 2024) watch for Debt-To-Income ratios (DTIs) being introduced.
Legal Requirements for Landlords
For example, the new healthy homes standards have been introduced for rental properties in New Zealand, to ensure tenants have access to warm, dry and safe homes. These standards set specific and minimum requirements, including heating and insulation for rental properties. This means any property you purchase will either need to be up to specification when you buy it, or investment will need to be made to get it ready for tenants.
Final Thoughts
However, lower interest rates, the temporary removal of LVR restrictions and ongoing demand in the housing market make it an attractive time to buy a rental property. Ultimately, the decision of buying a rental property needs to be right for your situation. Doing your research and seeking expert advice is going to help you make informed, long-term financial decisions that are right for you.
Engage with us at EpsomTax.com to learn more about how you can minimise tax when investing in a rental property.
Recent Posts
Pages
Useful Links
Services
Contact Details
Phone: 0800-890-132
Email: support@epsomtax.com
Fax: +64 28-255-08279
EpsomTax.com © 2021