Housing affordability improves in major capital cities

The Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) Affordability Index for Australia was recorded at 76.3 in the September 2018 quarter, which is 1.5 per cent higher than in the previous quarter and 2.2 per cent higher than at the same time last year, demonstrating an improvement in affordability.

“A trend of improving affordability is taking root in the major capital cities – due largely to falling housing prices,” commented Geordan Murray, HIA Acting Principal Economist.

“Affordability in Sydney posted the biggest improvement. While it remains the least affordable market in the country – by quite a margin – the index is 9.0 per cent higher than a year earlier which is a significant positive step. The improvement in affordability has primarily been driven by the declining trend in home prices over the last year.

“The analysis also shows improved affordability in Melbourne, albeit to a lesser degree than in Sydney.

“The downturn in home prices is yet to run its full course. As the price cycle progresses affordability will continue to improve and this could be bolstered by wages growth.

“Affordability has been deteriorating over a number of decades and it will take many decades of concerted effort by governments at all levels to reduce the constraints and punitive taxes on housing that have led to the creation of the affordability challenge.”