Property investors staying put in this buyers' market

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Tuesday 13 July 2010

A survey of property investors by Quotable Value has confirmed results of an earlier survey run by Landlords.co.nz. Both surveys show that few landlords intend to sell their investment properties because of changes introduced by the government in this year’s Budget.

By The Landlord

However there is a strong view that landlords will increase rents on their properties.

The QV survey shows that over the next six months 53% of landlords intend to increase their rents. Most said the rental increases would be between 1 and 5%, however 19% intended to raise rents by between 6 and 10%.

The main reason for the increases was to cover additional cost imposed on property.

Like the Landlords.co.nz survey QV says that the biggest impact of the Budget changes was one relating to depreciation. From next year investors will be unable to make some of their depreciation claims.

"The changes to the depreciation rules affected the most," QV research director Jonno Ingerson says, "closely followed by the increase in GST and a lowering of the personal income tax rate."

"Only 10% saw the biggest impact from changes to treatment of LAQCs and depreciation, perhaps as the change to depreciation is seen as more significant."

 When it comes to buying and selling properties it appears those exiting will do so quickly, while those looking to acquire more property will take their time.

Ingerson says the number of investors intending to buy or sell property is quite low, those that intend to sell are either going to do so quickly or not for at least six months.

"For those intending to buy, few intend to do so within three months, but seem to be waiting longer, perhaps for prices to fall further."

He says the budget does not appear to have led to a large number of property investors intending to sell up or exit the market. Over half intend to retain their current portfolio, with only 8% intending to sell some or all of their investment properties.

"In contrast 20% intend to buy investment properties. While 18% remain undecided the overall results appear to show that the budget changes have not forced many investors out of the market."

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