New Investment Approach for Australian New Homebuyers

2

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

According to the latest insights from the Lendi home loan network, 20% of first-time property acquisitions were made with a clear investment intention, renting out newly bought homes instead of occupying them. This phenomenon, known as 'rentvesting,' exhibits the increasing financial savvy of new entrants to the housing market.

Mortgage experts confirm that a significant portion of these buyers are prioritising their current way of life, opting to reside with family or lease in preferred locales while investing in more affordable areas. This strategy has particularly taken hold in Queensland, which reported a sharp increase in first home buys at the commencement of this year, likely boosted by recent government incentives.

The prevalence of rentvesting was uneven across the states, with New South Wales leading at 30%, Queensland at 26%, and Victoria close behind at 20%. The trend was less common in Western Australia and South Australia, registering only 10 and 7 percent, respectively. Intriguingly, the start of 2024 saw Queensland sprint ahead as 45% of all property deals in January were first home purchases.

The noticeable upswing in Queensland comes on the heels of the state government's decision to increase First Home Buyer grants to $30,000. This drawcard may well have accelerated the 'rentvestment' strategy as a feasible option for many Young Australians.

Exploring further nuances, Lendi's research uncovered that some first home buyers are pooling resources, with at least six percent of acquisitions involving three or more loan applicants, aimed at mitigating financial stress.

Financial creativity did not stop at group purchasing; there's also been a doubling in guarantor loans, where the backing, typically from family members, provides the requisite security for loan approval. With the aid of a guarantor, deposits averaged considerably lower, at around $38,000, demonstrating an alternative pathway into homeownership.

This report paints an evolving picture of a generation of Australians determined to carve their heritage in real estate through more inventive avenues, reflecting a growing adaptability in response to a transforming market landscape.

Published:Monday, 25th Mar 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Westpac Resolves Auto Finance Class Action with $81 Million Settlement

01 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's Westpac Banking Corporation has reached a settlement of A$130 million (approximately $81.84 million) to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning its auto finance practices. The lawsuit, initiated by law firm Maurice Blackburn in 2020, alleged that between March 1, 2013, and October 31, 2018, Westpac and its subsidiary, St George Finance, permitted car dealers to increase interest rates on car loans to earn higher commissions. - read more

ASIC's Comprehensive Review Targets Motor Vehicle Finance Practices

24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced an in-depth review of the motor vehicle finance sector, aiming to bolster consumer protections, particularly for borrowers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. This initiative underscores ASIC's commitment to ensuring fair and responsible lending practices across Australia. - read more

Bank Australia Shifts Focus to Electric Vehicle Financing

24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Bank Australia has ceased offering loans for new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles as of February 2025. This policy change aligns with the bank's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. - read more

Australian Used Car Market Faces Cooling Trends Post-2024 Surge

24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian used car market, which experienced robust growth throughout most of 2024, has shown signs of slowing down in the final months of the year. This trend suggests a more cautious outlook for 2025, influenced by various economic factors and affordability concerns. - read more

Westpac Divests Auto Finance Loans to Resimac Group

16 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori

In a strategic move to concentrate on its core banking operations, Westpac Banking Corp has announced the sale of its auto finance loan book to non-bank lender Resimac Group. The transaction is valued between A$1.4 billion and A$1.6 billion and is expected to be completed by the first half of 2025. - read more

Click for more Finance News