Owner-occupier driven Northern Beaches market sees 2.9% yields for houses: HTW residential

Owner-occupier driven Northern Beaches market sees 2.9% yields for houses: HTW residential
Staff reporterDecember 7, 2020

The housing market on Sydney's Northern Beaches is heavily owner-occupier driven given its entry costs and lower than average yields.

They sits at 2.9% for houses according to SQM Research.

The desired yield ultimately comes down to investment strategy, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) residential report. 

The valuation firm took a look at yields across the country and dissected where to find the best returns in residential markets. 

The report notes higher yielding properties typically offer lower capital growth prospects.

"If you are not predicting market conditions to improve over the short to medium term, it may be a good opportunity to capitalise on a high yielding property, generate cash flow and achieve a higher annual rate of return over the short to medium term," the valuation firm said. 

"A severe lack of short-term accommodation options has resulted in Airbnb becoming a popular and lucrative investment model on the Northern Beaches, particularly when you consider how popular a destination the area is for weekend getaways, weddings and events." 

According to the HTW report, a popular investment product due to its entry level price point, prime location and strong rental marketability is 22 Central Avenue, Manly (pictured below).

The complex offers a mixture of studio and one bedroom apartments and gives a great indication of just how much short-term leasing can boost your yield to maximise cash generation. 

809/22 Central Avenue, Manly sold in August 2019 for $870,000 (pictured below).

The property would lease on an annual basis for $600 per week, equating to a gross yield of 3.58%.

Owner-occupier driven Northern Beaches market sees 2.9% yields for houses: HTW residential

A near identical unit is currently on Airbnb for $150 per night.

This annualises to a potential fully let gross yield of 6.2%.

"Obviously not entirely realistic, but if we were to annualise the current bookings in the fourth quarter of 2019, the gross yield equates to 4.75%," the valuation firm said.

"Factoring in subsequent bookings through this period, a 5% gross yield is not out of the question and a tidy increase on the traditionally leased 3.58% yield."

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