Investors eye property

CENTURY 21 believes that an increasing number of Australian investors are regarding residential property as a relatively stable investment option

CENTURY 21, the largest real estate sales organisation in the Asia Pacific region, believes that an increasing number of Australian investors are regarding residential property as a relatively stable investment option in light of ongoing turbulence across local and global equity markets.

"Over the first five-and-a-half months of 2012, the Australian equities market has experienced some extreme fluctuations driven in part by instability in Europe, softening growth in China's economy and lingering negative consumer sentiment," said co-principal of Century 21 Marsden Realty Geoffrey Jordan.

"While the Australian property market as a whole has seen stagnant or depressed growth this year, values have not fluctuated to the extremes or lows that many shareholders of listed companies have endured, and as such, many investors may now be looking closely at buying opportunities in the property market.

"With good stock levels, stagnant or depressed value growth of late, and many buyers sitting on the sidelines - market conditions continue to favour purchasers."

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 took a sharp drop over May, falling 7.3 per cent - the biggest monthly slide the Index has experienced in two years.

In contrast, RP Data-Rismark reported that national residential property values dropped 1.4% over the same month.

"While many investors may be seeking out property opportunities in this market, it is worth noting that property investments should be viewed as long term investments," Mr Jordan said.

"Century 21 expects a few more twists and turns in the Australian market over the short and medium terms."

Originally published as Investors eye property