December capital city house asking rents rise 6.9% in Hobart: SQM Research
Residential vacancies nationwide rose during December with a final vacancy rate of 2.7% recorded, according to SQM Research, who put the increase down to seasonal trends.
SQM research recorded 81,401 rental vacancies in December, according to managing director Louis Christopher, who said the demand for rentals is still on the rise.
"The national rise is attributed to a combination of factors, including issues with supply and demand, the ongoing impact of the commodities downturn, and seasonal holiday trends," he said.
"December for example, normally does record a sharp rise in vacancies.
"Notably, Darwin has recorded a fall in asking rents of 12.3% for houses and 11.2% for units over the past 12 months, according to SQM Research. Yearly falls have also been recorded in Perth, with asking rents down 9.6% for houses and 9.7% for units."
Mr Christopher said Hobart has recorded the fastest rental rises for the capital cities with asking rents rising 6.9% for houses, while units underperformed, falling by 1.6%. Hobart also has the most affordable rental accommodation with rents for houses at just $340 a week, while units on average rent for $270 a week.