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Western Australia’s Real Estate Secret: What’s Driving the Nation’s Hottest Market?

CoreLogic’s latest Home Value Index (HVI) report highlights significant trends shaping Western Australia’s property market. WA stands out with robust property growth, defying broader national slowdowns. As 2024 closes, here’s a look at what the data reveals and what it means for buyers, sellers, and investors.

WA Leads the Nation in Property Growth

Perth continues to outperform other capital cities, recording a 1.1% rise in property values in November and a 3.0% increase over the quarter. This brings Perth’s annual growth to a remarkable 21%, cementing its status as the country’s top-performing market.

The regional WA market is also thriving, with a 3.3% quarterly increase in dwelling values. Areas like Bunbury and the Augusta-Margaret River region are particularly strong, driven by lifestyle demand and relative affordability.

Supply and Demand Dynamics

Despite impressive growth, Perth’s housing market faces challenges in balancing supply and demand. CoreLogic notes a significant 33% increase in listings during spring, the highest seasonal surge among the capitals. However, this rise in supply comes off a low base, with total stock levels still below the five-year average. As an example as at the time of writing (2 December) there are 5,055 properties available for sale whereas 10 years ago in December 2014, there were 12,007. 

The influx of listings is not fully matched by purchasing activity, which has softened nationally. In WA, however, buyer demand remains comparatively resilient, supported by population growth and employment opportunities in the state’s resource sector. Last week, there were 1,027 sales, therefore the current listings only represent approximately 5-weeks of supply.

Rental Market Insights

WA’s rental market remains tight, with Perth recording the highest annual growth in house rents (8.7%) and unit rents (9.7%) among all capitals. High rental yields, particularly in regional areas, continue to attract investors, though the pace of rental appreciation is beginning to moderate.

What’s Next for WA Property?

As the national property upswing slows, WA appears well-positioned to weather challenges in 2025. While interest rates and affordability concerns may temper growth, the state’s strong fundamentals—such as ongoing infrastructure investment and a robust economy—provide a solid foundation for sustained activity.

Your Property Journey Starts Here

At Proteger Financial Solutions, we’re here to help you navigate WA’s dynamic property market. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, our expert team can provide the insights and strategies you need to make confident decisions.

Contact us today to discuss your property goals and take the next step with clarity and confidence.

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Beyond Planning: December Actions for a Strong Start to 2025

As we wrap up our series on year-end planning, we’re shifting the focus from “planning” to “doing.” December is the time to put your strategy into action, ensuring that your business enters the new year on solid ground while making time for those important relationships that sustain your business.

A well-executed December can mean a more relaxed holiday season and a confident start to January. Here’s a quick recap of the steps we’ve covered and some final actions to consider for December.

December’s Key Financial Actions

  1. Solidify Cash Flow
    December often brings extra expenses, whether it’s stocking up for the new year or addressing seasonal needs. Check your cash flow for the upcoming months and set aside reserves to cover predictable expenses. If your projections reveal any gaps, work with your broker on a short-term financing option to ensure you have what you need without dipping into emergency funds.
  2. Confirm Tax and Payment Strategies
    Tax management is one area where taking early action can make a big difference. Review your planned tax payments, and touch base with your accountant or broker to confirm any deductions or prepayments. The goal is to wrap up with as few surprises as possible, freeing you up to enjoy the holiday break.
  3. Evaluate Debt and Financing Options
    December is also a good time to review any debt obligations you may have. Consider whether restructuring or refinancing any loans could help reduce interest expenses or align payments more closely with your revenue cycles. Having a proactive conversation with your finance broker now can give you options for better terms and free up cash for growth-focused investments in the coming year.
  4. Set 2025 in Motion
    The close of the year is the perfect opportunity to align your team around next year’s goals. Take a moment to refine your targets for growth, cash flow, and strategic priorities. December’s review of what’s worked well can guide where you focus your time and resources in the new year, ensuring that January kicks off with clarity.

Value Your Relationships This Month

December is also the time to show appreciation to the people who make your business possible. Reach out to your valued clients and suppliers, express your thanks, and strengthen those relationships. This small gesture helps build loyalty and sets the stage for continued collaboration.

At Proteger, we’re here to help you complete your year-end financial actions and make December productive and meaningful. Connect with us for support as you close out 2024 with clarity and purpose, ready to start the new year strong.

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The Surge in Property Investment: What It Means for Investors in 2025

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The Surge in Property Investment: What It Means for Investors in 2025

As we come to the end of 2024, the Australian property market continues to capture the attention of investors. Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals that the value of new investor loans in September 2024 was 29.5% higher than the same period last year. While month-to-month changes have been minor, this year-on-year growth highlights a strong resurgence in investor confidence.

What’s Driving the Trend?

Several factors are fuelling this increase in investment activity. One of the key drivers is the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to hold interest rates steady, giving investors confidence to plan long-term. Many seasoned and first-time investors are anticipating a potential drop in rates, which could further boost borrowing capacities and create even more opportunities in the market.

Higher interest rates have presented challenges in recent years, but a shift could act as a spark for increased demand, particularly among first-time buyers. This aligns with insights shared in a recent article by Bluestone, which highlights the potential for market recovery as borrowing capacities improve.

Opportunities Beyond Metro Areas

Another significant development in the investment space is the shift in focus toward regional areas. Traditionally, property investment has centred on major metro hubs. However, recent changes to lending policies, such as the removal of postcode restrictions by some lenders, are opening doors to more affordable yet high-yield opportunities in regional Australia.

This is particularly true for locations like North Queensland and Western Australia, where property prices remain relatively low, but rental yields are strong. These areas are becoming hotspots for investors looking to diversify their portfolios without overextending financially.

Challenges Facing Investors

Despite the optimism, securing finance remains a key hurdle for many investors, especially for those with non-traditional income streams, such as self-employed individuals. Mainstream lenders often favour borrowers with straightforward financial profiles, leaving many prospective investors underserved.

Flexible lending solutions tailored to a broader range of income types are essential for addressing these challenges. These solutions make it easier for non-traditional borrowers to access funding, ensuring that more Australians can capitalise on current market opportunities.

Why Now is the Time to Act

With market conditions aligning in favour of investors, now is an excellent time to explore your options. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, leveraging flexible lending solutions can help you take advantage of current opportunities.

Ready to Explore Your Investment Options?
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your property journey, understanding your financing options is key to making the most of current market opportunities.

At Proteger Financial Solutions, we specialise in tailoring solutions to your unique goals, including flexible lending options and expert advice on navigating the property market.

Let us help you turn your property investment plans into reality!

This article draws on insights from a recent discussion by Bluestone about investment trends in 2024, particularly the growing focus on regional markets and the need for flexible finance options.

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Strengthen Your Year-End Financials: Steps to Close the Year on a High Note

With the end of the year approaching, it’s the ideal time to strengthen your financials for a confident start in January. This article is the second in our series talking about how positive steps to end the year strongly can set you up for smoother cash flow, better financing opportunities, and better strategic planning.

Why Strong Year-End Financials Matter

Year-end financials reflect your business’s overall performance, helping you make informed decisions that fuel growth. For business owners, strong year-end financials can mean smoother loan approvals, easier access to new funding, and greater flexibility in making future investments. In Australia, as we approach Christmas, we are only half way through the financial year but now is the time that you can start to make a difference to your end of year result.

Key Steps to Strengthen Your Year-End Financials

  1. Reconcile Accounts: Ensure accounts payable and receivable are fully reconciled. Follow up on outstanding invoices to improve cash flow.
  2. Optimise Inventory: Analyse stock levels and identify items to move before year-end. Consider promotions to increase revenue and reduce storage costs.
  3. Maximise Tax Deductions: Either before the end of this year, or early in the New Year, get together with your accountant to explore year-end tax strategies to offset any tax obligations. Consulting with your accountant or financial advisor now can help minimise liabilities when you get to the end of the financial year.
  4. Evaluate Your Business Goals: Revisit the goals you set at the start of the year. Assess any gaps, and use this insight to set actionable goals for the new year.

Looking Ahead: A strong finish translates into momentum for the new year. At Proteger, we’re here to guide you through each of these steps. Reach out to start your year-end check-up!

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