The Opal Tower and Mascot Towers crises have had a significant impact on the purchasing decisions of home buyers and investors, who are now looking for alternatives to avoid the risk of buying into a strata development, according to Sydney builder, Thrive Homes.
The Mascot Towers situation has resulted in a rise of detached housing inquiries, according to a Sydney building company.
Thrive Homes General Manager Patrick Eather said what had been a slight increase in enquiries from property investors after the federal election had ramped up in the wake of the Mascot Towers evacuation.
“More than half the calls we’ve received over the past week have been from people who said they were initially considering buying an off-the-plan apartment," he said.
"They’ve changed their minds after watching the Mascot Towers issue unfold, and so soon after the Opal Tower issues last Christmas.
“We’re also hearing that recent uncertainty around off-the-plan apartment valuations dropping in the wake of the market decline, and the delays we’re seeing in current residential apartment projects, have also contributed to potential buyers seeking alternatives.
It comes as the latest engineering report from the Mascot Towers indicates the building is moving in a "downwards motion".
Residents of the 132 apartments have spent almost two weeks in temporary accommodation as authorities work to find out what has caused the cracks.
Thrive Homes General Manager Patrick Eather. Source: Thrive Homes
Mr Eather said he had been fielding questions from potential investors relating to whether the company's build costs were reliable, as well as whether its work comes with quality and durability guarantees.
“They’re clearly looking for a higher level of dependability, lower risk and a reliable level of investment," he said.
"By building new in growth corridors, they’re also looking to avoid the impact of market fluctuations to improve their chances of stronger rental returns and capital gains.”
Financial planner, Vick Anand, moved into a new Thrive home in Oran Park last month.
Having invested in property for more than 10 years, he said he had learnt the hard way that apartments weren't worth it.
"The costs are too high and the cost and hassles of strata are painful, which impacts on capital gains," he said.
"On top of that, I really feel for people trying to sell an apartment in Sydney right now, with everything that’s going on with Mascot Towers.
"I paid a lot less than I thought I’d have to build a home, which, even with land costs, was much lower than buying an off-the-plan apartment of similar size."
According to Mr Eather, Mr Anand is one of a growing number of customers looking to build more than one Thrive Home – a factor that is helping the business to grow despite the property downturn.
“We’re on-track to exceed our calendar year 2019 revenue targets by more than 20 per cent. If the recent influx of enquiries from investors converts, that number will grow further,” Mr Eather said.
Similar to this:
AIBS weighs in on Sydney Opal Tower building trouble
"The system is broken": Calls for a royal commission into residential building industry
What apartment owners should be aware of following Opal controversy