The REINSW Vacancy Rate Survey results for May 2020 reveal that vacancies continue to rise across much of New South Wales as COVID-19 disruption continues to impact the residential rental market.
Vacancies in Sydney increased for the third consecutive month and now sit at 4.1%, up 0.3% from April and 1.1% from March.
"Sydney's Inner Ring experienced the most significant change, rising 0.7% to 5.0%," REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin said. "This is a historic high. The last time vacancies in the Inner Ring broke through the 5% barrier was in June 2002, almost 18 years ago, when vacancies hit 5.1%.
"The Middle Ring also increased, with a 0.2% rise to 4.6%. Sydney's Outer Ring was alone in recording a decrease in rental vacancies, falling 0.4% to 2.7%.
"These results are evidence of the extent of COVID-19's impact on the market. With so many people experiencing job losses or reduced pay, it's not surprising to see inner-city properties with higher weekly rents being relinquished by tenants, either for more affordable options in suburbs more distant from the CBD or to move in with family members.
"We're also seeing a continuation of the trend for short-term accommodation properties being listed for long-term rentals. With tourism plummeting, short-term rental cancellations have sky-rocketed, meaning landlords have had to rethink their investment strategy and list their holiday rental properties on the long-term market.
"Together, these factors have resulted in an increase in rental vacancies in the Inner and Middle Rings, which is a trend that's likely to continue in the coming months."
Vacancies in the Hunter region increased by 0.4% to sit at 2.4%, and the Illawarra region remained stable at 3.6%.
Likewise, many regional areas reported marked increases in vacancies during May. The Mid-North Coast rose to 3.2% (up 0.6%), Murrumbidgee jumped to 2.0% (up 0.9%) and New England climbed to 3.9% (up 0.5%).
Bucking the upward trend, the Central Coast, Coffs Harbour, Northern Rivers and Orana regions all recorded drops, while Albury and the Central West remained stable.
"These are uncertain times and the Vacancy Rate Survey results reflect this," Mr McKibbin said. "Higher vacancy rates are likely to remain the norm in the coming months in many areas, particularly for metropolitan hubs and holiday areas, and this will have the knock-on effect of decreasing rents as landlords are faced with more competition to secure tenants.
"How long this trend will continue is anyone's guess. It's really a case of 'watch this space', as the impact of easing restrictions and people returning to work starts to filter through to the housing market."
