Foreign student arrivals surge in Australian states
As the academic year geared up, overseas students returned to Australia in droves during February
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The number of foreign students returning to Australia is on the rise, spelling good news for suburbs with high levels of student accommodation.
Data from Ray White shows that 140,000 foreign students returned to Australia in February, with NSW and Victoria leading the way.
During the height of the pandemic in 2021, areas with higher levels of student accommodation saw significant falls, with Melbourne CBD recording the highest drops. Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee said rental levels in that city fell by 23 percent and prices dropped by 7 percent during 2021, which had a flow-on effect to commercial property in those areas, such as retail properties that relied on that market. Ray White data showed that prior to the pandemic, the numbers of foreign students rose steadily from just under 300,000 in 2006 to more than 800,000 in 2020 before falling to less than 100,000 during COVID.
However, figures show that 49,160 students arrived in NSW in February, with another 47,970 students heading to Victoria. Queensland was the next most popular destination, with 19,300 students arriving ahead of the start of the academic year, followed by Western Australia with 11,850.
Ms Conisbee said rents had already begun to rise quickly, reaching pre pandemic levels, although values had not kept a similar pace. That is expected to happen later this year, she said, noting she is hopeful it will spark a new construction cycle for further affordable student housing.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
The construction sector is roaring back to life in some Australian states while others languish in the doldrums
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The home building market is on the rebound as building approvals rise, new data reveals.
Information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that the total number of dwellings approved in August was up 7 percent seasonally adjusted, with apartments leading the way.
Private sector house approvals gained 5.8 percent in August while private sector residences excluding houses were up 9.4 percent. This follows on from a decrease of 14.6 percent in July and indicates a solid recovery in the Australian construction sector as the end of the year approaches.
Approvals for total dwellings were strongest in the two largest states, with Victoria recording a rise of 22.2 percent and NSW 12.5 percent. Western Australia also saw a significant rise of 12.3 percent.
In Queensland, the results were less positive for the sector, with total dwelling approvals falling by -26.9 percent. Tasmania also experienced a drop in approvals in August, down -10.1 percent and South Australia -6.9 percent.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
