Housing costs deter downsizing, changing jobs and having children

Housing costs, including a five–fold increase in stamp duty in just one generation, are dissuading Australians from rightsizing their homes at different stages of life, changing jobs and having children. A new report by economic research firm e61 Institute found a quarter of Australians under 40 years of age have delayed changing jobs and more than one in five aged 30 to 40 years have put off having children due to the costs of changing homes.

The research is based on a survey of 3,000 Australians conducted last year that asked them a series of questions on their attitudes toward housing. It also found that almost 25 percent of family homeowners aged 50 or older who own properties with more bedrooms than household occupiers are putting off downsizing specifically to avoid the transfer tax.

While the cost of moving encompasses many expenses, the research shows stamp duty is an outsized component that has increased considerably since the early-to-mid 1980s amid property prices rising exponentially. The typical stamp duty bill now equates to an average of five months’ worth of take-home pay.

In Sydney, a median-priced home demands $44,500 in stamp duty, which is a 5.4-fold increase in four decades. Stamp duty in Melbourne is $42,500, which is a 6.1-fold increase and the largest among the cities. In Brisbane, the median property purchase demands $25,900 in stamp duty from investors, which is a 5.5-fold increase. But current concessions for owner-occupiers in Queensland reduce this to $18,700.

The report notes that deterrents to moving hurt people’s wellbeing directly and indirectly.

“The direct costs are about being held back from a better-suited home — like closer to family, work, schools or other amenities, or a more appropriate amount of space,” the report states. “The indirect costs play out in the aggregate. Holding back people from changing jobs can weaken productivity, which can dampen wage growth and bolster inflation. And when people don’t downsize, scarce housing runs short.”

Abolishing stamp duty was the most popular option chosen by respondents when asked about their main priorities for state and territory housing policies.

Dr Nick Garvin, e61 Institute’s research manager, said: “Governments and policymakers must consider the unpopularity of stamp duty, and the indirect impacts stamp duty has on various other parts of the economy and people’s lives.”

Prince Albert House is a stately Federation manor showcasing just how Mosman’s grand architectural past can be expertly coupled with a contemporary renovation.

Surrounded by some of Mosman’s greatest estates, the regal residence once known as Candida underwent a rebranding and a significant renovation several years ago before it last changed hands in 2016 for $10 million.

Today’s vendors, publican Matthew Fallon and his partner Tamara Martin, have engaged Michael Coombs and Tia Naris of Atlas Lower North Shore to market the property with the auction guide sitting at $15.75 million.

Only the fourth owner in the property’s 117-year history, Fallon is one of three brothers behind The Buena in Mosman. Matthew, Luke, and Tim Fallon bought the Middle Head Rd watering hole Buena Vista Hotel in 2015 for more than $13m before renaming it.

Sitting on 1254sq m of estate-like grounds on Prince Albert St, one of Mosman’s most sought-after streets, this stately house is a blend of old-world charm meets modern luxury, coupled with enviable views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and water.

The period property’s transformation was initiated by the previous owner, recruitment boss Jeromine Alpe, who enlisted Giles Tribe Architects for the bulk of the renovations. Fallon and Martin added their own personal touches later on.

“This is a really beautiful house with lots of space. So many Federation homes have pokey rooms and a difficult layout but this one has been really opened up to be a historic home with a very modern floor plan,” said Coombs.

Inside, Prince Albert House has a host of charming historic detail paying homage to its Federation roots including high ornate ceilings, intricate leadlight windows, and grand marble fireplaces. The 21st Century additions like the Calacatta marble kitchen with custom butler’s pantry and seamless connections to the great outdoors are also perfectly suited to today’s must-have Sydney lifestyle.

The large layout features formal living and dining rooms with bay windows, casual family zones and big bedrooms with built-ins. In the primary bedroom suite, separated from the rest of the house on the first floor, there is a walk-through wardrobe to a deluxe bath ensuite as well as two balconies, a sitting area and an adjoining home office. Two more bedrooms also feature ensuites.

Resort style amenities of the Mosman property include a swimming pool surrounded by manicured gardens, sandstone feature walls, a gym with a sauna and ensuite, plus a large wine cellar.

Close to a long list of lifestyle locations, the house is near family-friendly harbour beaches, Taronga Zoo, Mosman’s shopping precinct, coveted schools and city ferries.

Prince Albert House at 13 Prince Albert St, Mosman is currently listed with Michael Coombs of Atlas and is scheduled to go to auction on November 2.

Housing costs deter downsizing, changing jobs and having children

The soaring cost of stamp duty is making more Australians think twice about major life decisions