120: US market update
03-11-2007
PropertyInvesting.net Team
Now may not be the best time to invest in US property, but its worth monitoring the situation since bargain are likely to be had in the next 6-18 months. Alan Greenspan’s recent interview with Bloomberg describes a 33% chance of recession this year as interest rates bite and output slows. It will be an interesting year for US property.
There are 1.9 million US homes due for completion this year, but only 1.4 million homes have been started in the last year. The housing market has suffered a severe slow-down and prices are likely to dip in the next quarter. However, the latest government house price survey indicated prices rose 1.1% in Q4 2006 (5.9% over the year). Price rises were in the 4-10% range across the country with Michigan showing a fall in Q4 but with most states still rising. However, in February sub-prime lending started suffering with some smaller lenders going bankrupt. Interest rates have probably reached their peak, but inflation still remains a concern, particularly if oil price rise further from the current $62/bbl. It’s possible house prices could drop significantly – particularly in area which are heavily exposure to manufacturing (e.g. auto-industry in Chicago-Illinois, Philadelphia).
Our steer on the USA is – avoid property investment for the while – its possible the downturn could accelerate. However, if you see early signs of an improvement, it will be possible to jump into the market and pick up some bargains. Timing is key. For non US investors, the dollar weakness will remain a concern because of the balance of payments deficit and potential for bad debt levels might rise further. But for dollar denominated US investors, it’s worth monitoring the market closely for signs of an upswing – you might find some real bargains in the foreclosures sector or distresses sellers who have taken on too much debt. PropertyInvesting.net still believes Florida is a good long term proposition, but it’s important to do your research and find locations which:
· Are protected from hurricanes and flooding
· Are protected from rising sea levels
· Have limits to the amount of homes than can be built because of environmental constraints
· Have projected expanding populations – preferably of wealthy retiring baby-boomers or well educated services employees
· In areas with jobs growth (services, tourism)
Tampa and Orlando rank quite high against these criteria – also possibly parts of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Areas with wealthy retiring baby-boomers mixed with expanding Hispanic populations are likely to be the biggest growth area in the next ten years. So Florida, New Mexico, Arizona and southern California should perform better than the average.
Energy centres such as Houston, Galveston, Baton Rouge and Dallas will also benefit from high oil and gas prices as production and operations areas.
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