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According to the latest Pain and Gain report by CoreLogic, investors have experienced the biggest fall in profits since March 2013.

Author and research analyst Cameron Kusher stated: “When relatively few properties are selling at a loss (pain), it’s a general indicator of a stronger housing market.” 

“On the flipside, if a higher proportion of properties are reselling at a loss, it’s a sign of weaker housing market conditions,” continued Mr Kusher.

Pain for investors

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The pain for investors hit $486.8 million in realised gross losses from resale over the March quarter. 

Perth and Sydney were the two largest contributors to the pain combining for nearly 45 per cent of the total losses.

Gain for investors

The March 2019 quarter results showed the gross gain for investors was 14.3 billion with Sydney and Melbourne responsible for nearly half of it. 

Investors versus owner occupiers

Investors continue to be more likely to resell their property at a loss compared with owner-occupiers who are more likely to hold during a downturn. 

Investors are more likely to incur a loss due to the offset against capital gains, allowing investors to lower the bill they owe to the Tax Office, according to Mr Kusher.

Capital cities versus regional areas 

Capital cities 

Every capital city saw an increase in the share of loss-making resales over the March 2019 quarter. Hobart was the only capital in which the share of resale at a loss is currently lower relative to the March 2018 quarter.

In Melbourne, share loss is the highest since August 2014. In Brisbane, it’s the highest since November 2013, while in Adelaide, it’s the highest since June 2016, and in Perth, it’s a record loss. 

Regional areas

The combined regional market was slightly stronger than the capital with a little over 10 per cent being sold at a loss. 

The combined regional markets did not see the deterioration in market conditions that have been experienced in the capital cities; however, it is expected to climb over the coming quarter.

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