Many Australians are eyeing property deals now that the market is subdued, according to Mortgage Choice.

Australia’s largest independently-owned mortgage broker says the market conditions favour property investors who are looking to benefit from ongoing seller discounting, healthy rental income growth and longer term capital gains and this may be why the value of housing finance demand for investment lending – fixed loans rose for the first time this year in March, by 2.1 per cent.

Mortgage Choice spokesperson Kristy Sheppard said, “The latest data suggests greater movement from investors taking advantage of subdued market competition and housing price reductions.”

“There are many more properties on the market than usual and less buyers to purchase them. Australians who are ready financially and keen to crack the market or build on their portfolio may find that some solid hard work sees them snap up opportune purchases while demand is low.

Ms Sheppard said other encouraging factors are Australia’s healthy population and wage growth and low rental vacancy rates. Rents are rising at a faster pace this year while property values have steadied or dropped in many areas, so rental yields are on the increase.

“This all bodes well for people who research the market thoroughly, have a long-term strategy and are informed about their finance options,” she said.