When the global financial crisis started early in 2008, most Australian real estate investment buyers put away their cheque books. Because Cairns is such a popular holiday destination, a high proportion of properties here are owned as residential investments, so when investors disappeared the slowdown flowed right through to the owner occupier market.

The good news is the worst is behind us and the investment buyers are returning from the shadows. More people are attending open homes, enquiry levels are increasing.

The NAB’s monthly business confidence survey showed the largest monthly jump since May 2001, and the index is now at the highest level since in recent times. Australia has officially averted a recession, the share market has rallied 25% since March, and interest rates are at a 49 year low.

Forecaster BIS Schrapnel recently said conditions were ripe for sustained recovery in residential prices with low interest rates, solid growth in rents and housing shortages.

Whichever indicators you consider, they all point to a recovery underway in the local market. Today there remain some excellent properties available at reduced prices, but my tip is do not wait too long and risk missing out because the bottom of any market is short lived and only identified in the rear view mirror.

The PowerSale method of sale is proving to be effective for our clients with strong clearance rates for properties sold using this method, and our clients are delighted with its superior results. The combination of a powerful database, premium quality marketing, and extensive staff training are making the removal trucks appear at our clients properties as short as 30 days later.

If you are considering selling and want the special attention your property deserves, please contact us in confidence for quality advice.