Price growth has begun to stall in 2011. The residential markets around Australia have been impacted by rising interest rates, and the decline in first home buyers and general purchaser activity upon the expiry of the First Home Owner's Grant Boost Scheme.

Economic activity has also slowed in 2010/11, although private investment is poised to take over from waning Government spending as the key driver of the economy, and growth is expected to accelerate from 2011/12. Moreover, most residential markets remain in deficiency, with low vacancy rates and solid rental growth coming through. Interest rates have been relatively stable in 2010/11, but are in line to edge upwards again to fend off re-emerging inflationary pressures.

Can the improving economic conditions underpin further price growth or will affordability constraints hamper sentiment? Will investors continue to return to the market as the economic outlook improves? To what level will first home buyer demand recover in 2011 once the current decline after "pull forward" effect of the Boost Scheme is worked through? What does this mean for the price outlook over the next three years by capital city?

Residential Property Prospects 2011-2014 provides a comprehensive review and the outlook for residential property in each capital city and includes price forecasts for the regional areas of Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Newcastle and Wollongong through to June 2014. Understand what is happening with the key fundamental drivers of demand and supply:

•  the economic outlook and business conditions
•  interest rate movements and timings, housing loan affordability
•  impact of Federal and State government incentives
•  net interstate and overseas migration
•  underlying demand and dwelling construction
•  stock deficiencies or oversupply in each market
•  trends in rental yields and forecasts for rental growth
•  annual median house price forecasts for capital cities and above regional areas

An annual subscription includes the main report (published June), along with an Update report in December. Your organisation will also have access to our team of residential property consultants and analysts throughout the year to further discuss forecasts, content or methodologies. Subscriptions are for a hard copy of the report only.

Joy Xenita

PH: +61 2 8458 4220