Strong population growth, solid future expectations of tourism activity, significant infrastructure projects, good economic growth, rising individual incomes and tight residential vacancy rates all contributed to a healthy median price growth in 2007.

Colliers International research reinforces the solid underlying nature of the Sunshine Coast residential property market.

There has been an increase in the number of properties coming onto the market in recent weeks.

Compounded by a softening of sales, it has widened the gap between seller and buyer expectations.

The fundamental drivers of this decline include affordability, interest rates, an increase of costs associated with living expenses and even weather conditions.

The wet summer has not only slowed house building but dampened the enthusiasm of holiday-makers.

What we have seen is the rise in property values predicted for 2008-09 has already happened.

They were dragged forward to the end of 2007-start of 2008.

Property is still in demand, especially rental properties with rises in rents tipped to be around the 30-40% mark in the next four or five years.

“It’s a swiftly changing market,’’ Peter Sissons of Sissons Property Group in Brisbane said after winning the Real Estate Institute Australia (REIA) Small Agency of the Year Award in Melbourne.

“And if you can remember the ’90s market, well here it comes again.

We will need seasoned and experienced operators to see you through these testing times.’’

With 25 years in the real estate business, 15 of them as a principal, Mr Sissons said the award – which came after nine years of trying - has been the highlight of his career.

Yet it hasn’t been a result of his individual achievements, rather that of a team and only from putting clients needs ahead of the company’s.

Wise words which have seen Sissons achieve a 95% success rate for their clients.

The awards show you have to be passionate about what you do and have outstanding leadership abilities.

They recognise people who have made a significant contribution to not just the real estate industry but to the community.

It’s something 25-year-old Amber Werchon of Ray White Maroochydore has taken on board in being named an REIA Salesperson of the Year finalist for the third consecutive year.

In her short, but distinguished career, Ms Werchon has achieved phenomenal success, winning a multitude of awards.

Yet she has also been widely recognised outside the real estate industry for her public speaking, support of charities, business acumen and management skills, receiving awards from corporate bodies such as AIM (Australian Institute of Management) and Queensland Young Career Achievement Award 2006.