Latest research is indicating that the stock market volatility and interest rate rises have not affected the sentiment of property buyers.

We have seen a lift in activity for the past five months, and the national figures reflect what we are seeing here in Noosa.

The average growth in housing prices across the country has been close to 10% in 2007.

Brisbane and Adelaide have had sensational increases of close to 17%, with Melbourne and Canberra seeing more than 11% price growth. Sydney has struggled to pull out of the doldrums with an average of just 4%, but forecasts are extremely positive for the coming months ahead.

It all bodes well for our local region, as we are traditionally fairly closely tied to activity in Brisbane and the southern states due to our high desirability factor.

With Sydney now starting to lift, we are perfectly positioned to enjoy the flow-on effect.

The other sector to watch in property is the apartment market.

With demographics pointing to both an ageing population and a shift for maximum lifestyle benefits in low-maintenance properties, the median prices on apartments are flourishing.

We are lucky to have both some exquisite newer offerings and some older renovators in unbeatable locations, particularly in the Noosaville precinct.

The first six months of this year alone saw 184 sales. This is a huge increase, with only half that amount turning over for the entire 12 months before.

Having five offices across such diverse regions promises our customers a huge range of choice in price range and style of property.

It is worth chatting to any of our agents on current stock, or if you are selling because the entire market is currently gaining momentum.