June Market Update

After a hesitant start to the year, we found that the sales activity in our area started to pick up in March and although the average days on the market has extended out slightly properties are still trading relatively well throughout the area. 

There is no doubt the reason for the increased momentum is a balance between genuine sellers reacting to the mood of the market and in many cases adjusting their price expectations while buyers have been prepared to move forward with realistic offers, rather than simply looking for a bargain.

There is always an interesting period when the property market shifts, whether this trend is up or down. If moving up, it is buyers that need to react quickly or continually miss out on property. Conversely, when conditions soften it is sellers who need to re-adjust quickly to attract buyers and secure a sale. We are currently moving back into a balanced market where the purchasers that try to play hardball are often missing out with another buyer coming over the top. By the same token vendors who choose to ignore the market feedback are discovering the only variable moving up is their days on market.

With some new goal posts being created both vendors & purchasers seem to have found their feet again. We are seeing a sign of confidence by purchasers willing to purchase before having sold, but this is balanced out by settlement periods often extending out from the standard 42 days – to 60 &90 day settlements. This shows a balance of optimism that they will be able to sell their own home mixed with the realism that currently days on market are a little longer than we have seen in past markets.

With the Australian Dollar still sitting high & above parity with the US, we are seeing mainly domestic purchaser activity. There has been some movement from overseas buyers, but the majority seem are prepared to wait for the exchange rates to return back closer to their historical average before bringing funds into the country to purchase. Many are expecting that their delay maybe quite some time.

Reviewing economic news & data released recently – there has been conflicting commentary on the likely trend of interest rates over the course of 2011. Many are predicting interest rates to stay on hold for a while longer with a potential increase in late 2011.

Comparing our area to the current Sydney median house price, which now sits around $625,000. A little different to Seaforth $1,342,000, Balgowlah $1,250,000, Balgowlah Heights $1,710,000, Clontarf $2,400,000, Fairlight $1,255,000 and North Balgowlah $1,100,000.

As always the current market trends present opportunities for both buyers & sellers – if you would like to develop a greater understanding of what is happening in the market at your specific price point feel free to give our office a call on 9948 7080.

Wishing you all the best in achieving your property goals,

Tim Wirth and The Team at Richardson & Wrench Seaforth Balgowlah.
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Local Market Update

Many buyers are already wondering why they didn’t take advantage of the opportunities that existed from the market only a few of months ago. Hindsight does give you 20/20 vision!

Looking at the current trends, a number of vendors have been taking the opportunity to sell first, and then knowing exactly what they have in their ‘pocket’ they head out to find their next home.

Relatively low stock levels have meant that purchasers have had less choice and this has assisted Seaforth, Balgowlah & surrounding suburbs in holding its value better than many other areas during the G.F.C. and in the past couple of months we have started to see prices moving up again.

Coupled with this in recent weeks we have seen very strong clearance rates emerge at auction with a number of the prices being achieved above expectations.

We believe this is a good market for both vendors and purchasers. Australia has been seen to have weathered the financial turbulence well and we are seeing slightly more desperate purchasers, who have been in the market for up to 12 months & are now keen to buy.

Many of our clients use us as “real estate advisors,” whether they are looking to sell or buy. As with any good investment advisor, our focus is to help you plan for your long term success, in line with your expectations and ideals. We assist, educate and empower every purchaser to proceed, and, at the same time, focus on exceeding the expectations of our vendors.

If you need constructive property advice, we would be delighted to contribute to your knowledge base, so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone.