Property market revival

Jesse Ayres works on a Hotondo home in Wondunna as news filters through that housing approvals in the September quarter jumped 46%.

Alistair Brightman

THE Fraser Coast's housing market is starting to see a much-needed revival, with increases in both new building approvals and real estate sales.

Urban Development Institute Australia Fraser Coast president Daniel Poacher said housing approvals in the September quarter jumped 46% - the first increase shown for a year.

"There has been an upwards trend since the September quarter - the government's Building Boost and interest rate cuts have helped," Mr Poacher said.

"Normally January and February are the quieter months so to see an improvement in the figures is a positive sign."

He said while figures were still lower than they were several years ago, industry members were expressing more confidence.

"There is a bit of momentum in the right direction and that's awesome," Mr Poacher said.

"There's an air of positivity in the industry."

REIQ Fraser Coast region chair Linda Bland said interest rates had also helped the real estate market, with a 30% increase in house sales between the June and September quarters.

The number of houses sold increased from 164 in the three months to June, to 212 between July and September.

Ms Bland said the figures were a sign that confidence was returning to the region.

"Interest rates have helped and more sellers are meeting the market," she said. "While the market hasn't turned around completely, it's a significant improvement."