ACTON Magazine Volume 77 - October 2012 | Page 2

From the desk of the Managing Director WELCOME TO ACTON! News out of the market continues to be positive. ACTON sales for July and August were significantly higher than at the same time last year, increasing 59 and 42 percent respectively. Monthly sales have exceeded their corresponding month in 2011 for all of 2012, which is a very encouraging indication of a sustained recovery. The interest rate cuts and ongoing rate stability are definitely having an effect on the market, with figures revealing first homebuyer activity is at its highest level in almost three years. Figures from the Office of State Revenue show first homebuyer grant applications increased 5.1% last month to 1728 - a level not seen since November 2009, the second last month of the first home grant boost. 71 percent of applications were for established homes. ACTON’s regions report high demand in the first homebuyer market, with properties under $500,000 selling quickly. WELCOME ACTON COOGEE We continue to bring our premium service to more areas with ACTON Coogee opening in September. Manager Jon Brady and his team will service the vibrant and growing region around the Port Coogee development and throughout Spearwood and surrounding areas. ACTON Coogee is located at 4/432 Rockingham Road, Spearwood. Jon and his team can be contacted on 9434 8200. More good news on interest rates is expected, with two major lenders predicting two more rate cuts before the end of the year. AUCTION ACTION Another good market indicator is the increasing activity centred around auctions. At the time of writing, of the ACTON auctions held in the last month, 30 percent were sold prior to auction, 32 percent were sold under the hammer and the remainder were passed in, to be sold soon after. We are seeing more people attend the auctions and more active bidders, which makes for very lively proceedings. Auctions have always been the fastest way to sell a property, but for most of this year we have seen properties get passed in and then sell afterwards. The increased activity is a result of stronger buyer confidence, lower stock levels creating more urgency and improved financial conditions. ACTON Coogee is the second new ACTON region to open this year. Another office is set to open in East Victoria Park in October, with more to follow in the northern beach corridor later in the year. Graeme Baxter Managing Director WWW.ACTON.COM.AU