Relieved property experts in this field are optimistic about the future growth of the industry after residential values appear to have dodged a bullet in the repercussions of the global financial crisis. Property prices seem to have seen the worst times behind them and are predicted to fair better in the coming future. Experts around the country are predicting capital increases of about 5 per cent.

But Brisbane-based property researcher Michael Matusik has gone against popular opinion and suggests that property developers should be cautious. He is saying that there are currently enough homes being built to meet the demand and that could even lead to an overbuild if current construction trends continue. He said increased migration abroad had not led to as great demand as expected, due in part to the big house arrangements.

RPData researcher Cameron Kusher is more optimistic than many commentators and predicted that the property market will see 7 to 8 per cent growth next year in Brisbane. He cited the availability of financing as the wildcard that could affect how many property investors enter the market. He predicted that many investors will be looking to buy old property stocks which were in need of renovation.

“The best-performing suburbs are those near transportation and schools, including Coopers Plains, Keperra and areas that were still affordable,” he said. BIS Shrapnel senior project manager of residential property Angie Zigomanis expects a growth of about 5 to 6 per cent in residential property established for next year. “Over the next two or three years, I think you’ll find interest rates will keep edging slowly upward and will keep the lid on the massive growth of double-digit price, we saw before, “he said.

Ray White property chairman Brian White says Australia has avoided a substantial decline in property prices. “Every time we seem to have forgotten the anguish of the four or five months of the year and have been trying to understand how on earth the year ended so strongly, “said White. He predicted growth of 5 percent for next year.

With so many positive predictions being forecasted by the property professionals, it seems like the Australian property market is forming a solid foundation to move in an upward growth trend in the long term. With the rest of the world’s economies also beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, it looks like any further declines in the property market will be limited. However, we still need to exercise some prudent and wait and ensure that we don’t experience a double dip recession.

As immigration trends have shown, living in Australia continues to grow in popularity worldwide. In contrast to following popularity, using a list of “pros and cons” has always been an effective method of decision making, especially when deciding on where one will live. The following is a list of some of the most common positive and negative reasons associated with living in Australia. It is based on a recent survey of Australia citizens.

Pros of living in Australia:

1. Great weather – This is always a popular factor when weighing places to live. When contemplating a move people seem to be giving the climate more importance than ever before.
2. Good schools – Another common factor cited when considering living in Australia, especially given the concerns of family oriented communities. Australia is known for highly regarding family values and the education system reflects this.
3. Friendly, funny people – Everyday life seems to grow more stressful as time goes on and people are valuing their day to day interactions with friends and peers more than ever. Living in Australia is known to perk up even the most depressed among us with the help of some of the most friendly and good natured people around.
4. Outdoor lifestyle – As previously noted the weather in Australia is consistently pleasant and, combined with the great amounts of open space, such activities as camping, biking and swimming are popular leisure activities for a vast majority of people living in Australia.
5. Beautiful scenery – Not only is the climate tropical and the outdoor activities plentiful, but the physical beauty of Australia also ranks among the most magnificent in the world. Over 11,000 beautiful beaches and nearly 37,000 km of picture perfect coastline complement Australia’s other physical marvels.

Cons of living in Australia:

1. Very suburban – This is definitely true. However, unlike most suburban lands throughout the world, there is plenty of city and night life available so the negative impact is minimal.
2. High rate of skin cancer – Along with the warm, tropical weather and strong sun come the very real threat of diseases such as skin cancer. Yet there are plenty of ways to combat this such as not being out in the sun too long and staying extremely protected with strong sun screen when you do. This is a common problem in warm weather climates throughout the world and, if necessary, Australia boasts some of the most highly trained dermatologists in the world.
3. Dangerous wildlife – Certainly a legitimate concern but, again, using a little common sense and taking proper precautions when venturing outside, any potential safety concerns should be minimized.
4. Heavily populated with cockroaches (this was a particularly common complaint among Queensland residents) – While these unwelcome guests have been known to make their presence felt throughout the Land Down Under, staying meticulous in regards to cleanliness and having the phone number of a local exterminator handy should help you avoid any major problems.

Even if one were to say that there is some biases shining through in the above list, there would still be a compelling argument for living in Australia. The proof is by watching the number add up. Immigrants continue to pour in to the beautiful country and the pros of living in Australia seem to be wiping the floor with the cons.