2010 is in good stead thanks to the 2009 property market year-end figures, one of the most challenging years in the history of the Australian economy. All Australian capital cities recorded strong annual house price increases, providing a solid platform for 2010.

Harcourts International’s Managing Director, Mike Green said 2009 statistics indicated Darwin recorded the highest house price increase of approximately 12.3 per cent from the previous year. Melbourne and Canberra followed, with solid price rises of 8.4 per cent and 7.8 per cent during the same period.

“Sydney also recorded a house price increase of 5.9 per cent up from the previous year (2008), and prices continued to rise in Brisbane (5.6 per cent), Hobart (5.4 per cent), Perth (4.4per cent) and Adelaide (3.7 per cent) –  averaging just 2.2 per cent below the March 2008 peak,” Mr Green said.

According to Mr Green, the rise in house values strongly indicates a…