Reliable market data sources

There are many resources you can tap into to access market data for different regions across Australia.  Sources such as CoreLogic RP Data, APM Price Finder, ljhooker.com.au or Residex will help you understand different property markets across each state and territory.  Additionally, most government websites provide community profiles that share information about council plans, development projects or building regulations that can help you understand the supply and demand of the area as well as offering data to refine your search.  Keep in mind that these apps and sites are providing computer generated reports, and prices are estimates that can be very off-the-mark if one home in that area is sold for a very high or very low price. 

From a local perspective, your local LJ Hooker office can provide you with an in-depth local market report detailing the strongest growth areas, most traded and fastest selling areas, the top performing local suburbs and a snapshot of houses and unit sales, median sale price, rental yield, days on market and more.  Understanding the local market is very important so make sure you contact your local LJ Hooker office - they live and breathe real estate in your local area and are a great source of valuable local market data.

The traditional research methods above are very important, but there are some clever alternative methods that could really kick-start your property hunt.

Talk to the locals

A good idea to really get the feel of a suburb and street is to find a few locals and chat to them.

If you’re looking at buying a house, wander the street and see if anyone is out cleaning the car or watering the garden.  Ask them what the area is like, how long they have lived there, what they like about the neighbourhood and what they don’t.  What is the noise like during the day and night and any other questions you may have?  You may even be able to find out why the seller is moving and if there are any developments that might impact the value of properties in the immediate area.neighbourhood and what they don’t.  What is the noise like during the day and night and any other questions you may have?  You may even be able to find out why the seller is moving and if there are any developments that might impact the value of properties in the immediate area.

If you’re looking at buying an apartment, consider knocking on a few doors on either side of the apartment and ask them similar questions, or if that seems a bit scary visit the nearest café and ask them what the area is like – they are often a great source of local gossip and community knowledge.

Infrastructure and Development

Major council developments and infrastructure projects may seem like a good thing at first glance, but it is important to determine whether this infrastructure boom is a result of planned growth in the area, or whether the growth has already happened and the infrastructure is just catching up.

The local council is responsible for planning and development including zoning and re-zoning so they are a great source of information.  So head up to the council and see what you can find out.