Australian Housing Prices Forecast To Rise 20 Per Cent

One of Australia’s big four banks is forecasting 20 per cent gains in the housing market over the next two years.

The incredible figure comes out of Westpac’s first Housing Pulse report for 2021 and indicates Australian dwelling prices could be on the brink of a boom.

The banking institution’s chief economist Bill Evans stated in the report, released on Monday, that he was expecting dwelling prices to lift 10 per cent nationally in the next 12 months, with that pace continuing into 2022, citing strong economic growth as the cause.

“The upturn is being supported by record low-interest rates; the confident expectation among borrowers that these rates will remain low for years to come; ample credit supply; and an improving economic backdrop,” Evans said.

In the final quarter of 2020, dwelling approvals surged 22 per cent while lending for dwellings lifted by 16 per cent in the December quarter.

Smaller capital cities and regional towns were likely to capitalise on the forecast increases, however concerns linger around the Sydney and Melbourne high rise markets.

Further, Evans has foreshadowed good news for the labour markets with unemployment rates forecast to decline steadily to 6 per cent by end of 2021, and 5.3 per cent by the end of 2022.

A Mid-Century Modern home in Carmel, California, hit the market on Friday for just the third time in 70 years with a listing price of $4.25 million.

Located in the community of Carmel Highlands, the house is just steps from the coastline and comes with private beach access, according to the listing with Tim Allen of Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California. Allen was not immediately available for comment.

The property last changed hands in 2010 when Hollywood screenwriter Richard Outten bought it for $990,000, public records show. Outten penned the screenplays for the 1992 movie “Pet Sematary Two” and the 1987 film “Lionheart,” and created the story for the 2012 “Journey to the Center of the Earth” sequel, “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.” He was not immediately available for comment.

Built in 1953, the home’s mid-century charm has been preserved over the years while still being updated for modern living. Interior details include wood paneling, exposed-brick walls and beamed ceilings.

The single-level house has 1,785 square feet, which includes three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Though not directly on the water, large windows flanking the adobe-brick, wood-burning fireplace look out at the ocean.

Sliding glass doors create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. Outside, there’s a large patio surrounded by lush landscaping, and there are also meandering paths through sustainable succulent gardens, according to the listing.

In addition to its close proximity to the beach, the home is a 10-minute walk from downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea.

As of July, the median list price in Carmel is $3.1 million, up 8% from last year, even as active listings have increased 50% year over year, according to data from Realtor.com.

Australian Housing Prices Forecast To Rise 20 Per Cent

One of Australia’s leading economists predicts the early makings of a property boom.

Owned by Richard Outten, who’s penned screenplays for films including “Pet Sematary Two” and “Lionheart,” this is only the third time the home has been on the market