Clearance rate holds up; strong 2010 tipped

THE year's last auction weekend ended on reduced numbers €” and fewer spectators at what has become Melbourne's favourite blood sport €” but with signs that 2010's auction market is likely to produce the same fire as 2009.

Wheel turns as the house hunt keeps on heating

MELBOURNE'S real estate market has ended 2009 diametrically opposed to where it was a year ago. Last Christmas, property hobbyists were parked firmly on the sidelines asking whether the real estate market had yet to bottom; they are now asking whether the boom that has consumed markets recently can continue into 2010.