Economic updates

Many of Australia's capitals have enjoyed growth in property values for February, according to the latest RP Data-Rismark February Hedonic Home Value Index.

With a number of high-end properties selling across Sydney last weekend (February 23-24), the real estate market is starting to show signs of a stable recovery.

Demand for rental properties across the state has eased, as documented in the latest Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) Vacancy Rate Survey.

Tasmanian real estate has ended 2012 on a high with a recent report finding that the December quarter performed well.

The Housing Industry Association has welcomed data which revealed Australian real estate prices jumped 1.6 per cent in the December quarter of 2012.

South Australian real estate building approvals increased in December last year, according to new statistics.

In what may be a positive sign for residential real estate builders in Northern Territory, statistics have shown that approvals were up for December.

The combined value of real estate in Australian capital cities rose 1.8 per cent over the last 12 months, according to new data.

Australia enjoyed its third consecutive monthly rise for new home sales in December, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

The rental market across New South Wales has eased slightly, but experts say this is a temporary situation.

The Australian property market ended 2012 with more optimism than had been anticipated half way through the year.

The regional residential real estate market in South Australia has recorded the same median price at the end of 2012 as it did in 2011.