Spring gives home sales a bounce

Perth property agents have reported strong interest and quick sales as buyers embrace spring.

Real Estate Institute of WA president David Airey said 2001 properties sold in September, up 13 per cent on the month last year.

"Consumer confidence is better after the change of Federal Government, which gives people a sense of economic stability," he said.

"The steady market and low interest rates are also adding to buyer curiosity, backed up with strong population growth and a good local jobs market."

Despite cold weather for the home open, Phil Pope, of Davey Real Estate North Beach, took just four days to sell a four-bedroom, one bathroom home for $1.55 million.

"It was raining, winds were about 35 knots," he said. "I was not expecting anyone but in the first 20 minutes I had 10 groups," he said.

"I had two offers by the end of Sunday and it sold."

LJ Hooker WA regional manager Ken Preston said spring sellers typically prepared their properties to test the popular selling season.

"In August, LJ Hooker recorded a 38 per cent increase in home appraisals compared with the same month last year," he said.

"On current selling patterns, there's about 10 weeks worth of stock left in the Perth market and competitiveness among buyers should continue."

Listings fell 6 per cent from August to September to 8693, 16 per cent down on last year.

Mr Airey said strong first homebuyer activity had pulled down Perth's median price but he expected this activity to slow.