Real estate sales jump

MORE property has been sold by Gympie Regional Realty in the last week, than any other time in its three and a half year history.

Proprietor John Cochrane said buyers were a mixture of locals and out-of-towners.

He puts this boon in sales down to a number of things, including investors looking to invest in "bricks and mortar".

"People had a go at shares and superannuation and got their fingers burnt," Mr Cochrane said. "They are banking money.

"Aussies are bricks and mortar people. I believe people are sick of having money in the bank and are prepared to buy."

However, Mr Cochrane warns the good buys are disappearing. He said the real estate windfall is across the Gympie region and while sales of farms is "still quiet", a few have been sold and there has been a number of inquiries regarding blocks of land with a view to build a home.

"I did not expect it to jump this fast," he said. "I'm not saying the value of homes is going to go through the roof - not at all. It will be gradual."

Bonnie Hollander from Ray White Real Estate confirmed Mr Cochrane's comments, saying 11 properties had been sold in the last month - and "that's above average for us", with her first auction for the year at 200 Brisbane Rd, being sold under the hammer.

"This month is kicking along smoothly too," she said.

"Things have got to the point where sellers are being realistic and buyers see the value. It's a great start to 2012 and I am feeling positive for what the rest of the year will hold."