Staff Reporter
Harcourts, which has real estate offices in 10 countries, has rung in the New Year with strong sales results.
Harcourts' Australian offices posted a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in sales in November 2011, while the group’s New Zealand offices booked an increase of 34 per cent in the same period.
“These results are simply fantastic and I believe the figures are proof that there are buyers out there and that a strong level of investor confidence is returning to the market,” Mike Green, managing director of Harcourts International, said.
In November, Harcourts posted sales totalling over $1.7 billion across its Australian and New Zealand operations, slightly above the Group’s December total of just over $1.4 billion.
Within Australia, Harcourts’ New South Wales operations reported a 99 per cent lift in sales from December 2010 to December 2011, while Harcourts Western Australia posted a lift of 89 per cent, and Harcourts Tasmania’s sales increased by 44 per cent over the same period.
Furthermore, Harcourts Queensland reported a lift of 14 per cent from December 2010 to December 2011, despite the devastation brought by the state’s natural disasters.
“The state-based figures are incredibly encouraging, particularly given the uncertainty experienced within the property market during 2011.
“The Queensland results are also exceptional given the devastation caused by the floods. It’s fantastic to see such a strong level of activity within the state,” Mr Green said.
Overall, Harcourts’ strong finish in 2011 has continued into 2012 with increased activity already being reported in January.
“2012 has gotten off to a great start for our Group with increased sales and listings already being reported across the board," Mr Green said.
“There are some incredibly positive signs in the property market at the moment so I think we’re in for a great year ahead."