A surge in building approvals in November points to a "red hot" property sector in 2010, but this could be cooled if the central bank continues to lift interest rates, economists say.

The average home loan in Australia increased by 8 per cent during 2009, data from Loan Market Group has found.

THE world economy is on the mend and unemployment will not reach the worst fears of the Federal Government, but that could just mean borrowers should brace themselves for a 2 per cent rise in interest rates.

Much of the debate about the exemption of the family home from capital gains taxation is narrowly focused and ill-informed according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), Australia’s largest building industry association.

The 2009 Home Buyer Shows are gearing up to welcome record crowds, with many consumers keen to secure their slice of the Australian dream after a long period of being priced out of the market.

The dream of home ownership for Australians has become tougher as the price of established houses became dearer in the June quarter, a report says.

HIA has welcomed the Victorian Government’s budget measure to boost the state contribution to the First Home Owners Grant.