Three years after the global financial crisis hammered prices in the United States and the UK, Australian home values have held, and on average are just 5 percent below lifetime highs with many locations higher than ever.

Nearly all areas are seeing values tick up again thanks to lower interest rates and a sound banking system still willing to lend, mortgage arrears are negligible, household debt has stabilized, savings are up sharply and unemployment is low, all this suggests the housing market represents opportunity.

Seventy percent of owner-occupied mortgages are held by higher-income households – the top 40 percent of earners. With generous tax incentives available the smart money is now moving into quality property. If you’re wondering how to take advantage of this opportunity it would be wise not to delay!