We began to see the market regain its previous pace in around October of 2004, when we started to see a large increase in capital moving from the West Coast (where the previous years had spiked everyone’s property value) to markets that would provide a better return. For whatever cultural or grapevine-chatter benefit Austin held in the minds of progressive and engaged property investors in California, Austin became one of the few “must go to” markets for folks to purchase in, and we again started to see a strong wave of appreciation.

But it wasn’t just those “whacky Californians” who drove our market – we’ve added jobs – lots of jobs. And most of them pay well.

The numbers from 2004 to present speak volumes:

• Duplex equity appreciation ranging from 8% to 35% annually, depending on sub-market, with duplexes in the outerlying suburban areas and in lower income areas appreciating less than very well-located campus, South Austin, and Technology Corridor areas with many jobs already being created
• Single family home appreciation averaging 10% across the board, again with some areas pushing 25% or greater in appreciation