Why build now?

The good news is that today's market offers the perfect opportunity for you to build.

Interest rates are currently the most affordable in recorded history, and home loan rates have not been this low in decades. Combine that with current market conditions, a still-strong employment rate, a tight labour market, competitive pricing and higher levels of disposable income, and the building/property market is more attractive in 2009 that it has been in a long time.

Most significantly, housing is still the safest option during an economic downturn. Investment in bricks and mortar has proven consistent. In fact, capital returns on shares have now been eclipsed by property, and long-term prospects for further capital growth remain strong.

Building now, at the very beginning of the recovery cycle, makes sound economic sense. Future land and housing shortages will narrow choice and increase prices. And as the dollar recovers, prices of building materials will rise. So it will never be as cheap as it is now to build.

Most importantly, your family will thank you. Because while you're waiting for a better time to build which may never come, your children are growing up fast. So it makes sense to build your dream home now; the home you and your family deserve to enjoy together.

• Housing interest rates are at record lows
• Competitive labour market
• Faster building times
• Prospects for capital growth over time remain strong
• Housing industry still strong
• Building stimulates the economy
• Housing a good long term investment
• Future land and housing shortages will narrow choice and increase prices
• The moment prices turn around, you start making money