Prices have grown as much as 4.6% in the lower, middle and upper property brackets of the east coast capital cities.

On my TV show last week, Professor Steve Keen and the AFR’s Chris Joye exchanged blows on the prospect of a 40% fall in house prices. More than 15,000 viewers watched the stoush. Here’s my judgement on who won.

Another 0.25% drop in interest rates, rising buyer demand and a reduction in homes for sale is propelling a perfect storm for new growth in property prices, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

Take a look at the top 10 growth suburbs in the East Coast capitals, plus the standout suburbs in regional areas.

Why are Australian home owners staying put for longer than ever before?

Here are the property hotspots along the east coast that are set to benefit from new infrastructure projects.

John McGrath looks back at what history tells us about property market recoveries.

How Bill Shorten's election loss, back-to-back interest rate cuts and an easing in lending restrictions have led to the first green shoots of a property market recovery.

Rate cuts now are dangerous so maybe we need some Churchillian inspiration and stimulation: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never... Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

I'm feeling very optimistic for first home buyers this Spring. Up and down the East Coast – in capital cities and plenty of regional towns, there are exceptional opportunities for young buyers on a budget.

Recently there have been positive changes in the property market but the issue we still face is responsible lending criteria, which isn't helping those who are ready and willing to buy.

Just how scared should we be about this stock market sell off, the threat of an inverted yield curve in the bond market, a related recession and house price collapse?