Winter weather is causing investors to search for warmer climates

Individuals looking to invest in Australian real estate may be interested in news that the country has seen an increase in the number of property enquiries in recent months.

Overseas Property Professional (OPP) reported that rightmove.co.uk had seen a surge in interest in the country.

The rising popularity is being put down to the winter weather here in the UK, with many potential investors looking to escape to a warmer climate.

The news comes after the Sydney Morning Herald reported a rise in buyer confidence.

Mathew Bell, of Australian Property Monitors, said to OPP: ''I expect continued strong auction listings and sales as the top end continues to outperform the affordable end of the market in the first quarter of 2010."

Australian Finance Group recently stated that it expected property investors to overtake first-time buyers in the market.