The industry’s leading source of market information, RP Data, shows an increase in the number of homes listed for sale, which demonstrated growing confidence among vendors.

This week there were 626 homes listed for sale in the Maitland region compared to 617 this time last year.

In September, a peak time in the ­market, there were 576 properties listed compared to 575 last year, but there has been a faster turnover this year, according to one real estate agent.

“On our own figures, we’re up 20 per cent in our sales compared to this time last year,” PRD Nationwide East Maitland licensee Luke Anderson said.

“They are spending less time on the market for each sale.”

Mr Anderson said these were encouraging signs after a tough period for Maitland.

“With the downturn in the mining industry, it really hit Maitland for six,” he said. 

“There was a correction in prices this time last year, but they’ve stabilised and it’s looking positive at the moment.

“[Property prices are] coming back and we’re excited about the market.”

Mr Anderson expected that growth to continue.

“Our prediction for the next year is that we’ll see growth in prices in the second half [of 2015],” he said.