A snippet in the 2007 Hegney Property Outlook Report demonstrates how confusing and unreliable median price data can be. The report by the Perth-based Hegney Property Group lists growth in the median house price for the WA capital last year.

Depending on whose figures you believe, Perth prices grew 49% (Residex), 46% (ABS) or 35% (Real Estate Institute). Either way it's substantial growth, but how can one source record 35% and another 49%?

The Hegney report also shows why WA prices are no longer growing rapidly. Sales volumes dropped sharply last year - down 14% for houses, 18% for apartments and 31% for residential land.