Located one mile south of downtown, the first phase of the 2020 Congress condos is slated for completion this summer with the second phase estimated to be finished in the fall. The project, featuring 103 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom condos, are some of the most affordable in the downtown area. Prices start at $96,000 for a studio and go up to $190,000 for the two-bedroom condos. Amenities include granite countertops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and an exercise facility.

According to housingpredictor.com, Austin is ranked 10th overall for having the highest appreciation of real estate values for 2008. According to the site, ” the top 25 with the highest forecast appreciation have the greatest probability of reaching their forecast of the more than 250 local housing markets Housing Predictor forecasts. In 2007 Housing Predictor’s forecasts were 86% correct within a 1 to 2% margin.” It’s estimated that there will be a 4.8% increase in sales for the upcoming year.

 To check out how other cities around the U.S. ranked, visit their site:

http://www.housingpredictor.com/top2008.html

Forbes.com just came out with their top ten lists and Austin ranks #1 fastest growing large metro area in the nation. Key factors contributing to this honor include the ever-growing high-tech industry with large key players Apple, Dell and IBM all calling Austin home. The University of Texas, the music industry and now the film industry also all play a hand in the city’s growth.

 Austin’s expected to grow 15% by the year 2012. Its projected total GMP growth for 2007-2012 is 32.05%.