Property Market 2009 In the beginning of the 2009, the sentiment in the residential market is improving with rising in both prices and transaction. Response of first hand market is well recieved by homebuyers. In fact, transaction and prices started to move up in middle of November. Most of buyers are endusers, and some mainlanders are now starting to bargain hunt for quality development. Local investors are staying at sideline, some investors who entered at high level last year had to cut their prices to sell their flats. In spite of the slight rebound of residential market, analysts believe the rebound would be shortlived because of possible rate cuts, unfavorable business environment and uncertainties in global economy. They expect prices in mass residential would come down by 20 % while the luxury flats fall by 15 %. Franchise As the economic downturn deepens, more people are out of work, and thinking about opening their own business to survive. But is it a better idea to buy a franchise store that already has an established brand name and other essentials to succeed during a down market? Money Magazine looks at the potential during the current economic climate.