Aussie real estate takes a haircut.

If this data can be regarded as a reliable indicator real estate in Australia continues to be a bad investment,

Agents confirmed the property slump claimed investors and some business people who had used their homes as collateral, but also washed up hundreds of over-extended home owners.

Many were forced to sell even if it meant taking a substantial loss.

But as in previous property market downturns, most home owners are simply sitting it out.

The largest percentage loss was from a sale in Wickham where the vendor lost 18.11 per cent, or $115,000, in less than two years.

A Dora Creek vendor lost $95,000 in less than a year.

Residex chief executive John Edwards said the number of people burned in property transactions in the Hunter would increase significantly if stamp duty and acquisition costs were taken into account.

Mr Edwards said while many people were suffering, the region’s property market had faired ‘‘pretty well’’ when compared to other places including Sydney and the Gold Coast.