TEHRAN, Iran � Signals from the Iranian real estate market suggest that a recovery is on the way, after an almost three-year-long recession. Yet there are contradictory statements being made about the likelihood of a property boom. Indeed, those who are practically engaged in the housing industry are relatively optimistic about speedy growth, while analysts believe a sharp hike in prices is unlikely.

The number of property deals in the 12-million-strong market in Tehran rose by 27.6% in the month to July 21, compared with the same period last year. However, the figure dropped 4% compared with the month before, according to the Central Bank of Iran�s latest housing report. Meanwhile, trading of mortgage bonds in the over-the-counter Iran Fara Bourse rose 11% in the week to July 21, ILNA reported, citing data released by the Central Securities Depository of Iran.

The head of Tehran�s real estate union, Hessam Oghbai, and his predecessor, Mostafa Khosravi, are both of the opinion that demand for residential buildings is on the rise. Khosravi predicts that growth will reappear in the second half of the Iranian fiscal year running to March 20, 2017, and that it will probably jump in the subsequent year. Yet the market is still a long way from the 14,000 deals per day during 2011 and 2012, when housing prices doubled as a result of intensified financial sanctions, which led to the harsh depreciation of the rial.

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This article was written by Alireza Ramezani for Al-Monitor on Aug. 1, 2016. Alireza Ramezani earned a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University in the�UK. He has worked for various media organizations and businesses in Iran since 1999.