Rafters can pack for a new series

THEIR home is on the market and some members have decided it's time to move on - but don't shed a tear for the nation's favourite family.

The Rafter family

THEIR home is on the market and some members have decided it's time to move on - but don't shed a tear for the nation's favourite family.

Despite rumours the Rafter family is breaking up, they'll be back on our screens next year.

Channel 7 has confirmed the team behind the nation's top drama, Packed To The Rafters, will be back on the job early in the new year working on ideas that could see the family in a whole new environment.

Rumours began circulating that the show, which has dominated ratings and TV awards for years, wouldn't be seen again after several key cast members announced their departure - Hugh Sheridan signing a deal with Channel 10 and Rebecca Gibney embarking on a film role in Mental with Toni Collette.

It was also reported the cast had not been told whether they were returning in 2013 after the show's ratings suffered when it went up against Channel 9's The Voice.

Then the house in Riverview St, Concord, in Sydney's inner west, where the series is filmed, was put on the market by its owners. It passed in after a bid of $1.18 million failed to reach the expected $1.3 million last Saturday.

But it is thought the owners will negotiate on the price.

But Seven has assured fans they can count on the Rafters' return next year.

A spokesman said: "This is Australia's No.1 drama. It's much loved and Seven is looking forward to its new season next year.

"We have the best creative team in the country working on our dramas. They regroup early next year and we look forward to that process beginning."

The spokesman said cast members enjoyed focusing on other projects during the break.

Ryan Corr, 23, who plays Coby Jennings, and Brooke Satchwell, 32, who plays Frankie, are delighted to be returning next year.

"I'm looking forward to next year," Corr said. "We will see Coby following his heart for the first time. There is a very emotional side to him."

Meanwhile, anyone who buys the house has a tenant waiting in the wings. A source said: "Whoever buys the house will have an option to rent it for six months to Channel 7."