Why Smart Buyers Stay Active Over the Holidays
While many buyers take a break over the holidays, Australia’s property market doesn’t. With prices rising and supply tightening, here’s why the festive season can be one of the best times to buy, and how Rose & Jones can help you get ahead before the New Year rush.
A New Year Mindset That Could Cost You
As the year winds down, many buyers decide to pause their search and “start fresh in January.” But in a market where prices are climbing and listings remain tight, waiting could mean stepping into a more competitive, more expensive landscape.
At Rose & Jones, we’ve seen this pattern for decades, and it’s often the buyers who stay active through November and December who secure the best opportunities.
The Market Isn’t Waiting: Prices Are Rising Fast
According to recent data from Domain, Australian house prices are now rising at their fastest rate in four years.
- All eight capital cities recorded quarterly gains.
- Sydney house prices rose 3.4% in just 90 days, a lift of $58,000 in a single quarter.
- The median Sydney house price now sits around $1.75 million, with forecasts it may reach $2 million by 2027.
- Supply remains constrained: major capitals currently have around two months of stock, compared with the usual three to four.
The takeaway? Even as the holidays approach, the market continues to move, and the cost of waiting could be significant.
Why December Can Be a Buyer’s Advantage
- Less Competition: Many buyers switch off for the holidays, reducing competition. Fewer bidders mean less pressure, more room to negotiate, and greater leverage for those still active.
- Motivated Sellers: Vendors listing at this time of year often have strong reasons; relocations, settlements, or financial deadlines. This can open doors to more flexible negotiations.
- Listings Continue: While the pace of auctions slows, new listings still emerge, particularly off-market opportunities. Working with a buyers’ agent ensures you don’t miss them.
- Market Momentum: KPMG’s Residential Property Market Outlook (Jan 2025) forecasts national price growth of 3.3% in 2025 and 6% in 2026. Acting now positions you ahead of the next upswing.
- Get a Head Start: January always brings a surge of buyers back into the market. Those who’ve done their groundwork early (i.e. finance, strategy, and shortlisting) are ready to move decisively.
What to Keep in Mind
Buying property over the holiday season requires strategy and preparation.
Here are a few practical tips:
- Stay disciplined on budget and due diligence. Use the quieter weeks to organise inspections, finance approvals and legal reviews.
- Focus on quality. Limited stock means you’ll want expert advice to identify value rather than chasing volume.
- Avoid analysis paralysis. With experienced guidance, it’s possible to act quickly yet prudently.
- Stay disciplined on budget and due diligence. Use the quieter weeks to organise inspections, finance approvals and legal reviews.
How Rose & Jones Can Help
With over 28 years of experience, Rose & Jones proudly pioneered the buyers’ agency profession in Sydney and across Australia. Our team offers:
- Strategic guidance: Timing, market insights and tailored search strategies.
- Off-market access: Properties you won’t find on the public portals.
- Expert negotiation: We represent your interests, not the seller’s.
- Full-service support: From brief to settlement, including coordination of finance, inspections and contracts.
Whether you’re planning to purchase before year-end or preparing for early 2026, now is the time to align your strategy and act ahead of the market.
Ready to Get Started?
📞 Start the conversation today, before the New Year rush begins.
Your future self (and your future home) will thank you.
👉 Contact the team at Rose & Jones today to start your success story today.
