Listings activity
Listing volumes concluded 2024 in line with 2023 figures, following typical seasonal patterns as the market wound down for the holiday period. However, January 2025 has defied historical trends of a gradual start, with monthly listings reaching 38,657 - a substantial increase over the previous year’s figures, driven primarily by metropolitan market activity.
This early surge in listing volumes appears influenced by renewed market optimism, particularly following recent inflation data that has brought forward expectations of interest rate reductions. The prospect of more favourable lending conditions has notably energised the upgrade market, with these sellers among the first to respond to improving market conditions. This unexpected strength in early-year listings suggests a market preparing for a potentially active first quarter of 2025, marking a departure from traditional seasonal patterns.
Listing volumes concluded 2024 in line with 2023 figures, following typical seasonal patterns as the market wound down for the holiday period. However, January 2025 has defied historical trends of a gradual start, with monthly listings reaching 38,657 - a substantial increase over the previous year’s figures, driven primarily by metropolitan market activity.
This early surge in listing volumes appears influenced by renewed market optimism, particularly following recent inflation data that has brought forward expectations of interest rate reductions. The prospect of more favourable lending conditions has notably energised the upgrade market, with these sellers among the first to respond to improving market conditions. This unexpected strength in early-year listings suggests a market preparing for a potentially active first quarter of 2025, marking a departure from traditional seasonal patterns.
January has marked a dramatic rebound in listing activity across major cities, with an aggregate monthly increase of 153.5 per cent from December’s holiday-affected numbers. While such monthly surges are characteristic of the seasonal transition from December to January, the year-on-year comparisons reveal more telling market shifts.
Canberra leads the annual growth metrics with a 30.3 per cent increase, followed by Sydney’s robust 25.9 per cent rise. The Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Perth markets have also demonstrated strong annual growth. Melbourne presents an interesting contrast - despite posting a substantial monthly increase of 134.5 per cent, its year-on-year growth remains minimal at 0.3 per cent. Similar patterns of subdued annual growth are evident in Hobart and Adelaide. Darwin stands as the only major market showing significant annual decline, with listings down 22.5 per cent compared to January 2024.
Regional markets have demonstrated their typical post-holiday dynamics in January, as holiday-makers return to metropolitan areas. While overall regional listings increased by 29.9 per cent over the month, the year-on-year growth remains modest at 0.7 per cent.
Traditional patterns have been upended this year, with regional Tasmania and Northern Territory emerging as unexpected leaders in annual growth, posting increases of 9.2 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively. Queensland maintains its position as the most active regional market with 4,159 listings, achieving a substantial monthly surge of 53.9 per cent and a solid year-on-year increase of 7.7 per cent.
New South Wales experienced strong monthly gains, particularly in coastal areas capitalising on holiday market momentum, despite trailing behind previous year’s figures. Meanwhile, Western Australia and South Australia, despite benefitting from robust mining sector activity, recorded annual declines of 0.9 per cent and 13.3 per cent respectively, indicating a complex interplay between economic drivers and market conditions.
Regional markets have demonstrated their typical post-holiday dynamics in January, as holiday-makers return to metropolitan areas. While overall regional listings increased by 29.9 per cent over the month, the year-on-year growth remains modest at 0.7 per cent.
Traditional patterns have been upended this year, with regional Tasmania and Northern Territory emerging as unexpected leaders in annual growth, posting increases of 9.2 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively. Queensland maintains its position as the most active regional market with 4,159 listings, achieving a substantial monthly surge of 53.9 per cent and a solid year-on-year increase of 7.7 per cent.
New South Wales experienced strong monthly gains, particularly in coastal areas capitalising on holiday market momentum, despite trailing behind previous year’s figures. Meanwhile, Western Australia and South Australia, despite benefitting from robust mining sector activity, recorded annual declines of 0.9 per cent and 13.3 per cent respectively, indicating a complex interplay between economic drivers and market conditions.
