Home Buyers Rejoice! More Listings Are Hitting the Market

Home Buyers Rejoice: More Listings Are Hitting the Market Across Australia

Great news for home buyers in Australia, after an extended period of low listings, the number of homes for sale is finally surging.

So, what’s behind this rise, and how could it affect property prices in 2025? Let’s take a closer look.

A Strong Start to the Year for Property Listings

Take a walk through your suburb, and you’ll probably notice new For Sale signs everywhere. That’s because a wave of new property listings is sweeping across the country.

According to research firm PropTrack, the property market kicked off the year strong, with the number of new listings on realestate.com.au up 12% year-on-year in January.

• Sydney and Melbourne had their busiest January in over a decade.
• Hobart, Brisbane, and Adelaide also recorded strong activity.
• Canberra had its busiest January ever for new listings.
• Only Perth saw a slight drop compared to 2023.

This increase marks a major turnaround after several years of tight housing supply.

Why Are More Homes Coming to Market?

The uptick in listings is being driven by a combination of strong demand, low unemployment, and population growth.

Another key factor is interest rate stability. After several rate hikes, February saw the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) hold rates steady.

Market analysts now believe there’s a good chance that rates may begin to fall later this year, boosting buyer confidence.

Simply put, more stability means more sellers are ready to list, and more buyers are returning to the market.

What Does This Mean for Home Buyers?

More homes on the market mean more choice for buyers, a welcome relief for anyone who’s been struggling with limited options.

But don’t expect prices to fall dramatically. Demand remains high, particularly among first home buyers, upgraders, and migrants entering the market.

CoreLogic data shows:

• Over 115,000 homes were sold in the three months to January 31.
• That’s an 11.9% increase from the same time last year.
• High migration continues to fuel competition for quality homes.

And with rate cuts potentially on the horizon, property prices may even accelerate again later in the year.

How Home Buyers Can Prepare in 2025

More listings mean more opportunities, but also more competition. Here’s how to stay ahead in a busy property market:

1. Get your pre-approval sorted.
   Having a home loan pre-approval gives you a clear budget and lets you act fast when you find the right property.
2. Know your must-haves.
   Make a list of essential features (like location, parking, block size) and nice-to-haves (like pools or sheds) so you don’t lose focus.
3. Research your market.
   Use platforms like PropTrack or CoreLogic to track median house prices and identify emerging suburbs.
4. Act quickly, but wisely.
   With more buyers re-entering the market, desirable properties can still move fast.
5. Speak with a finance strategist.
   A Loans Australia expert can help you compare lenders and find the most competitive rate for your situation.

Property Market Outlook: What’s Next?

If listings continue to rise while interest rates remain steady or decline, 2025 could see a healthier, more balanced property market.

Buyers will have greater choice and potentially less pressure during negotiations, but popular areas will still attract strong competition.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, an investor, or an upgrader, now is the time to review your finances and get ready to take advantage of a more active market.