Home Listings Are Surging – What Does This Mean for Buyers?
More Properties on the Market – A Game Changer for Buyers?
Great news for home buyers! After a period of low listings, the number of homes hitting the market is soaring. But what impact will this have on the property market? Let’s explore.
Take a walk around your local suburb, and you’ll likely see fresh For Sale signs appearing everywhere. That’s because new listings are skyrocketing, providing buyers with more options and greater opportunities to secure their dream home.
Market Trends – A Surge in Listings Across Australia
According to PropTrack, the property market is off to a strong start this year, with new listings on realestate.com.au jumping 12% year-on-year in January.
Melbourne and Sydney had their busiest January in over a decade, while Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart also saw strong activity. Canberra set a new record for the highest number of January listings ever recorded.
The only outlier was Perth, where listings slightly dipped compared to January 2023.
Why Are More Homes Hitting the Market?
Several factors are driving the surge in property listings:
- Strong demand from buyers eager to secure a home
- Low unemployment rates supporting purchasing power
- Population growth, increasing housing needs
- A stabilising interest rate outlook, encouraging seller and buyer confidence
With interest rates remaining on hold in February, PropTrack suggests financial markets are predicting a reasonable chance that rates may start to fall later this year, further strengthening buyer demand.
How Will More Listings Affect Home Buyers?
Having more homes on the market is a win for buyers, offering greater choice—a huge advantage if you’re a first-home buyer or looking to upgrade.
But does this mean property prices will drop? Not necessarily. Despite the rise in listings, there are still plenty of motivated buyers competing for properties.
CoreLogic reports that 115,241 homes were sold over the three months ending January 31—an 11.9% increase from last year, largely fueled by high levels of migration. Additionally, expectations of lower interest rates could further boost demand and drive house prices higher.
How to Prepare for Buying in a Competitive Market
With more listings available, buyers should take a strategic approach to finding the right property. Here’s how you can stay ahead:
Define Your Must-Have Features
Inspecting multiple properties can be overwhelming, making it easy to lose sight of your priorities. Create a list that includes:
- Essential features (e.g., aspect, block size, parking space)
- Nice-to-have additions (e.g., swimming pool, shed, outdoor entertaining areas)
Get Your Home Loan Pre-Approval
Being financially ready is crucial when you find the perfect property. Home loan pre-approval allows you to:
- Set a clear budget, focusing only on properties within your price range
- Make an offer with confidence, ensuring you’re ready to act fast
- Stay ahead of less-prepared buyers, strengthening your negotiation power
Need Home Loan Guidance? Let’s Talk!
At CBM Mortgages, we help buyers navigate the mortgage process, ensuring they get the right loan for their needs. Our expertise can make securing your dream home simpler and stress-free.
Call us today on 02 8068 0534 or visit CBM Mortgages to get started.
Further Reading:
- Learn about property market trends on realestate.com.au
- Explore first-home buyer grants in NSW here (Revenue NSW)
- Get financial insights from CoreLogic
- Read our blog on the Home Loan approval process here
- Read our blog on the property market rebound here
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. It does not take into account your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, seek professional advice from a licensed mortgage broker or financial consultant. This content is protected by copyright laws and cannot be modified, reproduced, or republished without prior written consent.
Written by Craig McDonald 14/06/2025
