A look at the big change in homebuyer habits over the Christmas holidays – realestate.com.au

Homebuyers in Brisbane are feeling the Christmas rush as they rush to purchase property before the end of the year.

New analysis from PRD Real Estate has found that the buyer pool increased by as much as 25 percent in the final months of the year, with many sales blocked within days.

Sales came from first-home and lower-income buyers, with a sales peak below $750,000 and a big dip in sales above $1.5 million.

PRD chief economist Dr. Diaswati Mardiasmo said her team typically saw a 20 to 25 percent increase in inquiries and conversations around the holidays, and saw a bigger spike this year compared to 2024.

“We are seeing droves of first home buyers saying they want to settle down and get on the market as quickly as possible,” she said, “some of them because of the possible rate hike in 2026, some of them to get their finances in order before Christmas and the school holidays.”

Data analysis from REA showed properties in Brisbane were selling almost a week faster than at the start of the year.

PRD chief economist Dr. Diaswati Mardiasmo said she was seeing more advertisements for buyers to get their finances in order before Christmas.

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The average number of days on the market in the city fell by six in 2025, from 34 days in January-February to 28 days currently.

In the last quarter measured to November 23, the clearance rate across Brisbane was 56 per cent – ​​up from the previous quarter of 52 per cent and the quarter before that of 39 per cent.

Ray White Collective agent Ben Osborne described these new buyers as ‘fatigue buyers’. “(They) searched all year but narrowly missed the right property and are now determined to finally secure a home and end their search,” he said.

Many ‘tired buyers’ are looking to avoid a market slump after schools start back, with Brisbane properties selling almost a week faster than early 2025. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

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“Enquiries are increasing as families and professionals look to move and start the new year in the right place, or plan ahead as their children prepare to start school in Brisbane.”

Mr Osborne said this is one of many reasons behind the strong year-end results in the current market, especially if sellers were ready for the increase in spending.

“Well-prepared properties presented at their best quickly attract serious interest, creating the potential for strong results even in the final weeks of the year,” he said.

The house at 12 Windsor St, Hamilton, is one of many that have sold ahead of going to auction, with many buyers and sellers keen to complete their end-of-year purchases as quickly as possible.

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Dr. Mardiasmo said this behavior increased sharply after the Covid-19 pandemic, when the market exploded in both prices and activity.

She said she had seen more advertising for financial services for home buyers compared to 2022 and 2023, and more people taking advantage of the government’s new first home buyer grant.

“There is a push now more than ever to refinance and get your finances in order before Christmas,” she said.

“I know there are buyers who are concerned about the fact that the credit criteria for banks (are becoming) much stricter.”