Homeowners and prospective sellers should take note: the Australian property market is entering a new phase. With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announcing a long-awaited interest rate cut, and the likelihood of further reductions on the horizon, the real estate landscape is shifting once again. So, what does this mean for those looking to sell their homes? According to leading real estate industry coach and ambassador for LocalAgentFinder, Tom Panos, the time to act could be now.
For the past two years, rising interest rates have kept many sellers on the sidelines. Now, that cycle has reversed. “Interest rates have finally started coming down, and history tells us that when the RBA moves, they usually move in a series,’ says Panos. “Buyers who have been waiting for a sign are now jumping in.”
This surge in buyer confidence is already playing out at auctions. Panos has observed an increase in buyer activity, particularly in key markets such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. “The buyers are out there now because they’re anticipating more rate cuts,” he explains. “Agents are reporting that properties which struggled to sell last year are now moving.”
While it might be tempting to wait for prices to rise further, Panos cautions against sitting on the fence. “Sellers should take advantage of this moment of relative scarcity. When rates drop, more sellers enter the market. But right now, early movers can benefit from less competition,” he advises.
A classic mistake sellers make is assuming that holding off will yield better results. “If you’re selling and buying in the same market, delaying won’t necessarily help you. If your home goes up in value, so will the one you’re trying to buy,” Panos explains. “Getting in before the next wave of listings could give you an edge.”
Sydney and Melbourne have started the year with minor price declines, but Panos expects them to recover quickly. “The market was expected to remain flat, but with this rate cut, growth forecasts have now shifted to 3% to 7% for Sydney and 2% to 6% for Melbourne.”
Brisbane has seen an influx of first-home buyers, and it’s likely to get even stronger. “If the opposition wins the election and introduces its plan allowing buyers to access $50,000 from their superannuation, we could see demand surge further,” says Panos.
Perth, while having been the country’s strongest-performing market in recent years, is showing some signs of cooling. “Investors from the east coast have started to pull back, and open-home numbers are down slightly. But stock levels remain low, which is keeping prices high.”
Beyond interest rates, upcoming federal election policies could also shake up the market. The proposed superannuation withdrawal scheme for first-home buyers has the potential to significantly impact property prices. “We saw this play out in New Zealand between 2010 and 2020 - prices surged when similar policies were introduced,” Panos notes. “If this goes ahead, we could see another spike in buyer activity.”
“With further interest rate cuts predicted, buyers are already starting to return - some moving quickly to stay ahead of the competition. Sellers who list early can benefit from lower stock levels before the market becomes more crowded,” says Panos.
Many homeowners might be tempted to wait and see if prices rise further, but Panos warns that delaying could mean facing increased competition. Nationally, LocalAgentFinder has seen an increase in homeowner registrations in the week following interest rate cut announcements – a sign that more sellers are preparing to enter the market. “The best time to sell is when stock levels are still relatively low. If you list now, you’re not competing against a huge wave of sellers,” Panos explains.
For sellers who are unsure whether to enter the market now or wait, the key takeaway is that early movers may have an advantage. Listing before a flood of competition arrives means standing out to motivated buyers. “With interest rate cuts, improved borrowing capacity, and upcoming election policies likely to boost demand, this is the moment to capitalise,” Panos says. “Finding the right agent who understands these market shifts can help sellers maximise their results.”
LocalAgentFinder provides a platform where sellers can compare agents, ensuring they find someone with the right expertise in their local area. “LocalAgentFinder allows sellers to compare agents based on track record, fees, and reviews, ensuring they work with someone who can navigate the evolving market,” says Panos.
As confidence returns and conditions become more favourable, 2025 is shaping up to be an interesting year for the property market. Whether you choose to sell now or later, understanding market trends and buyer behaviour will be crucial in securing the best outcome for your home sale.
Property owners looking to sell or lease their property can find more information at https://www.localagentfinder.com.au/.
