Selling conditions in Australia’s housing market have eased slightly, with properties taking a little longer to sell — but sellers are still achieving solid outcomes.
New data from Cotality shows that the median time to sell a home by private treaty rose to 30 days in the September quarter, up from 27 days a year earlier. A longer selling time often indicates a small decline in buyer urgency. However, the median vendor discount — the difference between the listing price and final sale price — narrowed from 3.3% to 3.2%, suggesting buyer demand remains steady and sellers continue to hold firm.
For buyers, this mix of slower sales but stable prices means the market is still competitive, though there’s some opportunity to negotiate. To make the most of current conditions, keep these tips in mind:
- Get your finances ready – Secure pre-approval so you can act quickly when the right property comes up.
- Know the market – Research recent comparable sales to understand true property values.
- Be realistic – Focus on finding good value rather than holding out for steep discounts in a busy market.
The most successful buyers right now are those who’ve done their research and organised their finance before they start looking.
Get pre-approved and be ready to move fast
In today’s market, preparation is your biggest advantage.