Historically, the property market experiences a marked lull between mid-December and early February, and this window exerts real pressure on sellers. In Sydney and other major markets, transaction volumes drop dramatically over the holiday period. According to the International Business Times, new listings in December can fall as much as 65.9 % across Australia as buyers and sellers step back.
This seasonal falloff has real financial consequences. Sellers who miss the pre-Christmas window often find themselves waiting until late summer to relaunch their sale campaigns – meaning they might not sign a contract until February, and with typical settlement terms (40 – 90+ days), may not see their funds until March or April. That’s a four- to six-month gap between listing and liquidity, which for many sellers is untenable.
In Sydney, September 2025 saw listings rise about 12 % year-on-year, yet sales volumes remained about 5 % below the 5-year average, according to NAB research – suggesting supply is available, but buyer activity is constrained. The average days on market also increased – by August, many properties were taking ~45 days to sell (up from ~40 in 2024).
What does this mean for seller behaviour?
- Greater urgency and flexibility
As Christmas approaches, many sellers lower their expectations. Offers that earlier would have been rejected become acceptable. Terms soften, price margins narrow. In a market with rising stock and lower buyer urgency, the advantage tilts toward well-prepared buyers. - Willingness to accept conditional or “imperfect” offers
Sellers become more open to offers with contingencies (e.g. finance, inspection) because hanging in limbo seems riskier than locking in a deal. - Reduced marketing leeway
The window for campaigns, staging, open houses and marketing is truncated. Sellers have less time to finesse presentation, and may push directly to “as-is” offers.
From a buyer-agent perspective, this period is prime time – sellers’ negotiating posture softens, and buyers who are ready to act have greater leverage.
Separation, Property & Why Expert Legal Support Isn’t Optional
While Australia’s crude divorce rate is currently about 2.1 divorces per 1,000 people aged 16+, this modest number masks the outsized influence separations exert on the property market. In 2024, approximately 48,100 divorces were granted nationwide. (ABS)
Even if the formal divorce rate is stable, the volume of property settlement transactions remains significant. Many separations never reach the divorce stage or are between de facto couples, yet still trigger property divisions, title transfers, and real estate sales.
The stakes in these property divisions are high – particularly in later-life separations, when couples typically hold substantial equity in the family home. A 2024 ABC report, has highlighted how “grey divorces” (separations among people over 50) have more than doubled over the past 30 years, driven in part by longer life expectancy and shifting social norms. These higher-asset splits often require complex valuation, negotiation, and legal structuring.
Transferring property titles after separation is rarely straightforward – parties must navigate legal requirements, negotiate how ownership changes are handled, and address issues like stamp duty exemptions. In many cases, the conveyancing that follows property settlement is intertwined with family law agreements – if these are flawed, the consequences can be costly and protracted.
This all points to a critical truth – having a skilled legal team is essential – not optional. As a buyer’s agent, I may find you the right home and price, but without expert legal oversight, your settlement, title transfer, or equity division could be at risk.
Coming out of a separation can be an incredibly stressful time, and the smallest details can have a major impact on protecting your wealth and future security. Many of our clients have recently had excellent experiences with VRT Lawyers.
Here’s a word from a VRT representative:
At VRT Lawyers, we combine legal expertise across family law, wills & estates, property & conveyancing, retirement planning, commercial law and dispute resolution in order to provide personalised legal solutions when you need them the most. Daniella is an invaluable ally in this process. She and the wider team at VRT support clients by guiding them clearly through each stage, whether it’s drafting your estate plan, negotiating property contracts, navigating a family separation, or structuring a business agreement. With her meticulous attention to detail and proactive communication, Daniella and her team will ensure you feel informed, supported, and confident in your legal journey.
Around the Block – Suburb Stories
Starting at the beginning of this month, every fortnight we release Around the Block, our newest social media segment. We conduct a deep dive into some of Sydney’s most desirable suburbs.
From history and architecture to key sales and market trends, each edition uncovers what makes these neighbourhoods unique. Recent highlights include an exploration of Woolloomooloo’s housing commission estates and a feature on Greenwich’s transformation from industry hub to harbour haven.
Starting at the beginning of this month, every fortnight we release Around the Block, our newest social media segment. We conduct a deep dive into some of Sydney’s most desirable suburbs.
From history and architecture to key sales and market trends, each edition uncovers what makes these neighbourhoods unique. Recent highlights include an exploration of Woolloomooloo’s housing commission estates and a feature on Greenwich’s transformation from industry hub to harbour haven.
Latest Negotiation Success: Grays Point
Our most recent Negotiation Service win was securing a four-bedroom, three-bathroom, three-car residence in Grays Point, right in the heart of the Shire.
This sale serves as a reminder that being a buyers agent means every week brings a new story, a new location, and a new client brief.
From the harbourfront to hidden blue-chip enclaves, no two journeys are ever the same.
On the Hunt for Our Clients
A selection of current clients we are representing include: In Bondi, we’re sourcing a compact coastal pad for weekend enjoyment – the ultimate lifestyle escape. In Darlinghurst, we’re working with a first home buyer to secure a smart entry point into one of Sydney’s most vibrant inner-city suburbs. Finally, we are scouring McMahons Point, we’re pursuing a luxury residence overlooking the harbour, a purchase that sits among Sydney’s most premium addresses.
Together, these searches highlight the breadth of our work – from entry-level opportunities to blue-chip trophy homes – as well as the tailored approach we bring to every client brief.
