The January myth

There is a long-held belief that nothing happens in real estate in January. Buyers assume agents are away, listings are thin, and the market restarts in February.

Some of that is true. The conclusion people draw from it is usually wrong.

Where the market sits

Melbourne dwelling values are up around 0.3% to 0.4% over the past month, and roughly 1% higher across 2025 overall. Clearance rates have been running in the high 60s to low 70s. Advertised stock is sitting 10% to 15% below the five-year average.

Underneath that, the market is split. Below $1 million, first-home buyer activity is solid. Above $1 million, buyers are highly price-sensitive and selective, and spring campaigns have taken longer than vendors expected.

Why summer favours the prepared buyer

• Competition drops away while a lot of buyers are still on holiday
• Vendors whose spring campaigns did not sell are considerably more motivated in January than they were in October
• Off-market opportunities resurface quietly, without a full campaign behind them
• Fewer rival bidders means genuine negotiating leverage

What to do in December

The buyers who do well in January are the ones who did the work in December. Have your finance sorted, know your suburbs, and have a clear brief written down.

If you wait for the February listings to decide what you want, you will spend February deciding instead of buying.

Note: this is general advice and does not take into account your objectives, situation or needs. Please consider whether it is suitable for you, and speak to a professional before making any financial decisions.