Deciding when to sell your home isn’t always straightforward. While national trends can provide insight into overall conditions, they don’t always reflect what is happening in your local market.
The best time to sell can also depend on your motivation to move, the type of property you own and your personal financial circumstances. In this guide, we look at all the reasons to consider when working out the right time to list your home on the market.
Is now a good time to sell a house?
Australia’s property market is being underpinned by strong population growth, limited housing supply and resilient buyer demand, despite some economic uncertainty. This creates an opportunity for sellers looking to upgrade, downsize or move to a new area.
Every suburb and region can perform differently, so it is important to identify the state-of-play of your area. There are three main types of markets:
- A seller's market – strong buyer demand and limited housing supply can create increased competition, often leading to stronger sale prices and favourable conditions for vendors.
- A buyer's market – there are more properties available than active buyers, giving purchasers greater choice and stronger negotiating power.
- A balanced market – there is an even number of buyers and sellers and prices remain relatively stable.
Auction clearance rates have eased in many capital cities more recently, indicating buyers are becoming more selective.
At the same time listings have increased, providing more choice and reducing some urgency seen earlier in this housing cycle. While every market is different, the good news is that well-positioned properties continue to attract strong interest.
Mathew Tiller, LJ Hooker’s Head of Research, said buyers who have adjusted their budgets to higher interest rates are taking advantage of greater choice, longer selling times and improved negotiating conditions.
“Likewise, vendors who are realistic about their price expectations can still achieve a successful result, but they need to meet the market,” he said.
One of the most important steps before deciding to sell your home is to set a price goal and ensure it aligns with current conditions. While it’s natural to focus on what you would like to achieve, successful sellers balance their expectations with recent sales, local demand and professional advice.
A property appraisal by your local LJ Hooker agent can assist in determining whether now is a good time to sell and give you an indication on the price you could achieve.
They will compare your home to similar properties with similar features that have sold in your immediate area over the past few weeks.
In making an assessment, they will also include proximity to local amenities, schools, transport and parks. A property appraisal may include suggestions for minor improvements or staging ideas to broaden your home's appeal and help it to stand out from the crowd.
Remember, setting a realistic pricing strategy from the outset can attract more buyers, generate competition and maximise your final sale price.
Signs it may be a good time to sell
The property market can be dynamic and unpredictable, and knowing when to sell is reliant on many factors including the economy and even world events.
It is always important to consult with your real estate agent or financial advisor, who can provide insights into what is happening in your neighbourhood and the broader real estate market. Here are some key indicators:
1. Local market performance:
One of the strongest indicators that it may be a good time to sell is when property values in your area are outperforming the broader market. If the median house or unit price in your suburb has grown faster than the surrounding areas or the national average, it may signal robust buyer demand and favourable selling conditions. Monitoring local sales results and price trends can help you determine whether you are well-positioned to capitalise on recent growth and maximise your property's value.
2. Buyer demand remains active
Check what is happening at open homes in your price range and neighbourhood. Buyer demand has weakened nationally, but inspection numbers and the depth of enquiry can show whether buyers remain active in your local market.
3. It’s spring
From September onwards is traditionally a popular time to sell property in Australia. However, Cotality expects this spring’s increase in new listings to be weaker than usual as longer selling times and softer prices discourage some vendors. This may limit competition from other listings, but buyers currently have more choice from stock already on the market.
4. Days on market are going up
Longer selling times suggest buyers are taking more time and facing less competition. Days on Market (DOM) refers to the median time it takes for homes to sell in a suburb. You can find this data on popular real estate listing portals. Your local real estate agent can also provide information sourced from platforms such as RP Data or Pricefinder.
6. Interest rates remain high
Higher interest rates are constraining borrowing capacity and weighing on housing demand. The latest inflation data has also increased the possibility of another rate rise, which could reduce borrowing capacity further and add to repayment pressures and buyer caution.
7. Auction clearance rates remain low
Persistently low auction clearance rates are a sign that buyers have more negotiating power. For sellers, this makes realistic pricing and a strong campaign more important, particularly in markets where listings have accumulated and homes are taking longer to sell.
8. Employment levels are strong
When more people are employed and job security is high, buyers are generally more willing to make major financial commitments.
9. Population growth has normalised
Population growth can create additional housing demand, particularly in major cities and growth corridors. However, growth has normalised after the post-pandemic surge, removing recent demand-side support while Australia’s housing shortage continues to limit the downturn over time.
Should I see my house now or wait?
After a period of buoyant growth, the Australian property market has recorded five consecutive monthly declines. Cotality’s national Home Value Index fell 0.9% in August and was 3.6% below its March 2026 peak, while PropTrack recorded a 0.2% monthly fall and prices 2.7% below peak.
Higher borrowing costs, uncertainty around housing tax changes and the prospect of another interest rate rise have tempered buyer confidence. Listings have accumulated, selling times have lengthened and buyers have more scope to negotiate, making realistic pricing increasingly important for sellers.
Selling can come down to your personal circumstances. In some instances, there is simply no other option than to go to market. This includes changes in family dynamics, such as a growing family, children leaving home, a relationship change or a new job opportunity. If you need to sell in a hurry, you can find all the necessary steps for a quick result here.
Your financial position is another key consideration. A property sale can create greater financial flexibility and help support future lifestyle or investment goals. Selling may allow you to reduce mortgage commitments, free up equity, downsize or take advantage of capital growth achieved over time.
There are many different ways to sell property in Australia. One solution could be an off-market campaign. The property is promoted directly to a targeted database of qualified buyers, investors and local contacts. This approach can provide greater privacy for sellers, reduce marketing costs and help gauge buyer interest before committing to a full public sales campaign.
This sales strategy can work well in tightly held areas where agents have strong buyer connections, if the property is particularly unique or if you are selling due to a sensitive situation. You can find out more about the pros and cons of an off-market campaign here.
Is now the best time to sell in your state?
Latest data shows it can still be a good time to sell in many parts of Australia, particularly where values are at new highs and sales activity is improving. However, the market is not uniform.
In New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, buyers are still active but more selective, Mr Tiller said. In Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, the data points to stronger seller conditions, although local pricing still matters. Find out more about potential performing markets across Australia, here.
NSW
NSW remains a market where sales can still be achieved, but sellers need to meet the market.
Cotality’s Home Value Index shows Sydney dwelling values were 4.6% lower over the year to August 2026, with values down 1.4% over the month and 4.7% over the quarter. Sydney was also 7.1% below its February peak, confirming that recent momentum has weakened.
Regional NSW was more resilient, with values 5.3% higher over the year, although they fell 0.5% in August and 1.6% over the quarter. Sydney was also among the markets where estimated sales volumes were down more than 20% from a year ago.
The takeaway is that buyers have more choice and negotiating power. Sellers can still achieve a sale, but pricing needs to be based on recent comparable sales rather than last year’s stronger conditions.
VIC
Victoria is a more price sensitive market, particularly in Melbourne and in some unit markets.
Cotality data shows Melbourne dwelling values were 4.7% lower over the year to August 2026, with values down 1.1% over the month and 3.9% over the quarter.
Melbourne was 6.8% below its previous peak, confirming that conditions have softened.
Regional Victoria was more resilient, with values 4.6% higher over the year, although they fell 0.5% in August and 1.4% over the quarter. This reinforces the different conditions operating across metropolitan and regional markets.
For sellers, this means the market is not closed, but it is more competitive. Well priced properties can still sell, but vendors need to be careful not to price ahead of buyer expectations.
QLD
Queensland remains relatively resilient on an annual basis, but recent momentum has softened.
Cotality data shows Brisbane dwelling values were 10.8% higher over the year to August 2026, although values fell 1.0% over the month and 2.7% over the quarter. Brisbane was 2.7% below its May peak.
Regional Queensland values were 9.1% higher over the year, but fell 0.5% in August and 1.3% over the quarter. Brisbane was also among the markets where estimated sales volumes were down more than 20% from a year ago.
This suggests underlying demand remains, but buyers are becoming more selective. Sellers are still in a reasonable position, particularly where listing volumes remain tight, but they need to price in line with current local conditions.
SA
South Australia remains one of the more resilient markets, although conditions vary between Adelaide and regional areas.
Cotality shows Adelaide dwelling values were 8.6% higher over the year to August 2026, but values fell 0.8% over the month and 1.6% over the quarter. Adelaide was also 1.6% below its May peak.
Regional South Australia was stronger, with values 11.4% higher over the year, up 0.6% in August and 2.3% over the quarter. It was the only broad regional market to avoid a winter decline and remained at a new peak.
Sellers still have supportive annual growth, but conditions are becoming more selective. The key is pricing properly and recognising the difference between Adelaide and regional markets.
WA
Western Australia remains one of the strongest annual price growth markets, although momentum has softened.
Cotality data shows Perth dwelling values were 15.6% higher over the year to August 2026, although values fell 0.8% over the month and 3.2% over the quarter. Perth was 3.2% below its April peak.
Regional Western Australia was more resilient, with values 16.7% higher over the year and up 0.1% in August, although they fell 0.2% over the quarter. Perth was also among the markets where estimated sales volumes were down more than 20% from a year ago.
The takeaway is that WA remains strong on annual growth, but sellers should not assume every buyer will chase the market higher. Demand has weakened and buyer depth may vary by suburb and price point.
TAS
Tasmania is showing a more resilient annual result, particularly across regional markets.
Cotality data shows Hobart dwelling values were 8.1% higher over the year to August 2026, although values fell 0.2% over both the month and quarter. Hobart remained 1.1% below its March 2022 peak.
Regional Tasmania values were 12.7% higher over the year and rose 0.7% over the quarter, despite slipping 0.1% in August. This points to stronger conditions outside the capital, although results still vary by location.
Annual growth remains positive, but recent momentum is softer. Local conditions matter, especially in smaller markets where buyer depth can change quickly across locations.
NT
The Northern Territory is showing stronger momentum in Darwin, although the market should be treated carefully because volumes are smaller and can be more volatile.
Cotality data shows Darwin dwelling values were 14.6% higher over the year to August 2026, with values up 0.6% over the month and 0.9% over the quarter. Darwin was the only capital at a new peak.
PropTrack data shows regional Northern Territory prices were 2.9% higher over the year and up 0.2% in August, a much softer result than Darwin’s 14.1% annual increase in its index.
This suggests stronger seller conditions in Darwin, but a more varied result across the wider territory. Because the NT is a smaller market, sellers still need to rely on recent local comparable sales rather than broad averages alone.
ACT
The ACT remains a softer market. Cotality data shows Canberra dwelling values were 0.4% lower over the year to August 2026, with values down 1.1% over the month and 2.8% over the quarter. Values were also 5.2% below their previous peak.
PropTrack also recorded weaker conditions, with Canberra prices down 2.1% over the year and 0.4% in August.
This confirms the softer direction across both major indices. This means buyers have more choice and negotiating power, while price growth is weaker than in Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth.
Sellers can still achieve a sale, but pricing needs to be realistic and aligned with recent local results.
Find out more about potential performing markets across Australia, here.
Does timing depend on property type?
The best time to sell depends not only on market conditions but can also be influenced by when a specific buyer demographic may be out house-hunting. Understanding who is most likely to be attracted to your home can help you to reach the right audience.
Freestanding houses – Family buyers often prefer to move around school terms and holidays, making spring and early summer traditionally popular selling periods. However, national house prices fell 0.3% in August and annual growth has slowed to 1.5%, making realistic pricing increasingly important.
Apartments – Units are proving more resilient as affordability becomes more important, with national unit prices down only 0.1% in August and up 3.0% over the year. Properties suited to first home buyers still remain supported.
Investment properties – Investors typically focus on rental returns, vacancy rates and tax considerations. National rents rose 5.7% over the year, vacancy was 1.9% and yields reached 3.8%, although high interest rates continue to pressure holding costs.
Villas and smaller single-level homes – These properties are often sought by older buyers looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle. Demand may be less seasonal and more closely linked to local demographic trends, retirement planning and the availability of suitable replacement properties.
Does timing depend on your life stage?
Life events influence your real estate decision from the very first steps onto the property ladder to retirement. Sometimes personal circumstances can also shape the urgency, flexibility and type of property needed next, sometimes outweighing broader market conditions. It can be a balancing act between catering to your needs and what you can afford.
Upsizing, downsizing, retirement, relocation, divorce or selling an investment property can come with major financial and life upheavals. It can force us to make important, and sometimes difficult, decisions. When navigating these milestones, being prepared by talking to a professional real estate agent can help you to take the next step with confidence.
Wondering what kind of property you may need for different life stages? Read more here.
Should you sell before buying?
Should you sell first or wait until you’ve found ‘the one’ before listing your existing home for sale? This long-standing question has perplexed many vendors and often relies on market conditions, lending capabilities and personal goals.
Market conditions and lending capabilities often play a big role in the decision. Importantly, it can come down to what your finances allow and also how much stress you are willing to take on board. Let’s take a look:
Buying a house before selling – Pros
- Peace of mind – You have somewhere to move to if your existing home sells quickly.
- Utilising equity for a deposit - Capitalise on the investment you've made in your existing property, potentially offering more options and flexibility when securing financing for your new home.
- Strategic negotiations - Sellers may perceive your offer as more attractive, knowing that you are not contingent on the sale of another property.
- Luxury of time – You can spend time looking for the right house
Buying a house before selling – cons
- Bridging finance restraints – this often comes with a time limit that doesn’t give you enough time to sell your old home.
- Financial challenges - If your old home sells for a lower-than-desirable price, you may have to cover the difference in costs.
- Pressure to accept a lower offer - You might feel pressured by time and accept a lower offer, resulting in settling for a sale price that doesn't reflect the true value.
So, should you sell first or wait until you’ve found ‘the one’ before listing your existing home for sale? You can find more information here.
Contact your local LJ Hooker agent before you decide
A free property appraisal from your local LJ Hooker agent will help you to understand the value of your home in the current market. You will be presented with a detailed property report with summary of current market conditions and proposed price guide. This can present a clearer picture of whether it is the best time to sell your property.
Remember, a good agent will ensure that you make the most informed choices and discuss how you can take the right steps to your next property.
With almost 100 years in Australian real estate, LJ Hooker is there to navigate you to successful sale whatever the reason for listing. This can be done in person or virtually. To find out more click here.
You can also find out more information by downloading our eBook The Complete Guide to Selling Your Home.
DISCLAIMER - The information provided is for guidance and informational purposes only and does not replace independent business, legal and financial advice which we strongly recommend. Whilst the information is considered true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information provided. LJ Hooker will not accept responsibility or liability for any reliance on the blog information, including but not limited to, the accuracy, currency or completeness of any information or links.
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