January in Australia’s property market is notorious for a seasonal slowdown. After the end-of-year rush, activity drops sharply. In fact, Australian property sales have historically fallen by about 11.5% over summer (with NSW seeing a 16.2% drop), compared to the spring selling season. Fewer sales and delayed settlements mean many real estate agents start the new year with a commission drought. Deals closed in November or December often don’t settle until late January or even February, because banks, solicitors, and agencies slow down or shut down during the holidays. The result is a cash flow gap just as the new year begins.
One of the most effective strategies to overcome this is securing access to income that’s already been earned. Agents who’ve locked in unconditional sales pre-Christmas may still be weeks or months away from settlement. But that doesn’t mean the money is out of reach. Smart agents are leveraging commission advance solutions to unlock a portion of those pending funds, ensuring they have the working capital to hit the ground running.
Whether it’s for early-year advertising, urgent vendor expenses, or simply peace of mind, having access to funds now can make all the difference. Momentum matters. A slow January can compound into a slow quarter. But with the right tools, agents can avoid the lull and step confidently into a new year.
Agency principals are also increasingly turning to these solutions to support their sales teams. By using a facility at the office level, they can distribute commissions faster, giving agents certainty and showing leadership is invested in their success. This can be a key factor in retention, morale, and setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
Services like Express Commission offer this type of early access, giving agents the freedom to deploy their earnings strategically without waiting for settlement. The result is a smoother start, stronger campaigns, and fewer sleepless nights.
References
- https://expresscommission.com.au/commission-advances-your-commission-your-timing/
- https://eliteagent.com/could-your-cashflow-use-a-boost/
- https://realestatebusiness.com.au/sales/29725-how-agencies-can-unlock-1-billion-in-inter-office-referral-revenue
- https://www.calibrerealestate.com.au/the-worst-time-to-sell-a-home-in-australia-key-insights-for-2024/