As we move into the tail end of 2025, the real estate landscape across Australia is shifting again — and this time, the signals are mixed.
Interest rates are holding steady, consumer sentiment is cautious, and listings volumes are diverging state to state. While clearance rates remain resilient in key capital cities, the pressure on buyers, agents, and principals is undeniable.
So what’s coming next — and what should agents be doing now to stay ahead?
🔍 Key Market Trends to Watch
📉 Interest Rate Relief… or Not?
There’s growing speculation that we may see a rate cut before year-end. In August, the RBA cut the cash rate — offering a moment of relief for borrowers and a potential spark for buyer sentiment. While some economists are speculating about further easing later this year, market confidence is still cautious; some banks are forecasting a softening in policy settings to support spending and home loan activity, and many have already passed on the cuts in full. Further rate cuts would boost buyer sentiment — but if it doesn’t happen, affordability pressures could continue to stall momentum.
🏘️ Stock Levels Are Splitting the Market
Inner city markets like Sydney and Melbourne are seeing a surge in listings, particularly in apartments and high-density housing. Meanwhile, key regional areas and outer metro suburbs are tightening, with many owners choosing to sit out the market and hold.
This disparity means agents need hyper-local knowledge — and marketing strategies that adapt fast.
🧭 Investors Are Sniffing Again
Rental yields are holding strong, and vacancy rates remain near record lows in many markets. As rate pressures ease, we’re seeing signs of renewed interest from investors — particularly in affordable metro fringe and regional areas.
Smart agents are already reactivating their investor buyer databases and tailoring outreach accordingly.
🏗️ New Builds Face Headwinds
High construction costs and slow DA approvals continue to stall new housing supply. For developers and off-the-plan specialists, this means longer lead times and tighter margins — but also opportunity in land sales and strategic stock releases.
⚠️ Risk Signals Agents Can’t Ignore
Extended settlement timeframes are becoming more common — creating delays in payments, onboarding, and campaign completion.
Consumer uncertainty is impacting urgency — with buyers increasingly hesitant and vendors needing more education upfront.
Increased discounting and pricing misalignment between buyer and seller expectations can cause extended days on market if not well managed.
Agents who stay proactive, control the narrative, and use clear vendor education tools will have the edge.
💡 What Top Agents Are Doing Right Now
✅ Refining their pipeline — categorising leads and staying close to buyers who are financially ready
✅ Doubling down on vendor nurturing — with pre-listing education, market snapshots, and active listing feedback
✅ Auditing their marketing mix — and shifting spend to channels with fast ROI (paid social, targeted EDMs, property videos)
✅ Leveraging cash flow tools — like commission advances, to stay flexible and fund consistent outreach (especially when settlements slow)
Opportunity Belongs to the Informed
Whether the second half of 2025 brings boom, balance, or further volatility, one thing is clear — agents who stay agile and well-resourced will lead.
Know your numbers, lean into local trends, and make sure your business has the financial tools in place to say yes when opportunity knocks.