Edition #10 - Best Time To Sell Your Home In Australia, Melbourne's 'Market Adjustment', Brisbane 2025 & The Great Australian Wealth Transfer

November: The Best Month for Selling Homes, Analysis Shows

An analysis of selling prices from 2014 to 2023 highlights November as the best month for sellers, with national prices averaging 0.78% higher than the yearly average. This seasonal trend aligns with strong spring market activity, offering sellers potentially higher returns, with October and December also showing above-average prices. For example, a home priced at the national average of $880,000 could fetch around $7,000 more in November.

The early months of the year, particularly February (+0.52%) and March (+0.60%), are also strong for sellers. Conversely, the lowest prices tend to appear in June and July, when buyer activity typically dips.

Seasonal trends vary by location: Sydney sees peak prices in March, Darwin in April, and Adelaide in July. Factors such as the type of sale campaign, home staging, and timing can influence outcomes, though the current 2024 spring market indicates that high competition hasn't dampened prices. However, a well-presented home and campaign can perform well at any time.

Melbourne’s Slower Property Growth: A Market Adjustment Rather than a Decline

Once one of Australia’s top property markets, Melbourne’s home values have recently lagged behind cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. For the first time in 14 years, Brisbane's median home value surpassed Melbourne's in March, with Brisbane’s median house value reaching $951,000 by June, ahead of Melbourne’s $912,000. While Brisbane recorded quarterly growth of 4.4% for houses and 7.4% for units, Melbourne saw much slower growth, with only 0.1% growth for houses and a slight decline in unit values (-0.1%).

Several factors contribute to Melbourne’s slower growth. The pandemic hit the city hard, leading to population loss, reduced demand, and a slower economic recovery, which affected home prices. This slower recovery was further compounded by higher interest rates and cost-of-living pressures, which have reduced borrowing power and tempered buyer expectations.

Despite lower growth, Melbourne’s property market remains active, albeit cautious. Most homes are selling at or below asking prices, unlike Brisbane and Perth, where homes are selling above asking price. Yet, this trend doesn’t imply a failing market; instead, it suggests Melbourne is experiencing a natural market correction following years of rapid price increases.

Brisbane’s 2025 – What The Experts Are Saying

Top Property Types:

1. Houses in Growth Suburbs Ideal for families and professionals seeking lifestyle suburbs near schools and transport. Target 3-4 bedroom homes with renovation potential for added value.
2. Townhouses in Inner/Middle-Ring Suburbs Popular for affordability and space, especially among young families and downsizers. Look for modern 3-bed townhouses with courtyards in low-density areas.
3. Boutique Apartments in Smaller Complexes Preferred over high-rise units; cater to renters wanting convenience without density. Focus on 2-bed units with balconies and secure parking in connected suburbs.

Top Suburbs:

• Houses: Paddington, Red Hill, Indooroopilly, and gentrifying areas like Kedron and Cannon Hill.
• Townhouses: South Brisbane, Greenslopes, and Carina.
• Boutique Apartments: New Farm, Teneriffe, West End, and Albion.

Key Trends:

1. Infrastructure Boom: Projects like Cross River Rail and the upcoming Olympics are spurring demand.
2. Interstate Migration: Brisbane’s affordability and lifestyle continue to draw residents from Sydney and Melbourne.
3. Urban Renewal: Gentrifying suburbs are attracting affluent buyers and renters, boosting demand.

Investor Tips: Target value-add properties, monitor infrastructure updates, and focus on lifestyle-oriented areas for the best returns.

Largest Generational Wealth Transfer In History About To Occur

As baby boomers age, an unprecedented $4.9 trillion wealth transfer will reshape Australia’s economy and social landscape by 2034. This shift will widen the wealth divide, as some families pass on assets while others fall behind, especially in the property market where parental assistance increasingly enables homeownership. This dynamic is already intensifying affordability issues and creating a two-tiered housing market.

Women will inherit 65% of this wealth due to longer life expectancy and familial roles, potentially shifting investment toward stable assets. The idea of inheritance taxes is also gaining attention, as governments eye new revenue sources for public needs. However, these taxes must balance revenue generation with potential impacts on wealth creation.

Family dynamics will further complicate the wealth transfer, with proper estate planning essential to prevent costly disputes. Ultimately, managing this handover carefully will be crucial to avoid deepening existing inequalities and ensure broad societal benefit.

Sam Giardina - Finance Broker - Clio Financial

PH: 0422 269 868

E: [email protected]

W: www.cliofinancial.com.au

Follow our journey - | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website |

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The content is based on current market data and research but may not be applicable to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions or taking action, you should consult with a qualified financial advisor.