The Festive Season: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Sell in Brisbane’s Western Corridor

This morning, I had the chance to sit down with a senior analyst from realestate.com.au to dig into the latest buyer behavior trends. It’s always fascinating to match their data with what we’re seeing on the ground in the western corridor—and this year’s insights were no exception.

The headline? Buyers are taking longer to make decisions. What used to be a 23-week journey in 2022 has stretched to an average of 44 weeks in 2024. It’s a shift from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) to FOBO (Fear of a Better Option), as buyers weigh their choices more carefully than ever. But don’t let this extended timeline fool you—summer remains one of the best times to sell, and here’s why.

1. Summer Buyers Are Serious

The festive season attracts motivated buyers. These aren’t just dreamers—they’re people ready to make a move before the school year starts or work relocations kick in. It’s also when realestate.com.au reports a 10% annual growth in its summer audience. With so many eyes on the market, your property could be the one that ticks all the right boxes.

2. Less Competition = More Visibility

It’s a common misconception that the market slows down over Christmas. In reality, many sellers hold off, creating less competition for those who do list. This scarcity means your property stands out. For buyers who have spent months in FOBO mode, this reduced choice often prompts action.

3. The Shift from FOMO to FOBO

The move from FOMO to FOBO changes how we need to market properties. Buyers are more cautious, spending weeks (or even months) comparing homes. To make yours the clear winner, it’s all about the details:

• Highlighting standout features that resonate emotionally (a breezy balcony or sunny yard perfect for summer entertaining)
• Being transparent with pricing and value
• Using engaging tools like video walkthroughs that bring the property to life

The aim is to make buyers feel confident they’ve found the best option—yours.

4. Leveraging Brisbane’s Summer Appeal

If there’s one thing Brisbane does well, it’s summer. Properties in the western corridor—St Lucia’s leafy streets, Taringa’s easy access to parks, or Indooroopilly’s riverside charm—truly shine this time of year. Buyers are drawn to the lifestyle, and with the right staging, we can show them exactly how your home fits into their plans.

5. Timing is Everything

Even if your property doesn’t sell before Christmas, launching your campaign now ensures it’s primed for the post-holiday rush. Buyers return in January ready to act, and your property will already have gained traction. It’s a win-win.

Let’s Talk Strategy

Selling over summer is about understanding the buyer mindset and meeting them where they are. With data-backed insights and local expertise, I’ll work with you to position your property for maximum impact. Whether you’re curious about the market or ready to sell, I’d love to help.

What are your thoughts on the FOMO-to-FOBO shift? Have you noticed the change as a buyer or seller? Let’s keep the conversation going.