As we step into 2026, the Australian property market enters the year with strong momentum and a very different rhythm to what many expected just twelve months ago. For buyers and investors, the question is no longer whether the market is moving, but how fast and how to move with it. Understanding how the market changed in 2025 and what that means for the year ahead is essential to making confident property decisions.
At Moove Buyers Agents, we work with buyers every day, which gives us a clear view of how conditions are shifting in real time, not just in hindsight. This update breaks down what happened in 2025 and explains why having the right guidance in 2026 can make a meaningful difference.
What 2025 Revealed About Market Speed
At the beginning of 2025, most forecasts predicted a slow and measured recovery. Buyers were expected to re-enter the market gradually as confidence improved. Instead, conditions changed much earlier than anticipated.
By late winter and early spring, buyer activity increased sharply. Competition returned quickly, and many properties began selling within days or weeks rather than months. Buyers who were waiting for clearer signals, such as interest rate certainty or higher stock levels, found themselves competing in a much stronger market than expected.
This shift highlighted an important lesson that by the time change is obvious, the opportunity has often already passed. Buyers who were actively monitoring the market, or working with professionals who were far better positioned to act early and confidently.
Understanding How Properties Are Selling
One of the biggest misconceptions amongst buyers is that competition only exists at auctions. Whilst auctions remained strong throughout 2025, private sales became just as competitive.
Many properties sold:
- Before their first open home
- Off-market to qualified buyers
- Within very short campaign timeframes
For buyers, this means understanding how different sales methods work, how agents negotiate and when to act. Without experience in fast-moving conditions, it’s easy to hesitate, overpay or miss opportunities altogether. This is where a buyer’s agent provides real value, interpreting market signals, managing timing and guiding decision-making under pressure.
Why Supply Remains a Challenge
Despite rising prices, the number of available properties has remained low. Construction delays, higher building costs, and homeowners choosing to hold onto existing properties have all limited new supply.
This shortage has increased competition across most major markets in Australia. With fewer quality properties available, buyers are often competing for the same homes, making strategy and preparation more important than ever.
A buyer’s agent helps navigate this imbalance by identifying opportunities early, accessing off-market properties and advising on where competition is strongest and where it isn’t.
What Buyers and Investors Should Expect in 2026
Looking ahead, 2026 is unlikely to be a year of slowing markets. Instead, we expect continued competition for well-located, high-quality properties, with more selective growth across different regions.
For buyers and investors, this means:
- Preparation matters more than timing
- Decision-making needs to be structured, not emotional
- Access to information and opportunities creates an advantage
In this environment, buyers who rely solely on public listings or try to navigate negotiations alone are often at a disadvantage.
How a Buyer’s Agent Helps in a Fast-Moving Market
In a market like this, a buyer’s agent is not just a convenience; it’s a strategic advantage. Working with a buyer’s agent means having someone who:
- Monitors real-time market conditions
- Identifies suitable properties early, including off-market options
- Assesses fair value to avoid overpaying
- Negotiates on your behalf
- Guides you through each step with clarity and objectivity
This support allows buyers to move quickly without making rushed or emotional decisions.
Starting 2026 with Confidence
A New Year brings opportunity, but in today’s property market, opportunity favours those who are informed, prepared and well-supported.
At Moove Buyers Agents, our role is to help buyers and investors navigate fast-moving conditions with confidence, clarity and control from the first conversation through to settlement.
If buying property is part of your plan for 2026, working with a buyer’s agent could be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and moving forward with certainty.
Start the year with the right guidance and a strategy built for today’s market. Whether you’re ready to begin your property buying journey or simply want to have a conversation about your next move, the right advice can make all the difference. Start a conversation with our team today.
