A house for Christmas? The dos and don’ts of a December purchase

December may be dominated by summer fun, festive get-togethers and end-of-year reflections, but it could also be the perfect time to snap up a property.

With potentially less competition among buyers and more motivated sellers, you may just grab yourself a bargain.

But experts warn this period also presents unique challenges for buyers.

For starters, there's likely to be less stock to choose from.

REA Group senior economist Angus Moore said the total number of properties available on the market is typically 8% lower across capital cities in December compared to an average month.

REA Group senior economist Angus Moore says its unlikely many new properties will hit the market in December. Picture: Supplied

December is also the quietest time for new property listings.

"There's still plenty of stock around at the start of December. But vendors obviously want to avoid launching a four-week auction campaign that might coincide around Christmas or the New Year," he said.

"So, if you've been looking for a while, you're probably not going to find many new properties hitting the market in December. But if you're starting your search, you'll find plenty around."

Agent Asha Kerr at LJ Hooker Mona Vale on Sydney's Northern Beaches said this December is set to be even quieter than normal when it comes to new listings.

"Overall listing activity has been lower this year. We've also seen an increase in off-market sales recently, along with buyers who, struggling to find a property, are taking advantage of proactive house matching before the holiday break."

Despite a slight reduction in available properties, the market usually stays active during the first two or three weeks of December, Mr Moore said.

"Properties listed in November don't always sell that month; many are sold in December."

"Last year, auction volumes were solid up until the third weekend of December, followed by a significant drop in activity during the fourth week. If a property listed in November hasn't received the right offer, it might remain on the market over the Christmas break, aiming for a sale early in the new year.

"There's essentially no new stock in the two weeks following Christmas, with January remaining fairly quiet until activity picks up toward the end of the month," he added.

Try to score a deal

With vendors eager to finalise sales before Christmas – and avoid prepping open homes during the holiday period – there could be opportunities for buyers.

"December often instills a sense of urgency for both buyers and sellers, creating a unique opportunity to close deals," said The Agency general manager of sales for Victoria and Tasmania Sally O’Connell.

"Sellers may be motivated to secure a sale before the year ends, making them more open to price negotiations, while buyers are often eager to secure a home in time for the new year.

"This urgency can be particularly significant for families with school-age children who wish to settle into a home in their preferred school zones before the new academic year starts," she added.

"It’s a time when aligning goals and priorities can lead to rewarding outcomes for everyone involved."

Queensland-based Mortgage Choice broker Larissa Barton agrees December can be "a great time to buy a property".

"There are vendors who realise they may not settle before Christmas but are willing to take offers so the sale can become unconditional, then they can go into Christmas with that behind them. This presents genuine opportunities for buyers."

The market also tends to be less crowded, Ms Barton added.

"Many people are occupied with preparing for Christmas or caught up in end-of-term activities. So if you have the headspace to still be actively looking in December, you might face less competition."

Mortgage Choice broker Larissa Barton says there are pros when it comes to buying in December, not just cons. Picture: Supplied

But while some vendors may be motivated to sell before Christmas, there's "no meaningful difference" in prices, Mr Moore said.

In fact, the limited number of properties available might lead to fewer choices for buyers, potentially fueling competition.

For this reason, Ms O’Connell said December can actually be advantageous for sellers.

"The limited stock can create urgency among buyers who still need to secure a home, especially for those who have already sold their property and are eager to settle by the year's end."

Get your ducks in a row

To buy a home, you need a team – often a broker, lender, agent and solicitor. And to close a deal effectively, you want to ensure they're not on holiday.

While banks remain open during the holiday period, except on public holidays, Ms Barton advises buyers to secure finance pre-approval by early December –  just in case banks experience a late rush with fewer staff. 

This four-bedroom house in the NSW suburb of Avalon Beach - a realestate.com.au 2025 Hot 100 suburb -  went on the market last week. Picture: realestate.com.au

"A pre-approval is valid for three months, so having it under your belt means you can quickly jump on the right opportunity. Trying to secure your finance in late December can be really stressful and ruin everyone's Christmas."

Furthermore, solicitors tend to take a two to three-week break over Christmas and New Year, she added.

"We're always rushing to have contracts signed before solicitors go on leave. However, electronic settlement systems are making things easier, and you can negotiate flexible or extended settlements terms if necessary."

Ms Kerr assures that agents remain committed to assisting buyers, regardless of the time of year.

"We are always available to help with selling your home and guiding buyers through their purchase, even during the festive season."

For those still searching, staying in contact with agents is particularly crucial at this time of year, she added.

"Discuss with them any properties that might be temporarily off the market during the Christmas period, as well as new listings planned for January. By doing so, you'll stay informed about upcoming opportunities and can act quickly when the right property arises."

Pop the bubbles

Even if you're not in your new home by the end of December, having the sale in the bag is the best Christmas gift anyone could ask for, Ms Barton said.

"Knowing that you've got the house, the finance is set, and everything is confirmed is the best feeling.

"You probably don’t want to be moving in before Christmas anyway, as that adds an extra layer of stress," she said.

"So you can just go into Christmas, pop the bubbles, and know it's all done. And look forward to starting 2025 with your exciting new home."