Ray White Group Chief Economist, Nerida Conisbee, has revealed that nationwide winter property listings average 39,895 – nearly 2 per cent lower than non-winter months, with some regions experiencing much steeper declines.
“The transition into winter is particularly stark. When May gives way to June, Australia sees an average 7 per cent plunge in property listings,” Ms Conisbee said.
“It’s almost as if you can hear the collective sound of ‘For Sale’ signs being postponed in favour of passport stamps.”
The analysis, which draws from Ray White’s internal database tracking every property listing across Australia from 2022 through early 2025, shows some regional variations in winter listings.
Ms Conisbee said several regions are “winter hibernators” where property market activity slows dramatically during the colder months.
“Regional Tasmania leads the pack in winter market hibernation with 20 per cent fewer listings – as one of the coldest parts of Australia, Tasmanians know when it’s time to escape their island for warmer shores,” she said.
Other significant winter declines were observed in Hobart (19 per cent), Regional South Australia (11 per cent), Canberra (10.7 per cent) and Regional Victoria (10.3 per cent).
“The pattern is clear: the colder your region, the more likely your real estate market takes a winter vacation,” Ms Conisbee said.
However, not all regions experience a winter slowdown.
Some markets actually become more active during June and July.
“Darwin defies the national trend with a remarkable 17.4 per cent increase in winter listings. Perhaps the perfect dry season weather makes it the ideal time to show off properties in the Top End,” Ms Conisbee said.
Brisbane and Regional Queensland also buck the trend, both showing approximately 7 per cent more listings during winter months.
The research revealed an interesting urban-rural divide in seasonal listing patterns.
Regional areas collectively show a greater winter decline (-4.67 per cent) than capital cities (-1.75 per cent).
“This suggests rural property owners are either more sensitive to seasonal changes or perhaps have more freedom to travel during winter months,” Ms Conisbee said.
For prospective buyers, these seasonal patterns create strategic opportunities in the market.
“With fewer properties on the market and less competition at inspections, those willing to brave the cold often find themselves in a stronger negotiating position,” she said.
“The winter property market may be hibernating, but for the strategic buyer, it might just be the perfect hunting season.”
