Why Winter Might Be the Right Time for Your Next Property Move
/There’s a long-held belief in Victorian real estate that winter is a slow season. Cold weather, wet gardens, and long weekends spent indoors often give the impression that the property market goes quiet from June to August. But while the number of listings might dip, the smart operators—both buyers and sellers—know winter can offer some of the best opportunities of the year.
Auction Volume: Yes, There Are Fewer Listings—But That’s Not a Bad Thing
It’s true that winter usually sees fewer properties on the market. Historical data shows that winter auction volumes (June to August) are consistently lower than spring or autumn. For instance, in July 2013, only 1,920 auctions took place in Victoria, compared with over 5,000 in the peak of November.
But this drop in supply can work in favour of both sides of a transaction. For sellers, fewer competing properties mean their home stands out. For buyers, while they may have fewer options, they also face less competition and can act more decisively.
Clearance Rates Remain Strong
A common misconception is that fewer auctions mean weaker sales. In reality, clearance rates during winter often match—or even exceed—those in busier seasons. With serious buyers still active, and less stock diluting demand, winter auctions tend to see higher engagement.
One nationwide study showed winter delivering a 74% clearance rate—higher than spring’s average of 61–62%. In Victoria, it’s not uncommon for June or July clearance rates to rival or surpass those seen in October or November.
Why Sellers and Buyers Should Both Consider Winter
Less competition for sellers means more eyes on your listing and a greater chance of strong bidding at auction.
Serious buyers in the market often move quickly, especially when there’s less stock available.
Buyers face fewer rival bidders and less pressure from multiple competing offers.
Vendors often motivated to sell, especially those with timelines tied to upcoming spring purchases or end-of-financial-year goals.
Agents are focused—with fewer listings, the attention and marketing effort on each property tends to be stronger.
Seasonal Factors to Keep in Mind
Public holidays like the Queen’s Birthday in June and school holidays in July do slightly impact auction volumes, but the market never completely stops. Serious participants—on both sides—remain engaged throughout winter.
Weather can influence presentation, but savvy sellers take extra care with interior lighting and presentation to showcase the cosier, warmer aspects of their property.
Now Is as Good a Time as Any
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing or investing, winter is as practical a time to act as any. The reduced volume of listings may narrow your choices slightly—but what’s on the market is often priced to sell and backed by serious motivation. Likewise, for sellers, fewer listings mean less competition and more room for your property to shine.
The numbers don’t lie: clearance rates stay strong, buyer competition is real, and agents remain active. There’s no need to wait for spring to make your move—your opportunity might already be here.
David Dawn
Licensed Conveyancer
Victorian Property Settlements
PO Box 11220 Frankston VIC 3199
Email: david@quick32.com