Let’s talk about selling in 2026

As the curtain starts to draw on the 2025 property market, there’s no escaping the truth, we’re almost at that point where it’s too late to launch this year. So, the smart conversation now shifts to 2026 and how to start it with intent.

Property never sleeps – but strategy wins

We’ve all heard the line: “January 1 is the biggest day of the year for property searches.” It’s true, there’s a spike of online traffic as people scroll through their New Year’s goals. But that’s mostly hopes and dreams, not tactical momentum. What really matters is understanding how the market actually moves, and in recent years, January has completely evolved. It’s no longer the sleepy month it used to be. We now see listings start to appear from January 10, as smart sellers look to get an early run before the big listing waves roll through after Australia Day.

Early January: The fast movers

Early January activity is often led by sellers in the sub-$3.5 million range, typically with homes that attract professionals, younger families, downsizers and couples with school-aged children. They’ve made their resolutions, missed opportunities in late 2025, and they’re back in the hunt, ready to make fast decisions.
That period can deliver quick, clean results for homes that are well-presented and confidently priced.

Family homes: The soft launch advantage

Properties appealing to families tend to follow a different rhythm. With school holidays and travel in the mix, the smarter move can be a soft January launch to test the market quietly, gauge early interest, and collect feedback before going live in February. This provides breathing space, insights, and a genuine head start.

Plan now, win later

Selling well in 2026 isn’t about luck. It’s about timing, preparation, and clarity. Right now is the moment to:

• Start conversations. We’ve got visibility on who’s active, who will miss out this year, and which properties have motivated buyers circling.
• Build your playbook. Every home has nuances, knowing your buyer type, your competition, and your timing gives you the upper hand.
• Use summer wisely. We can help organise trades, styling, and presentation tweaks so your home launches fresh and polished when the market reignites.

The economic pulse

There are still two RBA meetings to come this year on November 4 and December 9, and there’s reasonable talk of a potential rate cut at one of these meetings. Inflation’s still sticky, unemployment is edging higher, and productivity remains soft, a cocktail that will shape how buyers think as 2026 begins.

Smart agents stay across these shifts because they set the tone for sentiment. They know who’s moving, why they’re moving, and what triggers confidence.

The bottom line

Even if you’re planning to sell in late February or March, the best results start with early planning. The insights, preparation, and timing decisions made now can add real momentum when the new year hits. At CobdenHayson, we’re already helping hundreds of homeowners prepare their 2026 campaigns, from styling advice and off-market previews to full strategy sessions.

It may seem a touch early and we know diaries fill up fast at this time of year but being forearmed is forewarned and when it comes to selling your largest asset, setting aside some time to discuss strategy will give you market advantage. We’d love to help and please reach out to one of our accomplished agents today.