Why Buyers Are Rushing In Before Christmas

Setting up the Christmas Tree

As the year winds down, the property market is heating up. Across Perth and many parts of Australia, there’s been a noticeable surge in buyer activity in the lead-up to Christmas and it’s not just seasonal.

A combination of government incentives, steady interest rates, and limited housing supply has buyers moving fast, and many are trying to secure deals before the end of the year.

So what’s really driving this December rush? And should you be acting now, or holding back?

The First-Home Buyer Scheme Is Driving Urgency

The expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme kicked in on October 1st, and we’re already seeing the results. First-home buyer enquiries and pre-approvals are up across the board.

With just a 5% deposit required and no LMI (Lenders Mortgage Insurance), eligible buyers are entering the market with confidence and speed. The scheme has opened the door for thousands of Australians who were previously stuck saving for longer or trying to break into rising markets.

Now that more buyers are active, competition for entry-level homes is rising fast. Those who act before the year ends may avoid the extra demand expected to build through early 2026.

Interest Rates Are Stable, but For How Long?

The Reserve Bank has kept the cash rate at 3.60%, and while that has given buyers some breathing room, inflation remains higher than expected.

Recent data shows the underlying inflation rate is sitting at 3.5%, well above the RBA’s 2–3% target. This means rate cuts are unlikely in the short term, and may not come until late 2026.

For buyers, this means borrowing conditions are unlikely to improve soon. Acting now locks in your borrowing power before any policy or lending changes occur and before prices potentially climb further.

Stock Is Low, But Listings Are Moving Quickly

Spring usually brings a lift in listings, and this year has followed that trend but only slightly. Perth’s available stock remains well below the five-year average, and the homes that do hit the market are selling fast.

Buyers are more decisive right now. With reduced days on market, well-presented homes are seeing multiple offers quickly. Sellers know this too, which is why many are trying to settle before the holiday slowdown.

If you’re planning to buy in early 2026, it may be worth reconsidering your timeline — the best buying conditions might already be here.

The Holiday Deadline Push

Many buyers, sellers, and agents are motivated to settle before Christmas. This self-imposed deadline creates urgency, accelerates negotiations, and opens the door for faster deals, if you’re ready.

Lenders and conveyancers also begin to slow down in late December, so getting finance approval and contracts signed sooner ensures a smoother transaction before the industry shuts down for the holidays.

So, Should You Be Rushing In Too?

Not necessarily — but you should be ready. If you’ve been thinking about buying, now is the time to finalise your strategy, review your borrowing power, and speak to an expert.

While you don’t need to panic, waiting too long may mean facing more competition in the new year, less choice, or tighter lending policies.

The buyers who are winning right now are the ones who are prepared.