Searches for “how to sell my house fast” have skyrocketed by 200% over the past month as property sellers ramp up for spring – the prime season for Australia’s real estate market – when gardens burst into bloom. On average, it takes just 30 days from taking photos to sealing the sale – much faster than neighbours in New Zealand who typically wait 47 days.
But where do homes sell the fastest in Australia?
Intrigued, the mortgage experts at MortgageBroker.com.au analysed sales data to reveal the suburbs where homes fly off the market. In a competitive landscape where buyers are eager to secure their dream homes before Christmas, they also shared five key tips for selling your property fast in time for the holidays.
Key points:
- Perth suburbs are the fastest-selling with some homes taking only 8 days to sell.
- Two Sydney suburbs among top five hottest areas where homes sell in just 13 days on average.
- 66% of buyers skip listings if the initial image is subpar.
- 44% are willing to pay more for a home they emotionally connect with.
These are the fastest-selling suburbs in Australia – where does yours rank?
Rank | Suburb | City | Median house price | Average days on market |
1 | Leda | Perth | $570,000 | 8 |
2 | Brookdale | Perth | $500,000 | 10 |
3= | Hillman | Perth | $565,000 | 12 |
3= | Darling Downs | Perth | $1,200,000 | 12 |
5= | Normanhurst | Sydney | $1,945,000 | 13 |
5= | Dean Park | Sydney | $925,000 | 13 |
7 | Ridgewood | Perth | $610,000 | 14 |
8= | Hocking | Perth | $762,500 | 15 |
8= | Seville Grove | Perth | $596,000 | 15 |
10= | Kwinana Town Centre | Perth | $530,000 | 16 |
10= | Pearsall | Perth | $717,000 | 16 |
12= | Hilbert | Perth | $600,000 | 17 |
12= | Birrong | Sydney | $1,312,500 | 17 |
14= | Brendale | Brisbane | $520,000 | 18 |
14= | Wetherill Park | Sydney | $1,275,000 | 18 |
The quickest-selling houses in Australia are in Perth’s suburb of Leda, where the average time on the market is only 8 days. The suburb is attractive to families, first-time buyers, commuters, and investors thanks to its proximity to major hubs and a wealth of amenities – all at a lower price than neighbouring suburbs. With a median house price of $570,000, Leda is a hotspot for buyers, with 52 properties sold over the past year. In the last month alone, 9 houses were listed, attracting 241 interested buyers, resulting in a competitive 27:1 buyers-to-house ratio.
Hot on Leda’s heels is Brookdale, which ranks a close second with an average of 10 days on the market – only two days longer than Leda. Known for its affordability, Brookdale offers some of the best value in the Perth metropolitan area, with a median house price of $500,000 and an impressive rental yield of 6%.
In joint third place are Hillman and Darling Downs, both located in Perth, with an average of 12 days on the market. Hillman homes sell for a median house price of $565,000, while Darling Downs commands a much higher $1,200,000 – more than double Hillman’s prices. With 8 houses on the market and 197 buyers interested in the area, Hillman has around 24 buyers for each house on sale.
Rounding out the top five are Normanhurst and Dean Park, suburbs of Sydney, both averaging 13 days on the market. With 52 homes sold in the last 12 months, Normanhurst sees a median house price of $1,945,000 – more than double the price of Dean Park ($925,000).
Crowned most family-friendly suburb, homes in Seville Grove, Perth stay on the market for an average of 15 days, ranking eighth on the list. Brendale, with an average of 18 days on the market, is the only Brisbane suburb to crack the top 15. Offering a strong rental yield of 4.6%, there were a notable 545 interested buyers vying for just 6 available homes in the last month alone.
Five ways to sell your home before Christmas, according to experts
- Deck the halls (and gardens)
Spring and summer provide the perfect backdrop for showcasing your property’s charm, with blooming flowers and plenty of natural light. Since 76% of buyers believe that first impressions are everything, sellers should enhance both interior and exterior décor. A thoughtfully decorated home attracts buyers from the very first glance but it’s also crucial not to go overboard. Brighten your garden with lush plants and consider adding festive touches like a wreath on the door or twinkling lights for evening viewings. Make your entryway inviting by adding a fresh doormat and ensuring the door is clean or freshly painted. A strong exterior impression will solidify interest in a well-presented interior.
- Leverage the emotional appeal
44% of Australian buyers are willing to pay more for a property simply because they “really liked it”. Potential buyers evaluate not only a home’s physical attributes, but also its emotional resonance – which can intensify during the holiday season. To foster this connection, stage your home as a welcoming summer retreat with subtle festive accents like a mini Christmas tree or decorative ornaments to evoke a cosy vibe. Use fresh scents such as citrus or eucalyptus and set a beautifully arranged dining table to help buyers envision future gatherings. Declutter and rearrange furniture for a spacious feel, and opt for light curtains to let in natural light.
- Research the market and price your home right
Setting the right price for your home is crucial, especially during the holiday season when buyers are motivated to close deals before the new year. By pricing your home strategically, you can leverage this urgency to maximise both visibility and interest, making it more appealing to buyers looking for their next home. Thoroughly research the local market by comparing similar properties that have recently sold or are currently listed. Pay attention to features like square footage, location, and amenities, as these factors can significantly influence pricing. A comprehensive research will help you establish a competitive price that entices buyers while ensuring you receive a fair return.
- Do your marketing and maximise your home’s appeal
Marketing your property correctly is key to securing a sale, especially with 41% of buyers now begin their search online. High-quality property images are crucial for making a strong first impression – outranking the number of bedrooms and floor plans – with 66% of buyers skipping listings if the first photo is unappealing. Poor-quality photos can even cost sellers, leading 62% of buyers to lower their offers. To reach the right audience, invest in targeted online adverts where you can specify demographics and interests. To stand out, create a high-quality virtual tour allowing buyers to explore your home from the comfort of their own space – especially appealing during the busy holiday season.
- Time it right for the festive rush
To maximise your chances of selling, list your home early in the spring selling season to catch buyers eager to settle in before the holidays. Emphasise the joys of summer living – think barbecues, pool parties, and family gatherings in your outdoor spaces – to create an enticing image for buyers dreaming of celebrating Christmas in their new home. Also, share insights about the local community and amenities like nearby parks and shopping centres, and spotlight summer events such as markets or festivals, to showcase the vibrant community spirit and desirable lifestyle that comes with the home.