How We Would Describe the 2025 Property Market
With patchy performance, shifting buyer behaviour and mixed signals across different suburbs, it’s fair to say 2025 wasn’t the easiest market to read. Buyers were cautious, selective and increasingly sensitive to detail, making it a year where strategy mattered more than ever.
We asked Mayfield Property Buyers Directors, John and Paul, to break down what truly defined 2025 and what buyers should take away from it.
A Market Moving in Two Speeds
At the heart of the year? Inconsistency. “There wasn’t much stock around,” John explained. “And different parts of the market were performing really differently.”
Some homes were attracting strong competition, while others sat still, even when, on the surface, they looked similar in quality. It was a fragmented market, and understanding the nuance became critical for anyone buying or selling.
Paul continues to state:
When Small Flaws Become Big Problems
Buyers were not overlooking imperfections this year. Paul saw the shift clearly.
“Some properties were going extremely well and others were struggling, even though at face value they both looked like good homes,” he said. “But if a property had even a little wart, something slightly wrong with it, buyers were exaggerating how much they wanted off for that particular issue.”
In a cautious market, minor flaws grew into major negotiation points. Quality, presentation and fundamentals mattered more than ever.
Pricing Matters
It wasn’t just property features that shaped outcomes. According to John, strategy played a huge role.
“If the price guide is not accurate and the home not presented in its best light it can cause pricing discrepancies,” he said.
“And if agents push too hard at the start, the property can sit on the market longer than it should. This wasn’t a year where you could just list and expect an instant sale.” Momentum mattered, and once it was lost, it was difficult to regain.
The Return of the Second Agent
One of the most interesting trends Paul noticed was the resurgence of the second agent.
“What we haven’t seen in a really long time is the second agent, the one who lists a property after a failed first campaign, being the one who sells it,” he said. “We definitely saw that in 2025.”
It highlighted just how much campaign setup, pricing and strategy influenced results this year. When the first attempt missed the mark, a new approach often turned things around.
What 2025 Taught Us:
One of the clearest lessons from the 2025 property market is that there is no universally “right” time to buy, only the right time for you. Successful buyers aren’t those trying to predict market peaks or dips, but those who are physically, financially, and emotionally prepared to act with confidence.
This year has shown us the importance of running your own race. Ignoring the noise, headlines, and external pressure allows buyers to make decisions based on their personal circumstances rather than market speculation. When preparation meets readiness, timing takes care of itself.
A Final Note from The Mayfield Team:
As we enter our final week of the year, we reflect on 2025 with immense gratitude. It has been a privilege to support our valued clients and to continue working alongside so many outstanding professionals across the industry.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Mayfield team. Thank you for your continued support throughout the year — we look forward to welcoming you home in 2026.
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