Rodney Samuels Consulting: The State of the Market

With school holidays, Easter and a Federal Election on the cards, is April the month of great distraction.

As always I have included a break down of the clearance rate in Melbourne from over the weekend.

Scheduled Auctions
1300
Reported Auctions
570
Total Sold
467
Total Passed In
103
Clearance Rate
82%

Scheduled Auctions
1195
Reported Auctions
899
Total Sold
602
Total Passed In
197
Clearance Rate
67%

As we move into April, Melbourne’s property market is bracing for what could be a very subdued few weeks. While a seasonal slowdown is nothing new, this year we’re seeing a rare convergence of factors that could make things even quieter than usual.

First up: school holidays. It’s no secret that activity tends to ease off when families go into holiday mode. Many Melburnians take this time to head away, especially with the cooler weather still holding off, and as a result, new listings slow and buyer activity dips.

Then there’s Easter, bringing with it a string of public holidays and long weekends. Open homes and auctions often take a back seat during this time, with both buyers and sellers distracted by family commitments, travel plans, or simply making the most of the break.

And as if that wasn’t enough, this year we also have a federal election looming. Elections have a way of pressing pause on the market. In Melbourne, we often see both buyers and sellers adopt a more cautious approach in the lead-up to polling day. Concerns around potential policy changes—especially those related to housing or interest rates—can make people hesitant to make big decisions.

So, is April shaping up to be Melbourne’s quietest month of the year? Possibly. With these three major events colliding, we’re looking at the perfect storm for a temporary lull.
But it’s not all bad news. For serious buyers, a quieter market can mean less competition and more room to negotiate. For sellers, fewer listings can actually help standout homes attract more focused attention. It’s a time for smart moves and strategic timing.

Whether you’re in the market now or planning your next step, being aware of these seasonal and political shifts can give you an edge.

Curious how your suburb is tracking this April? Let’s chat. I’m always happy to provide local insights or help you plan your next move.

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