As we move into the spring property market, the big question on everyone’s mind is whether we’ll finally see listing levels improve.

Buyer confidence is showing signs of life, with more people attending open homes and clearance rates nudging into healthier territory. Yet one critical piece of the puzzle is still missing: vendor confidence.

Scheduled Auctions
953
Reported Auctions
573
Total Sold
481
Total Passed In
92
Clearance Rate
84%

Scheduled Auctions
873
Reported Auctions
648
Total Sold
470
Total Passed In
131
Clearance Rate
73%

At present, too many properties are being listed at unrealistic prices. This often stems from agents over-promising in order to secure a listing. It might seem like a short-term win for the agent, but in reality, it’s a long-term problem for the vendor. When a property is priced above market expectations, it quickly becomes stale. Buyers dismiss it, momentum is lost, and the campaign begins to look like a failure.

But here’s the truth: in many cases, the campaign isn’t failing the advice is. Vendors place their trust in their agent, and when that trust is met with inflated promises instead of honest market guidance, the outcome is almost always the same: disappointment and delay.

Healthy vs. Overheated Markets
It’s important to remember that a healthy property market is one where overpriced property is still rejected. When buyers are discerning and only act on homes that represent fair value, it keeps the market balanced and sustainable. By contrast, in an overheated market, even poorly priced or poorly presented homes will sell simply because demand has run wild. That might sound like good news for sellers, but it often leads to instability and volatility down the track. The strength of a balanced spring market lies in buyers having choice and in vendors being rewarded when they position their property realistically.

For the spring market to truly perform, vendors need confidence not just in the market, but in the professional’s they engage to sell their home. The most successful campaigns will be built on realistic pricing strategies, transparency, and a clear understanding of buyer demand.

Spring is historically the busiest and most competitive time in real estate. If vendors can pair their renewed confidence with well-structured, honestly guided campaigns, then we could see this season deliver strong results for both buyers and sellers.