With the Easter long weekend, school holidays, and ANZAC Day fast approaching, many vendors are questioning whether now is the right time to list their property, or if they should wait until after the break.

This year brings a rare “super vacation” event, with Easter (April 18–21) and Anzac Day (Friday, April 25) falling in the same week—a phenomenon that has occurred only five times this century (2000, 2003, 2011, 2014, and 2019). Adding to the break, school holidays across Australia bookend both occasions, making it an extended period of rest and commemoration.

While holiday periods typically see a dip in market activity as people travel and spend time with family, serious buyers remain engaged. In Adelaide, Raine & Horne Unley Principal – Jacky Yang, has successfully sold properties on Christmas Day for two consecutive years, demonstrating that demand persists in holiday seasons.

Listings tighten, buyer interest rises

Vendors are also set to benefit from a slowdown in the flow of freshly advertised ‘for sale’ listings. According to CoreLogic, new listings across Australia’s combined capitals were tracking -4.7% lower than a year ago over the four weeks to February 23, and total advertised stock is 7.9% below the five-year average[i].

As an additional plus for vendors, Raine & Horne data shows a surge in open-for-inspection numbers. Since the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 0.25% rate cut in February, inspection attendances have jumped by:

• 41% - Victoria
• 31% - NSW
• 21% - Northern Territory
• 17% - Tasmania
• 10% - South Australia
• 6% - Western Australia

Case study: Successful selling over a holiday period

Highlighting the potential benefits of selling during a holiday period, James Trimble from Raine & Horne Unley listed a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 2 Ochre Court, Sheidow Park[ii] 22 kilometres south of Adelaide, on Wednesday, 5 March—just before the Adelaide Cup Day long weekend.

An impressive 37 groups attended the first open home on Saturday, 8 March. Due to overwhelming demand, a second open home was held the following day. Initially set to be sold by “best offers” by 19 March 2025, the deadline was brought forward by a week due to high buyer interest. The property sold within 5 days of being listed.

“We had a price guide of $800,000, received 11 offers, and the property went under contract for $857,000,” James said. “The property sold to a South Australian retiree family returning to Adelaide.

James added that although it’s generally ideal to market a property when more buyers are looking, the current lack of stock in some parts of Adelaide is a plus for vendors considering holding open-for-inspections over the upcoming mega holiday week.

“Committed buyers either won’t take holidays when searching for a property or simply aren’t taking breaks due to cost of living pressures. They are therefore actively looking and will enjoy a break once they secure the right property,” James said.

“The result over the Adelaide Cup long weekend period demonstrates that selling during a holiday works—provided you have a strong, targeted marketing campaign.”

If selling is on your mind, our team is here to provide expert guidance. Get in touch today to discuss your options before the Super-Easter rush.

[i] https://www.corelogic.com.au/news-research/news/2025/housing-downturn-reverses-in-february

[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/unley/properties/2-ochre-court-sheidow-park-5158-south-australia