Raine & Horne is predicting that this year's rare juncture of Easter and ANZAC Day within the same week will create a prime opportunity for vendors to secure buyers for their properties.

Mr Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne said, “Easter can be a quieter period on the property calendar but this year we have experienced a very busy March, and we expect the market to keep powering through autumn, with buyer demand buoyed by lower interest rates.

“We are seeing a sense of urgency among home buyers, who want to purchase before values rise further. As a result, we expect the market to forge ahead through this year’s Easter/ANZAC Day ‘mega’ holiday

This year’s holiday period presents a rare scenario with Easter (18–21 April) and ANZAC Day (25 April) occurring within the same week. This has happened only 17 times in the last century and just five times this millennium (2000, 2003, 2011, 2014, and 2019)[i].

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 – Mr 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[ii].

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, Mr James Trimble from Raine & Horne Unley listed a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 2 Ochre Court, Sheidow Park[iii] 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,” Mr Trimble said. “The property sold to a South Australian retiree family returning to Adelaide.

Mr Trimble 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,” Mr Trimble 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 you’re considering selling, now is the time to act. Contact your local Raine & Horne agent today to discuss your options before the Super-Easter rush.

[i] https://www.census.gov/data/software/x13as/genhol/easter-dates.html#par_textimage_924432483

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

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