In 2025, Easter and Anzac Day fall in the same week, creating a rare mega holiday in April – and savvy buyers in Northern NSW are moving quickly to secure their dream homes before the extended break begins. 

Leading Northern NSW agency Raine & Horne Ballina/Alstonville, headed by dynamic duo Aiden Wilcox and Curtis Golding, have sold 11 properties valued between $287,000 and $1.45 million as a mix of buyers, including upgraders and downsizers rush to finalise their real estate plans ahead of the extended Easter break. This run of sales includes the 11 April 2025 sale of 60 hectares (148 acres) of pristine natural hardwood land at 7177 Pacific Highway, Tabbimoble[i], which changed hands for $440,000. 

Mr Wilcox said that while the impending super-sized Easter break is a driving force, other factors, such as a lack of stock in Alstonville, Ballina, and surrounding areas, are also driving some buyers to make offers. 

“The Easter break is definitely a factor, but other moving parts are at play – including a touch of FOMO. As soon as a few properties sell, others tend to follow. 

“We’re also seeing strong upsizing and downsizing activity, with many locals buying and selling within the same market.”

For example, the vendor of a stunning four-bedroom home at 1 Tectona Place, Wollongbar[ii]—sold for $1.1 million on 4 April—secured an immaculately presented four-bedroom property at 59 Burns Point Ferry Road, West Ballina[iii], for $950,000 on the same day. 

Also, the vendor of 16 Hartigan Street, Cumbalum—a four-bedroom residence on a generous 728 sqm block—sold for $1.17 million and downsized into 16 Vera Street, Ballina, which was sold off-market for $770,000. 

Meanwhile, the vendor of a meticulously maintained four-bedroom home at 54 Cooke Avenue, Alstonville[iv]—sold for $960,000 on 3 April—upgraded into a stylish four-bedroom property at 8 Kawana Street, Alstonville[v] for $1.1 million on the same day. 

Besides helping their clients avoid the need for bridging finance, Mr Wilcox said, “Curtis and I are working closely to coordinate all the moving parts and ensure that downsizers and upgraders can transition smoothly into their next home once a sale is finalised.”

Northern Rivers market is resilient amid pre-election jitters and sharemarket volatility,

According to Mr Wilcox the Northern Rivers real estate market has defied the usual pre-election slowdown, primarily driven by buyers rushing to secure properties ahead of the extended Easter break and a shortage of listings.

“However, once the holiday period passes, we are very aware that we may see a dip in activity in the final couple of weeks leading up to the election,” he added.

“Of course, the current geopolitical landscape impacting the share market people’s retirement savings could cause some buyers to pause. But overall, we are in a very balanced market with opportunities for buyers and vendors to achieve their goals.

“There is still plenty of buyer confidence, but achieving a sale depends on vendors’ pricing their properties correctly to meet demand. 

Mr Wilcox continued, “Our region, where median house prices are still very affordable compared to the capital cities, continues to attract a mix of people attracted by our region’s relaxed lifestyle.

“That said, the region offers diverse opportunities, such as Alstonville, which has a village feel. Wollongbar is more geared towards younger families building homes, while Lennox Head is a more upscale real estate market. It’s not a one-dimensional area.”

Mr Wilcox noted that the local region offers strong employment opportunities, with many residents commuting to the Tweed and Gold Coast for work and to nearby regional hubs such as Lismore and Ballina.

“There’s a healthy mix of jobs across hospitality and professional services, supporting the local economy.

“Working from home has also been a game-changer for our region, with engineers and other professionals now able to operate from well-equipped home offices,” he said.

For all your sales and property management services in the Alstonville and Ballina and surrounding area, contact Raine & Horne Ballina/Alstonville on 02 6602 9800 or drop into our offices at 178 River Street, Ballina and 88a Main Street, Alstonville.

[i] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/rural/properties/7177-pacific-highway-tabbimoble-2472-new-south-wales

[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/ballina-alstonville/properties/1-tectona-place-wollongbar-2477-new-south-wales

[iii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/ballina-alstonville/properties/59-burns-point-ferry-road-west-ballina-2478-new-south-wales

[iv] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/ballina-alstonville/properties/54-cooke-avenue-alstonville-2477-new-south-wales

[v] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/ballina-alstonville/properties/8-kawana-street-alstonville-2477-new-south-wales