The Christmas period may feel quiet from the outside, but buyer activity behind the scenes is some of the strongest of the year. While many sellers wait until late January, buyers turn to online platforms in large numbers, often setting the foundation for early new year inspections.
With work paused and routines slowing down, people naturally spend more time planning for the year ahead. They think about lifestyle changes, more space, new school zones or long term goals. Many use the holidays to shortlist homes and prepare for early January appointments.
Less Stock, Strong Demand and Active Inspections
At the same time, new listings fall by 10 to 30% in December as sellers hold off. Supply tightens. Demand stays steady. This creates the perfect environment for December listings to shine. Your home faces less competition and attracts a higher share of serious buyers.
On the ground, December inspections remain active across Adelaide. OC alone saw more than 1,900 people attend open homes during December 2024. This proves that motivated buyers continue inspecting right through the holidays.
Homes listed in December do not need to sell immediately. The goal is early visibility. Properties gain views, saves and enquiry well before the late January surge.
Digital advertising amplifies this advantage. Buyers spend more time on social media and property portals, exploring suburbs, watching videos and saving listings. Adelaide remains one of the strongest performing capitals, recording 0.9% price growth during November 2025, which reinforces the strength of buyer demand heading into summer.
At OC, our digital strategies are designed around this behaviour. We place your listing in front of qualified buyers precisely when they are planning their next move.
High engagement and low competition make Christmas one of the smartest times to launch your campaign. If you want to build strong momentum for January, the holiday period can give you a confident head start.
Disclaimer: Information in this blog is accurate at the time of publication. OC has relied upon information from external sources in compiling this publication and does not warrant its accuracy or completeness. Please verify details and consult your agent before making any decisions.
