ELECTION CALLED (FINALLY!) — WHAT NOW FOR REAL ESTATE?

Election and Property

After what felt like the world’s slowest countdown, the federal election is officially set for May 3rd. Phew!

Waiting for the announcement has been a bit like pulling teeth — slow, mildly painful, and entirely predictable. It took so long, many of us were starting to think we’d missed it — like bin night or a bargain bottle of olive oil.

Now that the date is locked in, you might be wondering: Should you press pause on your property plans?

Short answer: not really.

 

Do Elections Freeze the Market?

Not quite. Yes, there’s usually a small pause — buyers and sellers take a breath, watch the political theatre, and hold tight. But it’s a short-lived pause. The market doesn’t stop — it just sips its coffee a little slower. The property market doesn’t go into hibernation just because the campaign buses are on the move.

Historically, we see a brief dip, then a swift rebound once the election’s out of the way. Life doesn’t wait for politics — people still get new jobs, outgrow homes, downsize, or decide they’re finally ready to leave the city behind and buy some chickens.

 

Could a New Government Bring a Fresh Vibe?

From an entirely apolitical perspective (we’re real estate agents, not pundits), a change in leadership often brings a wave of optimism. If the opposition gets in, you may see renewed confidence—buyers feeling bolder, sellers feeling assured, and the whole market getting a bit of a pep in its step.

But confidence isn't reserved for the new kid—any decisive outcome tends to clear the fog. It’s uncertainty that slows people down, not the colour of the party ties.

If you’re selling now: you’re in a great position.

Stock is still tight, and buyers are out there —  and you have less competition from other listings.

 If you’re buying now: this pre-election period could be a sweet spot. Less competition means you might just secure the home that you love without the bidding war.

Also worth asking yourself: do you spend all your hard-earned dosh on Easter eggs… or invest in property? One melts by midday — the other might set you up for years.

After the election, confidence tends to return quickly. But that also means more buyers, more listings, and more competition.

 

Vendors: yes, prices could rise — but you may also be competing with many more homes for buyer attention. Confidence usually comes rushing back. More buyers reappear, and the market gets moving. That might mean stronger prices — but don’t forget, more listings also hit the market, and suddenly you're competing with the house down the road (which, annoyingly, also has a fresh coat of paint and Chrysanthemums in bloom).

 

Buyers: more choice, but likely more buyers back in the game and upward pressure on prices. Think packed open homes, faster sales, and the return of that “blink and you’ll miss it” feeling.

 

The Undecided: Don’t base your property plans on politics. Base them on timing, preparation, and your own goals (plus a good and loyal agent—hi, that’s me).

 

And just to make things even more interesting, we’ve got the Easter Bunny hopping into the decision-making mix. With Easter falling just before the election, plenty of buyers and sellers are weighing up whether to make a move now or wait for the post-chocolate rush. Either way, you’ll want a game plan that works harder than your Easter egg hunt.

 

Meanwhile… In the Real World

The cost of living continues to bite. When a punnet of raspberries is $7, and filling up the car feels like a luxury purchase, buying a home is starting to look oddly affordable by comparison.

And here’s one to watch: there’s strong expectation that the RBA will lower interest rates again in May, just after the election. If that happens, it could put a skip in the market’s saunter — and a lot more movement in buyer demand.

 

To My Current (and Soon-To-Be) Vendors

If you’re already on the market — you’ve timed it well. You’re ahead of the post-election outcome, and serious buyers are still active.

If you're thinking of listing soon — let’s talk. Whether we launch before or after May 3, the right strategy is what makes the real difference.

 

Thinking of Making a Move?

Whether you’re selling, buying, or just watching the headlines with interest — it’s a good time to get your ducks in a row. Waiting doesn’t always mean winning. If you are ready now, there’s a real opportunity to move ahead of the curve – and ahead of the crowd.

Just honest advice, 18 years’ experience, and a strategy that works.

Yours in property
Kate Galetto