A surge in property listings and sales over the November to February period make it the peak time of the year for moving home.
As the nation enters this prime time, some experts are warning families to plan ahead for summer relocations.
According to data from SQM Research, total national property listings rose by 7.6 per cent over the month of November 2024 to 272,645 listed residential properties.
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November to February is the peak season for moving homes according to Muval data. Picture: iStock
SQM Research also revealed the total nationwide residential property listings increased by 4.5 per cent over the month of January 2025 and national residential listings surged 10.9 per cent month-on-month in October this year, reaching 252,557, but remain 0.3 per cent lower year-on-year.
Muval data also supports this trend spotlighting a November spike in jobs booked.
James Morrell co-founder and ceo of Muval said November to February is peak moving season across Australia.
“The warmer weather makes it easier to move without worrying about rain or shorter daylight hours and many families prefer to relocate over the school holidays so children can start fresh in the new year,” he said.
“It’s also a popular time for renters as many leases end around December and January, which creates a surge in demand for removalists.”
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Booking volumes over the course of 12 months in the average year; 100 represents the largest value. Source: Muval
Mr Morrell said on top of these factors, many use the end of the year as a natural reset point.
“Whether it’s upsizing, downsizing or moving interstate for new job opportunities, summer becomes the ideal window before life gets busy again,” he said.
According to Mr Morrell, flexibility and preparation can make a big difference when everyone else is on the move.
“If you’re planning to move during this period, it’s smart to plan and book your removalist at least four to six weeks in advance, lock in utilities early, and avoid peak weekends if possible.”
Planning around the festive rush is one tip for moving around Christmas and New Year. Picture: iStock
Mr Morrell said moving over Christmas and New Year comes with its own set of challenges.
“Many businesses shut down or operate on reduced hours, so organising everything from packing supplies to utility connections can take longer than expected,” he said.
“Traffic can also be heavier, which can impact timing and create more stress on moving day.
“The key is to plan around the festive rush; confirm access times with your building or strata managers early, keep an eye on public holidays, and make sure your movers have clear parking or lift access to avoid delays.
“A bit of forward planning can save a lot of stress during what’s already a busy time of year.”
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