Selling a property in autumn presents unique opportunities, with pleasant weather and motivated buyers still active in the market. To maximise your chances of success, here are five key tips to help you attract the right buyers and achieve the best possible outcome.
1. Why a Shorter Campaign Works Best in Autumn
RT Edgar Bayside director Michael Martin recommends shorter campaigns with more frequent inspection opportunities to maximise buyer engagement.
He points out that while autumn is cooler than summer, daylight hours remain long, making it an ideal season for property viewings, especially in the mild evening temperatures.
“When I list a property online, I schedule two midweek inspections—one twilight viewing in the evening and another during the day,” he explains.
“I hold open homes between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm, when the sun is low but the light is still bright, and the weather remains pleasant.”
In addition to midweek inspections, Martin also offers viewings on both Saturday and Sunday, ensuring buyers have multiple chances to visit.
“By keeping campaigns concise but increasing viewing opportunities, I’ve found a more effective approach to attracting serious buyers.”
2. Reconnect with Missed Summer Buyers
Chauntel Considine, Director at Jellis Craig Moonee Valley and Kensington, notes that the lower stock levels during summer have left many agents with a pool of eager buyers.
She recommends staying engaged with these buyers and guiding them toward new listings.
“We have a solid database of motivated buyers from the summer period, and we’re leveraging this to generate urgency and drive competitive interest,” she explains.
3. Mastering the Art of Negotiation
Bridging the gap between vendor and buyer expectations is one of the most challenging aspects of the sales process.
“A big part of my role is getting buyers to meet vendors as closely as possible,” she explains. “However, in today’s market, we may need to be more flexible with the terms of the sale.”
Cleary emphasises that making a deal more appealing doesn’t always mean lowering the price.
“For instance, offering a longer settlement period can give buyers extra time to secure funds. I’m currently selling a development property where the buyers want early access for planning and surveys to potentially lodge a Development Application (DA).
“Providing this access could save them both time and money, making your property more attractive compared to others on the market.”
4. Strategies to Attract the Ideal Buyers
Agents agree that an effective marketing strategy combines digital, social media, and print advertising, tailored to the property and its target audience.
Martin highlights the advantages of Domain’s Platinum Edge, particularly its Listing Bump, which boosts a property’s visibility in search results.
“You need to use it strategically to maintain a top position in search rankings and reach new buyers entering the market,” he explains.
He recommends implementing Listing Bump and sending a second eBrochure in the third week of the campaign for maximum impact.
“We see new buyers entering the market every two to three weeks,” he notes. “It’s crucial to ensure your property remains visible when they save their search criteria and set up preferences on Domain.”
On the Gold Coast, Kollosche agent Debora Sutton values Platinum Edge’s Early Access feature, which allows agents to connect with serious buyers through pre-listing alerts.
“Domain helps you target the right buyers—not just in the immediate suburb, but also those searching for similar properties in surrounding areas,” she says.
By leveraging the advantages of the autumn market—mild weather, serious buyers, and strategic marketing—you can achieve a smooth and successful property sale. With the right approach, you’ll attract the right buyers and secure the best possible outcome.
5. The Modern Approach to Securing Listings
In the past, the agents who made the most calls were the ones who secured the most listings. However, Martin says that’s no longer enough in today’s market.
He explains that agents now need to embrace social media as a tool to provide added value to both vendors and buyers.
“Offer tips and tricks for getting their house ready for sale, keep people up-to-date with what’s happening from a financial perspective and look at how it impacts the market.”
By sharing useful insights and market updates, agents can build trust, engage their audience, and position themselves as industry experts.