Buyers have more choices as new data reveals a surge in property listings this January.

According to SQM Research, national property listings increased by 4.5% last month and are 10.3% higher than this time last year. There are now 243,642 properties for sale across Australia.

Brisbane recorded the largest rise in listings (9.8%), followed by Perth (7.9%) and Sydney (7.3%). Hobart and Adelaide both saw a 6.8% increase, while Canberra rose 3.3% and Melbourne 2.1%. Darwin was the only capital city to record a decline, with listings dropping 1.3% in January.

SQM Research Managing Director Louis Christopher says the figures indicate a strong start to 2025 in terms of available properties.

He believes if the Reserve Bank of Australia adjusts interest rates this week, it could further boost market confidence.

“If an interest rate cut happens, buyer demand is expected to increase, with housing prices likely to rise 6% to 10% this year,” he says.