Elections and the Property Market: What Canberra Buyers Need to Know
Every election cycle, the same question comes up: Does it really impact the property market?
The short answer: not in the way most people think. While some buyers and sellers hit pause amid political noise, the data tells a more “nuanced” story.
Discover how federal elections impact property buyer behaviour in Canberra — and what actually drives market confidence long-term.
Domain’s recent report, Mythbusting: The Impact of a Federal Election on the Property Market, puts it plainly: elections don’t significantly disrupt the flow of property transactions. Sure, the uncertainty can cause a temporary dip in confidence — especially in Canberra, where government decisions directly affect jobs, budgets, and policy — but the fundamentals remain strong.
After a solid run in February, the auction market has cooled slightly. Clearance rates dropped to 45% last weekend, compared to 56% this time last year.
“Canberra generally hibernates during an election as job uncertainty becomes a factor, but it’s a short-term impact.” Jonny Warren shared.
Confidence was building through early 2025, and while election chatter has temporarily softened the pace, the broader economic picture still leans positive.
“Coming into winter – traditionally, a quieter period – we may see some oversupply, but the market should bounce back quickly,” Jonny added.
With interest rates edging down and the economy holding firm, we expect the market to recalibrate and not to retreat.
Domain’s analysis also busts another myth: that one political party over another can make or break the housing market. In reality, broader economic forces — inflation, wage growth, lending policies — carry far more weight.
Sellers might avoid auctioning on election day itself, but there’s no evidence that results suffer long-term.
So, is buyer behaviour influenced by elections? Slightly, and only in the short-term. But for serious buyers and sellers, the foundations matter more than the headlines.
An Election Year Doesn’t Mean Pressing Pause
The Canberra market is still holding strong, with interest rates easing and long-term demand in play.With easing interest rates and steady demand, the smart move is to stay engaged.
Give us a call! We’ll help you move forward, not second-guess.
📞 0438 867 822
📩 jonny@jonnywarren.com.au
💻 www.jonnywarren.com.au