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How To Sell Your House Fast [2025 Guide]

Selling your house fast can feel stressful, especially if it is your first time and you are worried about your home sitting on the market for too long. Most buyers focus on new listings, and if your property does not attract attention in the first two weeks, many buyers start to assume it is overpriced or has hidden problems. This means your best chance of securing a strong price and a quick sale happens early. When you set the right guide, prepare the home properly and choose an agent who understands your suburb, you can often sell within days, not weeks.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to sell your house fast in 2025. You will learn how to price your property correctly based on current days-on-market data. You will understand the best time of year to list if speed is your priority. You will see how each season affects buyer behaviour and how simple improvements can dramatically increase your chances of a fast sale. You will also get practical tips on decluttering, staging and preparing your home, plus real case studies and data from across Australia. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to create demand quickly and avoid the mistakes that slow sales down.

Key Takeaways

  • Homes sell fastest when priced correctly from day one. Listings that launch within 2–3% of fair market value attract the most views, inspections and offers during the first two weeks, which is the critical window for a fast sale.
  • Presentation has a direct impact on how quickly buyers make decisions. Decluttering, deep cleaning and small improvements help buyers feel confident, which increases early enquiries and reduces days on market.
  • The fastest-selling months vary, but February, March, October and November consistently perform best. These months deliver higher buyer activity and shorter selling times, although each capital city has its own peak period.
  • Using recent micro-comparables leads to quicker pricing decisions and faster offers. Sales from the last six weeks in your immediate suburb give the most accurate pricing guide and help buyers act sooner.
  • The right real estate agent significantly speeds up your sale. Agents with strong local experience, low average days on market and a proven pricing strategy regularly secure faster, stronger offers than average performers.

Next Step: Compare local real estate agents so you can choose someone with a proven track record of fast, high-quality sales in your suburb.

Price Your Property for a Quick Sale

Setting the right price is one of the most important steps when your goal is to sell your house fast. Many first-time sellers believe they should list high to “leave room to negotiate”, but this often slows the entire campaign. Buyers today have instant access to comparable sales, suburb data and days-on-market trends, so they immediately recognise when a home is overpriced. When that happens, they wait, scroll past your listing or assume something is wrong. A well-priced home, on the other hand, creates early urgency, boosts online clicks and attracts serious buyers from the first weekend. This early interest is what often leads to faster offers and stronger competition.

Understanding your city’s current days-on-market (DOM) is the first step toward choosing the right price. DOM shows how long it takes, on average, for homes to move from listing to contract, and it varies widely across Australia. In fast-moving markets like Perth and Brisbane, overpriced listings are punished quickly because buyers move fast and compare new listings constantly. In slower markets like Canberra and Darwin, buyers take more time, so a sharper starting guide helps pull your sale forward and reduces the need for price drops later. By looking at both national and city-level DOM figures, you can set a guide that aligns with what buyers are paying and how quickly they are acting right now.

Below is a useful snapshot of mid-2025 market conditions, including median values and days-on-market across major capital cities:

Capital City (State)Median Dwelling ValueMedian Days on MarketWhat it Means for a Fast Sale
Sydney (NSW)$1,210,00031 daysCompetitive but cautious market. Staying within 2–3% of fair value helps generate early inspections.
Melbourne (VIC)$796,00034 daysTransparent pricing is essential due to underquoting laws. Small ranges help you stay accurate and credible.
Brisbane (QLD)$926,00015 daysHot market. Properties go under contract within a fortnight, so buyers scan new listings hourly. A realistic band sparks a bidding war; over-pricing shows up immediately in reduced clicks.
Perth (WA)$820,00013 daysFastest market in the country. If you haven’t had strong enquiry in the first five days, you know the guide is wrong, drop quickly or switch to auction.
Adelaide (SA)$837,00031 daysBuyers move quickly when homes feel “turnkey”. Presentation matters as much as price.
Hobart (TAS)$677,00040 daysMore cautious buyers. List a touch below the last three comparable sales to create urgency or be prepared for a six-week wait.
Canberra (ACT)$855,00057 daysLonger negotiations are normal. Build an early review clause into your agency agreement.
Darwin (NT)$537,00054 daysSmaller buyer pool means sharper upfront pricing and flexibility helps reduce DOM.

*Median “days on market” measures the middle point between list date and contract date for sold dwellings. Data source: NAB, Cotality

What this means for pricing

The right asking price is not a single magic number plucked from thin air, it’s a moving target shaped by how quickly homes are selling in your city or suburb right now, plus what buyers can see when they sort listings on Australia’s big portals. 

1. Fast lanes vs. slow lanes

  • Perth & Brisbane (DOM ≤ 15 days): The market punishes greed instantly. Aim for the upper edge of recent comparables, but show buyers a range (e.g. “$850,000–$880,000”) so they can see a path to ‘yes’. If nothing happens in a week, cut quickly or pivot to auction.
  • Hobart, Canberra, Darwin (DOM ≥ 40 days): Here, time is already priced in. A sharper initial guide like 1–2 % below the most comparable sale can pull your sale forward by weeks, often netting the same (or better) final figure.

2. Use “micro-comparables”

Pull settled transactions from the last six weeks within 1–2 km. Adjust for:

  • Land size (+– $10 k per extra 50 m² in many suburban blocks)
  • Renovation level (full new kitchen/bathroom = +5–7 %)
  • School-zone premiums (check your local catchment map; 4–10 % uplift is common)

Anything older than six months is history in a market moving 2–3 % a quarter.

Frankston Home Under Contract in Just 2 Days for $885,000
Read the full case study to see how Caroline’s Frankston home sold in record time, above asking price and well ahead of the suburb average.
Cta Image

3. Price smartly based on data

Listings that sit inside 2 % of fair value receive about 40% more first-week portal views than those outside the band (CoreLogic vendor-discount data). A range like “$950,000–$990,000”:

  • Triggers two common search filters ($900,000–$1,000,000 and $950,000–$1,000,000 m)
  • Signals flexibility without implying desperation
  • Gives the agent cover to pitch multiple buyer types (upsizers & investors)

4. Work the search-filter psychology

Realestate.com.au and Domain cluster results at $25,000 or $50,000 breaks. Listing at $799,000 captures buyers filtering “to $800,000”; listing at $805,000 misses that entire pool. In the $1 m+ bracket, use the $50,000 steps (e.g. $1.35m, $1.4m).

5. Factor in vendor-discount norms

Cotality shows a national median discount of -3.4% (sellers vs. original asking price). Price 3% above your walk-away figure and you’re statistically likely to land near target.

6. Have the paperwork locked in

In NSW and the ACT you can’t legally advertise without a completed contract of sale; most other states strongly recommend it. Get the title search, zoning and drainage diagrams done early so you can accept an offer the moment it appears.

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Determine the Best Time to Sell Property Fast

Knowing when to hit the market can shave weeks off your campaign and add thousands to the sale price. 2025 remains a seller-friendly year overall, but the “sweet spot” still varies by city, season and even suburb. Below is a quick, data-driven guide to help you decide when to sell your property if speed and best pricing is the priority:

National Sweet Spots

MonthAvg. uplift vs yearly meanWhat drives it
November+0.78 %Spring FOMO, auctions & pre-Christmas deadlines
March+0.60 %Post-holiday buyers + tight stock
February+0.52 %Early movers seek settlement before Easter
October+0.57 %Listings soar but buyer demand keeps pace

*PropTrack Hedonic Price Index 2014-2024 average deviations

Capital-city seasonality cheat sheet

City/ State2025 best monthSeasonal price liftWhy that window wins
Sydney, NSWMarch+0.85 %High auction clearance as families aim to settle before winter term.
Melbourne, VICOctober+1.11 %Buyers rush to secure before Cup-week lull; gardens in full bloom.
Brisbane, QLDOctober+0.56 %Comfortable weather + interstate investors; Oct-Nov auctions often hit 70 %+ clearance.
Perth, WANovember+1.30 %Spring bonuses + chronic listing shortage turbocharge demand.
Adelaide, SAJuly+1.37 %Stock remains tight, so winter chill is outweighed by buyer competition.
Hobart, TASNovember+2.34 %Tourist traffic and tree-change demand peak late-spring.
Darwin, NTApril+3.43 %Start of the Dry Season lifts inspections and prices.
Canberra, ACTNovember+1.49 %Government hiring rounds plus school-year planning drive urgency.

Of course, the numbers vary even between suburbs, so it’s best to ask an experienced agent what month or season to sell in, just use our easy comparison tool.

How Each Season Affects How Fast Your Home Will Sell

Understanding how each season shapes buyer behaviour can help you plan a faster and more successful sale. Many first-time sellers assume spring is the only good time to list, but the truth is that every season has benefits and drawbacks. Some seasons attract large crowds and quick offers, while others require a smarter pricing or presentation strategy to stand out. When you know how buyers think and behave throughout the year, you can position your property at the right moment and reduce your days on market. The goal is not only to sell quickly but also to avoid the need for price reductions that can occur when a property sits online for too long. By planning around seasonal patterns, you give your home the best chance of creating strong early interest.

Selling in Spring

Spring is still considered prime time for selling property. This is based on the weather becoming pleasant and people being out and about. It is true that spring is a popular month to sell, but this doesn’t always equate to achieving a quick sale.

Spring typically has many more properties listed for sale simply because it’s considered a good season to sell. This means an overabundance of properties for potential buyers to view and, therefore, more competition.

If your home is well-presented and well-priced, it may still sell quickly because there are also more potential buyers in the market for a new home.

Selling in Summer

The Australian summer may not be the best time of year to sell, especially for sellers looking to sell their home fast. Summer is typically associated with extreme heat and the holiday season in Australia.

The lower competition means that values typically climb a little bit, but properties may be on the market for a little longer as buyers are a little harder to find. Consider the balance between maximising the value of your home and getting a property sold as soon as possible before committing.

Selling in Autumn

Autumn can be a great choice for homeowners wanting to sell quickly. As spring is the main focus for prime selling time, autumn is often overlooked. People are usually back at work and ready to start looking for a new home. They’ve also had plenty of time to dream about new year plans over the holidays, which can often include the purchase of a new home.

An added bonus in autumn is that the foliage of surrounding trees looks beautiful and can make your home look extra special. Just be sure to keep on top of fallen leaves. The sun hangs lower in the sky in autumn too, which can be helpful in brightening up some properties with natural light.

Selling in Winter

Winter is another season to avoid if you want a quick sale. It’s often cold and dreary and people tend to stay inside more than in the warmer months. As with summer, there will be potential buyers out there but usually not as many as in autumn and spring.

Like summer, property values increase (especially in property hubs Sydney and Melbourne) but the property may be listed for a little longer than average.

You may get lucky and find the perfect buyer quickly, but chances are your property will be on the market for a little while.

Find the Agent Who Can Sell Your Home Fast
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Top Tips to Help Sell Quickly

To sell a house fast, it needs to be priced correctly, presented well and marketed exceptionally. If you keep these three things in mind, you are setting yourself up to do well from the start.

The following top tips should help you achieve a quick sale, especially when timed well for the market and season. If everything goes just right, you may find that these simple, cost-effective tips get you a sale in as quickly as seven days.

1. Housekeeping

The first step to selling your home fast is making sure it looks clean, tidy and well cared for. Buyers often decide within the first minute whether a property feels right for them, so the overall “feel” matters as much as the details. A clean home sends a signal that the property has been looked after, which reduces buyer hesitation. Focus on creating clear walkways, removing bulky items and ensuring every space feels open and breathable. If cleaning feels overwhelming, break it into smaller tasks and complete one room at a time. Small details like clean windows, polished taps and tidy benchtops help buyers feel comfortable from the moment they step inside. A clean and welcoming environment encourages quicker decisions because buyers can imagine moving in without stress.

2. Decluttering

Decluttering is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to make your home look bigger and more modern. Many first-time sellers are surprised at how much clutter they have become used to over the years, which makes it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there. Removing excess furniture, clearing benchtops and packing away personal items helps open up the space and allows buyers to focus on the home itself. If storage is limited, consider renting a short-term storage unit so cupboards and wardrobes appear spacious and organised. Buyers often open storage areas during inspections, and overstuffed cupboards can create the impression that the home lacks enough room. Aim to keep only essential items in the house during the selling period so the layout looks simple, clean and practical. Decluttering is a powerful way to speed up your sale because a spacious home feels more valuable and easier to live in.

Aim to keep only what is necessary during the sales period so buyers can see the true potential of your home

3. Deep Cleaning

Once clutter is gone, it becomes much easier to give your home a proper deep clean. Buyers pay close attention to cleanliness, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and flooring, and a spotless home creates trust and confidence. This step can include wiping down walls, scrubbing tiles, steam-cleaning carpets and polishing floors so the entire property looks fresh. Clean windows allow natural light to brighten rooms, which makes spaces feel more open and attractive. If any areas feel tired or marked, a fresh coat of neutral paint can instantly modernise the home and help it present better in photos. Deep cleaning is not just about appearance. it reassures buyers that the home has been maintained, which reduces objections and encourages faster offers. A sparkling home sets the stage for strong emotional reactions, which often lead to quicker decisions.

4. Home Improvements

You may not have much time for repairs and maintenance work if you want to sell your house quickly. However, the more you can do, the better your house will look on open day and the more likely you are to get the right price for your house fast.

Try to tick off as many odd jobs as you can, including:

  • repairing anything broken, like cupboard doors, shutters and blinds
  • repainting any paintwork that is dull or aging
  • replacing all burnt out or dim light bulbs with bright, high-watt bulbs
  • replacing old, worn out cupboard doors with fresh, modern ones
  • revitalising timber flooring
  • replacing outdated light fittings with stylish new ones
  • fixing any problematic electrical wiring

5. Stage Your House

Once your home is sparkling and functioning well, it’s time to consider staging. A fresh pair of eyes is beneficial for this because you might not be able to see where improvements can be made. The key is to see the property from the eyes of potential buyers on open day. How do you want them to see or feel about the property as they walk through?

Co-Principal of Sydney-based Staging Professionals, Janne Petrie quotes a 500% return on investment when staging a home in Australia. That means for an investment of $2000 in home staging, you could receive a $10,000 increase in the value of your property.

You can hire a professional stylist to help with staging, but if that’s outside your budget, there are other ways to ensure your home is well-presented when it counts. Ask a friend to walk through and give you tips on what could be improved. Your real estate agent is also a great staging resource and will offer tips based on industry experience.

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6. Professional Photography

Listings generate initial interest from potential buyers, so you want yours to stand out. Professional photography can make all the difference and need not cost a lot.

  • A friend with a keen eye and some photography experience might do you a favour and take some professional snaps of your property.
  • You could contact a local TAFE or university for students wanting some extra experience.
  • Before choosing a professional photographer, shop around for the best price and make sure you see property-related samples of their work.

survey of agents in Australia found that 99% of real estate agents agreed that quality photographs contributed to increased interest in listings.

If photography will be done through your real estate agent, be sure to check that they use a professional who has relevant experience.

7. Improve Your Property’s Curb Appeal

Curb appeal should be your number one priority when it comes to sprucing up your home. Potential buyers will see your home’s exterior before all else in listings and on open day. An exterior that isn’t well presented can mean the difference between potential buyers choosing to visit your property or deciding to give it a miss.

If you are short on time, focusing on the exterior before the interior is your best chance of getting potential buyers there on open day. Of course, do as much as you can on the interior as well but getting your exterior right is essential.

Here are some things you can do to increase curb appeal and sell your home fast:

  1. Spruce up your gardens.
    After mowing, removing weeds and cutting back foliage, consider how you can quickly improve the appeal of your garden. Refresh mulch, repaint garden edging or add some brightly-coloured plants. Anything you can do to add wow factor to your landscaping is worth considering.
  2. Wash your home’s exterior
    A pressure washer is a great option for removing built-up dirt and grime from the outside of your house and the driveway. It’s a fast way to help your exterior shine on open day.
  3. Repaint dull or cracking paintwork
    Repainting exterior paintwork around windows or on shutters can instantly brighten up your home and make it inspection worthy. Consider repainting the entire exterior of your home if it will dramatically improve first impressions of potential buyers.
  4. Attend to fencing
    In the eyes of potential buyers, a well-kept fence is a sure sign that the house will have plenty to offer. Completing any much-needed repairs and brightening up timber fences with a fresh coat of paint is a great place to invest some time and money.
  5. Clean and polish
    Sweep away any cobwebs that could be making your home look uninhabited and be sure to polish anything that can be polished to make even the smallest elements shine.
  6. Add some colour
    Colour can instantly brighten up your home and make it feel welcoming. Consider adding some colourful flowering plants to entry ways and porches. Some well-placed flowers either side of the driveway can invite potential buyers on open day and give a great first impression.

Work with a Great Real Estate Agent

When looking to sell fast, anything you can do to market your own property is a great idea. Sharing your property listing with social groups can sometimes lead to an unexpected sale. However, finding an experienced real estate agent to help market your property can make all the difference when trying to sell quickly.

Some key questions to ask when interviewing potential real estate agents are:

  • What is the average time it takes you to sell a property?
  • Do you have examples of properties that sold quickly?
  • Are you aware of the pros and cons of the neighbourhood?
  • What is your strategy to achieve a quick sale?
  • Do you list all properties online? If so, on which sites?
  • Do you use social media?
  • Do you use a professional photographer?
  • Are you aware of what potential buyers are looking for at an open house?

It’s essential to look at the statistics for any potential agents to ensure they offer a quality service and proven results. Just read our case study with Alan from Sydney, who was stuck with an agent that solely marketed with letterbox leaflets and how we helped him find a much better fit.

Conclusion

Selling your house fast is completely achievable when you understand the steps that matter most. Correct pricing, strong presentation and choosing the right agent make the biggest difference in reducing your days on market. When these elements work together from the start, you attract serious buyers early and avoid the stress of waiting weeks for enquiries. By understanding seasonal demand and preparing your home properly, you place yourself in a strong position to secure a quick, confident sale. If you are ready to find the best agent in your suburb for a fast, stress-free sale, you can compare top performers using our free tool.

Make Your Next Move Faster and Easier

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FAQs

What is the fastest way to sell my house in Australia?

The fastest way to sell your house is to price it correctly from the start, present it well and choose an experienced local agent. Homes that are clean, decluttered and move-in ready attract more early enquiries. Using recent sales data and a realistic price range helps you appear in more buyer search filters. Most fast sales happen when strong marketing and accurate pricing work together in the first two weeks.

How long does it normally take to sell a house in Australia?

The average days on market varies by city, but most properties sell between 15 and 40 days depending on the suburb and condition. Perth and Brisbane are currently the fastest markets, often securing offers inside two weeks. Canberra and Darwin take longer because buyer pools are smaller. Your home’s price, presentation and timing can reduce your days on market significantly.

Does pricing low make my house sell faster?

Pricing too low can lead buyers to question whether something is wrong with the home. A sharper, realistic guide within 2–3% of fair value is usually enough to create urgency without discounting too far. Buyers respond quickly when they feel a property is priced accurately compared to other listings. A small price range can help you capture more search traffic and attract more early offers.

Which month is best to sell my house fast?

National data shows February, March, October and November consistently deliver faster selling times. These months see stronger buyer activity and fewer holiday interruptions. Each capital city has its own best performing month, so your suburb’s local cycle matters. Speaking with an agent who knows your area helps identify the fastest window.

Do I need to stage my home to sell it fast?

Staging is not mandatory, but it can significantly speed up your sale because it helps buyers imagine living in the space. Professionally staged homes often sell faster and at higher prices because they look brighter and more spacious. If staging is outside your budget, simple styling like fresh linen, tidy furniture and greenery can still make the home more appealing.

Can selling off-market be faster?

Selling off-market can be faster if you already have interested buyers, but it usually results in less competition and lower sale prices. Most fast sales occur on the open market because more buyers see the property. Online exposure on realestate.com.au and Domain drives urgency and increases the chance of multiple offers early.

Do I need a Contract of Sale ready before listing?

In NSW and the ACT, you must have a complete Contract of Sale before advertising (NSW Fair Trading, ACT Government). Other states strongly recommend preparing all documents early to avoid delays when an offer arrives. Having paperwork ready helps you accept the right offer immediately, which is vital when you want to sell fast.

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