Many sellers assume December is a quiet period in real estate - but in Mackay’s current market, that’s simply not the case.
In fact, listing now or preparing to list early in the new year can give you a significant advantage.
Prices remain strong, buyers are active, and with the likelihood of further interest rate rises in 2026, motivated purchasers are acting sooner rather than later.
Here’s why it’s not too late to take advantage of the market.
Mackay House Prices Remain Strong Heading Into 2026
Mackay has seen consistent upward movement over several years:
Median house prices have risen from around $296,000 in 2020 to approximately $630,000–$650,000 in late 2025.
Rental yields remain appealing, averaging around 5.5% for houses, with units performing even higher.
Stock levels are still tight, meaning well-presented properties attract strong buyer interest, even in December.
Many buyers use the December/January period to research, inspect, and prepare for early-year purchases, making this a great time to enter the market.
Market Tailwinds: Why Sellers Still Have the Advantage
1. Buyers Are Moving Before Possible Rate Increases in 2026
With inflation remaining higher than expected, economists are forecasting potential interest rate rises next year.
This creates urgency among buyers who want to secure finance at today’s borrowing power.
Listing now means tapping into that motivated buyer pool.
2. Regional Markets Like Mackay Continue to Outperform
Mackay remains attractive due to:
lifestyle,
affordability compared with capitals,
strong employment sectors,
and healthy rental returns.
This demand doesn’t slow down at Christmas with many interstate buyers actively searching during holidays.
3. December–January Is a Great Preparation Window
If you don’t want to launch immediately:
December is ideal for photography, staging, maintenance, and disclosure prep.
You can hit the market early January, when buyer activity surges.
It’s not too late, it’s actually perfect timing to be ready before competition increases.
How to Stand Out in Mackay’s Current Market
✔ Prepare for New Queensland Disclosure Laws (1 August 2025)
Ensure your Seller Disclosure Statement and certificates are ready early to avoid delays and strengthen buyer confidence.
✔ Present Your Home as Move-In Ready
Buyers in December and January tend to be decisive so clean, well-presented properties attract immediate action.
✔ Price Using Local Insight
Each Mackay suburb behaves differently. Strategic pricing, based on recent sales and current buyer depth, is key to maximising your result.
✔ Be Ready for Early 2026 Demand
Even if you begin marketing lightly now, the biggest buyer surge historically happens:
after Boxing Day,
first week of January, and
mid-January, when relocations ramp up.
Listing now or preparing now ensures you don’t miss that window.
Who Is Buying Right Now in Mackay?
December and January attract:
Interstate movers planning 2026 relocations
Investors taking advantage of strong yields
Local buyers preparing for early-year settlement
Returning residents home for the holidays and exploring property opportunities
These groups tend to browse, inspect, and enquire heavily during the holiday break.
The Takeaway: It’s Not Too Late to Take Advantage of Mackay’s Market
December might feel late in the year, but Mackay’s real estate activity remains strong, and buyers are preparing to act before expected lending changes in 2026.
Listing now or preparing your home for an early-January launch means you can benefit from:
At Gardian Real Estate, our team understands the Mackay market deeply and can guide you through the best timing and strategy. Whether you want to list now, in early 2026, or simply prepare your home for the strongest return.
