What can buyers and sellers expect from Canberra's property market over Christmas break?

Christmas is nearly upon us and this is when the property market traditionally hits the pause button, but 2020 has been a year like no other.

What can we expect from our first – and, hopefully, last – COVID-19 Christmas?

Mario Sanfrancesco of Blackshaw Manuka says he believes activity will continue up to Christmas Eve, and quickly pick up again after the New Year weekend.

“The market has been extremely active and buyers are highly motivated – and competitive,” he says.

“Homes are still listing while others are preparing to go to market early in the new year.”

Sanfrancesco says some buyers have been sealing their deals ahead of the January influx of people being transferred to Canberra.

“They’ve been buying up before their official move to ensure they have a place to live,” he says.

“That includes buying homes sight unseen by people returning from overseas.”

Ryan Broadhurst of Belle Property Queanbeyan says supply remains tight, maintaining the tension in buyer interest.

“The property holiday break is going to be a short one – between Christmas and New Year’s Day and then it will be on again,” he says.

“There’s still plenty of buyers and we shouldn’t forget the renters.”

Broadhurst says tightened supply has prompted buyers to compromise on their “perfect home” choices.

“They’re having to broaden their choice of preferred location and home features,” he says.

“The priority has shifted to just securing a home. They’ll worry about remodelling or reconsidering when supply picks up.”

• Pause. Market activity is likely to continue right up to Christmas Eve, hit the pause button and then pick up where it left off after the New Year weekend.
• Buyers. The priority has evolved into finding a home that hits most of the hot buttons, rather than all of them. Buyers may also need to compromise on their suburb of choice.
• Sellers. Listings are still not back to pre-2020 levels. There’s no doubt it’s a sellers’ market, but there’s no room for complacency in not preparing a property to its best level of presentation.

Top pick of upcoming auctions before Christmas:

Forrest

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Give yourself and your family the greatest gift of all this Christmas – a new home, sweet home. This classic residence in Forrest comes perfectly presented and wrapped in timeless appeal.

Its 1920s heritage has seen it win multiple awards and a media profile for its decor, styling and immaculate formal gardens.

It was originally designed by Oakley and Parkes, the architects behind The Lodge and a number of other landmark Canberra residences.

The aspirational residence is in Forrest’s leafy heritage precinct and competition to acquire it will likely require very deep pockets.

The key to its success is in how it seamlessly marries a contemporary renovation with the home’s original character.

Entry leads into a formal wing that houses a generous lounge, dining room and the main suite and study.

The central kitchen and spacious living and casual dining area flow through bifolds to formal paved courtyards and secluded gardens.

Of course, the kitchen is nothing short of a work of art with marble benchtops and high-end appliances.

The other wing comprises four further bedrooms set around a central library/rumpus room.

Comfort is delivered through hydronic heating, underfloor heating in the bathrooms and two original open fireplaces.

Convenience is accessed at the touch through incorporated technology that controls sound, electric blinds, lighting, security and more.

The home offers the ultimate indoor/outdoor lifestyle with a fitted outdoor kitchen including a wood-fired pizza oven, fireplace and heaters. Visually, it’s highlighted by a heated pool and spa. There’s also a sauna and outdoor shower.

Auction: 6pm, December 17

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027

Or try these:

Oxley

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Price guide: $849,000 +

Private sale

Agent: Luton Properties Tuggeranong, Rex Purcell 0411 781 863

Braddon

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Price guide: $1.3 million-$1.5 million

Auction: 1pm, December 17

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Luke Revet 0418 101 213

Deakin

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Price guide: $2.2 million-$2.3 million

Auction: 6pm, December 17

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Luke Revet 0418 101 213