While fresh listings and auctions often dominate headlines, it’s the rise of stale listings—properties lingering unsold for months—that may quietly be reshaping Sydney’s real estate market.
A Surge in Unsold Homes
New data reveals that Sydney has over 6,300 homes still unsold after sitting on the market for more than 180 days—a 30% increase from a year ago. These aging listings now account for 18% of all available stock, even as new listings declined 4% in June.
Rodney McLoughlin points out that this growing backlog signals a gap between what sellers expect and what buyers are willing to pay in today’s high-cost environment. Mortgage stress and cost-of-living pressures are cooling buyer appetite, making overly ambitious price tags harder to justify.
Longer Selling Times, Even in Hotspots
The slowdown in buyer activity is showing up across the city. In Mosman, luxury homes now average 60 days on market—15 days longer than in 2023. Across other suburbs:
- Bundeena: 99 days (up from 57)
- Wilberforce: 81 days (up from 64)
- Kings Langley: 38 days (double the figure from two years ago)
The message is clear: Sydney sellers need to adjust their expectations or risk sitting on unsold properties for months.
National and Global Parallels
This isn’t just a Sydney issue. Nationally, over 77,000 homes have been stuck on the market for more than six months—a 13.5% increase year-on-year. Globally, the U.S. reports 24% of listings are stale, the highest since 2020.
Only Brisbane has reduced its stock of old listings, showing signs of resilience that other capitals may lack for now.
Interest Rate Stability May Help Buyers
Although the Reserve Bank held the cash rate steady in July, this could end up being a win for buyers. Experts suggest the pause builds pressure on banks to pass on the next rate cut in full, rather than the partial reductions that often follow back-to-back cuts.
Rodney McLoughlin notes that a slower, more spaced-out rate-cutting cycle tends to deliver better outcomes for borrowers—making finance conditions more predictable and favourable.
Migration Pressures Amplify Housing Demand
Adding to the market strain is record-breaking migration. May 2025 saw 33,230 long-term arrivals, the highest for that month on record. For the year, net arrivals reached 245,890, worsening the housing supply shortfall.
Australia is already 55,000 homes behind its National Housing Accord target just one year into the program. As Rodney McLoughlin observes, without faster planning approvals and better infrastructure, these numbers will push demand higher—especially in the rental market.
Spring Outlook: A Market at a Crossroads
With spring selling season around the corner, Sydney faces a critical moment. Sellers holding out for 2021-style prices may be met with continued silence unless they pivot. Buyers, meanwhile, could benefit from increased stock, better value, and potentially looser lending conditions.
Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding the impact of old listings is key. Rodney McLoughlin continues to offer trusted guidance for navigating this shifting market landscape.
Real Estate Newsletter
This article is a curated summary of various news stories from the past week, offering insights and updates on the real estate market. 18 July 2025.
Rodney McLoughlin is a trusted real estate professional with deep insights into the Australian property market. For personalized advice and market expertise, reach out to Rodney today.
