What Is The Best Time Of Year To List Your Property For Rent?
The best time to list your property is when the market is a t its busiest. We understand that it isn’t always possible to list your property then, but in an ideal world here’s what our experts at Aurora Property would look out for.
Timing can make all the difference when listing your investment property for rent. Summer marks the peak rental season Australia experiences every year, with demand skyrocketing across the country from January to February, followed by the mid-year months, June to August.
During these times, tenant demand soars, giving you and your property manager the best chance to secure lease agreements quickly. However, finding a tenant might take a little longer during quieter periods - such as Christmas and Easter - when the rental property relies on adjusted strategies to attract interest.
Understanding Brisbane’s rental market dynamics and peak rental season trends is key for property investors aiming to minimise vacancy and maximise returns. Whether you’re targeting the busiest seasons or listing during slower months, this guide provides strategies for optimal results.
Summary
Peak Rental Seasons:
- January-February & June-August experience the highest tenant demand.
Quiet Rental Periods:
- End of December & March-April (Easter) have lower tenant activity.
Market Dynamics:
- High demand leads to higher rents and quicker placements, while quiet periods may require adjustments to attract tenants.
Listing Strategies:
- List early during peak seasons, use professional marketing, and consider flexible lease options.
Current Market:
- Remains competitive with low vacancy rates, favouring landlords.
When should you list your Brisbane investment property for rent?
Is there an ideal time to list your investment properties? While tenant turnover often dictates timing, understanding Brisbane’s rental market trends can help you make strategic decisions to minimise vacancy and maximise returns. Key factors like tenant demand, seasonal fluctuations, and competition all play a role in determining the best time to secure favourable rental agreements.
The peak rental periods are ideal for listing your property. During peak times, tenant demand soars due to factors such as lease expirations, school schedules, and post-holiday moves. These periods often lead to quicker tenant placement and higher returns as tenants compete for limited rental property options.
On the other hand, in quieter months, there tends to be reduced tenant activity. While finding tenants during quiet periods is still possible, it may require more effort, such as monitoring rental prices closely to stay competitive and offering minor incentives to attract interest.
By aligning your listing strategy with Brisbane’s rental market trends and adjusting for tenant demand, you can optimise occupancy and ensure your investment property performs at its best year-round.
When is the Brisbane rental market the busiest?
The busiest period for Brisbane’s rental market is the start of the year—January to February. According to SQM Research, rental vacancy rates spike briefly in December but drop sharply in mid-January as tenants flood the market.
This demand surge is driven by:
- Post-holiday moves: Tenants are ready to settle into a new home after the holiday season.
- School and university schedules: Families and students seek rentals before the academic year begins.
- Lease cycles: Many tenants align moves with 12-month lease end dates, avoiding penalties for breaking lease agreements.
The second busiest period is mid-year (June to August), driven by the expiration of shorter-term (6 or 18 months) leases. While demand is slightly lower than early in the year, it’s still an excellent time to list.
When are rental prices the highest?
Brisbane’s rental prices peak during periods of high demand, especially from January to February and June to August. Listing your property during these peak rental periods makes it easier to secure favourable lease terms and maximise returns.
What are the hardest months to find a tenant?
Quiet periods in Brisbane’s rental market, like December and Easter (March to April), are challenging for property investors. During these times, fewer tenants are searching, potentially leading to longer vacancy periods and impacting your rental income.
What days are most rentals listed?
Rental listings typically spike on Thursdays and Fridays as landlords and property managers aim to attract tenant interest ahead of weekend inspections. Listing your property on these days can increase visibility and inquiries.
How to maximise rental returns during peak time
Peak rental seasons are a golden opportunity for property investors to secure quality tenants and maximise returns. However, with increased tenant demand comes greater competition among landlords. Adopting strategic approaches when marketing your property is essential to standing out and achieving the best results.
- List early: Advertise your property a few weeks before peak periods to beat the competition.
- Highlight features: Showcase seasonal benefits, such as pools in summer or fireplaces for winter.
- Use professional photography: Quality images and well-written descriptions help your property stand out.
- Flexible leases: Offer lease agreements that end during future peak rental seasons to maintain demand.
Block Quote: “It is also worth considering having properties with pools only coming up in the warmer months. Think about tailoring your lease term to maximise your return"
Marsha Derry, Bayside Business Development Manager [please link to: https://www.aurorarealty.com.au/agent/Marsha-Derry]
Is this a good time of year to list my property for rent?
Listing during peak rental periods offers clear advantages:
- Higher tenant demand: More inquiries and faster tenant placement.
- Potential for higher rental prices: Increased competition can lead to better terms.
However, with more competition among landlords, presenting your property well and pricing it competitively is beneficial.
What to do during quiet periods
To minimise risks during quieter months:
- Align leases with busy seasons: End leases during high-demand periods with non-standard durations (e.g., 8 or 14 months).
- Competitive pricing: Adjust rent slightly to attract tenants faster.
- Enhance appeal: Minor upgrades or incentives, like flexible move-in dates, can help secure tenants.
What’s happening in the Brisbane rental market now?
As of December 2024, Brisbane’s rental market remains competitive due to low vacancy rates, an influx of interstate migrants, and limited new rental properties. This creates favourable conditions for landlords, even during quieter periods. However, the peak rental season presents the best opportunity to maximise returns.
Partner with Brisbane’s property management experts
At Aurora Realty, our team specialises in managing property sales and helping property investors succeed. With over 20 years of experience, we’ll guide you through Brisbane’s rental market dynamics and ensure your property attracts quality tenants.
Contact us today to learn how our expertise can maximise your investment.