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The Event 2025: A Record-Breaking Success and What Comes Next

By Andrew Bell

The Event 2025: A Record-Breaking Success and What Comes Next

Hi, Andrew Bell here. We’ve just experienced one of the most remarkable days in the history of the Gold Coast real estate market—The Event 2025, held last Monday, January 27.

First and foremost, I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has reached out via phone, text, or email with words of congratulations. I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of your messages, which have come from all corners of Australia—and even overseas. The Event has long been regarded by national media as a litmus test for the property market at the start of each year. However, this year, there were mixed signals as other real estate companies attempted to replicate its success.

The results of The Event 2025 speak for themselves: $120 million in sales. These ranged from a $55,000 block of land on Russell Island to multiple properties selling between $4 million and $5 million, with one transaction in the double-digit millions. Over 2,300 people attended our auction room, with most properties attracting three to four bidders. The success rate was the envy of real estate professionals across the country, especially considering that other Gold Coast offices struggled to achieve comparable results in the same week.

One of Australia’s leading media outlets recently asked me what insights we gained from The Event 2025, which sets the tone for real estate each January. My response was clear:

Although there was a noticeable slowdown and dampening of buyer enthusiasm leading up to Christmas, The Event saw a significant surge in activity. Perhaps it was our unique format—offering a diverse selection of properties across all asset classes under one roof, making it easier for buyers to explore options and deal with a single company. Whatever the case, inquiries were up 50% compared to pre-Christmas levels.

A key takeaway is how buyers are approaching financing in the current market. They are purchasing based on today’s interest rates, ensuring they can comfortably afford their repayments. However, they also recognize that when rates eventually drop, their financial position will improve further. Instead of fearing rising rates, they are making informed decisions based on what they can afford now—knowing the next rate movement is likely downward.

Over the past four years, sellers operated under the assumption that property values were constantly rising, which continued through 2024. However, as buyers became more cautious, the gap between seller expectations and buyer willingness widened. What we observed in January is that many sellers have now come to terms with the substantial gains their properties have made over the past four years. As a result, they are more willing to cash out at these elevated levels rather than holding out for even higher prices. In short, we are seeing more realistic sellers.

Another standout trend was the increasing preference for auction sales. Buyers have grown frustrated with private treaty listings, where sellers often set unrealistic asking prices and remain inflexible. In contrast, auction properties tend to attract more genuine sellers who are committed to selling by a specific date and open to market-driven pricing. This was evident in the strong bidder turnout, with several properties drawing 8–10 bidders—a scenario rarely seen in private treaty sales.

The successful clearance of so many properties at The Event also had a ripple effect, significantly reducing available stock. This has left a large pool of buyers who missed out in January and are now eager to secure a property. Adding to this demand is the ongoing migration to the Gold Coast, with 15,000 people moving here annually—far outpacing the number of new homes being built. While some hoped for a market slowdown, The Event confirmed that’s not happening.

At present, we seem to be in a market sweet spot. Buyers feel the market has stabilized and are comfortable with current prices, while sellers continue to achieve excellent results. There was a noticeably higher level of goodwill in transactions this January compared to recent years, when frustrated buyers often felt at odds with rising prices.

Building on the momentum of The Event, we’re now launching our next major auction campaign: The Slipstream Auction. This initiative not only attracts fresh buyers through targeted marketing but also leverages the confidence and energy generated by The Event, providing a significant boost to all participating properties.

Marketing for The Slipstream Auction begins in late February, with the auction scheduled for Thursday, March 20. If you or someone you know is considering selling on the Gold Coast, now is the time to act. Reach out to us, and we’ll ensure you take full advantage of the incredible market conditions. No matter the location or type of property—residential, commercial, or industrial—we are committed to delivering outstanding results.

In the next eNews, I’ll return with key market insights. 2025 promises to be a fascinating year for real estate, and staying informed with the latest data and trends will help guide smart property decisions.

Additionally, we will be transitioning to a new platform for our eNews updates. We’ll be in touch to ensure you continue receiving our market insights without interruption.

I hope 2025 is off to a fantastic start for you and that this year brings success in all your plans and ambitions. Ultimately, how our lives unfold is shaped by the decisions we make—or in some cases, the decisions we avoid.

Warmest regards,
Andrew Bell

Warm Regards,

Andrew Bell, OAM
Chairman
The Ray White Surfers Paradise Group

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