The shocking new trend boosting property prices and why you need to list now

The spring real estate season is off to a strong start, with a significant jump in auction numbers signaling a major boost in seller confidence.

According to Cotality, a total of 2,436 homes are scheduled to go under the hammer across the capital cities this week, a jump of almost 15 percent from last week.

This indicates that sellers are feeling confident and ready to list their properties.

Melbourne is a key driver of this surge, with 1,172 homes listed for auction.

That's the highest volume the city has seen in 15 weeks, making it a very busy weekend for both buyers and agents.

This increase in listings comes amid a broader national trend of low stock, which is creating a competitive environment for buyers.

Why sellers have the advantage

The current market conditions are creating a powerful opportunity for sellers.

According to Mathew Tiller, LJ Hooker's Head of Research and Business Intelligence, a national shortage of listings is fueling one of the most competitive spring selling seasons in recent memory.

"The shortage of listing suggests sellers are holding out for more rate cuts, looking to cash

in on further borrowing capacity among buyers," he said.

"But the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)'s Monetary Board has shown caution in their decision making, making it hard to predict when more cuts will be made."

He notes that new listing volumes are 18.2 percent lower than the 10-year average across Australia. While the biggest drops are in smaller markets, Sydney and Melbourne are also seeing dips of 11.4 percent and 8.6 percent respectively.

Tiller advises sellers to act now, as waiting for potential interest rate cuts could mean getting lost in the crowd.

"Sellers who are holding off until the RBA makes its next move may become lost in the crowd, competing against more sellers in their neighbourhood," he warns.

He also points to the fast-tracked changes to the First Home Buyer Guarantee as another factor that will bring more buyers into the market sooner, increasing competition.

"First-time buyers who previously sat on the sidelines now have greater access to the market. When you combine this with fewer listings and cheaper finance than a year ago, sellers who act early in spring will be best positioned to take advantage of heightened competition," Mr Tiller added.

The rise of the 'Wellness Home'

Beyond the usual market dynamics, a new trend is reshaping the luxury sector: the "wellness home." This isn't just about a nice house; it's about a sanctuary designed to promote health and well-being.

The global wellness real estate market is already valued at over $430 billion, and some experts predict it could reach nearly $1 trillion by 2028.

This trend is also proving to be highly profitable for sellers.

A recent Ray White Luxury Report found that homes with dedicated wellness features can sell for 10 to 25 percent more than similar properties without them.

It's no longer about a small gym in the corner of a garage. We're talking about integrated saunas, meditation rooms, and wellness zones built right into the home's design.

House of the Week: A Kew Retreat

This week's house of the week perfectly captures the wellness trend.

Listed by Abercrombys, this Kew residence is the ultimate wellness retreat.

The home, which was refitted by the award-winning Carr Architecture and Interior Design, was designed to work with the natural landscape and includes features that fit right into the luxury and wellness trends we're seeing.

Inside, high-tech modern spaces are complemented by incredible views of the Yarra River.

Outside, you can enjoy stunning sunsets from an infinity pool that looks over the city skyline from the treetops.

And after a swim, you can warm up in the sauna, a must-have for any luxury wellness sanctuary.

This unique property is an ideal fit for either a large intergenerational family or a top-tier executive seeking a high-end, lock-up-and-leave home.