At Buyers Market Buyers Agents, we see the Sydney property market before it becomes visible in public data. Each year follows a familiar rhythm, and January consistently plays a far more influential role than many buyers expect.

January is an active, strategic month that shapes buyer behaviour, vendor confidence, and negotiation momentum well before February begins.

In 2026, January activity flowed directly into February. Buyers remained engaged, negotiations progressed without interruption, and early pricing signals became clear. As February unfolds, what we are seeing is not new momentum, but January activity becoming more visible across the broader market.

January: An Active & Strategic Month for Serious Buyers

Buyers entering the Sydney market in January are typically well prepared. Finance approvals are in place, buying briefs are clearly defined, and decision-making frameworks are already established. As buyers’ agents, this means January inspections often progress directly into negotiations rather than remaining exploratory.

From the vendor side, we continue to see confidence in launching campaigns early in the year, particularly where pricing expectations are realistic and demand is evident. This has resulted in consistent inspection numbers for quality homes and meaningful engagement between buyers and selling agents from the first weeks of January.

Off-market opportunities also feature prominently during this period. With fewer public campaigns competing for attention, January allows serious buyers to engage more directly, negotiate with greater clarity, and progress discussions efficiently.

January operates as a foundation month, shaping competition, pricing expectations, and transactions that naturally carry into February.

February: Momentum Becomes More Visible

February does not represent a fresh start for the property market. Instead, it is the point at which activity already underway becomes more apparent.

As listing volumes increase and agents return to full operating capacity, buyer engagement that began in January intensifies. Negotiations commenced earlier in the year move toward conclusion, while new listings are met by a buyer pool that is already active and informed.

Auction schedules resume with greater consistency, and open-home attendance rises, not because demand has suddenly appeared, but because buyers are further along in their decision-making process.

Importantly, February buyers are not entering an empty market. They are competing alongside buyers who have been searching, inspecting, and negotiating since early January. This continuity of demand is what gives February its sense of pace and competitiveness.

Activity Is Carrying Forward – Not Resetting

Momentum established in January carries forward. Buyer sentiment, pricing expectations, and negotiation dynamics evolve over weeks and months, not overnight. As a result, February reflects decisions, confidence, and positioning formed earlier in the year.

This has tangible implications. Properties discussed or inspected in January are now transacting. Buyer competition is already established in many segments of the market, particularly for well-located, well-priced homes.

Buyers who delayed action in anticipation of February clarity may find themselves facing stronger competition than expected, especially where stock quality is high and supply remains constrained.

What This Means for Buyers in February

Owner-Occupiers
For owner-occupiers, February can feel more competitive than anticipated. Homes with strong lifestyle appeal, functional layouts, and desirable locations are attracting consistent interest. Buyers should be prepared to act decisively and avoid assumptions that the market is only just beginning.

Investors
Investor activity has remained steady, particularly where rental demand and long-term fundamentals align. Investors entering the market in February should ensure their analysis is complete and their acquisition strategy clearly defined, as opportunities often move quickly once publicly launched.

Buyers Waiting for “More Choice”
While listing volumes typically increase through February, demand often rises at a similar or faster pace. Buyers waiting for broader choice may find competition intensifies, particularly for properties that meet clear buyer criteria.

Strategic Considerations for February Buyers

With momentum already established, February is a month that rewards preparation and clarity. Buyers should ensure finance approvals are current, decision-makers are aligned, and pricing expectations reflect present market conditions rather than prior cycles.

Early access to opportunities, including off-market and pre-market properties, can be particularly valuable as public competition increases. Equally important is understanding micro-market conditions, as performance can vary significantly between suburbs and even individual streets.

February Reflects the Year Taking Shape

February’s activity across the Sydney property market is not the result of a sudden return of confidence. It is the natural progression of momentum that began in January and is now becoming more visible.

For buyers, recognising this continuity is critical. Those who understand how early-year momentum forms are better positioned to navigate competition, assess value accurately, and make confident decisions as the year unfolds.

As the months ahead develop, the foundations laid in January, and carried through February, will continue to influence outcomes across the market.