🎄 Mosman in December: Why the market isn’t on holidays

I don’t know about you, but December always arrives like a guest who shows up early, rings the doorbell, and yells “Merry Christmas!” while you’re still in your pyjamas trying to find the scissors and the sticky tape while trying to cook.

One minute it’s school-run chaos. The next it’s Christmas concerts, work parties, long lost relatives arriving to stay, and a phone full of “we must catch up before Christmas” messages. Add in the heat, the traffic on Military Road, and the general Mosman busyness…and it's chaos, but Christmas chaos which always feels different somehow.

But even with Mariah Carey's Christmas anthem on repeat, December in Mosman has its charm. The jacarandas are in full bloom (but only for a few more weeks!), you can't find a park within 10km's of Balmoral on a Sunday, and, depending on when you read this, the kids are on holidays already!

So, what’s the market really doing?

If you’ve been following the headlines, you’d think the market is either booming, collapsing, or being overtaken by apartment towers depending on the hour. The truth, as usual, sits somewhere in the sensible middle.

Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground:

Buyers are cautious but committed. They’re taking their time, asking more questions, and doing more due diligence than a year ago.

Turnover is still tight. That “7-year itch” really has become a 14 or even 21-year itch, which means fewer homes coming to market.

Good homes still perform. Well-presented, well-located, turnkey homes continue to draw strong competition.

Serious buyers are stepping forward before Christmas. Smart operators are trying to get deals done now, before the January wave hits.

And with all the chatter about rezonings, density, and “mini-Manhattan” hypotheticals across the Lower North Shore, it’s no surprise people are wondering what the suburb will look like in 10-20 years. Some are rattled; others see opportunity.

But the day-to-day reality? Mosman is still one of the most tightly held, in-demand pockets in the country. Lifestyle doesn't go out of fashion.

A few buyer behaviours worth noting:

More requests for longer settlements

Buyers wanting contract reviews earlier in the process

Fewer tyre-kickers

More people saying, “We’re not in a rush… but if the right thing comes up”

It’s a market that rewards patience, and a bit of stamina. Deals are happening, but rarely in a straight line.

Local buzz around town:

A few things locals are talking about this month:

Development chatter. Anything involving height limits or density has been a hot topic at dinner tables (and school pickups).

Community sport upgrades. Families are rallying around improvements to local sporting facilities, especially around Balmoral and Rawson Park.

Christmas lights. If you need a hit of holiday spirit, take a twilight walk around Spofforth Street, Prince Albert Street, or Clifton Gardens. They’re already glowing, and some families have seriously lifted their game this year.

Festive events. Mosman Village has rolled out its Christmas program, and The Spit’s weekend foot traffic is now 80% locals, 20% dogs in festive bandanas.

Planning ahead? Start now.

If you’re thinking about selling early next year, December is actually the ideal time to start planning. Early January listings often attract strong enquiry because buyers return from holidays cashed-up, refreshed and ready. (And if all you want is a straight, honest opinion about timing, not a sales pitch, I’m always happy to chat).

Before I go… 

Thank you for your support this year. This community, the people, the homes, the businesses, makes working in real estate an absolute privilege. And even after another year of early mornings, kids’ events, open homes and questionable caffeine choices… I wouldn’t swap it for anything.

Wishing you and your family a safe, sunny, joyful Christmas. If I don’t see you at an open home, I’ll see you wandering around the Mosman Christmas lights trail with the rest of us.