While investors may look to postpone their property investment plans over Christmas, they could miss out on some unique purchasing prospects, according to the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA).
"Astute property buyers and investors are still active in the property market over the Christmas and New Year break because they know some great buying opportunities can come up," PIPA chairman Ben Kingsley said.
"Most vendors will want to start the New Year with their property transactions completed, which means they are often more motivated to close a deal," he said.
Mr Kingsley said the Christmas season can bring greater scope for negotiation and price discounts for investors.
"Properties that may have gone to auction in late October or November might still be on the market at a reduced price - or with a vendor more willing to move on price," he said.
He explained that investors and homebuyers could do well to retrace their 2012 property market steps and review properties which caught their eye earlier in the season.
"Originally, these properties may have been out of your price range, but if they've failed to sell, the vendor may well be willing to negotiate," he said.
