How to Futureproof Your Investment Over the Festive Season (and Avoid a Christmas Vacancy)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — unless, of course, your investment property happens to be sitting vacant. 🎄
The festive season is one of those periods where the rental market slows right down. Tenants are focused on Christmas shopping, end-of-year work rushes, and holiday plans. Trades go on break, businesses close, and open-for-inspections often attract more tinsel than tenants.
That’s why we take a very strategic approach to lease planning at Marks Property Specialists — because we know that a simple bit of foresight can save investors weeks (sometimes months) of lost rent.
Why the Festive Season Can Catch Investors Out
From late November through to mid-January, the rental market can be unpredictable. Many renters are away, and those looking to move tend to hold off until after the holidays.
We see it every year — investors whose leases expire in December find themselves struggling to secure tenants before Christmas, only for the property to sit empty until late January.
A few quiet weeks can quickly turn into a costly vacancy.
Our Strategy: Flexible Lease Terms That Make Sense
One of the best ways to avoid a festive vacancy is to plan lease expiries strategically. Instead of defaulting to a 12-month term, we often recommend a 13–14-month lease.
This simple shift pushes your next lease renewal out of the Christmas lull and into stronger market conditions — like February or March, when renters are actively searching again.
There’s no legislation under the Residential Tenancies Act (Vic) that dictates how long a fixed-term agreement must be. So, flexibility isn’t just possible — it’s smart investing.
A Real Example: Turning Timing into a Win-Win
Last year, one of our clients was moving into their new home just before Christmas — exciting for them, but it left their investment property at risk of sitting vacant right through the festive period.
We acted fast and secured a quality renter who wanted to move in right after Christmas. Their new lease began on 28 December, allowing them to use their annual leave to settle in without stress.
The renter requested a 13-month term — meaning their next renewal would land comfortably outside the holiday season. Fast forward to today: they’ve just re-signed for another 12 months, taking them through to the end of January 2027.
That’s what we call futureproofing. A smooth transition, a happy renter, and an investor who hasn’t had to worry about vacancy for two Christmases running.
Why It Works for Everyone
This approach isn’t just good for owners — it’s great for renters too.
Most people don’t want the hassle of packing, moving, and organising utilities right before Christmas. By staggering lease terms, we create smoother, less stressful transitions for everyone involved.
It’s a practical example of what we believe at Marks Property Specialists:
“No property is the same, and neither is the client or renter’s journey.”
Every home, every owner, and every renter has different needs — and we’re here to make sure those needs align seamlessly.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Stress Less
If your investment property’s lease is due to expire in the next few months, now’s the time to look at your dates. A small tweak in timing could save you a lot of festive-season frustration.
At Marks Property Specialists, we specialise in lease strategy, communication, and proactive management — so your investment keeps performing, even when the rest of the world is on holiday.
Ready to futureproof your investment?
Let’s talk about how we can time your next lease for long-term success.