Queensland Real Estate: Anzac Day Saturday to Disrupt Sales & Auctions 2026

Queensland’s real estate sector is bracing for disruption as Anzac Day falls on a Saturday in 2026, traditionally the busiest day of the week for open houses and auctions. The timing presents a unique challenge for agents, as Queensland legislation prohibits property sales on Anzac Day, extending beyond simply conducting transactions to include preparatory work.

The restrictions, outlined in the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990, mean agents cannot legally engage in any sales-related activity on April 25th. This includes not only holding auctions or open homes but also making or receiving phone calls pertaining to sales, according to Ashley Robinson, of Ray White Metro North. Rental transactions are permitted, however.

The situation is complicated by the fact that Queensland will not observe a public holiday on the following Monday, unlike many other states. This means agents must proactively reschedule planned events, primarily shifting them to the following Sunday or the subsequent Saturday to minimize disruption.

Kat Beavon, chief operating officer of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), emphasized the strictness of the regulations. “Our advice to real estate agencies open for business on Anzac Day is to ensure that sales staff do not attend the office or conduct any work remotely, including holding open homes or auctions, and even responding to emails or telephone calls regarding real estate sales,” she stated.

While the timing presents logistical hurdles, some industry figures believe the impact will be limited. David Holmes, an auctioneer with Holmes and Co, anticipates a smooth transition, noting that April is traditionally a strong month for sales and that technology allows for auctions to be conducted remotely, mitigating the need for on-site events. He expects agents will adapt by rescheduling auctions to weekdays or Sundays.

The Anzac Day trading restrictions extend beyond real estate, impacting various businesses. While exempt shops, including some cafes and small retailers, are permitted to trade, they face increased labor costs due to public holiday penalty rates. This is particularly acute for cafes, which will be required to pay double time compared to the usual weekend rate of time and a half, according to Phil Di Bella, founder of Coffee Commune.

Di Bella highlighted the financial pressures facing the hospitality sector, noting that rising costs across the board – utilities, packaging, freight, and insurance – are squeezing profit margins. He pointed out that revenue across the cafe sector was down 15 to 20 percent in February, and that one in ten cafes closed in the previous year, with average profitability at just three percent.

“At the end of the day, we’re not saying pay people less, but the more you pay in wages, the more you have to charge for your goods and services,” Di Bella explained. “It all comes down to what the consumer can afford to pay.”

The state government, under Premier David Crisafulli, has defended its decision not to declare an additional public holiday. Crisafulli stated the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Anzac Day as a day for remembrance and reflection, emphasizing the need to honor the service of veterans.

The REIQ has clarified that while sales activity is prohibited, agencies can continue to handle leasing transactions on Anzac Day. However, any agency remaining open must ensure sales staff are not present or engaged in any sales-related work, even remotely.

The situation underscores the complexities of balancing commercial activity with commemorative observances. While the Anzac Day restrictions are long-standing, the confluence of the day falling on a Saturday and the absence of a subsequent public holiday in Queensland presents a unique challenge for the state’s real estate industry and a cost consideration for other businesses.