As we closed out 2025, the national employment market showed clear signs of cooling.

According to SEEK, Australian job ads declined by 3% year-on-year in the December 2025 quarter, reaching their lowest point since mid-2022.

At the same time, applications per job ad remained elevated compared to the five-year average, despite beginning to ease slightly after peaking earlier in the year.

In simple terms?

There are fewer roles being advertised nationally, but candidate activity remains high.

However, (and this is where it gets interesting for us locally), South Australia is telling a very different story.

The national picture

SEEK’s Q4 data shows:

• National job ads down 3% year-on-year
• Unemployment at 4.1% in December 2025
• Applications per ad significantly higher than last year and still above long-term averages 

While unemployment remains relatively low, quarterly employment growth softened to 1.2% by year-end, pointing to a labour market that is no longer expanding at the pace seen in previous years.

Across most states and sectors, labour demand eased. Many industries recorded year-on-year declines in job ads, with Professional Services among the hardest hit.

This has created a more competitive environment nationally, where candidates are applying in higher volumes for fewer roles.

South Australia: The only state in growth

In contrast, South Australia was the only state to record an increase in job ads year-on-year in the December quarter.

SEEK data shows SA job ads increased by 1% compared to the same quarter last year.

Even more notably:

• SA unemployment fell to 3.9%
• Applications per ad remain lower than the national average
• SA job ad levels have consistently tracked above the national trend in recent years 

This combination tells us something important:

While much of the country is experiencing easing demand and heightened candidate competition, South Australia remains comparatively resilient, with stronger demand and less application pressure than the national market.

Real estate & property: SA outperforming the nation

For those of us working in property and real estate, the divergence is even clearer.

According to SEEK data for Q4:

• National real estate and property job ads declined by 0.8% year-on-year
• In South Australia, real estate and property job ads increased by a huge 12.8% for the quarter

That is a significant contrast.

While the sector nationally is relatively flat to slightly down, South Australia’s property and real estate market is showing strong hiring activity.

This aligns with what we’re seeing on the ground at Edge:

• Continued movement in property management roles
• Strong demand for experienced administrators
• Agencies investing in growth and team stability
• Ongoing need for high-performing sales support and business development professionals

In a national market that is softening, SA’s property sector remains active and competitive.

What this means for employers

In South Australia, particularly within the real estate and property sector, employers are operating in a market where demand remains strong.

However, application volumes in SA are lower than the national average, meaning:

• You may not receive the same volume of applicants as interstate markets
• High-quality candidates may still have multiple options
• Speed and clarity in hiring processes matter

To remain competitive:

1. Move efficiently: strong candidates are still in demand locally. Delays in interviews or offers can cost you.
   
   
2. Review salary and flexibility expectations: while the market is stabilising nationally, SA property professionals are still experiencing solid demand.
   
   
3. Strengthen your employer brand: clear messaging around team culture, leadership, stability and growth opportunities is critical in a market where skilled professionals have choice.

What this means for candidates

Nationally, competition has increased. But in South Australia’s property sector, conditions remain relatively favourable.

For candidates in SA real estate and property:

• Opportunities are growing locally
• Application competition is lower than many interstate markets
• Experienced professionals remain highly valued

To stay competitive:

1. Position yourself strategically: update your CV and LinkedIn profile to clearly reflect measurable outcomes - portfolio size, growth achievements, team leadership or systems expertise.
   
   
2. Be selective but decisive: you may have options, but agencies are still moving quickly for the right fit.
   
   
3. Upskill where possible: with professional services nationally declining, specialised knowledge within property (compliance, legislation updates, trust accounting, leadership capability etc) strengthens your position further.

The Q4 2025 data paints a picture of a national employment market that is stabilising after years of extraordinary demand.

However, South Australia, and particularly the property and real estate sector, continues to show resilience and growth.

For employers, it’s a time to hire strategically and act decisively.

For candidates, it’s a window of opportunity locally, even as interstate markets tighten.

As we move into 2026, the data suggests a more balanced market, but in SA property, momentum is still very much alive.



If you’d like to discuss what this means for your business or your career, our team at Edge is always happy to provide insights grounded in both the data and what we’re seeing daily across Adelaide’s property and real estate industry.