Australia’s collectables market is experiencing a period of strong growth and increasing maturity, with new data highlighting both its scale and complexity. The 2025 eBay Deloitte State of Collectables Report shows that collecting is now a mainstream activity, with around 7.6 million Australians participating and an estimated $16.8 billion in collectables held nationwide.

From coins and toys through to antiques, trading cards and memorabilia, the breadth of the market reflects both passion and financial interest.

What stands out in the report is how collecting has evolved. It is no longer simply a personal hobby. For many, it now carries real financial weight. One in five collectors approach collectables primarily as an investment, and those who have realised gains report a median profit of $13,000 over three years . At the same time, strong price growth across categories such as rare toys, trading cards and pre-loved fashion shows that certain segments are experiencing rapid value shifts.

Yet this growth brings complexity. The report makes clear that collectables do not behave like traditional assets. Values can fluctuate, trends can shift quickly, and not all items appreciate. Rarity, authenticity, provenance and condition are all critical drivers of value, and these are not always easy for collectors to assess on their own. The increasing presence of inauthentic goods in the market further complicates decision-making.  A copy of the report can be downloaded via the link below:

Determining realistic valuations for collectables is complex and where the work of professional valuers becomes essential according to the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA).

While online platforms have improved access to pricing information, data can sometimes be manipulated by dodgy sellers to suggest artificially high prices, and thus, they do not replace the expertise required to determine true market value. Observing asking prices or recent sales does not account for the nuances that materially affect worth. Without a structured and evidence-based approach, collectors risk overvaluing, undervaluing, or misunderstanding the assets they hold.

There is good news for collectors in such a challenging environment, as AVAA Certified Valuers (CVAu) provide a service they can trust.  Valuers with the CVAu credential offer independent, well-supported valuations that reflect current market conditions and use the recognised AVAA Professional Standards. This includes assessing comparable sales, verifying authenticity where possible, understanding market demand, and applying a consistent methodology to determine value.

For collectors, this has practical implications. Accurate valuations underpin insurance coverage, inform buying and selling decisions, support estate planning, and provide confidence when dealing with high-value items. As collections grow in size and significance, the importance of this professional input increases.

The report reinforces that collecting in Australia is set to expand, with millions more expressing interest in entering the market. As participation grows, so too does the need for clarity and confidence around value.

In a market defined by passion, opportunity and variability, engaging professional with the AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) credential is simply a prudent step. It is an essential part of understanding and protecting the true value of collectables.

If you’re interest in valuation in the collectable market, don’t miss the AVC26 Conference over 7-8 May 2026, with the Different Asset Classes But Is There A Common Approach session sure to be of interest.

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Interested In Finding Out More?

If you’re interested in the AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) credential, send an email to membership@avaa.com.au or telephone 1300 928 165.  You can also stay up to date by following AVAA on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and Facebook.
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