Ebay Australia has published the second edition of the State of Collectables 2025 Report, highlighting that approximately 7.6 million Australians, or 35% of the adult population, are actively involved in collecting.

The report, produced in partnership with Deloitte Access Economics, provides an in-depth look at the collectables market in Australia, estimating that Australians own a staggering $16.8 billion worth of collectables. This figure is more than two and a half times the value of the National Gallery of Australia's collection.

The median profit from selling collectables over the past three years is estimated at $13,000, an increase from $5,000-$10,000 reported previously. Coins, toys, pre-loved fashion, and trading cards are identified as the most commonly collected items, with respective participation rates of 34%, 33%, 26%, and 16%.

The median value of an Australian's collection is estimated at $2,200. Collecting is particularly popular among younger Australians, especially those aged 18-24. The primary motivations for collecting include a love for the items (57%) and nostalgia (46%), while 35% of collectors view it as a good investment. Among those collecting for investment purposes, 40% expect a return of over 50%.

The report also notes that 19% of collectors sell items to support the cost of living, while 22% reinvest their earnings into acquiring more collectables. An estimated 312,000 Australians have turned collecting into a career, surpassing the number of full-time accountants in the country.

The report includes notable sales, such as the most expensive trading card sold on eBay Australia—a 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Holo Charizard #4, which fetched over $62,000. Additionally, the average sale price of the Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 rose from $830 in 2022 to $1,100 in 2024 on eBay Australia.

Ebay Australia's Managing Director, Sarah Sternau, said: "Since eBay entered Australia 25 years ago, we've watched small communities of trading card collectors, pre-loved fashion enthusiasts-and everything in between-thrive...Collectables have been a cornerstone of our marketplace, connecting buyers and sellers with specialised knowledge and shared passion for the items they collect."

Ebay Australia's Head of Vehicle Parts & Accessories and Collectables, Alaister Low, said: "Collecting trading cards is no longer just a childhood pastime, it's evolved to a serious hobby driven by nostalgia, with the potential to become a rewarding investment."

Ebay Australia's Fashion Lead, Anne-Marie Cheney, said: "Purchasing pre-loved fashion has become increasingly mainstream, with more buyers seeking out vintage luxury items and timeless wardrobe staples that truly stand the test of time." Cheney also noted the platform's role in luxury handbag investments: "When it comes to investing in a luxury designer handbag collection, eBay is a trusted platform and gives buyers confidence that they're getting the real deal with our Authenticity Guarantee - just look for the blue tick."

The report was prepared by Deloitte Access Economics and commissioned by eBay Australia, based on a survey of approximately 2,000 Australian adults. It does not provide financial advice nor assess the effectiveness of collectors' financial strategies.