There is no such thing as a "holding deposit" in NSW.
You would lose the 0.25 if you signed, the vendors signed and you rescinded within the 5 business day cooling off - which is what it sounds like happened.
There is an EOI deposit (expression of interest) in NSW which is what replaces the old "holding deposit" BUT:
1. It has no legal standing
2. ....and as such, most REAs would not show any interest in taking such a deposit as this.
The only thing it entitles you to, is that the REA has to tell you if another offer has been received on the property.