Been Sitting on the Fence for Too Long?

There’s always a group of buyers who talk about ‘waiting for the right time’ to enter the property market. They watch, they research, they monitor… but often they never buy.

The reality is simple - there is no perfect time.

You have most likely heard the phrase…

‘It’s not about timing the market

it’s about time in the market.’

Too often, people hold back because they’re chasing what feels like a bargain.

The flaw?

Truly great properties rarely, if ever, sell at bargain prices - especially in Sydney, Melbourne and other capital city markets.

Bargain vs quality

At some point, buyers need to choose between:

• Paying less for an average asset that looks like a bargain, or

• Paying fair value for a strong long term asset.
  

Only one of these strategies is likely to build real wealth, and it isn’t the first one. The buyers who chase discounts often spend years searching and missing opportunities while prices steadily rise. Fast forward a few years and they regret not acting earlier.

When circumstances work in your favour

It’s true that sometimes:

– a motivated vendor

– unexpected market timing or

– unique conditions

can help a buyer secure a great asset.

Let’s have a look at a few examples.

Brisbane

In Brisbane’s inner north earlier this year, a young couple secured a townhouse in Wilston after the vendor needed to relocate overseas at short notice. With limited time on the market, buyers who were ready with finance gained priority and closed the sale before a larger pool of buyers could enter. By mid winter, comparable townhouses nearby had risen by more than $70,000 in value.

Adelaide

Another story comes from Adelaide’s western suburbs where a family purchased a renovated four bedroom home at the first open inspection as the sellers aimed to move quickly for work reasons.

Despite strong market competition, their pre-approval and readiness to act meant the home was secured ahead of schedule. Six months later, neighbouring homes in the same suburb were listed at significantly higher prices thanks to tightened local supply and strong interstate migration.

Sydney

In Sydney’s Inner west, a young couple secured a two bedroom unit in Marrickville just as a wave of new listings hit the market after the latest interest rate cut.

Because their finance was pre-approved and they moved quickly, they beat competing buyers, locking in the property before prices nudged up by 1.6% across the city over the next quarter.

Melbourne

In Melbourne’s north, an investor snapped up a townhouse in Craigieburn at a strategic early spring auction ahead of a surge in new listings.

As pent up buyer demand returned and clearance rates rose, similar properties saw $40,000 price increases within weeks. Their readiness, not luck, made the difference.

Perth

A family relocating to Perth took advantage of the city’s fastest selling market by purchasing a spacious home in Balcatta.

With listings at record lows and properties selling in just 15 days, their decision to act decisively ensured they secured their new address before another 2.6% quarterly price jump in the area.

Regional area (Lake Macquarie, NSW)

In Lake Macquarie, regional NSW, a retired couple seized an opportunity to buy just before a fresh influx of metro buyers pushed up prices.

At that moment, supply was tight and migration was up. Their quick offer secured a house below the coming season’s new median with values now up 3.4% over the previous year.

The hidden cost of chasing a bargain

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

If you do buy something that looks cheap, the compromises that come with it:

• location

• condition

• demand

rarely age well.

Any ‘bargain feeling’ quickly disappears once repairs, lack of growth or ongoing headaches kick in.

How to avoid falling into the bargain trap

• Focus on the quality and fundamentals of the property, not just the price.

• Learn what fair market value looks like rather than assuming every strong sale is ‘overpaying’.

• Check in with your own expectations. If you’ve been searching six months or more without progress, either your standards or your price range need adjusting.

The real opportunity

The clients who move ahead financially are those who stop waiting for the perfect time or the once in a lifetime bargain.

They focus on quality assets, take action and allow time in the market to do the heavy lifting.

The longer buyers wait, the harder it becomes to catch up.

When it comes to property…

hesitation costs more than commitment.

The cost of procrastination

The Australian property market in 2025 showed resilience with house prices rising nationally between 4% and 6%.

Strong fundamentals such as population growth and housing supply shortages drive long term value.

Waiting for the ‘perfect moment’ can mean missing out on capital growth, government incentives and better borrowing conditions, while those who act decisively are typically

rewarded with compounding returns over time.

If hesitating or hunting for a mythical bargain is keeping you from building your property portfolio, it could be time for a mindset shift.

Make your property strategy work for you.

Reach out for lending advice tailored to your goals. This could be the catalyst for your property journey in 2026 and beyond.

If you'd like help with assessing your personal and financial situation, as well as comparing the loans in the market to see if you're truly getting the right deal for you, then call Bob Malpass now on 0431 862 136, email bob@westhomeloans.com.au