Buying your first home is a big deal, and deciding when to buy can feel uncertain, especially in changing market conditions. If you’re wondering "Should I buy now or wait?", you’re not alone. It’s one of the most Googled property questions in Australia. Between rising interest rates, market ups and downs, and auction-day pressure, it’s natural to fear overpaying or buying just before prices fall. So how do you cut through the noise and make a confident call?
Don’t Try to Time the Market — Focus on Your Timing
Here’s the truth: even experts can’t perfectly predict the property market. What matters more is your own financial readiness and long-term plans. Your own financial position and plans are important factors to consider alongside broader market conditions. Consider your ability to meet repayments under different scenarios and how long you expect to hold the property.
Understand What’s Driving Today’s Prices
Market conditions change over time and can vary by location. Interest rates and property prices are influenced by a range of economic factors.
The takeaway? There’s no universal "right time", only the right context for your situation.
Buy Smart, Not Fast
If you’re worried about paying too much, here’s what helps:
Get a pre-purchase valuation or check recent sales in the area to avoid overbidding.
Know your ceiling, your borrowing power and your budget are two different things.
Focus on value, not hype. Many buyers prioritise location and property condition when assessing long-term suitability.
And remember: government schemes such as the First Home Guarantee may assist eligible buyers, subject to criteria and caps.
Feeling the FOMO — or the fear of stuffing it up? That’s normal.
Buying your first home can feel like a leap into the unknown. But you’re not alone, and you don’t need to figure it out all at once. Our free HVCO First Home Buyer e-book walks you through the entire journey, from budgeting and borrowing to settlement day and beyond. Inside, you’ll find:
- Checklists and calculators
- Plain-English breakdowns of government schemes
- Guidance on buying in a rising or falling market
Download your copy today and move forward with a clearer understanding of the process.
