Tim and Mel were first-time homebuyers, initially looking to purchase in the Narellan Vale area of Sydney’s southwest. Given their budget, they were leaning toward a villa or townhouse, as that seemed to be the only option within their price range. However, after our initial strategy call, it became clear that this was a 3-5 year plan for them, which led us to suggest a different approach.
We proposed that, if they were willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort and positioning, they could potentially buy a slightly older house on land larger than 500sqm within the same budget. This would allow them to build more equity in the short-to-mid-term, putting them in a better position for their next move. They were open to this strategy, and we got to work right away.
We quickly ran into the challenge of an incredibly fast-moving market, with average days on market of less than seven. In such a competitive environment, median house values and comparable sales quickly became irrelevant, so we had to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a firm grip on the true value of properties. At the same time, we were racing against the clock, as the market was pushing prices up fast, and they could easily get priced out.
After losing out on four offers, we realised that off-market and pre-market opportunities would be key to success. We immediately reached out to every agent who had listed properties in our target suburbs, providing them with a tight buying brief. Within a week, we were presented with a deceased estate property. We moved quickly—inspecting the property before it was even photographed and listed online. As soon as the house was captured and ready for marketing, our offer was accepted on the same day.
In the end, we secured a fantastic 3-bedroom home on a 600+ sqm corner block—with a pool! This property was the perfect fit for Tim and Mel, offering plenty of potential for future growth while staying within their budget. It was a true success, showcasing how a strategic approach and swift action can lead to the best results in a competitive market.
