Why does it take the average home buyer 11 months to purchase a property?
It’s not because they’re lazy or indecisive; it’s because the process is complex, opaque, and often emotional. But with the right systems, support, and strategy, it doesn’t have to take that long.
Recently, we helped a client purchase a stunning, north-facing three-bedroom apartment in Bellevue Hill. From first contact to signed contract, it took 30 days.
In that time, we:
- Spoke to 98 agents
- Reviewed, shortlisted and discarded 72 properties
- Narrowed it down to 5 standout options
- Accessed multiple off-markets
- And exchanged just two days before auction
It wasn’t luck. It was structure, teamwork, and execution.
What Really Happens Behind the Scenes
People often imagine property deals as clean and clinical. But behind the scenes, things can get unpredictable fast.
At one recent auction, we opened bidding at $1.25M after a long pause. It climbed slowly to $1.48M. Suddenly, the vendors and their family started arguing in the back room. Shouting. Doors slamming. The auctioneer told us he filmed it because he thought someone might get punched.
We kept calm, didn’t budge, and let the professionals do their thing.
Four hours later, the property was ours, at our price.
These are the moments where experience matters most. Buying property isn’t just about price; it’s about knowing how to stay grounded when things go sideways.
The Ethics You Don’t See
Behind closed doors, it’s not just vendors and buyers making moves; it’s also professionals shaping outcomes. And unfortunately, not all of them put the client first.
One of our prospective clients recently shared a story that was hard to believe (but not uncommon). A well-known Buyer’s Agent had recommended a new apartment in a developer-led project, while charging a client fee and taking a “marketing fee” from the developer.
To the client, it was a double dip. To us, it’s a dealbreaker.
At Moove, we don’t accept commissions from sellers or developers or anyone. We work for our clients and only our clients. Always.
Real Market Lessons
Even in a city like Sydney, prices don’t always go up.
One property sold in 2015 for $1.02M.
It was re-listed in 2018 for $900K–$940K.
And eventually sold for $900K.
The myth of automatic capital growth can be dangerous. Strategy and timing matter, and that’s why we lead with data, not assumptions.
A Buyer Story: From Investor to Dream Home
Our clients first worked with us 18 months ago to purchase an investment property, which has already grown substantially in equity. This year, they were ready to buy their first home.
They were looking for a 3-bedroom townhouse or a ground-floor apartment. Over several months, we explored villas in Epping, homes in the Hills District, and more, but nothing felt right. They weren’t in a rush. They weren’t prepared to settle.
Eventually, we found the one: a beautiful 4-bedroom + study duplex on 350sqm of land. It was slightly above budget but worth stretching for.
The auction was initially set for June 7, but the vendors brought it forward a week. We acted fast.
On a Friday afternoon 10 days before the auction we submitted a strong pre-auction offer with a 66W. At 11pm, we were deep in negotiations with the Agent. The next morning, after a bit of back and forth (and a few sleepy stakeholders), the deal was sealed before the 1:30pm open home.
Now they’ve secured a long-term home they love!
The Wrap-Up
What you see online, price guides, photos, and slick marketing, is only half the story.
Behind closed doors, real estate is about:
- Negotiating under pressure
- Navigating chaos
- Knowing when to push and when to pause
- And always keeping the client’s interests first
At Moove, that’s what we show up for every day.
Because property is about more than just price, it’s about process, people, and performance.
