If you’re financially ready and planning to hold the property long-term, buying now is often better. Waiting for interest rates or prices to fall can backfire, especially if rising prices or missed incentives cancel out any savings.
Why waiting for a better time to buy might not pay off?
Trying to time the market can feel smart, but it’s hard to get it right in practice. Here’s why:
- Interest rates and property prices rarely fall together.
Buyer demand typically increases when interest rates go down, pushing prices up. - Government incentives can change.
First home buyer schemes, stamp duty exemptions, and shared equity programs may not be around forever. - Your borrowing power can shrink over time.
Inflation, lender policy changes, or rising living costs can reduce how much you can borrow, even if interest rates drop. - Renting can cost more over time.
High and rising rent means you’re paying off someone else’s mortgage instead of building your equity.
When is it better to buy a home now?
You might be better off buying now if:
- You’re eligible for stamp duty exemptions or the First Home Guarantee
- You’ve found a property that suits your long-term goals
- You’re paying high rent that’s equal to or more than a potential mortgage
- You’ve saved enough for a deposit and have loan pre-approval
- You’re planning to hold the property for 5–10 years or more
What matters more than market timing?
Instead of focusing on whether the market is “up” or “down,” ask yourself:
💰 Are you financially ready?
- Have you saved a 5–20% deposit?
- Do you understand your borrowing capacity?
- Have you budgeted for stamp duty, legal fees, and LMI (if applicable)?
If yes, you’re in a strong position to buy.
📈 Are you in it for the long haul?
Buying property is not a short-term investment. Short-term market movements matter less if you plan to live in or hold the property for several years.
🧭 Does this property support your lifestyle or investment goals?
Whether you’re a first home buyer, an upgrader, or looking for an investment property, buying should align with your personal or financial plan — not just market noise.
Should I wait for interest rates to fall?
Falling interest rates can reduce your repayments — but they often cause prices to rise. That means you could end up:
- Paying more for the same property
- Competing with more buyers
- Missing out on current incentives
Sometimes, the total loan repayment ends up the same or higher — even with a lower interest rate.
Final tip: Focus on readiness, not perfection
There’s no perfect time to buy — only the right time for you. If you’re financially prepared, have a long-term plan, and have found the right property, waiting could mean missing out.
Need expert help?
Chat with a Moove buyer’s agent to make a clear, confident decision — whether you’re ready to buy now or planning for later.
