11 Experts Tips To Get Ahead In This Spring Property Market

Six months ago, many of us sat on the sidelines, waiting to see if the property market would cool.

Now, we are all rushing in.

Open homes are packed, auctions are heating up, and buyers who hesitated are rushing back in, worried they’ll be priced out for good.

The Westpac Housing Pulse August 2025 shows why:

• Buyer confidence has surged after three RBA rate cuts. The ‘time to buy a dwelling’ index surged 10% in August 2025.
• The clearance rates in Sydney and Melbourne are back near 70%, and price forecasts have doubled to +6% in 2025 and +9% in 2026.
• With supply at a 15-year low, competition is only getting more fierce.

So, what should you do if you’re trying to buy your first home, upgrade, or invest? Here’s what our brokers recommend you do now.

How First-Home Buyers Can Compete in a FOMO Market

First-home buyers face intense competition with listings at a 15-year low and clearance rates near 70% in Sydney and Melbourne.

1. Get Pre-Approved Fast

“Pre-approval isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore. It’s the bare minimum to be taken seriously by agents,” says Romy Dhungana.

Jenish Manandhar adds that delaying could be costly: “With only 68,000 listings and a mere 2.5 months of sales in the market, this is firmly a seller’s market. Waiting could mean paying more later.”

2. Plan For Valuation Gaps

But speed isn’t enough. Affordability remains a challenge. Siddhartha (Sid) Bajracharya highlights that valuations often come lower than asking prices, derailing deals unless buyers budget with a buffer.

Pramesh Vaidya says the expanded Home Guarantee Scheme allows buyers to get in sooner, particularly in unit markets, where affordability is better.

3. Think Long-Term Security

Sheng Ye advises caution. “Even with lower rates and government support, buyers shouldn’t overcommit. Job security is shifting, especially in industries impacted by AI.”

Kenneth Cheah adds that brokers can help boost borrowing power through lenders that accept boarder income or apply lower serviceability buffers.

4. Use Family Support Wisely

Cheah further notes, “Parental guarantees and family contributions are increasingly common, but they need proper structuring to protect everyone involved.”

What You Should Do

• Secure pre-approval before attending open homes. In hot markets like Sydney and Melbourne, properties sell within days, often above the asking price.
• Build a buffer of 5-10% to cover valuation shortfalls. Consider unit markets in Melbourne and the ACT, where the Home Guarantee Scheme is tipping demand toward more affordable stock.
  
• Don’t just chase maximum borrowing capacity. Factor in income protection insurance and choose a lender whose policies align with your situation.
• If using family support, work with a broker to set up guarantees or gifts that don’t expose relatives to unnecessary risk.

How Homeowners & Upgraders Can Leverage Their Equity

Tight supply means prices and equity are still rising. With lenders competing harder and arrears low, homeowners have a unique chance to refinance, renovate, or upgrade.

1. Tap Into Equity

“Rising values open doors for refinancing, equity release, or bridging loans to upgrade,” says Manish Rana. He advises starting with your current lender to avoid unnecessary LMI.

2. Renovate, Don’t Relocate

Bajracharya observes, “Loan increases and equity releases are smart for owner-occupiers who would rather improve their current home than re-enter a hot market.”

Manandhar notes that many customers are releasing equity now to prepare for renovations or investments.

3. Prepare Before Selling

“You’re in a fantastic position to get a strong price for your property,” says Dhungana. “But remember, you’ll also buy in the same hot market. Have your next loan pre-approved before you list.”

Bajracharya adds, “Banks are slowing down, so structuring your file properly is vital.”

4. Explore Specialist Lenders

Tight supply and competition mean speed matters, says Preeti Kowshik.“For borrowers with bad credit, specialist lenders can step in quickly.”

What You Should Do

• Refinancing can unlock funds for improvements or expansion, even in slower-growth markets like Melbourne (+1.4% annually).
  
• With Adelaide and Brisbane total listings at extreme lows, upgrading your existing property may be cheaper and less stressful than competing for a new one.
  
• Sellers in Sydney, where sentiment is at decade-highs, should arrange finance for their next property before listing their current home.
  
• Even if you’ve faced setbacks like defaults, specialist lenders can help you refinance or upgrade while the market is still rising.
  

How Investors Can Act Early In The Growth Cycle

Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are leading growth, vacancy rates are tight, and rents are rising. For investors, timing the cycle now could be critical.

1. Don’t Wait To Enter

Dhungana says, “Low vacancies and rising rents make the numbers stack up. The window to buy before the market really takes off is closing.”

Vaidya adds, “We’re still early in the cycle. Acting now positions investors to benefit from stronger growth ahead.”

2. Target Growth Spots

“Brisbane and Perth are leading the nation in price growth,” says Rana. “Early investors in these states will benefit most.”

3. Build Loan Resilience

Kowshik warns that tight supply and delayed completions will keep affordability pressures high.

Manandhar adds, “FOMO is driving many into the market. Those who are finance-ready will stay ahead.”

What You Should Do

• Entering now means catching markets like Perth (+6.6% annually) and Brisbane (+7.9%) before affordability worsens.
  
• Look beyond Sydney and Melbourne. Secondary markets like Adelaide (+6.5%) also offer solid capital growth and tight rental conditions.
• Build resilience by locking in finance early and structuring loans to withstand valuation lags or interest rate changes.

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Stay Ahead In This Spring Market

Spring has always been the busiest season in real estate, but this year it’s also one of the toughest. Don’t risk paying more later.

Call 1300 889 743 or start your free online assessment today. Our mortgage experts will help you make the right move in this spring market, with the strategy and support you need to stay ahead.