Why buying a house is so challenging right now and why persistence pays off.

Buying in a sellers’ market is rarely smooth sailing. It demands resilience, preparation, and the willingness to keep going even when it feels tough.

For many Australians, buying a home feels harder than ever. It’s not just about finding a property that suits your lifestyle – it’s about competing in a sellers’ market where strong offers roll in quickly and prices often surge above expectations. If you’ve recently missed out on a property, you’re not alone. Buyers everywhere are finding themselves in tough competition, and it can feel disheartening.

But while the challenges are real, the key message is this: persistence and preparation matter more than ever. If you’re willing to stay the course and make sure your finances and offers are sharp, the rewards of home ownership will make the effort worthwhile.

Case Study: Sharon's Sale

To illustrate just how competitive today’s market is, let’s look at a recent case. Our customer, Sharon is upgrading her home and listed her current property expecting offers around the $1.3 million mark. Within the first week, she received five solid offers. The eventual sale price? $1.42 million – nearly $120,000 above her expectations.And it wasn’t just about the price. The winning buyer offered terms that were hard to beat: just seven days for finance approval, showing they had their ducks in a row before making their offer. In this market, speed and certainty are just as important as price.For buyers, Sharon's story highlights how crucial it is to come to the table prepared. Sellers are favouring buyers who can act quickly and demonstrate that finance won’t become a stumbling block.

Why It’s Tough to buy a house right now

• Properties move fast – Often within days of hitting the market.

• Multiple offers are the norm – Competition drives up the price.

• Sellers want certainty – Short finance clauses and minimal conditions make offers more appealing.

• Emotions run high – Missing out can feel discouraging, but resilience is essential.

  
  

This combination creates frustration for buyers, but understanding the rules of the game is the first step toward success.

Tips to Put Yourself in the Best Position

1. Talk to a mortgage broker early – Get your borrowing capacity and pre-approval sorted before you even start making offers. This gives you the confidence to act quickly and the credibility sellers are looking for.

2. Don’t leave loose ends – Make sure you’ve provided all documentation to your broker and lender so you can shorten your finance clause if needed. Seven to ten days can be the difference between winning and losing.

3. Be realistic about your budget – Decide on the maximum price you can comfortably afford, and be prepared to move decisively within that range.

4. Build relationships with agents – Sometimes a little rapport with the selling agent can mean you hear about opportunities slightly earlier.

5. Stay persistent – Missing out is part of the process in today’s market. Each attempt teaches you something and brings you closer to success.

   
   

A Final Word

Buying in a sellers’ market is rarely smooth sailing. It demands resilience, preparation, and the willingness to keep going even when it feels tough. While Sharon's buyer had to compete to secure the deal, their persistence and preparation paid off – they walked away with the keys to a dream home.

Your journey to buy a house right now may take time, but with persistence and the right support – especially by having a broker on your side to keep your finances in order – the day will come when you sign the contract, knowing the effort was worth it.

Talk to Etairos Finance

If you’re navigating today’s competitive property market, having the right support can make all the difference. At Etairos Finance, we’re here to take the stress out of the process. Our team is friendly, approachable, and committed to helping you put your best foot forward when it comes to securing finance.

We know the market, we understand the challenges buyers are facing, and we’ll work with you to ensure your finances are in order so you can make strong, confident offers. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

With the right preparation — and the right broker in your corner — you’ll be ready when the right property comes along.