In Today’s Market, Playing It Cool Could Cost You Your Dream Home

It’s time to stop playing it cool in property.

Gone are the days of casually watching the market and waiting to make your move. In today’s property climate, it doesn’t pay to play it cool — in fact, it could cost you the home you’ve been searching for.

With low stock levels across the board, serious buyers are stepping up early — and sellers are increasingly open to pre-auction offers. If a property ticks the right boxes and you sit back thinking about your strategy, there’s a real chance it’ll be sold before you even get the chance to play.

The key? Make your interest known. You don’t need to hand over your full budget or get overly eager, but showing genuine intent signals to the agent that you’re a contender. Ask for the documentation, request to be kept informed, and show them you’re in the game — or risk getting left behind.

We’re seeing it firsthand. Just this month, on behalf of our clients we competed for a great home in Beaumaris slated for auction. Three serious buyers, strong offers — it sold before auction, and despite stretching to make it happen, we missed out. Why? Because good homes are in short supply, and competition is fierce for the right properties.

So, what counts as a “good” home right now? Think solid family homes — four bedrooms, two living areas, a decent backyard, and a location close to schools and amenities. Whether it’s priced at $2 million or $10 million, if it ticks those boxes, it’s moving.

The market is still finding its feet — we’ve seen a few months of modest growth across Victoria, and while buyers and sellers alike seem a little hesitant, quality homes are still performing well.

Remember, the old rules no longer apply. Forget waiting for spring, post-election surges, or avoiding winter sales. Buyers are active year-round — rain, hail, or long weekend. If you’re buying or selling, the best time to act is when the right opportunity presents itself.

In this market, fortune favours the bold.

Lauren Staley
Managing Director
Infolio Property Advisors.