EXCLUSIVE Real estate agent exposes the mistake many young Aussies are making - and it could have drastic consequences in the future
Christina and Natasha Pincevic, aged 30 and 24 respectively, founded CMP Real Estate in Gledswood Hills, about 60km southwest of Sydney, in 2022.
Christina highligted a mistake that she saw many young buyers make.
She said too many buyers focus on trying to time the market instead of recognising genuine opportunities when they arise.
'My grandfather had this old photo, an elderly man hunched over with a cane. The caption read: "The young man who waited for the price of real estate to come down". I've never forgotten it,' she says.
'In this industry, the ones who sit back waiting for the "perfect time" usually end up watching from the sidelines, priced out, outpaced, and outplayed.'
Instead of trying to guess the market, Ms Pincevic advises buyers to focus on their finances, long-term goals, and the quality of the opportunity in front of them.
The agent said borrowers waiting for a rate cut may be making life harder for themselves, warning it will also increase competition.
'Rate cut or not, if you're waiting around for the 'perfect moment', you'll miss it. Smart buyers don't try to time the market, they move when the numbers work, the location's right, and the opportunity stacks up,' she said.
'So if you're in a position to buy now, get your pre-approval in place and be ready to act fast. Real estate doesn't reward hesitation - it rewards action. And if you're waiting for the market to get easier… you'll be waiting a long time.'
She said many first-home buyers do everything right, except take the final step.
'Young families and first-home buyers are still active, but they tend to be more cautious. They research carefully but often hesitate, and in this market, hesitation can mean missing out,' she explained.
'Ultimately, the buyers making the biggest impact aren't always those spending the most, they're the ones ready to act quickly.'
Her advice to first-time buyers? Be prepared and know what you're working with.
'First-home buyers need to get a clear handle on their finances before letting emotions take over,' she said.
'It's important to speak with a broker early, understand your borrowing capacity, and explore any government incentives you may be eligible for. Right now, there are several support options designed to help buyers get into the market.
'The key is preparation, the right property will come along, but if your finances aren't in order, you could miss the opportunity.'
Ms Pincevic said western Sydney is experiencing rapid growth spurred by the construction of the new international airport - due to be completed in 2026.
The Western Sydney International Airport will operate on a 24-hour schedule, unlike Kingsford Smith - the city's current airport in Mascot - which closes at 11pm and opens at 6am each day due to noise restrictions.
'Western Sydney's boom is being driven by one major catalyst, the new airport. It's not just a runway, it's triggering billions in infrastructure, jobs, and development across the region,' Ms Pincevic said.
Suburbs like Badgerys Creek, Austral, Edmondson Park and Leppington are firmly on her radar.
'You've got roads, rail, industrial, commercial and retail all coming in, and buyers are getting in early while they still can,' she explained.
In a market that never sits still, Ms Pincevic's advice is to be proactive.
'Stay informed, stay ready, and don't wait around for someone else to tell you it's time. Because by the time the moment looks perfect, the best opportunities are often long gone,' she urged.
NAB is forecasting national dwelling prices to rise by 3.3 per cent by the end of 2025, following a strong post-Covid surge in 2024, when prices jumped 9.7 per cent.
Recent CoreLogic data shows a surge in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, with all three cities recording strong growth over the last 12 months.
In contrast, Sydney's market has been more subdued, with house prices edging up 1.7 per cent and unit prices rising just 0.2 per cent.
Melbourne has seen an annual rise of 0 per cent for houses and 1.5 per cent for units.
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