In mid-2023, news outlets were buzzing with headlines about Taylor Swift fans fighting to secure tickets to her sold-out tour. Millions of people flooded ticketing platforms, desperate to snag a spot, only to face queues, competition, and disappointment. The frenzy wasn’t just about demand — it was about preparation, timing, and knowing how to navigate a crowded playing field.
So, what’s a billionaire, glitter-wearing, friendship-band sharing, ex-country music-playing popstar got to do with Australian real estate?
The honest answer is, not much… but the situation we described does: it’s just a larger, more challenging version of our real estate market.
Right now, we have a housing crisis in Australia, we have more people than we have quality, affordable homes, and for a prolonged period of time, competition has been fierce.
Whether it’s a rental, for which keen applicants are lining up around the block for a viewing, or our own local sales market, where the median property prices (for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie) are tipped to top $1 million in 2025, demand is high, inventory is low and getting a ticket to the big game isn’t as easy as it used to be.
As we step into a brand-new year, that demand for property we’ve seen in 2024 remains strong, and buyer enthusiasm will spill over from December into January and beyond. In fact, January is reported to consistently see a significant jump in buyer activity on major property portals. Combine this with tight supply and you have a market where strategy matters more than ever.
If you’re looking to buy in the new year, here’s how to stay focused, find value, and navigate the noise to secure your next property.
Be ready to move – the market no longer sleeps
The new year is a time for fresh starts, and for buyers, it’s often when the property hunt begins in earnest. But here’s the trick: the most prepared buyers are already ahead of the game. While others are still easing back into routine, you can take advantage of quieter listings and less competition.
Start by:
- Locking in your pre-approval so you’re ready to act.
- Researching target suburbs and keeping an eye on late December and early January listings.
- Reaching out to agents directly, as some properties may sell before they even hit the market.
Focus on value, not just price
It’s easy to get swept up in competition and lose sight of your priorities. But value isn’t just about price — it’s about what you’re really getting for your money.
Focus on:
- Homes with long-term potential (think renovations, extensions, or location-driven growth).
- Suburbs that may be slightly undervalued but show promising signs of infrastructure or development.
- Properties that align with your key non-negotiables, not just the features that look shiny on inspection day.
Look beyond your first choice suburb
In our experience and based on our own estimates, more than 60% of buyers end up buying outside the main suburb they were hunting in – not out of necessity, but by choice, because they find what they really want somewhere else.
Sometimes, widening your search just a little can make all the difference. While headline suburbs like Merewether or Hamilton in Newcastle tend to grab the most attention, nearby postcodes like Adamstown deliver solid amenities and can offer more competitive prices.
New infrastructure projects or upcoming development plans can also signal suburbs poised for growth — stay informed and flexible, and you might uncover the next hidden gem.
Stay cool when competition heats up
Property markets can be emotional, especially when open homes are crowded, auctions run hot, and headlines scream about demand. The key is to stay calm and stick to your strategy.
- Know your budget and avoid the temptation to overextend.
- Remember your end goal — whether it’s a family home, an investment, or a stepping stone, the right property will align with your priorities.
In a competitive landscape, being clear on your limits and your objectives gives you the edge.
Your 2025 strategy
The new year always brings a rush of opportunity, and for buyers, it’s about being prepared, strategic, and focused on the value that matters to you.
Like those determined Swifties who secured their tickets through smart planning, timing, and persistence, buyers who enter the market with a clear strategy are the ones who find success.
Looking for a unique opportunity? Presence will hold an action-packed and high-energy auction event, Rise&Thrive25, in February, showcasing a limited number of carefully selected homes.
