Vendors Are Racing to Sell: What Buyers Need to Know

Vendors Are Racing to Sell: What That Means for Buyers Right Now

The Australian property market has shifted noticeably over the past few months. More vendors are listing their homes, price growth is losing steam in key cities, and Auction conditions are also weakening. Sydney’s sold-to-listed result recently fell to 27.5%, while Melbourne recorded 39.4%, highlighting slower buyer demand in the two largest markets. For buyers, this is the kind of moment that doesn’t come around often.

But here’s the thing, opportunity in a softer market only works in your favour if you’re finance-ready before you start negotiating.

What’s Happening in the Market?

More choices. More time to think. And sellers who are actually open to a conversation.

The 2026 Federal Budget’s proposed negative gearing and CGT changes have added uncertainty, while some vendors may be listing sooner before selling conditions weaken further.

But none of that helps if your finances aren’t sorted. In a market where conditions can shift, the buyers who move confidently are the ones with a strong pre-approval already in hand. A formal pre-approval tells you exactly what you can borrow, gives you credibility with vendors, and means you can act quickly when the right property comes up.

It’s also worth reviewing your borrowing capacity now, because what you qualified for 12 months ago may look different today. Lenders assess your repayment ability at your actual rate plus a 3% serviceability buffer, which means the numbers matter more than ever.

At Safe Haven Finance, we help buyers work through this properly, not just checking a borrowing figure, but making sure the loan is structured around what you can genuinely repay comfortably.

Ready to make your move?

If you’re thinking about buying in the next few months, now is a smart time to get your finance strategy sorted. Book a free consultation with Safe Haven Finance, or call us directly on +61 433 564 936. We’ll walk you through your borrowing capacity, pre-approval options, and loan structure, so when the right property comes up, you’re ready to go.