Can’t Compete in This Hot Market? Try These 5 Smart Buyer Moves
What buyers can do themselves and when it’s smarter to get help.
Trying to buy a property right now feels harder than ever. Whether you’re looking for a home to live in or your next investment, the competition is intense. Listings disappear quickly, prices jump unexpectedly, and many buyers walk away feeling defeated.
But while the market may be tough, it’s not impossible. You just need the right approach and for some buyers, the right support. This article breaks down what’s really going on and how you can stay one step ahead, with or without a buyer’s agent.
Buying Property in a Hot Market Feels Impossible Right Now
When listings are limited, prices move fast, and agents don’t return your calls, it’s easy to feel like the system is working against you.
Here’s what many buyers are facing:
Low stock and high demand mean fewer choices and more competition
Bidding wars are pushing prices beyond what’s listed online
Fast price jumps are making suburb research go out of date in weeks
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or shut out, you’re not the only one. But you do have options.
5 Real Problems Buyers Face Today — and How to Respond
1. Agents Don’t Take You Seriously
One of the most frustrating things buyers report is being ignored by selling agents. You leave voicemails, send emails, but get no response. Meanwhile, the properties you’re interested in disappear from the market before you even get a chance.
To stand out, you need to show agents you’re ready to buy, not just browsing. You can do this by:
Sending a screenshot of your loan pre-approval
Clearly stating you’re ready to make an offer right away
Following up regularly with professionalism and respect
Agents prioritise buyers who make their job easier. If they know you’re serious, ready, and reliable, they’re far more likely to keep you in the loop.
2. Too Much Competition in Hot Suburbs
Every weekend feels like a race. Homes are getting multiple offers, often within hours. You’re constantly outbid, even when you think your offer is strong.
Rather than chasing the suburbs that are already peaking, use data to find areas that are still affordable but showing signs of growth. These are often:
Suburbs with increasing job ads, building approvals, and population growth
Areas just outside current hot spots that buyers haven’t fully discovered
Markets where average days on market are starting to fall
This strategy puts you ahead of the pack without being stuck in constant bidding wars.
3. Changing Criteria Too Often
It’s tempting to keep shifting your goalposts when things aren’t going to plan. First you’re looking at houses in Brisbane. Then it’s townhouses in Adelaide. Then you decide maybe it’s better to wait.
But constantly changing your criteria stops you from gaining traction. Instead, pick a strategy and stick with it. That means:
Focusing on one suburb or cluster of suburbs
Getting to know the area through data and agent conversations
Giving it 4 to 6 weeks before you pivot
Buyers who stay consistent are the ones who make confident, informed decisions when the right opportunity appears.
4. Price Guides Are a Joke
Let’s be honest: the price guide isn’t much help. In a hot market, it often feels like a placeholder, one that’s nowhere near where the property ends up selling.
Instead of relying on the listing price, do your own valuation. Start by:
Looking at sold properties from the last 2–3 months in the same area
Making sure you’re comparing similar homes (block size, condition, location)
Adding a buffer for recent growth trends in that suburb
If the market is rising fast, don’t be surprised if the true value is $20k–$50k above what the listing suggests. Preparing this way means fewer surprises and more strategic offers.
5. Not Enough Properties on the Market
You’ve narrowed down your ideal suburb and are ready to buy, but nothing’s available. Or worse, when something good does come up, it’s gone before the first inspection.
In a tight market, speed matters. The moment a good listing appears, be ready to:
Contact the agent right away and express strong interest
Make a clean offer with minimal conditions
Highlight your finance-ready status and flexibility on settlement
The goal is to act decisively and with confidence. If you’ve done the homework on value and you’re ready to move, you’ll stand out, especially when others are still hesitating.
When It’s Time to Work With a Buyer’s Agent
Even with the right strategy, data, and motivation, the market can still move quicker than most buyers expect. Properties are snapped up before inspections. Agents prioritise known contacts. Opportunities vanish overnight. That’s where a buyer’s agent can make a real difference.
Experienced buyer’s agents already have strong relationships with selling agents. They often hear about properties before they hit the market. They also have a better feel for what a property is truly worth, not just what it’s listed for. And if you’re busy with work, overwhelmed by the process, or losing confidence, a good agent can step in and give you back control.
Final Advice: You Can Compete, Just Get Strategic
Winning in today’s market isn’t about luck. It’s about showing up with the right mindset, staying consistent with your plan, and using real data to guide your moves. Be confident in your brief, act quickly when the right property appears, and avoid distractions that pull you off course. And when the pace gets overwhelming, there’s no shame in calling in a pro.
A trusted buyer’s agent can help you move faster, with less stress and better results. Whether you’re buying your first home or building your portfolio, it’s worth having someone in your corner.
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