'Selling in a heartbeat': Surging buyer confidence fuels housing FOMO
In This Week’s How's The Market | Edition 126
'Selling in a heartbeat': Surging buyer confidence fuels housing FOMO
‘Rolvenden’ – Brighton’s Timeless Heritage Masterpiece
Lower repayments could cost borrowers thousands
'Selling in a heartbeat': Surging buyer confidence fuels housing FOMO
We’ve long known that interest rates shape buyer behaviour but right now, the connection is undeniable. The latest rate cut has supercharged confidence, and the property market is already shifting gears.
Confidence Is Back – And It’s Loud
Consumer sentiment has surged to a 3.5-year high in August, according to Westpac.
The “time to buy a dwelling” index leapt 10.5% in just one month and sits 37% higher than last year. In simple terms: buyers aren’t just back, they're ready to compete.
Westpac’s Matthew Hassan says it best:
“The RBA rate cut gave a substantial boost to housing-related sentiment.”
Three out of four Aussies now believe property prices will rise in the next 12 months.
For sellers, that’s music to the ears. For buyers, it’s the fuel behind a fresh wave of housing FOMO.
Auctions Already Heating Up
Confidence looks like packed Saturdays and bidding wars that leave jaws on the floor. In Melbourne, properties are drawing energy and excitement that’s almost tangible, with buyers pushing well past what anyone expected for market value.
The frenzy isn’t confined to one city in Brisbane, homes priced around the early $1 million mark are snapped up in a heartbeat, often in their very first weekend.
A pause of even a few thousand dollars can mean missing out entirely. The market is moving fast, and hesitation isn’t an option.
The Catch-22 for Buyers
Cheaper monthly repayments might sound like a win for buyers but there’s a twist.
When borrowing becomes easier, buyers can stretch further, and that extra spending power pushes property prices higher.
History shows this all too clearly: when rates plunged to near zero in 2020, the market ignited, sparking one of the fastest surges in Australian property values we’ve ever seen.
Sellers in the Sweet Spot, Buyers Under Pressure
With three rate cuts in six months, the stage is set for a blockbuster spring selling season. Sellers can expect strong conditions.
Buyers? Tougher competition, faster sales, and sharper bidding wars.
The PropTrack Home Price Index already shows home prices at record highs up 0.3% in July alone, and 4.9% over the year.
The median Aussie house now costs $915,000, with units sitting at $678,000.
Whether it’s pure confidence or sheer fear of missing out, the urgency is real. Homes are selling faster. Bidding is fiercer.
And as we head into spring, one thing is clear: in 2025, waiting could cost buyers their chance to get in.
Stay ahead of the market - get the real auction results every week!
What The Agents Are Saying
Melbourne’s market is showing cautious optimism.
Buyers are stepping back in, carefully watching for further rate cuts before committing.
Investor activity is picking up, drawn by strong rental yields and growth potential.
Agents advise strategic buying, focusing on well-located properties with solid fundamentals.
The Wow Factor!
139-141 New Street, Brighton, VIC 3186
‘Rolvenden’ effortlessly blends heritage grandeur with contemporary brilliance across a rare 1,975sqm Brighton estate, where timeless craftsmanship meets modern luxury at every turn.
Why it WOWs:
Iconic 1880s Victorian, masterfully restored in 2017
Grand 4.2m ceilings, marble fireplaces & ornate details
Five bedrooms, lavish principal suite & four bathrooms
Light-filled pavilion extension with retractable glass walls
Heated pool, spa, teen retreat & stunning gardens
Steps to Brighton Beach, Church St & top private schools
Price guide :$15,000,000 - $16,000,000
In The Media
Lower repayments could cost borrowers thousands
The latest rate cuts may have Aussie homeowners cheering, but new research reveals many are unknowingly giving thousands back to the bank.
A Money.com.au survey shows one in three borrowers let their lender automatically reduce repayments after a cut while 7% go as far as asking for it.
It feels like a quick win with extra cash in your pocket, but experts warn it’s a costly trap.
Stick with your old repayment amount and the rewards are massive: on a $600,000 mortgage, borrowers who resist the reduction could slash over $32,000 in interest and knock a full year off their loan.
Stack all three rate cuts this year, and the numbers skyrocket over $82,000 saved and three years gone from the loan term.
The message is clear : don’t let your bank decide your repayments. Keep them steady, and you could turn short-term sacrifice into long-term financial freedom.
Final Thoughts
The market is moving quickly, and momentum is only building. For sellers, the coming months could deliver standout results.
For buyers, hesitation may be the biggest risk because in today’s climate, properties aren’t just selling fast, they’re selling in a heartbeat.
If you or someone you know would like assistance to buy this year, book in a call and we can discuss if we can help.
Thanks for reading this far!
We value feedback and if you have any suggestions on what you would like covered in the future please email me at tristan@tomii.com.au
Happy Buying!
Note: This is general advice and does not take into consideration your objectives, situations or needs. Please consider if this advice is suitable for you and your circumstances and speak to a professional before making any financial decisions.
