These parked cars are for a recent home open in the northern suburbs of Perth. The home open was not even on this street, it was on the cross-street at the bottom of the road.
If you’re trying to buy a home in Western Australia right now, you’re not imagining things, the competition is intense.
According to the latest REIWA data, there are just under 3,000 properties for sale across the state. Of these, only 1,757 are houses. The rest are split between units and vacant land. The median number of days a property stays on the market? Just 10. Compare that to 10 years ago, in September 2015, when there were over 14,000 listings and properties typically sat on the market for 45 days.
In other words, the market has compressed. Buyers are nervous. Offers are flying in fast and often well above asking price. The fear of missing out is real, and it’s prompting many to act out of emotion rather than strategy.
But there is a smarter way to play this market.
We spoke with a respected real estate agent in our network who offered several practical tips to help home buyers improve their odds of success, without overreaching or adding unnecessary risk.
Tip 1: Be Transparent About Your Interest
Buyers often think it’s strategic to play it cool, to not show too much interest in case it weakens their negotiation position. In this market, that mindset will likely work against you.
Sellers are receiving multiple strong offers quickly. If you’re not on the agent’s radar as a serious, engaged buyer, you risk being left behind before negotiations even begin.
Tip 2: Have Your Finance Ready
This isn’t the time to be vague about your borrowing capacity or to delay getting pre-approval. Sellers want confidence and a buyer who can act quickly. Having a clear understanding of what you can borrow, and a broker or lender who can confirm it, is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s essential.
Tip 3: Avoid ‘Subject to Sale’ Conditions
If your offer is contingent on selling your current home, your offer is likely to slide down the priority list. In a market where clean, fast offers are winning, conditional offers are often passed over entirely.
If you’re in this situation, Bridging Finance may be worth exploring. We’ll be unpacking this in detail in our next blog.
Tip 4: Make Offers Early and Make Them Count
Low-balling isn’t just ineffective right now. It could cost you the home entirely.
In a market moving this quickly, the best offers are often accepted early. Make your first offer your strongest. If someone else offers more than you from the outset, you may not get a second shot.
Tip 5: Keep Your Offer Conditions Lean
The more straightforward your offer, the more attractive it will be. Fast finance clauses, shorter settlement periods, and fewer contingencies all increase your appeal in the eyes of the seller. It signals confidence and capability.
Tip 6: Engage a Buyer’s Agent (If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed)
In a heated market, the value of a registered, experienced buyer’s agent can’t be overstated. They act in your interest, help shape a compelling offer, and manage the process end-to-end. For many buyers, the peace of mind is worth every cent.
Bonus: Get Your Smart Property Buyer’s Guide
We’ve created a practical resource to help you navigate this market with confidence. The Smart Property Buyer’s Guide walks you through everything from finance prep to offer strategy and what traps to avoid in high-pressure conditions.
Download the Smart Property Buyer’s Guide here
Final Thoughts
Markets like this one can be emotionally exhausting. But they also reward preparation and professionalism. Getting ahead of the rush starts with clarity on your finances, on your goals, and on your non-negotiables.
If you’re not sure where to begin, or feel like you’re being outpaced by the speed of it all, get in contact. Our role is to help you step into the market feeling ready, not reactive.
With thanks to the team at Prestige Property Perth for contributing their insights to this article.
If you’d like an introduction to their team, we’re happy to connect you.
Up next: What Is Bridging Finance and Could It Help You Compete?
