BUY NOW OR WAIT?

coccogd

2 days ago

4 min read

Your 6-month property forecast: what falling prices and interest rate uncertainty mean for buyers.

With Brisbane house prices falling sharply, interest rates remaining uncertain and the cost of living putting pressure on households, many Australians are asking the same question:

SHOULD I BUY NOW OR WAIT?

According to Domain's September 2026 report, Brisbane's median house price fell by $66,001 (5.4%) in just three months — its steepest quarterly decline on record.

While falling prices can create uncertainty, they may also open doors for buyers who previously struggled to compete. Here are six questions to help you understand the market and consider your next move.

1. Is Brisbane's property market crashing?

Brisbane is experiencing a significant market correction, but one sharp decline does not necessarily mean a prolonged crash.

Higher borrowing costs, affordability pressures and weaker buyer confidence are weighing on prices. However, fewer competing buyers may mean more choice and greater room to negotiate.

The Opportunity: Rather than trying to predict the market's lowest point, focus on finding a property that represents fair value and suits your needs.

2. Should I buy now or wait for lower prices and interest rates?

Nobody knows exactly when prices will bottom out or what the next interest rate decision will be.

Waiting could bring further price reductions, but it could also mean missing a suitable property or facing stronger competition if buyer confidence returns.

If you are concerned about interest rates, explore your borrowing options and ask your lender or mortgage broker how different repayment scenarios could affect your budget. First-home buyers can also investigate available government assistance and suitable entry-level properties.

You do not need to predict the market perfectly to take your first step. Understanding your options and making an informed decision is a good place to start.

3. Is now a good time to buy a home or an investment property?

It depends on what you want to achieve.

For homebuyers: If you have found a home that suits your lifestyle and budget, a quieter market may provide an opportunity to negotiate. Consider your future plans, ongoing costs and how long you intend to live there.

For investors: Look beyond the purchase price. Research achievable rent, local tenant demand, vacancy risks, mortgage repayments and ongoing expenses. A lower-priced property is not automatically a good investment.

In both cases, compare your options carefully. Avoid making decisions based solely on fear of missing out or predictions about future prices.

4. Should I buy new or established property?

Both can offer opportunities, depending on your budget and goals.

New or off-the-plan: Modern designs and potentially lower initial maintenance, but construction timelines, contract conditions and completion risks need consideration.
Established property: You can inspect the actual home and compare recent sales, although repairs and renovations may add to the cost.

Consider the location, total purchase price, property quality and long-term appeal rather than assuming one option will perform better.

5. How could the Brisbane 2032 Olympics influence property prices?

The Olympics are about more than a sporting event. They can help accelerate infrastructure investment and showcase Brisbane as a desirable place to live, work and invest.

Sydney offers an interesting precedent. Research reported by ABC found that median house prices in suburbs near Sydney's Olympic venues grew by more than 66% in the three years following the 2000 Games. The Olympics were not the sole cause, as broader economic growth and infrastructure investment also contributed.

As UQ finance professor Shaun Bond noted in ABC's coverage, hosting the Games does not automatically mean higher property prices. Rather, Brisbane's international profile, universities, natural lifestyle advantages and planned transport improvements could support growth over the medium to long term.

The opportunity is not simply to buy ahead of the Olympics, but to consider Brisbane's potential as a more connected, liveable and internationally recognised city.

6. What can we expect over the next six months?

Looking towards April 2027, interest rates, affordability and buyer confidence will remain important influences.

Prices: Further declines are possible as the market adjusts.
Buyer opportunities: A quieter market may offer more choice and negotiating power.
Local differences: Areas with strong employment, infrastructure and rental demand may perform differently from the wider market.

Our view is that the next six months could present opportunities for buyers who research carefully and compare their options. However, there is no guarantee prices have reached their lowest point.

So, should you buy now or wait?

There is rarely a perfect time to buy. When prices rise, buyers worry about paying too much; when prices fall, they worry about buying too early.

The important thing is to understand your options, identify what you can realistically afford and find a property that aligns with your goals. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading or investing, the current market is worth exploring rather than dismissing outright.

At Cocco Property, we help buyers and investors explore opportunities across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne.

Contact Fiona Tan on 0402 889 188 or fiona.tan@coccoproperty.com to discuss your property goals and discover what may be available.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, lending, investment or legal advice. Property values can fall as well as rise, and market forecasts are uncertain. Seek independent professional advice before making a property decision.