Is 2025 a Good Time for First-Home Buyers to Get into the Market?
Pina Brandi • February 4, 2025

The Australian property market has long been a hot topic of discussion—from dinner table debates to front-page headlines. For first-home buyers, it can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, especially when trying to determine if now is the "right" time to buy. In 2025, with various market factors at play, this question has become even more relevant.



To answer it comprehensively, we need to unpack the drivers of the Australian property market, why timing the market is less critical than spending time in it, and practical tips for saving for that all-important deposit.


What Drives the Australian Property Market?

Understanding the key drivers of the Australian property market can help demystify whether 2025 presents a good buying opportunity.


1. Supply and Demand Dynamics
The property market fundamentally operates on supply and demand. A shortage of housing stock—whether due to limited construction, high population growth, or other factors—drives prices up. Conversely, an oversupply can place downward pressure on prices.

In 2025, supply remains a concern, particularly in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. With population growth recovering post-COVID-19 and strong immigration policies in place, demand is expected to outstrip supply in many areas.


2. Interest Rates
Interest rates play a significant role in housing affordability. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept rates relatively stable, but first-home buyers should monitor any potential changes. Even minor increases can affect borrowing power and mortgage repayments.


3. Government Policies
Various government initiatives aimed at supporting first-home buyers, such as the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and Help to Buy schemes, can significantly impact affordability and entry points into the market.
Here is a full page of schemes.


4. Construction Costs
The cost of building new homes has risen due to labour shortages, material price increases, and stricter building standards. This affects the availability of affordable housing, particularly for first-home buyers.


5. Market Sentiment
Emotions and perceptions also drive the market. Fear of missing out (FOMO) or fear of a market crash can influence decisions, often leading buyers to act impulsively or hold back unnecessarily.


Why Timing the Market Isn’t Everything


The idea of "timing the market" often looms large in conversations about property. Many buyers want to wait for prices to drop or for interest rates to stabilise further. However, the reality is that timing the market perfectly is almost impossible, even for seasoned investors.

Instead, the focus should be on "time in the market."


1. The Power of Compounding Growth
Historically, Australian property values have shown consistent long-term growth. While short-term fluctuations are inevitable, properties held for a decade or more often experience significant appreciation. Getting into the market sooner allows buyers to benefit from this compounding growth over time.


2. Overcoming Market Hesitation
Waiting for the "perfect time" often leads to missed opportunities. Prices may drop temporarily, but by the time you’re ready to act, the market could have already rebounded. The longer you delay, the further you may be priced out of the areas you want.



3. Emotional Benefits of Ownership
Owning your first home provides stability, security, and a sense of achievement that goes beyond financial considerations. These intangible benefits can outweigh the risks of trying to time the market.


Is 2025 a Good Year for First-Home Buyers?


So, is 2025 shaping up to be a good year for first-home buyers? The answer largely depends on your personal circumstances rather than external market conditions. Here are some factors to consider:


Pros of Buying in 2025

  • Government Support: Expanded schemes like Help to Buy can lower entry costs and make purchasing more accessible.
  • Stable Interest Rates: If rates remain steady, borrowing costs will be predictable.
  • Gradual Price Growth: While prices are rising, they’re not skyrocketing, creating a relatively balanced market.


Cons of Buying in 2025

  • High Entry Costs: Saving for a deposit and covering upfront costs like stamp duty remain significant hurdles.
  • Limited Supply: In-demand areas may have fierce competition due to low stock levels.
  • Economic Uncertainty: Global and local economic factors could affect employment and market confidence.


Why a Tailored Approach Matters

Every first-home buyer’s journey is unique, influenced by factors like income, location, and lifestyle. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. This is where expert advice can make all the difference.

Working with property professionals ensures you’re making informed decisions based on your circumstances. From identifying growth suburbs to understanding loan structures, they provide personalised guidance to set you up for success. BOOK NOW


Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity in 2025


The Australian property market in 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges for first-home buyers. While high prices and limited supply may seem daunting, focusing on long-term goals rather than short-term fluctuations can make all the difference.


By understanding market drivers, prioritising time in the market, and adopting disciplined saving strategies, you can set yourself up for success. Remember, the best time to buy isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about making informed decisions and starting your journey when you’re ready.



At PB Property Services, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With tailored advice and a commitment to your goals, we’ll help you navigate the complexities of the market and turn your homeownership dreams into reality. So, don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the first step today.



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By Pina Brandi December 10, 2025
Around 2017–2018, growth stalls and dips modestly after APRA’s investor growth cap (2014) and interest‑only cap (2017), which is the effect you’re asking about.
By Pina Brandi December 1, 2025
Melrose Park’s transformation from an industrial precinct into a residential and mixed-use community has been a strategically significant shift for Sydney’s urban future. Historically, the area was home to pharmaceutical and light-industrial operations, but over time these industries declined, consolidated elsewhere, or simply outgrew the outdated warehouses and fragmented road layout. Keeping the land zoned industrial would have meant under-utilising a large, strategically located pocket of Sydney at a time when housing demand is at critical levels. Redeveloping Melrose Park allows Sydney to introduce thousands of new homes in an inner-suburban area without pushing growth further to the city’s outskirts. With capacity for around 10,000–11,000 dwellings, plus retail, open space, a new high school and community facilities, the precinct is envisioned as a self-contained, modern neighbourhood with liveability at its core. Instead of being an isolated residential pocket, Melrose Park is being planned as a walkable, amenity-rich town centre where green spaces, urban parks, and mixed-use buildings form a cohesive and sustainable environment. Its location is one of its strongest advantages. Positioned on the Parramatta River, the suburb sits almost exactly halfway between Sydney CBD and Parramatta CBD, making it highly attractive for commuters who want balance, convenience and lifestyle. It is minutes from major employment hubs, established transport corridors like Victoria Road, and future connections that will further integrate the precinct into Sydney’s broader network. The land parcel is also unusually large and contiguous for an inner-suburban area, enabling a full masterplan rather than piecemeal development.  Overall, the shift from industrial to residential in Melrose Park wasn’t just a rezoning exercise; it was a strategic realignment of land use to meet Sydney’s changing economic, demographic, and lifestyle needs. Its prime location ensures the precinct will continue to attract demand, support growth, and deliver long-term value for residents and investors alike.
By Pina Brandi November 29, 2025
APRA has been explicit that the DTI cap is a financial‑stability tool, but it is deliberately designed not to choke off finance for new housing supply
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