The Reserve Bank surprised many by holding the cash rate steady at its July meeting, despite market expectations of a cut being near certain. Inflation is easing and economic pressures are softening, but the RBA is still signalling caution.
Even so, plenty of buyers aren’t waiting around for rates to fall to make a move on property investment. They’re acting now – and for good reason.
Why Buyers Are Moving Early
There’s a growing sentiment that waiting for the next rate cut might mean missing out. That’s because:
- Competition is already heating up – demand remains high, and listings are tight in many areas.
- Prices are rising – CoreLogic data shows housing values have continued to climb in most capital cities.
For buyers with pre-approval in place, moving early can mean avoiding the post-rate-cut rush – and potentially securing a better deal on their purchase.
What About Refinancers?
It’s not just new buyers who are weighing up their next move. Homeowners with fixed loans expiring or even on a variable rates loan that they have had for a while, are also asking: should I wait for a rate drop before shopping around?
The answer depends on your personal circumstances – but in many cases, refinancing now can deliver better value than riding out the uncertainty. Lenders are competing hard for business, and there are still sharp rates, and cashback offers in the market.
Timing the Market vs Being Prepared
Trying to perfectly time a rate cut is no easy task – as we have just witnessed at the last RBA meeting. That’s why preparation is key. A finance broker can:
- Give you access to the full suite of market offers.
- Structure your application to help maximise your capacity and approval chances.
- Explore options that align with your long-term goals, including sustainability considerations if that matters to you.
- Keep your pre-approval up to date so you’re ready when the right property comes along.
A Strategic Approach, not a Waiting Game
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or looking to refinance, the current environment calls for a proactive approach. If you’d like tailored guidance to navigate your next move, our team is here to help. We’ve worked hard to be able to offer a wide range of lenders, and options that make sense for you and your individual circumstances.
Written by Andrew Whelan, General Manager – AP Group
AP Group are the leading pharmacy experts in Australia and specialise in helping first time buyers find the right pharmacy and secure the finance to support their purchase.
We connect existing owners with over 5000 ready and eager investors via our cutting-edge online Data Room. Our Data Room keeps confidential listing data secure and allows buyers to make informed decisions on each of our pharmacies for sale.
AP Group have built connections with all the major banks and a host of smaller lenders, ensuring that first time pharmacy buyers find a better deal.
About the Author:
When Andrew Whelan is not out pedalling his bike or looking after his two marvellous kids, he’s pedalling through pharmacy finance and strategy development.
Having been with AP Group since the beginning, Andrew has more than a decade experience in pharmacy and is an asset to the sales and finance division. He’s a numbers wizard, people person and sustainability champion — leading AP Group to achieve official Carbon Neutral Certification with Climate Active.
Before AP Group, Andrew spent more than a decade in the telecommunications and media industry including 7 years at Telstra in a variety of senior management roles and 3 years in the United Kingdom managing the commercial function for the British Sky Broadcasting — a time where it was the fastest growing broadband provider in the UK.
So it’s no surprise that he is well equipped to help customers with some of the biggest decisions they will ever make — buying a home or investing in a pharmacy — and helping to show them what’s truly possible.