This month, we’re talking property with Amanda Becke, who brings more than 20 years of experience selling real estate across Coorparoo, Holland Park, Camp Hill and the surrounding suburbs.
Having worked through very different property cycles over that time, Amanda has seen firsthand how buyer behaviour changes as market conditions shift. While buyers may be more considered in their decisions right now, Amanda says quality homes are still attracting strong interest when they’re presented, marketed and priced correctly.
We caught up with Amanda to hear what she’s seeing in the market, how affordability is changing the way people buy and what she believes needs to happen to improve housing supply in Australia.
What is the biggest misconception people have about the current property market?
I think the biggest misconception is that because the market isn’t as strong as it has been in previous years, properties aren’t selling. That’s simply not the case.
Quality homes are still attracting strong buyer interest and achieving excellent prices when they’re marketed well and priced correctly. Buyers are still out there and they are buying homes every day of the week. They’re just more considered in their decision-making at the moment.
With 21 years of selling experience, this is the sort of market where it makes a difference having a highly experienced selling agent in your corner, not one that started selling after COVID.
Are first home buyers finding it easier or harder to purchase a property in today’s market?
It’s still challenging, and while we’ve seen competition ease slightly in some areas, affordability remains a hurdle. That said, buyers who are prepared, have realistic expectations and good advice around them are still successfully entering the market.
There are opportunities for those who are ready to act when the right property comes along. The first home buyer remains competitive and in high demand.
How are affordability pressures influencing the decisions buyers are making?
Buyers are being more selective, taking longer to make decisions, and many are adjusting their wish lists to stay within their desired budget. Interest rates may be having a slight impact on borrowing capacities, but they aren’t deterring buyers from buying their dream home. If you look at it historically over a 30 to 40-year period, property values have continued to increase.
Well-presented homes in desirable locations continue to remain in demand and perform well.
What change would you like to see governments make to improve Australia’s housing market?
I’d like to see governments focus on increasing housing supply and cutting the red tape that delays development and construction. At the end of the day, we simply need more homes, and we need them across all price points urgently.
Faster planning approvals at affordable costs, better infrastructure investment and policies that encourage new housing would all help ease the pressure on both buyers and renters.
After more than 20 years selling real estate in Coorparoo, Holland Park, Camp Hill and surrounding suburbs, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when demand continues to outstrip supply. Prices rise, rents increase, and it becomes harder for everyday Australians to find a home they can afford.
In Coorparoo and the surrounding suburbs, we also have a growing number of four and five-bedroom homes that are occupied by just one or two people. Some are even completely vacant. This is because we have an ageing population, and many of these people are choosing to stay in their homes for longer, often because the cost of aged care makes downsizing less attractive and, in some instances, out of their reach even with the sale of their home.
That’s another factor limiting the supply of family homes. We need practical, long-term housing policies that make it easier to build and encourage investment in new housing. If we keep introducing policies that discourage property investors, it’s no surprise that rental supply tightens and rents continue to climb.
From what I see every day, the pressure is real for both buyers and sellers. We need a bold housing strategy focused on one clear goal: to build more homes (not the $4–$6 million ones), faster, at every price point, so young couples, professionals and single parents can get into the market.
We should also be looking at stronger incentives for first home buyers while creating the confidence needed to bring investors back into the market, because both are essential if we’re serious about improving housing affordability.
At the same time, we need to address the cost and availability of aged care so older Australians have genuine choices if they want to downsize. Freeing up larger family homes while ensuring our senior citizens have access to affordable, quality care would benefit the entire housing market everywhere!
A big thank you to Amanda for sharing her perspective with the Madd community.
While buyers may be taking more time and being more selective, well presented homes in desirable locations are still attracting strong demand. Amanda also highlights the bigger issue of housing supply and the need for more homes across different price points.
We appreciate Amanda taking the time to share more than 20 years of experience with us and giving an honest view of what she’s seeing on the ground right now.
