How to succeed in the property fatigue zone

Running out of steam?

The past six months have been tough on property buyers, so it’s no surprise many buyers are running out of steam. Across most markets, listings have been tight, competition intense, and agents have been pushing negotiations to new extremes. On top of that, ongoing talk about government schemes driving prices higher has created uncertainty and stress.

Many buyers are now questioning whether they will ever find the right property. As the year heads into its final stretch, plenty are thinking about taking a break until things calm down. But stepping back now could mean missing one of the best buying windows of the year.

The Market Has Been Challenging, But Conditions Are Shifting

For most of 2025, property supply has remained well below average. Buyers have been forced to chase limited listings, while sellers have often set ambitious price expectations - usually encouraged by agents who are competing to attract the sellers’ business. 

This situation fits right into the agents’ playbook, providing them with the ability to use psychological and emotional tactics to increase pressure on buyers and urgency at every turn.

The good news is that the tide is starting to turn. Many sellers who delayed earlier in the year are now listing their properties, enticed on the market by the solid sales prices of the past few

months. As a result, there is now a modest but noticeable increase in the number of properties available, which is starting to bring more balance to negotiations.

Couple this with the recent confirmation there won’t be a reduction in the RBA cash rate, and we now have a tiny sense of uncertainty creeping into the market.

This means buyers who stay active through November and early December are beginning to see more options and, in some cases, better value.

Why Taking a Break Could Cost You

Every year around this time, buyer activity typically slows as fatigue sets in. It’s understandable, but it often works against those who pause their search. November and December consistently present some of the most favourable conditions for strategic buyers for the following reasons.

1. Sellers are motivated. Many owners listing now are aiming to finalise a sale before Christmas, which creates more buyer-leverage for negotiations.
2. Competition drops. When other buyers take a break, those who remain in the market face fewer bidders and less pressure.  Of course, you only need one other buyer for ‘competition’ on a property, but the buyer field definitely thins out at this time of year.
3. Campaign timelines shorten. Agents know time is running out, and that urgency can work to your advantage because they’re motivated to get the sale over the line quickly.

By staying engaged when others step away, buyers can access opportunities that would otherwise be snapped up.

More Stock, More Choice, More Leverage

The end-of-year period is unique. Agents are pushing to get properties on the market before the holiday season, which means there is often a short burst of additional stock. Some of these homes are fresh listings, while others have been sitting on the market for several weeks.

Those longer listings can represent genuine buying opportunities. Sellers who have been holding out for a ‘good’ price are now facing campaign fatigue and will be more open to negotiation. For buyers who have done their homework and understand fair market value, this can be the ideal time to secure a property at a realistic price.

The Six-Week Window That Can Change Everything

From now until mid-December, the market moves quickly. The banks, solicitors and conveyancers all shut down for the Christmas break and some businesses close for three or more weeks (not at The Property Frontline though, because we’re here doing portfolio reviews through the holiday season . .but that’s another story).

The looming administrative deadline means deals need to be locked in with a very short settlement period (so purchases can be wrapped up before Christmas) or settlements need to be for a longer period (so settlement occurs when the banks and solicitors are back from the break).

If you’ve been searching for months and are feeling worn down, this is the time to simplify and sharpen your strategy. Over the next six weeks, focus on:

• Clarifying your brief. Narrow your search to the properties and locations that truly fit your goals.
• Reviewing listings with fresh eyes. Pay attention to properties that have been available for several weeks, as they often hold negotiation potential.
• Staying finance-ready. Ensure your pre-approval is current so you can act quickly.
• Using reliable data. Compare recent sales from the main property portals as well as asking prices, to assess real value.
• Make a few cheeky offers. Now is the time to lead with a ‘softer’ initial offer to test the ‘motivation’ of the seller as well as the agent.
• Leaning on expertise. A clear plan supported by professionals helps you stay objective and confident.

Momentum is critical. The buyers who stay engaged now are the ones most likely to start the new year as owners.

Reset, Don’t Retreat

Feeling flat after months of effort is normal. The answer isn’t to stop, but to reset. And maybe have that extra chocolate (or cocktail) to boost your resolve. Revisit your criteria, refresh your research, and rebuild your confidence by focusing on what you can control.

It may be worth reviewing whether your budget, search area, or property type still align with your goals. Even small adjustments can open up new opportunities. Most importantly, having structure and focus helps take the emotion out of the process so you can move from frustration to action.

This is the point where the effort you’ve put in can start to pay off.

The Smartest Buyers Keep Going

Every year, the same pattern emerges. The buyers who stay focused through November and December are the ones settling their new homes or investments early in the new year. Meanwhile, those who paused are only just starting again when competition returns.

Property success has always required resilience, though this year has demanded more than most of us would like.  Success is also a mind game. By staying prepared, informed, and active, you give yourself the best chance to find the best property without the pressure of peak competition.

So if you’ve been thinking of stepping back, take a short rest if you need it, then re-engage with clarity and intent. The next few weeks could make all the difference.

Want to make the whole process easier?

If you’re feeling drained from the search, remember we’re here and ready to jump in to help.  With our Buy Like a Genius service, you’ll have someone in your corner who knows how to spot the right opportunities, act decisively, and handle the negotiations with influence. We’ll manage the details so you can take a breath, enjoy the lead-up to Christmas, and start the new year knowing your property goals are taking shape.

Book in for a chat here.