In property investing and home ownership, one of the most common questions people ask is, “When is the best time to buy?” It is an understandable question, especially when headlines are filled with predictions about interest rates, housing affordability, and economic cycles. But history shows that the most successful buyers and investors are not the ones who wait for the “perfect” moment. They are the ones who focus on time in the market, not timing the market. In fact, time in the market beats timing the market – the buyers who get in early and hold long term are usually the ones who come out ahead.

The trap of timing the market

Trying to pick the exact bottom of the property market is like trying to predict the weather months in advance. Even experts with years of experience cannot forecast the exact moment when prices will turn. Waiting too long can mean missing out entirely.

In the last decade, we have seen countless examples where buyers sat on the sidelines hoping prices would fall further, only to watch the market rebound quickly. By the time they acted, prices had risen beyond their budget.

The compounding power of time

Property is a long-term asset. The longer you hold it, the more opportunity you have to benefit from capital growth. Even if you buy during a period of higher interest rates or slower price growth, history shows that property values tend to rise over time.

For example, if you had purchased a home 10 years ago, despite the ups and downs along the way, your property’s value today would likely be significantly higher. That growth compounds year after year, building your equity and financial security. This is where the principle that time in the market beats timing the market really comes into play, as consistent ownership allows compounding growth to work in your favour.

How interest rates factor in

Interest rates are important, but they should not be the sole factor in your decision to buy. Rates go up and down in cycles. While a higher rate may make repayments more challenging initially, you can often refinance when rates fall. Meanwhile, the property’s value is working for you in the background.

At MAW Money, we help clients navigate these rate environments by structuring loans that are sustainable in the short term and flexible for the long term.

Why acting now matters

If you are a first home buyer, upsizer, investor, or developer, the most important step is to get into the market as soon as you are financially ready. Waiting for the “perfect” time can lead to years of missed opportunity.

We work with a wide range of lenders to match you with a loan that fits your goals, whether that means maximising borrowing power, keeping repayments manageable, or structuring finance for future projects.

The most important step is to buy as soon as you are financially ready, rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment. Remember, time in the market beats timing the market, and with the right finance strategy, you can start building long-term security today.