The best way to get value in just about any type of investment is to go against the flow.

So, when other buyers are putting investment plans on hold to get ready for Christmas, there will be less competition for the properties languishing on the market post-spring rush.

The added bonus is that vendors will be beginning to get anxious about offloading their properties before the end of the year and therefore more likely to agree to a bargain price.

It’s a classic shift in the power balance between buyer and seller and the perfect opportunity to do what B Invested clients do best… buy under value and create equity on the way in.

But this is not the only reason why now is a great time to buy.

A good 2025 begins in 2024

A motivated seller may mean you pick up a property for $50,000 cheaper than you otherwise would have. That stands you in good stead to maximise your gains in the new year. There is often an upswing during February and March

Once you’ve

purchased under value, you’re well placed to benefit from the traditional

upswing in the market during February and March, when buyer activity ramps up

and competition can drive up values.

You will also be able to begin the search for tenants during January, which is when most renters are in the market for their next home. Listing in January will allow you to kick off with a tenant in place when you settle on the property and take the keys.

Finance approval intact

If you’ve been actively looking to invest recently, you are likely to have a finance pre-approval in place. If not, then you need to get it in place, because banks are likely to be backlogged with refinancers, down on staff as holidays kick off and no guarantee to pick up and approve your loan application in time for settlement. Other associated businesses like mortgage brokers, property valuers and conveyancers may also be closed over holiday periods or operating on reduced schedules. Any of these could affect your chances of a successful purchase and settlement and there’s nothing worse than spotting a great investment opportunity only to miss out because of a reason outside of your control.

Global economic factors

The other thing to bear in mind is that things can change a lot in just a few months and especially now, with a new US government to be sworn in come January. The economic uncertainty around the effect of new policies, combined with the numerous armed conflicts happening in other countries and several other economic factors, means it may be wise to use your pre-approval while you have it.  

Pre-approvals typically have a validity period of around three to six months. If you wait too long to act, there’s a risk your pre-approval could expire before you find a deal. Applying for another pre-approval might be difficult the second time around if there has been a change to lending criteria.