With so many conflicting headlines about inflation, interest rates, and global tensions, many would-be buyers and investors are left wondering: is now really the right time to make a move?
On the surface, sitting and waiting might feel like the cautious, sensible thing to do. But when you dig into the underlying trends — both global and local — a different story starts to emerge. And if you’ve been watching what’s playing out with China, us tariffs, inflation data and interest rate projections, you might be seeing what the smart money sees:
An opportunity forming.
One that’s already prompting some buyers to move early. The kind of window warren Buffett is famous for jumping on before the rest of the market catches on.
Let’s unpack what’s happening — and why you may be better positioned than you think.
The global trade shift that could impact Australia’s market.
Trump has publicly stated he plans to reimpose tariffs on Chinese imports, and potentially at higher rates than ever before. This echoes the 2018–2019 trade war, which disrupted global supply chains and forced China to find new export markets fast.
If history repeats, and Chinese manufacturers are squeezed out of their biggest market, they’ll need to pivot — fast.
And guess what? Australia is one of the most logical alternative destinations.
That could result in:
- A sharp increase in supply of cheap consumer goods
- Discount-driven price slashing to move stock quickly
- A deflationary wave across key sectors
In other words, Australia could be on the receiving end of China’s redirected manufacturing output — at fire-sale prices. Not just because they want to sell, but because they want to send a message to the US, and take control of the economic narrative.
The ripple effect: deflation and fast-tracked rate cuts?
What happens when a huge volume of cheap goods floods a market?
Inflation cools. That’s good for consumers in the short term, but it also puts pressure on central banks to adjust policy.
We’ve already seen inflation moderating locally, and if the deflationary effect from Chinese imports kicks in harder than expected, the RBA may be forced to act faster than anticipated.
Currently, economists are forecasting 1–2 modest interest rate cuts for the rest of 2025. But some insiders are whispering that we could see 3 full cuts — or at least more aggressive action — if deflation becomes a real factor.
That’s where the opportunity lies.
If borrowing becomes significantly cheaper, property becomes more attractive — fast.
What history tells us about interest rates and property prices.
Take a look at the reserve bank of Australia’s own chart pack, and one trend becomes crystal clear:
When interest rates fall, property prices rise.
We’ve seen it time and time again over the past three decades. Lower rates reduce mortgage repayments, improve borrowing power, and bring more buyers into the market. As demand rises, so do prices — especially in competitive urban markets.
And here’s the catch: most of the price growth happens early in the cycle, before the cuts have fully played out.
Waiting for the RBA to finish its rate cuts might feel smart, but historically, those who move early tend to benefit the most.
Buffett doesn’t wait — he moves when it counts.
Warren Buffett is famous not just for his investment genius, but for his timing. He doesn’t sit on the sidelines waiting for absolute certainty. He acts when others are still second-guessing.
Here’s what Buffett knows:
- Markets move on expectation, not confirmation
- The best opportunities often show up when others are fearful
- Acting early means buying before the crowd rushes in
Right now, a lot of Australians are actually in a surprisingly strong position — they just don’t realise it.
You might not have billions like Buffett, but if you’ve built up equity, you’ve got improving borrowing conditions, and you’re seeing the market shift, you’ve got what you need to act like Buffett would.
What the smart money is doing right now.
We’re seeing this play out on the ground. Many investors who were watching from the sidelines are now:
- Refinancing to unlock equity
- Using softened serviceability tests to increase their borrowing limits
- Buying before interest rate cuts, locking in fixed or variable loans with long-term upside
- Targeting high-rent suburbs where holding costs are already being offset by income
A key part of buffet’s approach is understanding that wealth is built across cycles, not just in boom times. When assets are undervalued — and most buyers are hesitant — that’s when real money is made.
Stocks slipping, property rising?
In early 2024, shares were hot. Now? Many portfolios have taken a hit. Investors who had shifted to equities after being priced out of property are now reassessing.
Meanwhile, property fundamentals are starting to look stronger again:
- Rental demand remains high
- Vacancy rates are still tight
- Property listings are starting to rise, giving buyers more choice
- Yields are improving in many metro and regional areas
If you’ve looked at property recently and the numbers didn’t quite stack up — now may be the time to run them again.
Especially if your borrowing power has quietly improved without you realising it.
Is now the right time for you?
Here’s the truth: we’re not saying everyone should buy property right now.
But if you’re already considering a move — within the next 12 to 18 months — then there’s a strong case for moving earlier:
- You’ll secure today’s prices before any upward movement
- You’ll benefit from future rate cuts with lower holding costs
- You’ll have more choice in the market right now than if you wait
- And you’ll be ahead of the next crowd surge when confidence returns
The market is shifting, but not everyone sees it yet. Which gives you the chance to step into the next phase before the headlines catch up.
Final thought: you could be your own Buffett.
Buffett’s not a magician. He just moves before the masses do. He acts when things look uncertain — but the fundamentals line up.
You’ve got equity? You’ve got better serviceability? You’ve got access to property stock?
Then you’ve got the ingredients to do what Buffett would do — and get ahead of the next cycle.
Because by the time confidence returns, prices will likely be higher, borrowing may be more competitive, and the opportunity could already be fading.
Want to make a smart move while others sit on the sidelines?
If property is on your radar in the next 12–18 months, now could be the time to take action — before interest rates drop and prices push higher.
Let’s explore your options and map out a strategy that puts you ahead of the curve.
Your next step? Request a Free 30-Minute Finance Strategy Session
This no-obligation free session is held with one of our experienced mortgage brokers. It’s not a sales pitch—just real, strategic advice tailored to your situation, so you can make smarter financial decisions.
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Trilogy Funding Two is a corporate credit representative (Representative Number 506131) of BLSSA Pty Ltd, ACN 117 651 760 (Australian Credit Licence 391237)
About the Author
Since 2008, David Thomas has built a business aimed at servicing the needs of property investors, owner occupiers and small business owners. David is recognised as one of the top 10 independent mortgage brokerages in the country, David and his team have settled almost billions of dollars worth of residential and investment loans over the last decade.
Known for his straightforward, relatable style, David believes by educating people about property funding; they fare better in the market. By sharing his expertise openly, some of the people he educates will likely become his clients. It's a win-win approach.
David Thomas is a credit representative (Representative Number 506153) of BLSSA Pty Ltd, ACN 117 651 760 (Australian Credit Licence 391237).