Because your crystal ball is broken and Cheryl West pawned the spare.

This question gets asked more than Van gets called an egg:

“Should I wait for prices to drop?”

“What if the market crashes?”

“My mate’s cousin said the market’s gonna tank in 6 months…”

Look, I get it. Buying a house in West Auckland (or anywhere, really) is a massive decision. Especially when you’re staring down interest rates, scary headlines, and unsolicited advice from Uncle Dave—who “almost bought a house in 1987 and has thoughts.”

So let’s break it down with some real talk—the Westie way.

🤔 1. The Market Isn’t a Clearance Rack

Waiting for the market to “crash” is like standing outside the Macca’s drive-thru hoping they’ll start giving away Big Macs for free. It might happen… but you’ll probably starve first.

Yes, prices move. Yes, interest rates go up and down. But timing the perfect moment is almost impossible—and usually only obvious in hindsight.

Instead of asking “When’s the cheapest time?”—ask:

👉 “Can I afford this home right now, and will it meet my needs long-term?”

📈 2. “I’ll Just Wait Another Year…”

Sweet. But while you’re waiting, prices might go back up. Or interest rates might stay high. Or you might get stuck in the rent trap while your mate who just bought is building equity like a boss.

Here’s the tea:

Every year you wait is another year of paying someone else’s mortgage instead of your own.

🧠 Real buyer tip: Work out your “Buy Now” scenario vs. “Wait 12 Months” with real numbers—not just vibes from the bloke at the pub.

🏠 3. Buy the House, Not the Headlines

The media loves drama. (They’d have had a field day with the West family, let’s be honest.)

So while the news says, “House prices could fall by X%”, they don’t tell you that:

• West Auckland has high demand and low stock
• First home buyer competition is fierce again
• Long-term, the market always trends upward

If you find a home you love, in a location you want, at a price you can afford—go for it. The best time to buy is when it works for you.

💸 4. Interest Rates Aren’t Forever

Yes, rates are higher than they were in the golden days of 2020. But they’re also not 17% like in the ‘80s (ask ya Mum). Rates go in cycles. You can:

• Fix short-term now
• Refinance later when they drop
• Budget realistically and avoid over-stretching

You’re not marrying your interest rate—you’re just casually dating it until something better comes along.

🙋‍♀️ 5. Want Real Advice? Ask Someone Who Actually Sells Houses

Don’t get your property advice from Barry in the smoko room.

Instead, talk to someone who actually knows the local market. Like, say… me. 🫶

I’ll give it to you straight: what’s hot, what’s dodgy, and what’s worth your hard-earned coin.

And unlike Uncle Dave, I’m legally required to tell the truth (cheers, REA Rules and the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 💼).

TL;DR – Should You Buy Now?

✅ You’ve got your deposit

✅ You’ve been pre-approved

✅ You’ve found a place that feels right

✅ You can afford the repayments

✅ You’re ready to settle down (with the house, not necessarily a person—although yay if both)

Then yeah, go for it. Waiting might mean missing out.