Who should you listen to?

The moment you mention you're vaguely thinking about maybe buying a property, every man and his dog has an opinion. What to buy, where, how much to spend and whether now is the time. If you find uncertainty and big decisions hard to begin with, it's overwhelming. So let's break down who tends to offer advice, what they actually know, and how much weight they deserve.

Your parents

Your parents almost always have your best interests at heart. The challenge is that they bought in a very different market. Incomes relative to prices, interest rates and overall affordability were in a different place when they bought.

Their generation also tended to buy a forever home, rather than stepping stone through a few properties. They may weigh commute time differently, and they may not have had to factor childcare costs into where they chose to live. None of that makes their advice wrong, but it was formed under a different set of conditions.

Then there's money. If your parents are contributing to your purchase, their view on what you buy and how much you pay carries real weight, because you need their help to make it happen. My advice is to get on the same page as early as possible. Show them what your budget actually buys in different locations today and help them understand the current market, well before you need their sign-off on a property.

Your bank or broker

Often before you've spoken to anyone, your bank is already in your inbox telling you to find out what you could borrow. Have a play with an online borrowing calculator and suddenly they have your details and start getting in touch.

A bank has a clear vested interest in you taking out a home loan. Exploring what lenders can offer you is sensible, but I personally wouldn't take a bank's advice on whether now is the right time for you to buy.

A good broker is different. They're across your personal debts and wealth, and a great broker can show you exactly what the numbers look like if you go ahead. That's incredibly valuable. But they provide the information. You make the decision.

Social media influencers

As with all things social media, influencers know nothing about your specific circumstances. Whatever they say is general in nature. Treat it as education, not a plan.

Real estate sales agents

You might need to sell before you buy, or you've simply met agents at open homes while browsing. Either way, sales agents have a very good read on what the market is doing right now. Lean into that. Ask them about prices, recent results and how the market is moving.

What they don't know is your financial position beyond what you've chosen to share. Even if you're buying a home to live in, it's still a huge financial investment. Take their market insight on board, but recognise that on whether the timing is right for you, they're giving general advice.

Buyer's agents

Like a sales agent, a buyer's agent has in-depth, current knowledge of the market. The difference is the questions we ask. A good buyer's agent will dig into why you want to buy, how this property helps you move forward financially over the long run, and whether the type of property you're considering sets you up for that.

But buyer's agents aren't financial advisers either. We can't tell you whether buying property makes sense for your broader financial picture. I've often sent potential clients away to do more research on values and locations, or to speak with a financial adviser, before they were ready to engage me. When the groundwork isn't done yet, that's the right call.

Your friend's friend who scored a "bargain" last year

Of everyone on this list, give this one the least weight when it comes to whether now is the time for you. You don't know the full story behind their purchase, the market has moved since, and their circumstances aren't yours.

The common thread

Every voice here has something useful to offer, and every one of them has a gap. No one else is across your exact motivation to buy, your full financial circumstances and your appetite for risk. Those three things sit with you, and that's why the decision does too.

So seek advice. Ask for opinions. Weigh each one against what that person actually knows. Then trigger your own action, or your own inaction.

Want an independent sounding board?

If you're trying to cut through the noise and want someone who'll ask the right questions before we ever talk property, I'm happy to help. Book a 15 minute call with me here