Yes, You Can Buy a Home in 5 Days
There are fast property purchases—and then there’s this one.
Last week, I helped a client secure an amazing apartment in just five days from the moment we met. It was a fast-paced, research-heavy, and negotiation-intense process, and I’m thrilled to share what went on behind the scenes.
Day 1: Brief, Budget & A Vespa Dash
We kicked things off on a Thursday night with a clear discussion about my clients’ brief and budget. By Friday morning, I was already scanning my inbox and calling my best agent contacts. One agent mentioned a pre-market opportunity and said he’d be on-site in 30 minutes—I grabbed my helmet, jumped on the Vespa, and got there.
I took photos and videos, flagged a bit of traffic noise, and told my clients, “You’ve got to see this.”
Day 2–3: Due Diligence in Overdrive
Saturday morning, one of the clients inspected the property with me (the other had work). The apartment checked out well. That afternoon, I read the full 1,400-page strata report—yes, on a Saturday—and summarised it into a 5-page digest. No major red flags.
We sent the contract to the solicitor Sunday night to be reviewed first thing Monday.
Day 4: Comparison, Confidence & Market Clarity
By Monday, we were full throttle. The second client inspected after work, and we ran a comprehensive pricing analysis. The key challenge? Helping my clients feel confident that this was the best property for them—especially after only knowing me for a few days.
So, my team and I scoured 45 agent websites, contacted 320 agents (sms or phone calls), and pulled together 18 comparable off and pre-market apartments across Ashfield, Dulwich Hill, and Summer Hill. We benchmarked everything.
They saw the value clearly.
Day 5: Sealed With Confidence
By Tuesday, we had confirmed contract terms, obtained a 66W (cooling off waiver certificate), and fiercely negotiated with two competing buyers. At 7pm that night—just 5 days after meeting—my clients had successfully exchanged unconditionally.
They saved tens of thousands by securing the property before it hit the full market. Eleven contracts had been issued off just one pre-market inspection round—this would’ve been hot competition if it went on market.
Key Buyer Takeaways
You don’t know if it’s “the one” until you’ve compared it to what else is out there
Even a great-looking property needs to be weighed against other options. A clear understanding of the broader market helps you make decisions with confidence.
Speed can give you an edge
In Sydney’s fast-moving market, acting promptly matters. But speed shouldn’t come at the expense of thoroughness—it’s about knowing when and how to move.
Strata reports deserve attention, not fear
Yes, they can be long and complex, but they’re critical. Often, issues are manageable or already accounted for. Understanding them properly is key to making informed decisions.
Know your walk-away price
Clarity on where your budget sits—and what else that budget can buy—means you’re better equipped to make a smart, grounded decision under pressure.
Thinking About Buying in Spring?
Navigating Sydney’s apartment market can feel overwhelming—especially with so many moving parts like pre-market opportunities, strata complexities, and fast-moving negotiations. Whether you’re buying your first home or your next investment, taking the time to research your options and understand the process makes all the difference.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider speaking with someone who knows the ins and outs of the local market (that's me!) and can guide you through it at the right pace for you.
