Property professionals say buyers are becoming bolder

BUYER attitudes have changed across auctions, private treaties and more due to a huge increase in demand and lack of stock. FIND OUT MORE HERE

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BUYERS are becoming braver and bolder when making an offer on homes because they’re continually missing out on properties, according to local professionals.

Top End real estate agents are reporting that disappointment and frustration over missed opportunities is forcing buyers to stop playing coy and make their intentions known.

Real Estate Central director and sales professional Sascha Smithett said this behaviour was spread across auctions, private treaty and the agency’s Openn Negotiation app.

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“Buyers are missing out multiple times on properties, particularly if they’re in really specific areas like if they want to be in a school catchment,” she said.

“Generally if a buyer has missed out multiple times, absolutely they’re the ones first foot forward making offers.

“At auctions as well, they’re starting high up to make sure they’re competitively getting the edge to get the property.

“Maybe a year or so ago buyers would hang back to see how the auction played out.

“Now they’re going in and they want to win the property at auction.”

Real Estate Central's Sascha Smithett said this behaviour was spread across auctions, private treaty and the agency’s Openn Negotiation app. Picture: Che Chorley

Raine & Horne Darwin sales consultant Adam Gulliford said he made the unfortunate call to six buyers this week to say they’d missed out on a property.

“They weren’t overly happy but you’ve got to be quick,” he said.

“If you see something you like, put an offer in straight away.

“I carry at least 10 blank contracts with me every weekend and I run out.

“That’s what it’s like, it’s nuts.”

Mr Gulliford said the preparedness of buyers had also changed.

“Twelve months ago if I asked if they’d spoken to their bank, they’d say ‘nope’,” he said.

“Whereas now, people are finally getting serious and making decisions on houses instead of sitting back waiting.”

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Elders sales representative Derek Hart also agreed there was a stark contrast between buyer activity pre and post-COVID-19.

“Before people would take a couple of weeks to decide,” he said.

“Now within three days or on the day they’re making an offer.”

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