“Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful” — Is a Buyer’s Market Emerging?
“Be greedy when others are fearful,”
Warren Buffett’s famous quote, “Be greedy when others are fearful,” reflects a powerful investment philosophy. When markets become uncertain and others hesitate, opportunities can often appear for those who are prepared.
With global uncertainty increasing — including geopolitical tensions and economic volatility — it’s understandable that many people are feeling cautious about the future.
However, history has shown that periods of uncertainty can also create opportunities in the property market.
For Australians living overseas who are considering building or expanding their property portfolio back home, this may be a time to look closely at the market.
Potential opportunities may include:
Purchasing your first property in Australia
Expanding your investment portfolio
Securing property from sellers who may be feeling uncertain about the future
Negotiating better purchase prices in softer market conditions
The key is not reacting emotionally to headlines, but having a clear strategy and being financially prepared when the right opportunity arises.
Why Pre-Approval Matters More Than Ever
One of the smartest steps expat buyers can take is securing loan pre-approval.
Pre-approval allows you to:
Understand your borrowing capacity
Move quickly when the right property becomes available
Strengthen your negotiating position with sellers
Lasts for 90 Days, and easy to request another 90-day extension.
For Australians living overseas, organising lending in advance can be particularly important because expat lending policies vary significantly between lenders.
In some cases, expat clients are also exploring bridging finance, allowing them to secure their next property in Australia before selling an existing one.
Changes to Government First Home Buyer Schemes, and why these changes are important for expats.
As an expat, you are generally not eligible to access these schemes unless you are living in Australia. However, they can still influence the market, as properties priced under the scheme price caps often experience increased demand from eligible buyers. Here are the price caps below for each state and territory;
Recent updates to Australian housing support programs may also help more Australians enter the property market.
Family Home Guarantee
The Family Home Guarantee allows eligible applicants — particularly single parents — to purchase a property with as little as a 2% deposit, without needing to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
First Home Guarantee Scheme
The First Home Guarantee allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without LMI, reducing the savings required to enter the market.
Help to Buy Shared Equity Scheme
The upcoming Help to Buy scheme is designed to assist eligible Australians by allowing the government to contribute 30–40% of the property value through a shared equity arrangement.
This reduces the size of the loan required and may make home ownership more accessible for many buyers.
NSW Cities and Regional Areas:$1,500,000 Million
QLD Cities and Regional Areas: $1,000,000
VIC Cities and Regional Areas: $950,000
WA Cities and Regional Areas: $850,000
SA Cities and Regional Areas: $900,000
TAS Cities and Regional Areas: $700,000
ACT: $1,000,000
NT: $600,000
Norfolk Island and Jervis Bay: $550,000
Christmas and Cocos Island: $400,000
This is important because it increases competition in the lower and mid-quartiles of the property market – where many expats typically choose to invest.
How do you get ahead of the pack?
Arrange a pre-approval now so you’re ready to move when the right property appears. Stronger terms – similar to being a cash buyer compared to a first home buyer waiting on finance – can make the difference between securing your next investment property or missing out in this cycle. Pre-approvals typically last 90 days and can usually be extended for another 90 days, meaning you can stay ready to act when the right opportunity arises.
What’s Happening With Interest Rates?
There is currently speculation that the Reserve Bank of Australia may implement two potential interest rate increases in 2026, possibly lifting rates by 0.25% in March and again in May.
While rising rates may sound concerning, there is an important dynamic that many borrowers overlook.
When loan demand slows, lenders often become more competitive to attract new business.
This means brokers can sometimes negotiate larger interest rate discounts for clients, particularly during periods when lenders are actively competing for new loans.
For example, in May 2025, interest rates were at their highest level in 14 years, yet many lenders were offering significant discounts to attract borrowers. Some clients who secured loans during that time actually achieved stronger long-term discounts than borrowers who applied later when rates decreased.
These discounts can be valuable because they often remain for the life of the loan, meaning the timing of when you secure your lending can have long-term financial benefits.
Refinance Opportunities Right Now
For existing property owners, the current lending environment may also present refinance opportunities.
Many lenders are currently offering cashback incentives and refinance rebates for borrowers switching loans.
Recently, we have been securing rates as low as 5.51% for onshore buyers, with some of the major Australian lenders for eligible borrowers.
If your current interest rate is above approximately 5.59%, it may be worth reviewing your loan and discussing what interest rate you could be receiving as an expat. Many borrowers remain on older loan structures without realising how competitive the current lending market has become.
A quick refinance review could potentially reduce repayments while also taking advantage of lender incentives.
Strategy Matters More Than Timing
The most successful property buyers are rarely the ones who move first — they are the ones who prepare early and understand their options.
Knowing your borrowing capacity, structuring the right loan and having a clear property strategy can make a significant difference when opportunities arise.
For Australians living overseas, the right lending strategy can help you maintain and grow your financial footprint in Australia, even while living abroad.
Considering Buying Property in Australia While Living Overseas?
If you’re thinking about purchasing, refinancing or building a property portfolio in Australia while living overseas, it’s worth understanding what options may be available to you.
You can book a 15–30 minute discovery call to explore your options and discuss your lending strategy by emailing Adam Kingston directly.
Adam Kingston
Principal Mortgage Broker
Australian Expatriate Finance
In Partnership with Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions.
