
Show Notes
Should you buy a home while Australian property prices soften, or wait for a clearer signal? On the Australian Finance Podcast, Owen Rask talks with Chris Bates of Alcove about the decisions facing first-home buyers and upgraders. Their starting point: there is no single Australian housing market, and a cheaper asking price does not automatically make a property a better buy.
Chris explains why Sydney and Melbourne may move differently from Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and why investor-heavy apartments or regional hotspots deserve a closer look. He and Owen discuss the difference between broad market headlines and the street, building and home you actually want to own. Building costs, housing supply and borrowing capacity all complicate the idea that falling prices instantly solve affordability.
If you are upgrading, they explore why the price gap between your current home and the next one may matter more than either price on its own. For first-home buyers, Chris suggests starting early: understand your borrowing options, gather documents and bank statements, and work out which property compromises you can live with before a desirable home appears. They also explain why a well-located, broadly appealing home may still draw competition in a quieter market.
This conversation is not a call to buy immediately or wait indefinitely. It is a practical way to think through your budget, local supply, the quality of a property and the choices you can make before you are under pressure to act.
~~ Disclaimer ~~
This podcast contains general financial information only, issued by The Rask Group Pty Ltd, and shouldn't be relied upon. This podcast shouldn't be relied upon because it does not consider your needs, goals or objectives. Speak to your financial adviser first. Read Rask's FSG at www.rask.com.au/fsg to learn more about us. Always read the PDS and TMD before acquiring any financial product mentioned in this video. Past performance is not always indicative of future performance.
Episode resources
– Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”
– Speak with the Rask Advice team
– Ask a question (select the Finance podcast)
Show partner resources
– View VanEck's range of funds
– Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit
– Get 50% off your first two months using PocketSmith
– Whatever comes next for your business, power it with Stripe
Rask resources
– All services
– Financial Planning
– Invest with us
– Access Show Notes
– Ask a question
– We love feedback!
Follow us on social media
– Instagram: @rask.invest
– TikTok: @rask.invest
Disclaimer
The information in this episode is provided by The Rask Group Pty Ltd and contains general financial product advice only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs.
Before acting, consider whether the information is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. You can read our Financial Services Guide at www.rask.com.au/fsg. If a financial product is mentioned, consider the relevant PDS and TMD, where applicable, before making any financial decision.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed and capital may be at risk.
The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 1280930 of Rask Licensing Pty Ltd, AFSL 563 907. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Australian Finance Podcast
Different decades bring different money decisions—but the best move is rarely copying someone else’s timeline.
An ETF up 200% can feel like a win and a problem. Do you keep riding the momentum, sell part of it, or move the gain back into your core portfolio?
Should an SMSF be your next super move—or is a simpler fund already capable of doing what you need?
In this Q&A livestream of the Australian Finance Podcast, Gemma takes us through her $24,000 trip to Japan. She shares what was good about it and what could have been better, along with the best part of the whole trip.
What do wealthy Australians consistently get right — and which parts of their playbook can ordinary households use?