03 Apr Election Pause: Why Smart Buyers Are Making Moves While Others Wait

Posted at 14:23h in Buyers Agent by

Since the election was called just six days ago, we’ve observed a noticeable cooling in market activity across Sydney. This recent hesitation comes against a backdrop of an already challenging year for some premium suburbs. Over the past 12 months, the top three biggest price drops were in Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill and Dover Heights in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The Lower North Shore has also been affected, with Cremorne and Neutral Bay both ranking in the top 10 for negative price growth*.

Election Uncertainty Creates Opportunity

It’s a pattern we’ve seen time and again – political uncertainty tends to make buyers cautious. With the election looming, many potential purchasers have retreated to the sidelines. It’s important to note that it’s not concern about which party will win that’s causing hesitation – it’s simply the temporary instability and uncertainty that comes with any election period. Buyers typically prefer to wait until there’s clarity and stability in the political landscape before making significant financial commitments.

As your dedicated buyers agents in Sydney, we’re seeing this hesitation firsthand at inspections and auctions. The normal hustle and bustle has quietened somewhat, with fewer bidders raising their hands when the auctioneer calls for opening bids.

A Tale of Two Markets

What’s particularly interesting right now is how the market has effectively split into distinct segments:

  • Premium A-grade properties in blue-chip locations like Mosman and across the North Shore are still attracting strong interest and solid prices. Quality never goes out of fashion, even during uncertain times. For example, 13 Stanley Ave, Mosman recently sold in a heated auction for $16.1m, $4m over the reserve. While a knock-down house, the view was spectacular, and it is arguably one of Mosman’s best streets.
  • Properties requiring renovation or in secondary locations are facing more challenges. Buyers are becoming increasingly selective, and properties with compromises are sitting longer on the market.
  • Development sites and properties in the new Low and Mid Rise Housing (“LMR”) zoning areas are seeing considerable activity. While these are securing strong prices, we believe many are currently overpriced for the average buyer, with developers paying premiums that often don’t translate to good value for individual homeowners.

As buyers agents serving Sydney’s premium markets, particularly the North Shore and Mosman, we’re finding exceptional opportunities for our clients who are willing to act while others hesitate. This temporary lull represents a genuine buying opportunity that shouldn’t be overlooked.

What This Means For You

If you’re currently looking to buy, this temporary lull represents a significant strategic advantage and a good buying opportunity. With less competition at auctions and open homes, there’s increased room for negotiation and potentially better value to be found.

Our prediction, based on previous election cycles, is that we’ll see market activity pick up once the election is over. It’s not about which party wins – it’s simply that the removal of uncertainty tends to bring buyers back into the market with renewed confidence. Once that temporary instability passes, we typically see a return to normal market conditions quite quickly.

Strategic Approach

For buyers currently in the market, we recommend:

  • Be decisive about A-grade properties – They’re still attracting competitive buyer interest.
  • Consider properties needing work – With fewer buyers competing, there’s room to secure these at more favorable prices, potentially building in instant equity through smart renovations.
  • Be cautious with LMR properties – While these are attracting attention, many are currently overpriced. Unless you’re a developer with specific expertise in this area, better value can often be found elsewhere in today’s market.

As your buyers agents in Sydney, our role is to help you navigate these market conditions with confidence. The current uncertainty presents a window of opportunity for strategic buyers who understand market dynamics and will make calculated moves while others wait.

If you’re considering a property purchase in Sydney, whether in Mosman or on the North Shore or Eastern Suburbs, now is an ideal time to gain an advantage in the property market. We’re here to help you identify and secure the right property at the right price during this particular market phase.

Looking for expert guidance in Sydney’s property market? Contact your dedicated buyers agents serving Mosman, North Shore and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs today.

Source: PropTrack – suburbs ranked by $ decline in median house price in the 12 months to February 2025