First Home Buyers – How to Navigate the Northern Beaches Spring Market 2025

If you’re a first home buyer, the Northern Beaches spring market can feel like a sprint you didn’t train for. There’s competition, there’s pressure, and there’s a lot of money on the line.

Spring has always been our busiest season for property. More homes hit the market, more buyers come out of the woodwork, and the pace picks up. In 2025, I expect that to be especially true. With interest rates on the way down, buyer confidence is returning, and we’re already seeing well-priced properties attracting strong interest within days.

What this means for you
If you’re serious about buying this spring, you need to be ready before the first “For Sale” sign goes up. The best properties — especially in those sought-after suburbs like Freshwater, Balgowlah, and Mona Vale — often sell before they even hit the open market. I see it happen every week.

My tips for first home buyers this spring:

1. Get your finances locked in now – You’ll need pre-approval before you start inspecting. Sellers and agents take you far more seriously when you can act quickly.

2. Understand true market value – Online estimates can be wildly off. You need recent comparable sales and a realistic idea of what the market is doing street by street, not just suburb by suburb.

3. Be clear on your non-negotiables – If you’re trying to decide between a bigger apartment in Brookvale or a smaller one in Manly, now is the time to set your priorities. When the right property comes up, hesitation will cost you.

4. Look beyond Saturdays – I arrange private inspections during the week so my clients can see properties without the crowd. It’s calmer, you get more time in the home, and you can make decisions without feeling rushed.

5. Tap into off-market opportunities – Around 70% of my purchases happen before the property is publicly listed. That’s where relationships with local agents make all the difference.

Spring on the Northern Beaches is fast-moving, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, clear priorities, and someone in your corner, you can secure your first home and avoid the heartache of missing out.

If you’re thinking about buying this spring, now is the time to start. I can guide you through the process, help you access properties others won’t see, and negotiate the best possible terms so you can move into your first home with confidence.

The takeaway? Don’t wait for the market to heat up — by then, you’re already competing with everyone else. Get prepared now, and you’ll be ready to act the moment your future home appears.