JJK Property Buyers Agency

30/07/2026

07/07/2026

Is Brisbane's Property Market Losing Momentum? Yes... But Context Matters.

Recent reports show Brisbane's property market has continued to slow, with buyer confidence easing and price growth becoming more moderate. Open homes are attracting fewer visitors, buyers have more choice, and competition has reduced compared to earlier this year.

At first glance, that may sound concerning.

However, it's important to separate slowing growth from falling fundamentals.
Brisbane still recorded 0.3% growth in June and 17.4% annual dwelling value growth, outperforming the national average despite the current market slowdown.

Several factors have contributed to today's more cautious market:

1.-Higher interest rates reducing borrowing capacity.
2.-Changes announced in the Federal Budget affecting investor confidence.
3.-Cost-of-living pressures impacting buyer sentiment.

Greater uncertainty causing many buyers to adopt a "wait and see" approach.
Yet the longer-term fundamentals that have supported Brisbane for years remain largely unchanged:

-Continued population growth
-Ongoing housing undersupply
-Major infrastructure investment
-Strong lifestyle appeal

For buyers, a market like this can actually create opportunities.
With less competition at inspections and auctions, buyers often have more time to undertake proper due diligence, negotiate confidently and make informed decisions rather than feeling pressured by fast-moving conditions.

Property markets naturally move through cycles. The key isn't trying to predict every short-term movement—it's making well-informed decisions that align with your long-term goals.

Sometimes, a calmer market provides the best environment to buy well.

16/06/2026

The Property You Don't Buy Can Be Just as Important as the One You Do

When most people think about buying property, they focus on finding the right one. The reality is that avoiding the wrong property can be just as important.

Every week, buyers inspect homes that appear perfect on the surface. A fresh coat of paint, a renovated kitchen and a great first impression can make it easy to overlook potential risks hiding beneath.

Some of the issues we regularly see include:

1.-Flood overlays and drainage concerns
2.-Easements that may restrict future improvements
3.-Zoning constraints
4.-Nearby developments that could impact lifestyle or value
5.-Building defects that may require significant expenditure
6.-Locations where future resale demand may be limited

None of these factors automatically make a property a bad purchase. However, they should form part of an informed decision. One of the biggest misconceptions in property is that success comes from negotiating the lowest price.

In reality, paying a fair price for a quality asset is often far better than securing a bargain on a property that carries hidden risks. The best property decisions are rarely based on emotion alone. They come from understanding exactly what you're buying, the opportunities it presents and the risks that come with it.

Sometimes the smartest property purchase is the one you decide not to make.

11/06/2026

Australian Interest Rates: A Little Perspective Goes a Long Way

When speaking with property buyers today, one of the most common concerns is interest rates. After three rate rises in 2026, the RBA cash rate now sits at 4.35%, and many buyers are wondering whether borrowing costs are becoming too expensive. However, when we step back and look at history, today's environment looks very different.

In 1990, Australian interest rates reached approximately 17%. During the Global Financial Crisis, rates exceeded 7%. By contrast, the COVID period delivered the lowest rates in Australian history, with the cash rate falling to just 0.10%.
Many buyers entered the market during this ultra-low-rate environment and understandably came to view those conditions as "normal". In reality, they were anything but normal. The last few years have simply been a reminder that interest rates move in cycles.

Looking forward, the outlook for the remainder of 2026 remains mixed. While some major banks believe rates have already peaked, others forecast one or two additional increases before year-end. Current market pricing and RBA forecasts imply a cash rate of around 4.7% by the end of 2026.
What does this mean for property buyers?

Firstly, borrowing capacity remains under pressure. Every 0.25% increase in the cash rate can reduce borrowing power and increase monthly repayments, forcing many buyers to adjust their expectations. We're already seeing increased demand for units, townhouses and more affordable middle-ring suburbs as buyers adapt to higher financing costs. Secondly, higher interest rates have softened confidence, but they have not solved Australia's housing shortage.

Australia continues to experience strong population growth, ongoing migration, limited housing supply and rising construction costs. These structural factors continue to support long-term housing demand despite short-term economic uncertainty.

History shows that property markets often move ahead of sentiment. By the time confidence fully returns, many opportunities have already passed.
The lesson from the last 35 years is simple: interest rates will always rise and fall, but quality property remains a long-term asset class driven by much broader economic fundamentals than the cash rate alone.

Understanding those fundamentals is often far more important than trying to predict the next RBA decision.

08/06/2026

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming.

Most first home buyers start by looking at properties online, attending inspections and comparing suburbs. While that's understandable, there are a few important things worth understanding before beginning the search.

First, know your budget.

It's not just about how much a bank is willing to lend. It's about understanding what you're comfortable repaying while maintaining the lifestyle you want. Don't forget to consider additional costs such as legal fees, building and pest inspections, moving costs and any ongoing maintenance expenses.

Second, understand your priorities.

Very few first home buyers find a property that ticks every box. Knowing the difference between your "must-haves" and your "nice-to-haves" can save a lot of time and frustration during the search process.

Third, focus on location before presentation.

A renovated kitchen can be changed. A poor location can't. Factors such as transport, schools, future infrastructure, lifestyle and long-term demand often have a greater impact on future value than cosmetic finishes.

Fourth, do your due diligence.

Before making an offer, understand exactly what you're buying. Flood overlays, easements, zoning restrictions, future developments and building issues can all influence a property's suitability and long-term value.

Finally, don't let emotions make the decision for you.

Buying a home is emotional, and that's completely normal. However, the best decisions usually come from balancing emotion with research, data and a clear understanding of your objectives.

The reality is that buying your first home doesn't require perfect timing. It requires preparation, knowledge and confidence in the decisions you're making.

At JJK Property Buyers Agency, we love helping first home buyers navigate the process with clarity and confidence, turning what can feel overwhelming into an exciting and informed journey.

02/06/2026

The market is facing short-term headwinds, but several long-term fundamentals continue to support housing demand.

There's no doubt 2026 has been challenging for many property buyers.
Since February, the Reserve Bank has increased interest rates three times, reducing borrowing capacity and increasing mortgage repayments. For an average income earner, three consecutive rate rises have reduced borrowing capacity by approximately $36,000, while a dual-income household has seen borrowing power fall by around $72,000.

At the same time, buyer confidence has weakened. Higher living costs, mortgage stress and economic uncertainty have caused many Australians to delay purchasing decisions. Proposed Federal Budget changes have added another layer of uncertainty for investors, including:

1,- Removal of the 50% Capital Gains Tax discount for future investors
2.- Negative gearing proposed to be limited to new builds
3.-Banks quickly adjusting lending calculators, reducing borrowing capacity for some investors by an estimated 20–33%

As a result, many investors have stepped back from the market while they assess the implications of these reforms. However, while short-term sentiment remains cautious, several key housing fundamentals continue to point in the opposite direction.

Australia continues to experience strong population growth and migration. At the same time, housing supply remains constrained by:

1.-An undersupply of dwellings
2.-Labour shortages across the construction sector
3.-Increasing construction costs
4.-Planning and development constraints

These factors continue to limit the delivery of new housing stock.
We're also seeing buyer behaviour evolve. Reduced borrowing capacity is pushing more buyers towards units and townhouses, as well as middle-ring suburbs where affordability remains stronger than many inner-city locations.

Looking ahead, economists expect inflation to remain within the RBA's target range, and while some banks still forecast additional rate rises, others believe the current cash rate may be near its peak.

History shows that property markets often begin recovering before confidence fully returns. By the time buyers feel comfortable again, competition has often increased and opportunities become harder to find.

No one can consistently predict short-term market movements. However, successful property decisions are often made by focusing on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term headlines.

28/05/2026

A Guide for Clients : Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms

Buying Property in Australia Will Soon Involve More Questions — Here’s Why:

From 1 July 2026, major Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) reforms are expected to apply to the real estate industry across Australia, including buyers agents, real estate agencies, accountants and legal professionals involved in property transactions.

For many buyers and sellers, this will likely introduce a noticeable change to the way property transactions are handled.

In simple terms, property professionals will be required to carry out much deeper due diligence on clients, funds and transaction structures before assisting with certain property transactions.

This means buyers may increasingly be asked for information such as: proof of identity, source of funds, source of wealth, company or trust documentation, beneficial ownership information, explanations around transaction structures or overseas funds

For some clients, particularly those who have never experienced these processes before, it may initially feel intrusive or overly administrative. However, the objective behind these reforms is to help prevent criminal exploitation of the Australian property market through money laundering, fraud and other financial crimes.

And in reality, Australia’s property market has become one of the most attractive asset classes globally for storing and transferring wealth, which is exactly why regulators are increasing oversight.

Importantly, the vast majority of genuine buyers and sellers should not be concerned.

For most people, these checks will simply become another normal part of the transaction process — similar to identification requirements already common in banking and finance.

What will likely change the most is the level of documentation, compliance and verification expected from property professionals moving forward.

As these reforms approach, the industry itself is also evolving. Buyers agents, real estate agencies and other professionals will need stronger systems, clearer processes and more robust compliance frameworks than ever before.

At JJK Property Buyers Agency, we see this as a positive step toward creating a more transparent, professional and secure property industry for everyone involved.

Because while the process may involve more questions, the goal is ultimately to protect both clients and the integrity of the market itself.

26/05/2026

Great morning attending the The REIQ Buyer’s Agent Breakfast today and connecting with so many experienced professionals within the industry.

Some very valuable discussions around topics that are becoming increasingly important for buyers agents and the broader property sector, including:

-Title Insurance
-Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) requirements, including Buyers agent workflows, operational processes, Due diligence expectations and risk management. Thanks Kat Beavon

One of the highlights of the morning was definitely the panel discussion with three highly experienced buyers agents sharing real-world insights, challenges, lessons and perspectives from years in the market. Conversations like these are incredibly valuable, particularly in an industry that continues evolving so quickly. Big thanks to Sally Phillips, Darren Keen - Buyers Agent and Simon Clarke.

As the property landscape becomes more complex, staying connected, informed and engaged with the industry is more important than ever.
Very grateful to be part of such a professional and collaborative community.

11/05/2026

One of the most common things buyers say today is:

“We’re waiting for the right time to buy.”
The challenge is… the “perfect time” rarely feels obvious while you’re living through it.

Property markets are constantly influenced by interest rates, confidence, supply levels, migration, affordability, and buyer sentiment. Because of this, many buyers spend months — sometimes years — waiting for certainty before making a move.

But historically, the buyers who perform best over the long term are not necessarily those who perfectly time the market. More often, they are the buyers who make informed, strategic decisions when opportunities align with their goals.

In today’s environment, uncertainty around interest rates has caused many people to pause. Yet at the same time, Brisbane continues to experience strong underlying fundamentals, including population growth, limited housing supply, and ongoing infrastructure investment.

What’s interesting is that markets rarely move evenly. Different suburbs, price points, and property types behave differently at different times. While some buyers wait on the sidelines for headlines to improve, others are quietly securing high-quality properties with strong long-term potential.

That doesn’t mean buyers should rush into decisions. Far from it.

Good property decisions are rarely emotional or reactive. They come from understanding:

what makes a quality asset,
what your long-term strategy is,
and whether the property genuinely aligns with your financial position and lifestyle goals.

Timing matters, but strategy matters more; A well-selected property held over the long term will often outperform short-term attempts to perfectly predict market movements. In many cases, buyers who wait for complete certainty end up facing higher prices, increased competition, or fewer opportunities.

The reality is that no one rings a bell to announce the “perfect” moment to buy. The key is not trying to predict every market movement — it’s making clear, informed decisions with the right guidance and the right approach.

At JJK Property Buyers Agency, we help buyers cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters: ✔️ strategy ✔️ asset quality ✔️ long-term thinking ✔️ informed decision-making

06/05/2026

Had a fantastic catch up with Sally Phillips today — excellent person and an incredibly knowledgeable buyers agent. Sally’s experience and client-focused approach are clearly reflected in the reputation she has built in the Brisbane market.

Really appreciate being able to connect with professionals who share the same passion for helping clients navigate the Brisbane property market with confidence and clarity.

The property industry is competitive, but there’s also a strong community of people willing to share experiences, ideas, and insights.

At JJK Property Buyers Agency, we strongly believe that learning never stops — and that strong professional relationships ultimately benefit the clients we serve.