Ep. 47 | How Long Does It Really Take To Buy Property?

Thinking about buying your first home? The timeline might surprise you. Most first home buyers take 9-12 months from start to settlement, and understanding why can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.In this episode of How’s the Market, James Rankin and Tristan Larkin break down the five critical stages of the property buying journey. With Melbourne’s clearance rates sitting at 56.8% (up 15-20% from last year’s October figures), understanding the buying process has never been more important for getting ahead in today’s competitive market.James shares insights from nearly eight years as a buyer’s agent, revealing why the research phase alone can take 3-4 months if you’re actively learning, or up to 12 months if you’re figuring it out casually. He also introduces the First Home Club, a low-cost program designed to fast-track first home buyers through the buying process with expert guidance and a comprehensive 50-page downloadable guide.What You’ll Learn:Why planning and finance pre-approval should happen before serious property huntingHow the research phase slows most buyers down by 6-9 months (and how to speed it up)The difference between auction campaigns and expressions of interest (and why it matters for your budget)Game-time negotiation tactics, including when to submit offers and how to play your cardsSettlement day logistics that most buyers don’t consider until it’s too lateIf you’re a first home buyer or thinking about entering the market, this episode gives you the complete roadmap to navigate your purchase efficiently. With the right knowledge and guidance, what typically takes two years can be compressed into just eight weeks.👋 About the ShowHow’s The Market is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from TOMII Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets – we’ve got you covered.🔗 Resources & LinksJoin our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.auSubscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-resultsFollow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkinFollow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin