I want to start today with a little story.

At any social gathering, there are usually two types of people who ask questions. If you’re a doctor, someone will eventually ask you about a weird ache or a bump on their shoulder. But if you work in real estate -like I do - the conversation always turns to property.

Enter Gary (not his real name, but let’s roll with it). Gary was the classic "on-the-sidelines" buyer. He spent months going to viewings, looking at everything from three-beds to four-beds, big places, small places… you name it. But no matter how many properties he saw, he never took action. He was waiting for that perfect moment.

The problem? That perfect moment doesn’t exist.

Hesitation in property buying can cost you - not just in time but in real money. The market moves forward whether you’re ready or not, and waiting on the sidelines often means you end up paying more or losing out entirely.

Here are five key lessons Gary (and anyone else in his shoes) needs to learn:

While you’re weighing up your options, the market isn’t slowing down for you. Property prices don’t hit pause just because you’re still deciding. In a rising market, hesitation can cost you 5-10% more in just a few months.

When you find a property that ticks your essential boxes, waiting too long to act can mean someone else swoops in and buys it. The house you hesitated on today becomes the comparable that sets a higher price for the next one.

Indecision isn’t neutral—it has financial consequences. The longer you wait, the higher the prices climb, and the more you’ll end up paying. Renting for longer while you hesitate? That’s another hidden cost.

Sellers and agents can sense uncertainty. If you’re unsure or overly cautious, they’ll pick up on it, and in a competitive market, a confident buyer will always have the edge. You don’t need to be reckless, but you do need to be decisive.

No property will tick every single box. The key is finding one that meets your must-haves while allowing room to make it your own. If you keep waiting for perfection, you’ll never buy at all.

The key takeaway? Know what you want, be clear in your decision-making, and act when the right opportunity presents itself. The market won’t wait for you - so jump in or move on, but don’t just stand on the sidelines.

Join me next time when I break down another key topic in property buying.

 Until then, be decisive and get on with it!