The Elephant in the Room
The property podcast for the thinking person.

Episodes

Episode 449: Selling in a Slow Market? Strategy Matters More Than Ever

Selling property in a slow market can feel like an uphill battle, but is waiting really the better option? When buyers become more selective and competition fades, many homeowners are left asking the same question: should I sell my house now or wait, or is there a smarter strategy that doesn't rely on trying to time the market?

In this episode, Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates unpack what it really takes to sell successfully when market conditions become more challenging. Drawing on their combined experience in buyer's advocacy and vendor advisory, they explain why a slower market doesn't just affect prices—it exposes the strengths and weaknesses of every property. From understanding buyer behaviour to avoiding common selling traps, they share practical insights that can help homeowners make more informed decisions before they ever list their property.

The conversation explores why some homes continue to attract strong buyer demand while others struggle to sell, and how compromised properties become far more difficult to move once the market cools. Veronica explains why emotional pricing, unrealistic expectations, and poor preparation often lead to disappointing campaigns, while Chris highlights the importance of viewing every property decision through a long-term wealth-building lens rather than short-term market movements.

The discussion also examines one of the biggest dilemmas facing homeowners: should you buy first or sell first? Veronica and Chris break down the risks and benefits of both approaches, discussing lending considerations, settlement timing, and the financial consequences of delaying your next purchase after selling. They also explore why trying to perfectly time the market rarely works, and why having a clear strategy is often far more valuable than predicting where prices will go next.

Along the way, the pair reveal how some agents secure listings in slower markets, why independent advice before signing an agency agreement can protect sellers from costly mistakes, and how understanding whether a property is genuinely high quality can influence both its resale performance and long-term investment potential. They also explain why buying properties that are easy to resell has become one of the most important principles for both homeowners and investors navigating changing market conditions.

Whether you're preparing to sell your family home, upgrade to your next property, or review your investment portfolio, this episode offers practical advice grounded in real-world experience rather than market hype. Veronica and Chris challenge common assumptions about selling property, demonstrating that successful outcomes are driven less by perfect timing and more by thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and owning quality assets that stand the test of time.

Listen now to discover how to approach selling property in a slow market with confidence, learn whether you should sell your house now or wait, and understand the strategies that can help you make smarter property decisions in any market.

Episode Highlights

03:45 – The Sale That Cost More Than Expected

08:29 – Why Property Flaws Matter More in a Slow Market

14:20 – The Buyer–Seller Standoff Slowing the Market

24:50 – Should You Sell First or Buy First?

29:07 – How to Reduce Lending Risk When Upgrading

32:04 – Why Pressure Leads to Expensive Property Mistakes

38:31 – The 'Frog in the Pot' Trap for Property Sellers

43:28 – When Bad Auction Advice Costs You Thousands

53:45 – Knowing When to Walk Away From a Sale

56:35 – Why More Investors Are Selling Interstate Properties

About the Guest

Veronica Morgan is one of Australia’s most respected property experts, with decades of experience spanning property investment, buyer advocacy, market analysis, and consumer education. As the co-host of The Elephant in the Room and co-founder of Homebuyer Academy, Veronica is known for her evidence-based approach to property investing and her ability to cut through industry hype with clear, strategic insights. Having worked through multiple property cycles, she specialises in helping buyers understand the long-term drivers of capital growth, asset selection, and risk management in an increasingly complex housing market.

Chris Bates is the founder and CEO of Alcove, an award-winning mortgage broking and property advisory firm that helps Australians make smarter financial and property decisions. With deep expertise in lending strategy, borrowing capacity, debt structuring, and cash flow management, Chris works closely with first-home buyers, owner-occupiers, and investors navigating changing market conditions. He is widely recognised for his analytical approach to property and finance, as well as his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and hype-driven investment narratives.

Together, Veronica and Chris bring a rare combination of on-the-ground property expertise and real-world lending insight. Their conversations blend macroeconomic analysis with practical strategy, helping listeners better understand not just what is happening in the Australian property market—but why it matters and how to respond intelligently.

Resources:

Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au

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Chris Bates