You’ve found it, the one. The home that ticks all the boxes. But the big question remains: Is now the right time to make an offer?
Making an offer on a property is a major move whether you're a first home buyer, owner-occupier, or property investor. And the truth is, the timing matters. Get it right, and you could secure your ideal home. Get it wrong, and you might end up missing out, or worse, overcommitting.
Let’s walk through when to make an offer on a house in Australia, what to have in place beforehand, and how Aussie can help you take the next step with confidence.
Can I make an offer on a property?
Yes, you can make an offer at any time, but the real question is: should you?
In Australia, it’s possible to make a verbal or written offer even without pre-approval. But jumping the gun can lead to delays, stress, or losing the property altogether. That’s why getting your ducks in a row is so important.
Why you shouldn't rush into an offer
It’s easy to get swept up when you fall in love with a home. But rushing can cost you, literally. Here’s what can go wrong if you offer too soon:
You might offer more than you can borrow.
You could sign a contract with unfavourable terms or hidden risks.
You may face delays if inspections or your conveyancer aren’t ready.
You’re more vulnerable to pressure tactics or bidding wars.
Instead, take a breath. Follow the process. That way, you’ll be in a strong position to act fast and smart.
How to prepare before making an offer
1. Get pre-approval
Your first step? Mortgage pre-approval. It shows sellers you’re serious, speeds up the process, and gives you a clear price range. At Aussie, we’ll match you with a mortgage broker who can:
Help you understand how much you can borrow
Compare loans from 25+ lenders
Guide you through the pre-approval paperwork
Start with our Borrowing Power Calculator to get an estimate in minutes.
You might also be interested in: Understanding how much you can borrow
2. Engage a conveyancer
Before making an offer, line up with a conveyancer or property lawyer. They’ll review the contract of sale and explain your legal obligations.
Tip: Ask your conveyancer to be “on standby” while you’re house hunting. That way, they can jump in quickly when the right property comes along.
Aussie can help simplify this too. We support you across both your home loan and conveyancing journey by connecting you with trusted professionals who understand the end-to-end buying process.
3. Organise building and pest inspections
Even if the home looks great, you’ll want peace of mind that it’s structurally sound. A licensed building and pest inspector can give you a detailed report, often within 24–48 hours.
Make your offer subject to building and pest inspection to protect yourself if issues are found.
Here’s what every buyer must check to spot potential deal-breakers before buying a property.
When’s the right time to make an offer?
It depends on how the property is being sold and what’s happening in the market.
For private treaty sales:
Make a quick offer if demand is high and you want to beat the competition.
Wait and negotiate if the property’s been sitting on the market for a while. You might be able to secure a better deal.
For auctions:
Pre-auction offers can tempt sellers if they want a fast, certain sale, but it needs to be competitive.
Post-auction opportunities can arise if the property is passed in. Be ready to negotiate.
With a Buyer’s Agent:
They’ll help you identify the right timing and strategy based on data, not guesswork. Whether it’s submitting an early offer, negotiating on auction day, or picking up a passed-in property, Aussie Homes Buyer’s Agents are experts at navigating every path to purchase.
Be ready to act fast
Once your offer is accepted, things can move quickly. That’s why it’s important to have your broker, conveyancer, and inspector ready to go.
Tip: Consider using a deposit bond instead of upfront cash
If you’re short on cash flow but have pre-approval in place, a deposit bond can act as your deposit until settlement. Your Aussie Broker can walk you through whether this is the right option for your situation.
Need help negotiating?
Whether you’re gearing up for your first offer or weighing up an investment opportunity, you don’t have to go it alone.
Aussie Homes Buyer’s Agents can help:
Assess fair value using suburb-level data
Identify risks or red flags
Negotiate with selling agents to save you time, stress, and potentially thousands
Learn more about negotiating here: Home purchase negotiation guide
Final steps to potentially submit a winning offer Once you’re ready to move, here’s what to do:
Understand the offer process
Private treaty: Offers are made to the selling agent and may include conditions.
Auction: Offers are binding and unconditional, so you’ll need everything ready.
Buyer's agent: They’ll handle offers on your behalf, often accessing off-market or pre-market properties.
Put it in writing
A written offer is stronger than a verbal one. Include:
Your offer amount
Any conditions (e.g., subject to finance or inspection)
Your preferred settlement timeframe
We’ll help you put your offer forward
From pre-approval to negotiation, Aussie is here to support you every step of the way:
Get matched with an expert Aussie Broker
Track your loan and shortlist via the Aussie App
Lean on our Buyer’s Agents for strategic negotiation support
CTA Button: Talk to an Aussie Broker today
FAQs about making an offer on a property
Ready to make that offer?
Knowing when to make an offer on a house starts with the right support and Aussie is in your corner.
