Homehunters abandon property deals in gamble on 20pc price drop

News Corp AustraliaFirst published 19 Aug 2026, 12:00amHomehunters are putting purchases on ice or walking away from agreed deals amid expectations property prices could fall by as much as 20 per cent. Mortgage broker Bishnu Aryal says buyer behaviour has shifted noticeably as falling home values encourage some would-be purchasers to try to time the bottom of the market. RELATED: Sellers rush to beat property slump as homes flood market B105 host Abby Coleman in tears after listing beloved family home Buyers are starting to sit on the sidelines in the hope of further home price falls. Picture: Gaye Gerard. The Finconnex Financial director said some buyers with finance already approved were choosing to remain on the sidelines in the belief they could save hundreds of thousands of dollars by waiting. “We’re seeing buyers who have finance approved and are ready to purchase, but they’re choosing not to because they believe prices have much further to fall,” Mr Aryal said. “They’re not waiting because they can’t buy. They’re waiting because they think they’ll get a much better deal if they’re patient.” Finconnex Financial director Bishnu Aryal says buyers are walking away from deals bec...