At the start of a new year, many people take time to reflect on their finances and think about what the year ahead might bring.

If buying your own home is one of your goals, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to try to buy now or to take your time and wait.

Here are a few things to consider if you’re weighing up your options in 2026.

No one has a reliable crystal ball

The past year has been relatively flat for the housing market, with rents also remaining subdued.

This has created conditions where some buyers have felt comfortable taking their time and watching how things unfold.

Recent commentary from economists and housing market observers has suggested that house prices could pick up through 2026, with interest rates potentially easing slightly before rising again in early 2027.

While many people think now is a good time to buy, based on external market commentary, these views are still only forecasts and there is no certainty they will play out as expected.

For first-home buyers, whether it feels like the right time to buy often comes down to individual circumstances such as financial readiness, employment stability, and personal plans. While broader market conditions and economic commentary can provide useful context, they are only one piece of the puzzle.

Filtering out the noise and focusing on what is happening in your own life can be a useful starting point.

Your personal readiness

If you’re thinking about buying, you might take a moment to consider your financial readiness.

How much of a deposit do you have saved? How much might you be able to borrow? What sort of home would you be able to buy?

It’s often helpful to get a good sense of the market by visiting open homes and tracking what they sell for. That will give you a sense of whether places you are considering buying are good value.

You might also consider your goals for the year. Are you planning any other big purchases, or time off work? Are there job changes on the horizon for you? All these factors could influence you when you decide to make your property purchase.

Lifestyle considerations

Sometimes, a first-home purchase can mean adjustments to your lifestyle.

This could mean living further from town, taking on a longer commute, or relying on boarder income to help manage mortgage costs.

Family plans may also come into play. Whether you have kids now, or plan to in the future, may also be part of your considerations.

Non-financial factors you might think about

As well as how your house fits into your budget, there might be some non-financial factors driving your decision.

The drive to have a home of your own can be a strong one for many people. Maybe you are tired of having a landlord and want to have a place you can stamp your mark on. Perhaps you have kids who are starting school and are ready to stay put for a while.

On the flipside, if you think you might want to travel soon, you might decide now is not the time to put down roots.

These sorts of considerations can often be almost as important as the money side of things.

There’s no “right” answer

There is no correct answer for every buyer.

For some people, buying a house as soon as possible makes sense, while others may prefer to take their time until the right property comes along. For others, this year may simply not be the right time to make a move at all.

Whether you know you want to act quickly, or you’re just considering your options, the SHARE team is here to help. Our mortgage advisers can help you understand what you might be able to afford and how your home loan could fit into your wider financial picture.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.