If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “Should I buy now or wait?” or “Is Perth still good value?” you’re definitely not alone. These are the kinds of questions that come up in almost every first conversation we have with buyers and investors at Johnson Property Group. It can be hard to know what’s actually happening on the ground and what it means for your next move.

That’s exactly why we sat down with Andrew Johnson, founder of JPG and a property expert with more than 30 years’ experience, for a quick-fire Perth Property Q&A.

We asked him some of the most common questions he’s hearing right now and got his honest take on where the market sits, what buyers should be thinking about, and how to make confident decisions in today’s conditions.

Q: Buy now or wait?
A: Buy, but with a plan. Trying to time the market perfectly is one of the biggest traps buyers fall into. There will always be reasons to wait: interest rates, elections, headlines, global events. But long-term wealth in property is built by time in the market, not timing the market.

The key is buying with a strategy that fits your income, risk profile and long-term goals.

Q: First home or first investment?
A: It depends on your goals. Some people want stability, a place to raise a family, or the security of owning their own home. Others want to build wealth first by investing and using tenants to help pay down debt.

There is no single “right” answer, the right move depends on what you’re trying to achieve over the next 10, 20 or 30 years.

Q: Live in or rentvest?
A: Either works, if the numbers stack up. Rentvesting (renting where you want to live while owning an investment elsewhere) has become increasingly popular in Perth as prices rise in premium suburbs. If renting allows you to live a lifestyle you love while investing in a high-growth or higher-yielding area, it can be a powerful strategy but only if the cashflow, tax and growth numbers make sense.

Q: Is Perth still good value?
A: Absolutely! But depending on your situation, it’s worth looking at other markets too.

Q: Equity: use it or leave it sitting?
A: Use it – wisely. One of the biggest advantages of property is that it allows you to recycle equity. That means as your property grows in value and your loan reduces, you can use that equity to buy again, instead of waiting years to save another deposit.

Used properly, equity is what allows people to move from one property to a portfolio.

Q: What would you tell yourself if you were starting again today?
A: I’d start earlier! But, always have a plan. Buying property without a strategy is like starting a road trip without knowing where you’re going. You might move… but not in the right direction.

At Johnson Property Group, we take a strategic approach to property investment. We start by understanding your goals, develop a clear plan, and then help you buy the right properties to support your long-term wealth and investment strategy.

If you’re thinking about your next move in property, get in touch with our team to start building a strategy that works for you.