There’s a saying in property circles: “You don’t wait to buy property. You buy property and wait.” It might sound like a cliché, but this principle has quietly built more Australian wealth than any shortcut or speculative punt.

In an era driven by instant gratification, it’s easy to overlook the power of time. But in real estate, time is the most valuable asset an investor can have.

The value of holding steady

If you had assessed the Perth property market in 2011 and again in 2019, you might have questioned the wisdom of long-term investing. Prices dipped after the mining boom, and momentum was sluggish. Yet by 2025, Perth overtook Melbourne in median house value—a shift few predicted.

What changed? Not much overnight. But those who held their properties, managed their debt carefully, and avoided panic-selling have now been rewarded. This is the essence of patient investing: enduring the quiet years to benefit when the cycle turns.

Real results from real patience

Back in 2015, we helped a young couple purchase in a suburb earmarked for strong future growth. The data supported the opportunity, but the uplift took longer than expected.

They held the property through years of modest growth. Friends encouraged them to sell and pursue “hotter” markets. They didn’t. By 2024, not only had their original investment nearly doubled in value, but the equity also enabled them to acquire two additional properties. What began as one conservative decision became the cornerstone of a growing portfolio.

Their secret weapon? Time.

Why the long game works

Property markets move in cycles. Prices are shaped by factors such as supply and demand, interest rates, population growth, and government policy. These drivers don’t follow a six-month calendar—they evolve gradually and often unpredictably.

According to CoreLogic, residential property values in Australia have more than doubled over the past 20 years. Some areas have outperformed even further. These aren’t speculative gains; they’re the reward for those who stayed committed to their plan and allowed time to do its work.

Strategic patience is active, not passive

Long-term success in property isn’t about sitting idle. It’s about buying well, managing risk, and revisiting your strategy consistently.

The most resilient investors typically:

• Buy in locations backed by data, not headlines.
• Use financial modelling to forecast holding costs and future equity positions.
• Stress-test their portfolios for variables like rising interest rates or vacancy changes.
• Conduct annual reviews and adjust their strategy without losing focus.

These behaviours reflect intention, not speculation. They’re about making informed decisions that compound over time.

Looking ahead

The Australian property market in 2025 is on the move again. Interest rates have begun to ease, rental demand remains strong, and housing supply continues to lag. Together, these forces support those who invest with foresight and structure.

Markets may fluctuate in the short term, but over time, real estate has consistently delivered meaningful, long-term results for those who stay the course.

Success in property investing isn’t about timing the market. It’s about giving your investment time in the market.

If you’re investing with a view to long-term financial independence, the most important decision might not be what you buy—but how long you’re prepared to hold it.

For further insights on property investment, avoiding common pitfalls and staying informed about market conditions. reach out to John Tsoulos or Frank Pennisi at IFP Advisory on (08) 8423 6176. Your investment success depends on making informed, strategic decisions.

IFP Advisory is an Accredited ASPIRE Property Advisor Network advisor and all professionals are Qualified Property Investment Advisors (QPIA). Property investing is about purchasing a property that aligns with your goals and investment strategy. You should never be sold an investment. Know your numbers! If you invest wisely and strategically, the Australian residential property market can be a rewarding venture.