Over the past year and a half, one trend has stood out among buyers: hesitation.
People want to move. They plan to move. Then they wait.
Some wait for prices to drop. Some wait for mortgage rates to fall. Some wait for what they hope will be the perfect moment.
But here is the reality. Most people don’t move when market conditions look perfect. They move because their life needs them to.
If you’ve been on the fence, these five questions can help you decide whether waiting any longer is the right choice.
1. Is the market more stable than it feels?
With dramatic headlines and constant speculation about interest rates, it is easy to assume the market is turbulent.
In truth, conditions are calmer than they have been for some time. Prices in many areas have levelled out, creating something rare: predictability.
Buying in a steady market is often easier and less stressful than trying to compete in a boom or navigate a downturn.
2. Are mortgage rates likely to shift dramatically?
Many buyers are holding out for a large drop in rates.
But the latest Budget and Bank of England signals point to gradual adjustments rather than big swings.
You might wait six months for a tiny reduction, while the right home comes and goes.
If a property fits your needs and your budget, locking in a mortgage now may make far more sense than waiting for a small and uncertain saving.
3. Will the best homes still be available later?
Buyers who have been looking for a while know this well.
Every now and again, a home appears that genuinely ticks all the boxes, and it sells quickly.
Even if average time on market is rising, the well-kept homes on good roads, near transport or in sought-after catchments still attract strong interest.
Waiting rarely works in your favour when you are competing for the top ten percent of properties.
4. Does your personal timeline matter more than market timing?
People move because life moves.
Families grow. Careers change. Priorities shift.
If your current home no longer works for your lifestyle, that problem won’t disappear because you wait a few more months.
Your personal circumstances should guide your decision more than any headline.
5. What is the cost of waiting?
Putting off a move isn’t always a neutral choice. It can mean:
• Another year in a home that doesn’t fit
• Longer or more stressful commutes
• Missing out on school catchments
• Delayed lifestyle plans
• More pressure than necessary
Buying a home is both a financial and emotional decision. If the move improves your life and the numbers add up, waiting may hold you back more than it protects you.
Ready to move with confidence?
If you’re thinking about buying in Thetford or the wider Breckland area, we’re here to help you make sense of the market and decide when the time is right for you.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
