25 Years of Change

It’s hard to believe that 25 years ago (1999), I made my first property purchase as a young 20 something! Looking back, it’s fascinating to see how much the world of real estate has evolved, from how we search for properties to the tools we use to make decisions. What was once a time of limited resources, long processes, and reliance on a few trusted sources of information has transformed into an age where almost everything is at our fingertips. I’m sure those older than me would remember even earlier aspects of the process that have evolved, but I can only speak from my own experience.

But no matter how much things change; the fundamentals of property remain the same. Patience, persistence, and the right support are key to building wealth through property, and today, buyers have more access to these than ever before.

Here are some of the key changes I’ve witnessed in the real estate industry:

• No internet for property searches – The internet was still in its infancy. While it existed, it wasn’t widely used for property searches. Buyers relied heavily on local newspapers and word of mouth to find properties for sale. If you wanted to know about available properties, you either drove around the area or asked local agents. There were no online portals or apps like we have today for quick, real-time listings and comparable sales data.
• Banks vs Mortgage brokers – Back in the day, the concept of using a mortgage broker was relatively new. Most buyers went to the bank their family had used for generations, and banks held more sway over lending decisions. Mortgage brokers have since become a major part of the property scene offering more competition and choice in terms of financing.
• Signing contracts without professional reviews – It was common for many buyers to sign a property contract without having it reviewed by a solicitor or conveyancer. The importance of professional reviews wasn’t as widely understood as it is today. Many buyers trusted that everything in the contract would be straightforward or didn’t realize the potential legal pitfalls.
• Real estate agents were the only professionals – Real estate agents were often the only professionals involved in property transactions, working with both buyers and sellers. It wasn’t until recently that Buyer agents started becoming more common. Now, buyers have the option of working with professionals who represent only their interests and negotiate solely on their behalf, something that wasn’t an option back then.
• Handwritten contracts and signing – Contracts were manually handwritten or typed on a typewriter and physically/manually signed.  After signing, they were typically filed in a filing cabinet, who remember those. There were no digital signatures or online contract management systems like we have today.
• Limited information - now abundant access – Information today is at the click of a mouse. There were no websites like Real Estate. com or Domain to quickly compare property prices, market trends, or available properties. Fast forward to today, and we have abundant access to data online, empowering buyers with a wealth of resources to make informed decisions.
• Mobile phones were like bricks – Back then, mobile phones were bulky and often called "bricks." My first phone was a bag type phone, and it was HUGE! They were mainly used for calls and rarely had the ability to text. Now, mobile phones are a crucial part of life, with smartphones fitting comfortably in your pocket and offering countless apps that make everything quicker and easier. Real estate apps alone have completely changed the game for buyers and investors.

The property journey has come a long way in the past 25 years, with technology, accessibility, and support systems transforming how we navigate the market. But one thing remains constant: property is a long-term investment that rewards those who approach it with patience, planning, and strategy.

Today, buyers are no longer alone in making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. With the wealth of information available at our fingertips and the rise of professionals like buyer’s agents, property buyers can now tap into expert knowledge, better negotiate terms, and ensure they're making sound investments. Most people today are time-poor due to work, family commitments, and the demands of daily life. As a result, having a professional by your side to streamline the property process and handle the details is invaluable - Professional and Qualified Buyer's Agents are an invaluable asset in the property purchase.

So, whether you're just starting out or have been in the property game for years, the resources and support available today make the journey more informed and rewarding than ever. In a world that has evolved so rapidly, it's reassuring to know that with the right guidance, you can make confident, smart decisions.

Looking ahead, the next 20 years in property will no doubt bring even more changes, no doubt more digital tools, AI-driven insights, and further shifts in how we live and work. But one thing is certain: the need for expert guidance, strategic thinking, and long-term vision will always be essential. Whatever the future holds, the fundamentals of property investing will remain the same — patience, planning, and the right support will continue to be key to success.