Why Now (While the Market’s Quiet) Could Be the Smartest Time to Start Your Build
It goes against what most people think, but the best time to build a home usually isn’t during a boom. It’s now — when things are quiet.
Subcontractors who were flat out a year or two ago? They’re more available now making it an ideal time to build. Suppliers who were running behind? Stock’s flowing better. And builders have the time to build faster (and build better) than they could during the peak.
In simple terms, you’re not stuck behind a dozen other builds. You’re getting in at a time to build when things are running smoother, not harder.
Here are 3 reasons why you should consider going against the trend:
Reason #1: Following the Crowd Often Backfires
It’s human nature to wait and see what everyone else is doing. If the market’s booming, people rush in. If it’s quiet, they hold back.
But that mindset comes with a hidden cost.
By the time the market picks back up, builders are already booked out, subcontractors are flat chat, and prices start creeping up.
It’s the classic case of too many people trying to build at the same time. Suddenly, the “safe” decision to wait means you’re stuck in a long queue, paying more, and getting less personalised service along the way.
Reason #2: Starting Now Gives You More Certainty Around Cost
There’s no such thing as a “perfect time” to build. But there is such a thing as a smart window. And this one gives you something most people wish they had later: clearer pricing.
Right now, costs have stabilised. Materials that were blowing out in both price and delivery time are finally steady. Subcontractors aren’t charging premium rates just to squeeze you in. And with the industry running quieter than it has in years, you’re not paying surge pricing just to get someone on site.
Most people don’t realise when you wait for things to “feel right,” you often walk straight into a market that’s already heating back up. And once demand rises again, so does cost… and pressure.
Reason #3: Building in ‘the Quiet’ Means a Better Build Overall
There’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough in this industry: the quality of your build often depends on how busy your builder is.
When things are flat out — when every builder in town is juggling 10 jobs at once — it’s harder to get consistent trades. But when you build during a quieter season, the difference is immediate.
Trades aren’t rushed from one job to the next. Your builder actually has time to walk the site with you, answer questions, and keep things running smoothly. And instead of chasing updates, you’re getting them before you even have to ask.
And because the people working on your home aren’t overbooked or under pressure, they’re able to focus on doing their best work — not just getting it done.
That kind of attention and care is hard to find when the industry is at full tilt. But right now? It’s well within reach.
There’s Always Going to be a Reason to Wait for the Time to Build (But That Doesn’t Mean You Should)
If you’ve been thinking about building, now’s the time to explore it properly. Not to rush, but to get clear on what’s possible, what it’ll cost, and how to get the most from the season we’re in.
And that starts well before the slab gets poured.
To help with that, I’ve put together a practical guide to walk you through the early planning stage, without the jargon or overwhelm.
7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
Inside, you’ll find:
- What to think about before you draw up a single plan
- Common traps that delay builds or blow out budgets
- And how to set your build up for success from day one
It’s a simple way to start smart and avoid the kind of surprises most people don’t see coming until it’s too late.
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