There’s a saying in real estate: “Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”
Lately, we’ve seen prices climbing across the board—shares, crypto, precious metals, and of course, property. But this surge isn’t being fuelled by a booming economy. Instead, it’s driven by a quiet but growing concern: that the value of cash is slipping away.
History tells us this is nothing new. In Zimbabwe during the 1990s, hyperinflation crippled the economy. Yet, the stock market soared in US dollar terms—not because companies were thriving, but because people were rushing to put their money into anything they believed would hold its value.
Fast forward to today:
- The ASX has hit record highs.
- Bitcoin has passed $180,000 AUD.
- Gold and silver are close to peak prices.
And yet—global growth is slow, wages aren’t keeping pace, and productivity is stalling. The driver here isn’t confidence—it’s fear. Fear of inflation, rising debt, and geopolitical uncertainty.
When money feels fragile, people seek shelter in assets they trust.
Why property still stands apart
Shares and crypto may offer fast gains, but they’re volatile. Gold and silver hold symbolic value, but they don’t generate income.
Property, however, is both useful and valuable. It’s shelter, it’s scarce, it can provide rental income—and in Australia, it remains one of the most reliable ways to build intergenerational wealth.
We’re seeing the gap between those who own property and those who don’t widen every year. It’s not always about how hard someone works—asset prices are simply rising faster than wages. For many families, helping the next generation onto the property ladder sooner rather than later could make the biggest difference.
The bottom line
We’re not living in an economic boom. We’re living in a shift—where people are losing faith in cash and putting their trust in tangible assets. And in that environment, well-bought property continues to be one of the most enduring, dependable stores of value.
If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing, now is the time to focus on quality and strategy.