If you’re on the hunt for a new home or investment, refining how you search online can make all the difference. With so many listings available at your fingertips, a smarter approach helps you cut through the clutter and find the right place sooner.

Location, location… map view

When location is a key priority – whether you’re wanting to be near work, family, friends or lifestyle hotspots – start by using the map view feature on property sites. Rather than scrolling endlessly through listings, this tool lets you zero in on specific areas that matter to you.

It highlights all properties available within your chosen zone, regardless of how long they’ve been listed, helping you get a broader view of what’s really on the market.

Use filters to your advantage

Online filters are your best friend when it comes to narrowing down results. With thousands of properties listed at any one time, filtering by price, number of bedrooms, property type and even days on market will help you quickly identify homes that match your needs.

One savvy strategy is to switch the listing order from ‘most recent’ to ‘oldest first’. This brings up homes that may have been sitting on the market for a while – and could be ripe for negotiation.

The power of ‘older’ listings

Homes that have been listed longer than average often come with a story. It could be a mismatch between the asking price and market expectations, or perhaps it’s a home that needs a bit of work and vision.

If the property still ticks most of your boxes, don’t be quick to scroll past. Dig a little deeper. Understanding why it hasn’t sold could put you in a stronger position to negotiate on price, settlement terms, or even inclusions.

In some states, there may even be buyer incentives for purchasing certain homes, so it’s worth checking the listing details closely.

Build relationships with local agents

Not every great property makes it online straight away. That’s why connecting with local agents in your preferred areas is a smart move.

Agents can give you early access to listings that haven’t hit the major portals yet, or alert you to properties that match your brief but may have flown under the radar.

Having those local insights and an agent who knows what you’re after can give you a real edge in a competitive market.

Looking for your next property? Start by searching smarter. Explore beyond the basics, build your network, and make the most of every listing you see.