"First time buyers have a real opportunity to acquire fixed assets"

In times of turmoil savvy investors favour fixed/hard assets. Right now, residential property is hugely undervalued. As a fixed asset, similar to gold, but in a different cycle, and at the current discounted prices, it's an excellent consideration.

The opportunities residential property presents to young, first-time, buyers are abundant - not least the country's emerging graduate professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and IT specialists.

So much so that banks are competing with each other to provide home loans to them at prime rates - often at minus one or two points. And at 100% of value. This confirms that the banking sector perceives value in residential property transactions in these times, particularly to tertiary qualified first time buyers. It is an opportunity for banks to build long term relationships with younger buyers in an asset class that is generally perceived as a medium to long term investment.

With prices favourable to buyers, and they have been for some time now, and lending rates very competitive it's a smorgasbord of choice for first time buyers. (And even for repeat buyers) They enter the market with no baggage. They don't need to sell before they buy.

Clean deals will be favoured as serious sellers look to utilize capital as soon as possible.

Property always bounces back after tumultuous times. There will be consumers benefiting from the radical changes up ahead. If they are professionals in, steady employment, they have pole position in this market. An opportunity not to be missed. The reality is that the homes market is, and will continue to be, driven by the simple fact that everybody needs a roof over his or her head. Somebody owns that roof and the upheaval of life ensures transactions will occur with long term benefits for buyers with the appetite.