Do you ever stop to think that not everyone is desperate? I believe you said you would be buying for lifestyle reasons in the near future, and yes, two years is near future if everyone is chanting for no growth except decreasing prices for up to 20 years.
People may have bought cashed up, don't care if they have 'negative equity'. Sure, buy a property for $400k and it may be worth $350k tomorrow for the next ten years. That person has stability with residence and lifestyle. They will have colateral against a loan in the future.
Doesn't everyone go on about how health is more important than money? Well, live for yourself and not the economy.
