Posts by Cate Bakos

When it comes to Victorian real estate, water-related overlays are one of the most commonly misunderstood planning controls. These overlays can dictate where and how a home can be built, limit future improvements, and influence long-term capital growth. For buyers, overlooking them can create both financial and resale headaches. But panicking about every overlay and…

Jade and I made the most of our day out yesterday. Between our auction and our final inspection, we spent a couple of hours observing some auctions in Melbourne’s north. Of the three auctions we tracked, two passed in following highly competitive bidding. What does that mean? Anyone who’s spent enough Saturdays out at auctions…

I remember a year twelve maths exam I sat back in 1992. We were armed with a stack of weather data and we were asked to determine whether there is a relationship between Adelaide’s and Melbourne’s weather patterns. After all, many of us would be familiar with the idea that a heat spell in South…

Last night my nineteen year old daughter and I went to a fabulous 21st birthday party. My childhood friend’s daughter is now 21, and her special evening was buzzing with chatter, music, beautiful speeches and friendly folks. Gab and I had a great time. Gab made a new friend and the pair sat together talking…

Car spaces on title can seem a ridiculous debate for anyone who lives in the outer suburbs or in the country. But where land is at a premium, this conversation often pops up. Any good buyer’s agent will steer their clients away from a unit that doesn’t offer parking on title. But when it comes…

On Thursday 23 October 2025, something quite magical happened for one, committed young man’s early career. But something more magical happened for an industry association that has spanned 89 years, (founded as the Real Estate and Stock Institute in 1936). Christopher Sybenga is an enthusiastic nineteen year old who is no stranger to many real…

Renovating can be one of the most rewarding and stressful experiences a homeowner can undertake. Whether it’s transforming an old, character home or updating a tired investment property, a renovation can impact both lifestyle and value. But before diving in, it’s essential to pause and ask yourself some hard questions. A well-planned renovation starts long…

For most buyers, selecting a home isn’t just a financial decision — it’s an emotional one. It’s where we picture our morning coffees, our dinners with friends, and our lives unfolding. But I’m constantly asked by clients whether their home purchase can also be a smart investment. And the short answer is: yes, it absolutely…

The sub-$950,000 housing options in Melbourne are under extreme demand currently. This part of the market that matters most to first-home buyers, upgraders on a budget, and many investors. It’s also the part of the market that’s been the first to respond to the 2025 rate cuts and government stimulus, and the first to reveal…

It’s hard to overstate how deeply Australian Rules Football is woven into the fabric of our cities and towns. For some, the AFL season marks time more clearly than the calendar itself; pre-season training, round one, mid-season byes, finals, and of course the Grand Final. But for those of us who study property markets, footy…