Is the Melbourne property market now over for 2025?
Over the past few weeks, we’ve had many prospective clients reaching out to ask about our services. Some have been happy to commence their search in 2026, yet others have been quite motivated to complete their acquisition in 2025. The last of the auction campaign launches dropped last week. For those vendors who decided to…
Water-related overlays in Victoria: what buyers need to know
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…
When Competitive Auctions Pass In: The Hidden Cost of Inflated Vendor Expectations
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…
Does bad weather make a difference on auction day?
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…
How can a really young person get into property ownership?
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…
The True Value of a Car Space on Title in Today’s Market
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…
Christopher won the REIV Industry Inspiration Award on Thursday!
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…
The five things every renovator should consider first
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…
How to Buy an Owner-Occupier Home That’s Also a Smart Investment
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…
Pace of growth for houses under $950,000 in Melbourne — what’s really happening?
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…
This is how Aussie rules footy impacts the property market
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…
How buyers can succeed in a strengthening sellers’ market
When the property market heats up, buyers often find themselves in a tough spot. Stock levels drop, competition surges, and prices start moving upward faster than many people expect. Our current Melbourne market feels like this right now, particularly in the sub-$950,000 segment of the market. The ‘affordable’ markets have been strengthening at pace since…
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