We receive off market opportunities all day every day, and we love it, so do our clients!

But just like in our on market search for perfection, these off market properties need to pass our stringent testing to be deemed worthy of inspection, let alone purchase! 

Sure, some off-markets are genuinely exciting — a great property with a fair price and minimal competition. Others need a ton of work to bring them up to par, overpriced, or come with virtually no information, making it hard for buyers to assess value

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Wellness is no longer confined to the gym or the yoga studio. It's moved into our homes — and not just in the form of an indoor plant or two. From infrared saunas and meditation zones to cold plunge tubs and salt therapy rooms, the rise of wellness-focused residential design is hard to ignore.

Whether you’re an owner-occupier or a renter, it’s clear that wellbeing has become a top priority in how people choose to live. The idea of a home as a sanctuary — a space that actively contributes to mental, physical, and emotional health — has taken root in mainstream design thinking, particularly in the post-COVID world. But as this trend gains momentum, it’s worth asking: Does wellness design actually add value to your property?

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When it comes to investing in Melbourne real estate, the debate between house and land packages in outer suburbs versus inner-city apartments continues to divide investors and homebuyers alike. Both offer distinct advantages, but from a capital growth perspective — especially when measured over the past decade — the performance and potential of these property types diverge in critical ways. Let's unpack the numbers, infrastructure trends, and market sentiment behind each.

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Whether you’re dreaming of your first apartment, planning your next investment, or upgrading to fit a growing family, the big question remains: how much deposit do I actually need to buy a property in Melbourne?

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Flipping houses in Melbourne is about more than just picking a property and doing a quick makeover. It’s about being strategic with your renovations to ensure you see a return on your investment. Over 20 years of flipping houses, we've learned some essential lessons that have helped us consistently turn a profit. Here are three key insights we wish we knew when we first started, but that you can apply right now for maximum results.

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The Victorian Government’s Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 is an expansive piece of legislation that touches all parts of the real estate sector. It has been predominantly developed based on the objectives outlined in the Housing Statement. Let's take a closer look at the reforms which will affect the rental market.

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For years, property investors have been directing their attention toward Adelaide and Brisbane, lured by strong capital growth, attractive yields, and relatively investor-friendly regulations. This heightened demand, however, has now led to significant price increases in those markets, reducing affordability and making it harder to find value. As a result, many investors are now reconsidering Victoria as an alternative investment destination.

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The Melbourne property market is constantly changing, and buyers are always on the lookout for the next suburb hot spot! It’s one of the most common questions we get asked… Where should we buy for capital growth? 

Now keep in mind when we’re looking at annual growth rates, we’re still recovering from the great COVID boom, and some areas (ahem - Toorak) have seen a drop in median house values by as much as 25% over the last 12 months! 

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One of the most common questions we hear from buyers is, "Which property type is going to make me the most money?" Easy question, but the answer isn't always straightforward. Various factors, including market conditions, location, personal circumstances and goals, all play a significant role in determining the best investment for you.

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What is Build-to-Rent?

Build-to-Rent (BTR) is a relatively new concept in Australia, particularly in Victoria, but it has gained significant traction in recent years. Unlike traditional residential developments, where properties are sold to individual buyers or investors, BTR developments are owned and managed by a single entity, typically a developer or institutional investor. These properties are designed exclusively for renting, often with high-quality amenities and professional management to attract long-term tenants.

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We love helping people make smart real estate moves that lead to serious financial gains. Not everyone has millions in the bank to spend on flashy renovations or luxury properties—but as we’ll show you, that’s not always necessary! Today, we’re looking at a recent sale in Northcote that’s a great example of how small, thoughtful improvements can significantly boost a property’s value over time.

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When it comes to buying a home, the layout can make all the difference to the liveability. A well-designed floor plan not only maximises space but also enhances your lifestyle, offering comfort, functionality, and flexibility. In our experience as buyer advocates, we've seen hundreds of floorplans, but a few stand out for their thoughtful design and efficient use of space. Here we showcase a few recent floor plans we’ve seen and loved. Obviously design is subjective, but we think these are some great layouts!

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I have a special admiration for anyone brave enough to take on the challenge of renovating. No matter how many times you do it, renovating remains a formidable yet immensely rewarding task.

I have done it several times both personally and professionally. Sometimes simply small cosmetic updates and other much more extensive projects. I love guiding clients into buying property with fantastic fundamentals, that they can add value to over time. Ideally spending a dollar and making three! 

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Brunswick 

Brunswick is a vibrant and eclectic inner-city suburb that has long been a hotspot for property investors in Melbourne. With its proximity to the CBD, excellent public transport options, and a rich cultural scene, Brunswick attracts a diverse range of residents, including students, young professionals, and families. The suburb's strong café culture, trendy bars, and boutique shopping add to its appeal, while the mix of period homes, modern apartments, and townhouses provides varied investment opportunities. Its popularity with renters ensures a high demand for rental properties, contributing to stable and strong rental yields.

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There’s a general consensus amongst buyers in the market and people in the industry that apartments are bad investments…. And who can blame them really, from a capital growth perspective they haven’t performed well for years, they can be riddled with issues when it comes to build quality (combustible cladding anyone?), and body corporate fees and special levies can be a costly ongoing problem to manage. 

But that hasn’t always been the case.... 

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You had your hopes up, building inspection paid for, contract checked and budget set… you’d told your friends and family. You were ready to be the buyer. The one putting the sold sticker on the board… this is the one. 

But there’s another buyer prepared to pay more than you, now you’re clapping while the agent walks over to shake their hand, walk them inside to sign contracts, and take their picture in front of the house. It’s a tough pill to swallow, being the underbidder. But it happens, even for professional bidders like us. 

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Here’s the question we’re asked most often: where is the most undervalued suburb in Melbourne?

And our response every time is the same: Brunswick. It's always been the poor cousin to Northcote and Ascot Vale, both of which took off years ago. But Brunswick is nestled right in the middle,  with fantastic access to public transport and plenty of parklands. It also still has large family homes for sale, while they’ve been razed in most other northern suburbs  to build tiny rows of townhouses. Sydney Road is starting to thrive with new bars, cafes and lifestyle shops, while Lygon St is well on its way.. But let's delve into why we think it's one of the best.

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To buy first then sell, or sell first then buy… that is the question echoed around the world. Particularly for vendors/buyers transacting in hot markets!

It’s something we advise many of our clients on, the answer is often different for each person and is completely dependent on their individual situation. Largely related to financial circumstances, stress management, whether they have somewhere else they’re able to go should there be a crossover and suitable timing of a move.. Or two!

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An ‘off-market’ property that’s for sale, but not listed on the traditional real estate platforms so most people don’t know about it. The allure is that prices are often lower with less competition, which leads a lot of clients to ask us the same question: How many off markets will you show me?

The fact is, we can show clients off-market opportunities until the cows come home. But not all of them are good. In fact, we’d probably recommend only one in 10. And that’s because once we scratch the surface, we almost always find problems.

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You've found the perfect home. The keys are in your hand, the mortgage is settled, and you're ready to start your new life in a space that's entirely your own. But there's a lingering temptation that can derail your newfound domestic bliss: staying glued to real estate websites like RealEstate.com.au or Domain.com.au. This habit can be surprisingly detrimental, much like staying on dating apps after finding "the one."

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