Melbourne Property Podcast

Sky and Lindsay sit down with Daniel O'Keefe from Woodards to explore the realities of property management in Melbourne and what property investors need to know before buying, renting out and managing an investment property.

From unexpected maintenance expenses and rental delays to changing minimum rental standards and the importance of choosing the right property manager, we unpack the costs and considerations that investors often overlook. essential improvements before they could be advertised for rent.

We also explore the differences between managing older apartments and newer properties, how tenant...

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay break down the latest Melbourne property market conditions, exploring rising interest rates, falling property values, buyer demand and the opportunities emerging for investors and homebuyers.

With the RBA increasing the cash rate and affordability continuing to put pressure on buyers, we discuss how higher borrowing costs are influencing property transactions, vendor expectations and development feasibility.

We also unpack why the full impact of interest rate rises takes time to flow through to...

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay Hammer break down a real off-market property purchase in Belmont, Geelong, for the winners of their buyer’s agency giveaway. Originally planned as an investment property, the strategy shifted following Federal Budget changes, with the buyers moving into their new home.

Discover how the team negotiated a $715,000 purchase, assessed renovation costs, used agent relationships to secure an off-market opportunity and identified potential to add value through renovations. The episode explores property buying strategy, due diligence, below-market-value opportunities and the flexibility of...

Sky and Lindsay are joined by Mel Barlas from Conveyed to discuss the legal side of buying property in Melbourne, from contract reviews and special conditions to settlement risks.

Whether you're a first home buyer or property investor, Mel shares 19 practical tips for navigating property contracts, reviewing Section 32 vendor statements, identifying risky clauses and negotiating terms that protect your interests.

The conversation covers restrictive covenants, rent-back arrangements and how to balance contractual risks when purchasing property, helping buyers approach Melbourne property purchases and...

In this episode Sky and Lindsay take a step back from the daily property headlines to explore the demographic forces shaping Australia’s housing market and Melbourne property in particular.

Joining them is Simon Kuestenmacher, co-founder of The Demographics Group. Simon explains how demographics can help property investors understand where people will want to live, how household sizes are changing, and how population trends influence housing demand.

The conversation explores Australia’s housing shortage, population growth, immigration and the ageing population, as well as the changing beha...

Buying a one-bedroom apartment in Melbourne can look straightforward, but the wrong property can come with significant hidden costs and risks.In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay break down their step-by-step approach to buying one-bedroom apartments in Melbourne, including what they look for, the mistakes buyers make and the red flags that can lead them to walk away.The discussion covers older low-rise brick apartment complexes, owners corporation fees, rental yields, vacancy rates, building quality, supply, transport, location and the due diligence required before signing a contract.Whether you're a first home buyer, investor...

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay unpack the latest Melbourne property market data and what they are seeing on the ground as the spring selling season gets underway.

House prices are still falling across much of Australia, but the pace of Melbourne's decline is slowing. At the same time, buyer activity, auction conditions, listings and rental prices are telling a more nuanced story than the headlines suggest.

The episode explores where price falls are occurring, why higher-end properties are being affected more heavily, what fewer active auction bidders means for...

Does the tax advantage of a new build actually make it a better property investment?In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay unpack the impact of the 2026 Budget changes to negative gearing and examine whether investors should now favour new residential builds over established property.

The discussion goes beyond tax deductions to compare the fundamentals that actually drive long-term property performance, including cash flow, depreciation, location, land value, supply, rental demand, owner-occupier demand, build risk and resale depth.Sky and Lindsay also break down several Melbourne growth corridors, including Tarneit...

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay unpack the August Melbourne property market update, looking at the latest conditions across interest rates, lending, prices and buyer demand.

With the RBA holding the cash rate at 4.35%, Sky and Lindsay discuss what the decision means for property buyers and investors, why they are not yet convinced interest rate rises are over, and why keeping finance pre-approval current remains important in an uncertain market.

The episode also looks at the latest lending data, with new loan numbers and...

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay are joined by commercial property expert Patrick O’Callaghan from O& Co Group to unpack what investors need to know before moving from residential into commercial property.

From industrial and medical assets to office and retail, Patrick explains how different commercial property types perform, why industrial is currently his preferred asset class, and how tenant demand, location and asset selection can influence both income and long term growth.

The episode also explores the risks that can catch first ti...

Published: 23 August 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay step away from market data and suburb rankings to unpack the people, language and theatre that make buying property in Melbourne such a unique experience.

From Saturday inspection circuits and first home buyer family delegations to agent follow up calls, auction tactics and the familiar lines buyers hear every weekend, they break down what these situations can actually tell you and how to respond without giving away too much information.

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Published: 16 Aug 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay reveal their top five Melbourne suburbs for one-bedroom units, comparing affordability, rental returns, vacancy rates, supply and resale potential.

Using current suburb and unit data, they highlight the different investment profiles each suburb offers. The analysis shows why the cheapest property is not always the best investment, and why future supply, market depth and property quality matter alongside headline yields.

The episode also breaks down the key factors...

Published: 09 Aug 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay compare the major housing policies announced by the current Labor Government and the Liberal National Opposition ahead of the 2026 Victorian election.

They break down how each party's policies could affect renters, first home buyers, investors, homeowners and developers, analysing the likely impact on housing supply, affordability, property taxes and long term market outcomes.

If you want to better understand how the upcoming Victorian election could influence Melbourne's property market and...

Published: 3 August 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky deliver the July Melbourne property market update, unpacking the latest market data and what it means for buyers and investors across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

They break down the recent slowdown in property values, why Melbourne remains one of Australia's weakest capital city markets, and how softer conditions are creating more negotiating power for well prepared buyers. The episode also explores the growing divide between houses and units, rising rental yields, and what...

Published: July 26, 2026

In this episode, Sky and Lindsay sit down for a relaxed but practical conversation about how they would enter the property market today if they were starting from scratch.

They break the process down step by step, looking at what they would prioritise at different budget levels, where they would be willing to compromise, and how their approach would change as either an investor or an owner-occupier. From getting finance-ready and setting realistic expectations to choosing the right property type and location, this episode provides a clear...

Published: 19 July 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky Hammer and Lindsay Hammer revisit one of the most debated topics in Melbourne property investing: apartments.

While freestanding houses continue to be their preferred long-term investment, changing market conditions have prompted a fresh look at quality apartments as a cashflow strategy. With borrowing capacities reduced following the 2026 Federal Budget, higher interest rates and investors placing greater emphasis on serviceability, the conversation explores whether Melbourne apartments are beginning to offer compelling opportunities once again.

Published: 13 July 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky Hammer and Lindsay Hammer explore one of the most compelling emerging concepts in Australian property: Bluefield development.

As Australia continues to grapple with a housing shortage, they examine why large blocks in established suburbs could become some of the most valuable assets in a post-2026 Federal Budget environment. Rather than focusing on traditional knock-down rebuild developments, the discussion introduces Bluefield housing – a gentler approach to increasing housing supply by adapting existing homes and adding additional dwellings while pr...

Published: 6 July 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky Hammer and Lindsay Hammer unpack the latest developments shaping Melbourne's property market and the broader Australian housing landscape.

They explore the national housing slowdown, with Melbourne and Sydney continuing to lead the downturn while other capital cities remain more resilient. The discussion covers falling sales volumes, softening lower-priced markets, and why a weaker market doesn't necessarily mean better buying conditions.

Sky and Lindsay also dive into key economic updates, including...

Published: 29 June 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky Hammer and Oisin Griffiths are joined by mortgage broker Scott Baker from Toast Finance to explore the psychology behind property decisions and why so many buyers become stuck during the purchasing process.

They discuss how fear, uncertainty and decision fatigue can influence buyers, particularly in the wake of the 2026 Federal Budget changes. The conversation explores the balance between emotional and strategic decision making, and why finance should be viewed as part of a broader property strategy rather...

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Emergency Episode

In this emergency episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky breaks down the latest proposed changes to SMSF property lending and what they may mean for investors looking to buy residential property...

Published: 22 June 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay tackle some of the biggest myths, misconceptions and misleading advice circulating in the Australian property market.

From building inspections and off market properties to rental yields, negative gearing and development projects, they separate fact from fiction and explain why many commonly repeated property beliefs can lead buyers and investors astray.

The episode also explores the importance of long term thinking, understanding opportunity cost, and recognising that successful property investing requires...

Published: 15 June 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay are joined by Geelong buyer's agent Oisin Griffiths to break down the best value suburbs to buy in Geelong in 2026.

With affordability pressures increasing and recent changes to property taxation impacting investor behaviour, they explore why Geelong continues to present compelling opportunities for buyers seeking capital growth, value add potential and strong long term fundamentals.

The episode analyses eight established Geelong suburbs, comparing supply, demand, vacancy rates, owner occupier appeal...

Published: 8 June 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay deliver the May Melbourne market update and unpack the implications of the 2026 Federal Budget for property investors.

They discuss the proposed changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trust structures, exploring how these reforms may influence investor behaviour, property selection and portfolio strategy moving forward.

The episode also examines current market conditions across Melbourne and Australia, including rising interest rates, affordability pressures, shifting buyer sentiment and emerging opportunities in a softer market.<...

Published: 1 June 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay take listeners behind the scenes of working with a buyer’s agent, featuring the winners of the recent Melbourne Property Podcast giveaway.

The episode walks through the early stages of building a property portfolio, including defining a clear acquisition brief, suburb selection, strategy planning and mapping long term portfolio goals.

Sky and Lindsay compare two different buying strategies across Frankston and Geelong, explaining how market cycles, growth potential, equity and bo...

Published: 25 May 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay break down how to identify under-market value properties and create equity early through smarter buying strategies.

They explain why under-market value opportunities are rarely about finding a “cheap” property, and instead come down to understanding value better than the broader market. The episode explores practical ways buyers can add value through renovations, floorplan improvements, rental increases and strategic negotiation.

Sky and Lindsay also unpack the types of properties most buyers over...

Published: 18 May 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay break down the realities of short term rentals and Airbnb investing, including the costs, risks and regulations many buyers overlook.

They unpack the true holding costs involved in running a short-term rental, from management fees and utilities through to insurance, owners' corporation fees, and guest-related expenses. The episode also explores how lenders assess Airbnb income and why borrowing capacity can become a major limitation for investors with Airbnbs.

Sky and...

Published: 13 May 2026

In this emergency episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky unpack the major property tax changes announced on 12 May in the 2026 Budget and what they could mean for Melbourne buyers, Australian property investors and renters.

They break down the proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, including the shift toward new residential builds from 1 July 2027, grandfathering for existing holdings, and the replacement of the 50 per cent CGT discount with indexation and a 30 per cent minimum tax on gains.

Published: 11 May 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, host Lindsay is joined by finance broker Kate Littlejohn from K.Finance Co, who specialises in helping borrowers navigate complex residential, commercial and self employed lending scenarios.

They explore the current lending landscape in 2026, including how interest rates, inflation and tighter borrowing conditions are impacting investors, business owners and borrowers with more complex financial profiles.

The episode also unpacks why borrowers reach lending limits, how different lenders assess risk, and what options may still...

Published: 4 May 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky break down some of the key differences between buying property in Victoria and other Australian states.

They walk through the unique aspects of the Victorian buying process, including contracts, vendor statements, rental compliance requirements, costs and negotiation dynamics, and highlight the common mistakes buyers make when moving between markets.

The episode also compares Victoria to other states using a practical example, unpacking how upfront costs, holding costs and long term...

Published: 27 April 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky break down the hidden negotiation tactics buyers need to understand when purchasing property in Melbourne.

They share practical strategies used in real negotiations, drawing on their background in high pressure diplomatic environments and experience working with buyers in competitive markets. The episode focuses on how to level the playing field when dealing with skilled selling agents.

Sky and Lindsay unpack key techniques including understanding vendor motivation, preparing with comparable data, creating urgency, and...

Published: 20 April 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky are joined by property developer Michael Tiemens to break down small scale property development in Melbourne.

They explore how everyday investors can approach 1 into 2 subdivision projects, from site acquisition through to completion. Michael shares common mistakes first time developers make, where deals typically go wrong, and how investors can better manage risk and expectations when entering the development space. We discuss feasibility, site selection and the key factors that determine whether a development project stacks...

Published: 13 April 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky break down one of the most common questions from buyers and investors: houses vs units in Melbourne.

They compare the performance of houses and units using current data, long term trends and a real world case study to highlight the differences in capital growth and investment outcomes. The episode explores why land value plays a critical role in property performance and how this impacts different asset types.

Sky and Lindsay also unpack when...

Published: 3 April 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky deliver the March Melbourne market update, breaking down the latest property trends, policy changes and economic factors impacting buyers.

They cover key Victorian government proposals, including changes to building and pest inspections, plans for designated activity centres, and updates to dependent person's unit (DPU) rules, along with what these could mean for buyers and supply.

The episode also explores broader economic and global influences shaping the Melbourne property market, including...

Published: 30 March 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky analyse Melbourne’s most in demand owner occupier suburbs using current data and buyer behaviour insights.

They identify key pockets across the North East, East and South East where demand is strongest, driven by low supply, high owner occupier ratios, strong school zones and lifestyle appeal. The episode breaks down eight standout suburbs and explains what is attracting buyers to these locations in 2026.

If you are looking to buy in Me...

Published: 23 March 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Lindsayand Sky take a deep dive into one of Melbourne’s most owner-occupier dominated regions - Glen Eira local government area (LGA).

Located in Melbourne’s south-east, Glen Eira is consistentlyone of the most sought-after areas for families, driven by high performing school zones, lifestyle, large blocks, and connectivity to the CBD. This episode unpacks how the market is currently performing across the LGA, highlighting differences in price points, demand drivers, and long-term growth potential - while also addressing why many suburb...

Published: March 16, 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay are joined in studio by Joey D’Agata, Head of Strategy at Gameplans and host of the Property Strategy Podcast, for a deep dive into one of the most important topics in property investing: building a structured property strategy.

Many investors focus on buying their next property without a clear roadmap for where their portfolio is heading. In this conversation, Joey explains why successful investors think beyond individual purchases and instead build a long-term strategy that aligns with in...

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We’re doing something we’ve never done before on the Melbourne Property Podcast.

As a thank you to our listeners, we’re giving one listener the opportunity to work with us through our entire buyer’s advocacy service - completely free.

This is the full end-to-end process our clients normally engage us for, including:

✔️ Discovery call to understand your goals

✔️Strategy session to determine where/what you should buy

✔️Portfolio plan...

Published: March 9, 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky deliver the February Melbourne Property Market Update, breaking down the latest data shaping the Melbourne real estate market in 2026.

This shorter, insight-packed episode unpacks the newest Cotality Home Value Index (HVI) report, recent price movements across Melbourne, rental yield trends, and the SA3 regions currently showing the strongest growth.

While Melbourne’s headline growth appears flat at a city-wide level, the story beneath the surface is more nuanced. Sky and Li...

Published: 2 March, 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky is joined in studio by Gilbert Melgar, founder of Suburbs Finder, and Oisin Griffiths from Convergence Buyer’s Agents for Part 2 of our Geelong takeover series.

This is a data-driven deep dive into the Geelong property market in 2026 - unpacking the methodology behind identifying high-growth suburbs, the metrics that matter most for investors, and how to systematically filter markets using proven long-term performance and current demand momentum.

If you’re researching Geelong property inve...

Published: 22 February 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay break down the Top 10 Suburbs for Capital Growth in Melbourne for 2026.

After analysing more than 300 Melbourne suburbs across the metro region, they reveal the ten locations positioned in the early to mid-stages of their growth cycle - selected specifically for investors targeting short-term capital growth and equity extraction within the next three years.

This episode follows the same framework as last year’s most downloaded episode, applying up...