The PROPERTY DOCTORS, Sydney Australia Novak Properties
NOVAK PROPERTIES CREW and PROPERTY LEGENDS in the industry share their experiences and knowledge. Hacks and tips to make you a smarter property GURU :) Learn with exclusive content, advice, insider info and HOT real estate industry PRO SECRETS. For sale, for lease, residential, commercial, buying off the plan, finance, mortgages, interest rates, first home buyer, investments - all topics covered. The untold real estate info you've been waiting for.
EP. 1760 - 🏡💰 HOW TO BUY LOW: THE ART OF NEGOTIATION! 🤝🔑
When buying or selling property, price and terms are two very different negotiating tools.
Sometimes, the right settlement terms or conditions can be just as valuable as the price itself.
🤝 Understand what the other party needs
📝 Know your terms and conditions
💬 Ask questions and communicate clearly
🔑 Look for a deal that works for both sides
Great negotiation isn't just about getting the lowest price. It's about understanding the entire deal.
Whether you're a buyer, seller or investor, having the right advice can make all the differen...
NOVAK NEWS - How To Invest In Property, When Nobody Knows What Happens Next
🏡 DON'T TRY TO TIME THE PROPERTY MARKET. HAVE A PLAN!
Thinking about buying or investing? Before worrying about what the market will do next, take a closer look at your own finances.
💰 Check your borrowing capacity
📊 Stress-test your budget and cash buffers
🏡 Review your existing investments
📝 Create a clear, long-term property strategy
The best opportunities aren't always about timing the market. They're about being prepared when the right property comes along.
And remember, when negotiating, both price AND terms matter!
As Michael Yard...
EP. 1759 - MOULD IN YOUR PROPERTY? THE 3 STEP M.A.P TO A HEALTHIER HOME 🦠🏠
🏡 FOUND MOULD IN YOUR HOME? DON'T IGNORE IT!
Did you know mould can hide behind bedheads, couches and wardrobes?
We sat down with Sunny Saini from DrySafe to discuss a common misconception about mould and ventilation.
💨 Before mould appears: Good ventilation helps reduce moisture and prevent mould growth.
⚠️ Once mould is visible: Simply switching on fans or creating strong airflow may spread mould spores.
The key? Prevention and knowing what to do at the right time.
If you're noticing mould in y...
EP. 1757 No surcharge no rent
💳 CREDIT CARD FEES & RENT PAYMENTS — WHAT'S CHANGING?
New payment rules are raising some big questions for tenants, landlords and property managers.
The idea sounds simple: rent is rent. But what happens when payment platforms change the way tenants can pay?
We're already seeing third-party providers adjust their payment options, and the practical impact isn't as straightforward as many expected.
🏡 What does this mean for tenants?
💳 Will payment options become more limited?
💰 How will fees be handled?
A good idea on paper can look very diff...
EP. 1758 ….. 2027 SYDNEY PROPERTY PREDICTIONS … ON THE MOVE!
🏡 WHERE IS THE SYDNEY PROPERTY MARKET HEADING?
It's the question we get asked all the time!
Property prices rise, markets shift, and confidence gets tested. But when it comes to real estate, it's important to look at the bigger picture.
📊 Look at historical market data
⏳ Think long-term, not just 12 months
🏡 Understand your investment goals
If it took 10 years to see significant growth, would you still invest?
That's the question worth asking.
Mark, Michael Burgio and Lisa Novak share their thoughts on...
EP. 1755 … DOWNSIZE WITHOUT THE DRAMA
🏡 DOWNSIZING ISN’T ABOUT GOING SMALLER. IT’S ABOUT LIVING EASIER!
Less maintenance, more convenience and a lifestyle that works for YOU. ✨
And here's a thought… you don't always have to sell!
Why not rent out your family home and try apartment living for a year before making the big decision?
Whether it's a beachside apartment, somewhere with a pool and gym, or simply a home that's easier to manage, take your time and enjoy the process.
And remember, it's the little things that matter most… even...
EP. 1756 Tale Of The Sale, 102 Woolwich Rad, Woolwich!
🏢 IS COMMERCIAL PROPERTY THE NEXT BIG INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY?
We're seeing an interesting shift in the market!
Following a fantastic auction result, one thing stood out — strong interest from developers looking to invest rather than develop.
With tight development margins and rising costs, some buyers are turning their attention to established commercial properties with long-term leases.
💰 Potential for consistent rental income
🏢 Longer lease terms
📈 Opportunities for long-term growth
🔑 Less frequent tenant turnover
Could commercial and industrial property be gaining momentum as an alternative to re...
EP. 1754 ...STRATA BUYING, NO NO NO...AH...YES YES YES !! WHAT U DON'T KNOW
🏢 INVESTORS, ARE YOU ACTUALLY MAKING MONEY?
Rental income is one thing. What’s left in your pocket is another.
With rising holding costs and land tax pressures, it pays to look beyond traditional residential investments.
🏡 Residential property
🏢 Commercial & industrial
📈 Rental yields & capital growth
💰 Land tax & ongoing costs
Don’t overlook strata or commercial property without running the numbers first.
The best investment isn't always the most obvious one.
Want to know what opportunities we're seeing across the Northern Beaches? Get in touch!
Eve...
EP. 1753 STRATA COMMITTEE MEMBERS….now need training!!!! its official
🏢 WELCOME TO STRATA SCHOOL! 🎓
Strata committee members have more responsibility than many people realise.
They can review spending, request multiple quotes, question costs and help make important decisions on behalf of owners.
That’s why education matters.
New training requirements are designed to help committee members better understand their responsibilities and make informed, reasonable decisions for their buildings.
After all, strata committees can be involved in decisions affecting millions of dollars worth of property.
Good committees = better-informed decisions and greater accountability.
Got a st...
EP. 1752 - Staged Selling, Why getting in early matters
🏗️ BUYING OFF THE PLAN? UNDERSTAND STAGED SELLING.
Large developments are often released in stages — Stage 1, 2, 3 and beyond.
Early in a project, developers may use competitive pricing to help secure the pre-sales needed to progress the development.
That can make Stage One worth investigating for buyers looking at off-the-plan opportunities.
But early doesn’t automatically mean better.
Do your homework on:
• The developer and their track record
• The project and location
• Pricing and comparable sales
• Contract terms and completion risks
• Your own financial posit...
NOVAK NEWS - HOW TO SELECT A RENTAL OR SALES AGENT FOR YOUR PROPERTY
🏡 DON’T JUST HIRE AN AGENT. TEST THEM.
Thinking of selling or leasing your property? Do your homework first.
Turn up to their open homes.
👀 Was the agent actually there?
🤝 Were they engaging with buyers?
🏡 Was the property presented properly?
💬 Were they actively communicating and following up?
The same applies to property management. Make sure your rent is being regularly reviewed and your investment isn’t being overlooked.
The right agent can make a significant difference to your result — particularly in a tricky market.
Experience ma...
EP. 1751 - FIRST HOME BUYER... PANTS ON FIRE
🏡 FEELING THE MORTGAGE PRESSURE? DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE.
If repayments are starting to feel uncomfortable, the biggest mistake can be waiting until you’re completely overwhelmed.
There may be options worth exploring:
• Speak with your bank or broker early
• Review your loan and refinancing options
• Look at ways to create a financial buffer
• Understand the rules around renting out your property
• Get professional advice before making a major decision
The key message? Start the conversation early.
Sometimes knowing what options are avail...
EP. 1750 - PROPERTY PROFITS: HOW LONG DO YOU ACTUALLY HAVE TO WAIT?
🏡 WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY PROPERTY?
The simple answer? When you’re ready.
Trying to perfectly time the market can be difficult. Prices change, lending conditions change, government policy changes — and your own circumstances can change too.
Property is generally a long-term decision, not a six-month strategy.
Sometimes people sell after five years because life changes — kids, upsizing, relocating or simply moving into the next chapter. That doesn’t necessarily mean the original purchase was wrong.
The key is to buy within your...
EP. 1749 Developers Want Brookvale — Should You Sell?
🏗️ REZONING ANNOUNCED? DON’T RUSH.
If there’s talk of rezoning in your area, it can be tempting to immediately rethink your property plans.
But an announcement doesn’t necessarily mean development is happening anytime soon.
Planning changes can take years — sometimes decades — and developers may be reluctant to pay a premium until there’s greater certainty around what can actually be built.
Our takeaway?
👉 Don’t make a major property decision based on speculation alone.
👉 Look after your property and tenants today.
👉 Understand exactly where the...
EP. 1748 - Have a beer with Jacinda in DEE WHY!!!!
🏡 DEE WHY JUST GOT A VERY FAMOUS NEW LOCAL…
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and husband Clarke Gayford have reportedly purchased a $5.3M home in Dee Why.
After previously being spotted looking around the Northern Beaches, it seems Dee Why won them over. 🌊
And really… we get it.
🏖️ Incredible beaches
☕ Great cafés & restaurants
🌊 Coastal lifestyle
📍 Everything you need close by
It’s certainly put another international spotlight on our little corner of Sydney.
Welcome to Dee Why! 🇦🇺🇳🇿
#DeeWh...
EP. 1747 - If It Bleeds It Reads, Interest Rate Hike
🏡 STOP DOOM-SCROLLING THE PROPERTY MARKET.
Interest rates. Property prices. Cost of living. Headlines.
It’s easy to get consumed by the noise.
But property markets move in cycles — there are stronger periods, weaker periods and plenty of uncertainty in between.
Think of it like the weather. ☀️🌧️
You can’t control every change, but you can control how you respond to it.
The message? Stay informed, focus on the facts and don’t let every headline dictate your next move.
Good markets come and go...
EP. 1746 - PRIVATE TREATY VS AUCTION.... WHAT'S REALLY WORKING
🏡 WHEN SELLING, TIMING MATTERS.
The first week of a property campaign can be the golden week.
Week two? Still strong.
By week three? Buyer attention can start to drop.
That’s why we focus on acting quickly when serious buyers are showing strong interest — especially in spring, when more properties can hit the market and buyers have more choice.
Whether it’s private treaty, competitive negotiations or auction, the strategy should suit the property, the buyers and the market.
The takeaway? Strike wh...
NOVAK NEWS - Monday Night Live: Why Buy Commercial Property?
🏢 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY: MORE THAN JUST YIELD
One common myth? Commercial property doesn’t deliver capital growth.
We’ve seen examples that challenge that.
One strata warehouse we’ve sold multiple times went from around $380K to $1.3M over the longer term. We’ve also seen storage units move from around $199K to $240K+.
Of course, past performance doesn’t guarantee future growth — but commercial property can offer more than rental income alone.
The key is understanding:
• Location & demand
• Rental yield
• Tenant...
EP. 1745 - WHO ARE WE GOING TO BLAME IF THE PROPERTY MARKET FINALLY BUSTS?
🏡 THE PROPERTY MARKET IS LIKE THE WEATHER.
Summer. Autumn. Winter. Spring.
Some days are hot. Some are cold. There are storms, dry spells and perfect days.
Property is no different.
Interest rates change. Buyer sentiment shifts. Prices rise, stabilise and fall. Then the cycle continues.
The key? Don’t get caught up in every headline or short-term change. Understand where you are in the cycle and keep the bigger picture in mind.
Want to see the property market cycle we’re talking about?
📲...
EP. 1744 - “Why McDonald’s Hates This One Step”
🏢 CAN ONE STEP HURT YOUR BUSINESS?
In retail… absolutely.
In flood-prone areas, some commercial properties have traditionally been built above street level, creating steps or ramps at the entrance.
The problem? That can create a major friction point for customers.
Newer designs can incorporate a flood refuge towards the rear of the premises, allowing for easier street-level access at the front while accommodating flood requirements within the property.
For cafés and high-foot-traffic retailers, accessibility can be critical. For offices, physios and other appointment-based businesses, a stepped layout...
EP. 1743 - Good Tenant or Nightmare? The Truth About Renting Your Home
🏡 WORRIED ABOUT RENTING OUT YOUR HOME?
One of the biggest concerns we hear from landlords is:
“What if my property gets damaged?”
With the right property management and careful tenant selection, there are plenty of ways to help protect your property and give you peace of mind.
✔️ Thorough tenant selection
✔️ Regular routine inspections
✔️ Video inspection reports
✔️ Ongoing maintenance management
✔️ Landlord insurance options
You can even attend routine inspections yourself if you’d like that extra reassurance.
As Cleo puts it… think of your property manage...
EP. 1742 The Biggest Property Opportunity May Be Right Under Your Nose
🏢 WHERE ARE WE SEEING THE ACTION?
Commercial storage and warehouse spaces are getting plenty of attention.
In a previous project, we saw some storage units originally sell around $180K, with comparable units later selling around $250K+ — roughly a 30% movement across the project.
Now, with a new Stage One approaching, we’re seeing interest building again — including from buyers considering purchases through SMSFs.
The key? Understand the product, do your research and look at what’s actually happening on the ground.
Want to know what we’re...
NOVAK NEWS - THE POWER OF THE PRE-MARKET OPPORTUNITY
🏡 PRE-MARKET… WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
Sometimes the right buyer is already there — before the property ever hits the major portals.
For sellers, a pre-market strategy can mean:
• Potential savings on marketing costs
• Access to qualified buyers already in the database
• Creating competition before launching publicly
• The opportunity to secure a great result sooner
For buyers, the tip is simple: ASK!
At open homes, ask the agent:
“Do you have anything similar coming up off-market or pre-market?”
You might just find your next p...
EP. 1741 - WHAT $600k BUYS YOU OUT OF SYDNEY
🏡 THINKING OF LEAVING SYDNEY FOR A LIFESTYLE CHANGE?
The value can be incredible — more space, lower maintenance, beautiful surroundings and a completely different pace of life.
But our biggest tip? Try before you buy.
Rent for six months and experience the lifestyle before committing to a permanent move.
Consider the things that matter beyond the property itself:
• Access to healthcare
• Local trades and services
• Weather and climate
• Community and neighbours
• Accessibility and transport
• The true cost of selling, buying and moving
A lo...
EP. 1740: TECHNOLOGY THAT ACTUALLY MAKES YOU MONEY
💻 We’ve tried a LOT of tech. This is the stuff that actually made the cut.
From creating content to getting through everyday admin faster, these are some of the tools we’re using in the business:
🎥 StreamYard — taking one live video across multiple channels
🎙️ DJI mics — simple, reliable audio for content
🏷️ NIIMBOT label maker — because apparently organisation can be exciting 😂
📱 Tripod — quick videos without needing someone behind the camera
🗣️ Wispr Flow — Mark’s favourite piece of tech for the last five years
The big one? Voice typing.
Instead of sitting...
EP. 1379 - REAL ESTATE MYTHS “True, False or It Depends?” Property rental myths.
🏡 RENTAL MYTHS: BUSTED! 🚨
Think you know the rules when it comes to renting? Mark Novak and Cleo Whithear tackle some of the common myths landlords and tenants hear all the time.
Myth: The landlord automatically gets the bond if there’s damage.
Evidence is still required to support a claim.
Myth: Everything has to be fixed immediately.
Urgent repairs are one thing, but non-urgent repairs can follow different timeframes.
Myth: “I’m renting, so I can do whatever I want.”
There are stil...
EP. 1378 - The Shake Down Of The Largest Private Industrial Park
🏢 Why are more investors looking at strata commercial property?
It’s not always just about the rent.
For some investors, commercial property can mean less hands-on maintenance compared with residential — no constantly updating kitchens, bathrooms, paint and carpet between investment cycles.
Then there are other considerations like land tax, strata costs, depreciation and potential cash flow that can change the numbers depending on your circumstances.
At 7 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest, we’ve also seen strong interest from buyers purchasing through self-managed super funds, alongside owner-occupiers and tradi...
EP. 1737 - MOVING AFTER 50 YEARS IN ONE HOME...
🏡 Imagine leaving the home you’ve lived in for 40, 50 or even 60 years.
It’s not just a property. It’s a lifetime of memories — which is why downsizing should never feel rushed.
For many of our downsizer clients, the hardest part is simply getting started. Finding the next home, sorting through decades of belongings, organising finances and legal matters… it can quickly feel overwhelming.
Our biggest advice? Take your time.
Surround yourself with people you trust — from your real estate agent and solicitor to mortgage brokers and professionals w...
NOVAK NEWS - THE NUMBERS THAT TELL YOU WHERE THE MARKET IS HEADING...
🏡 Want to know where the property market is heading? Don’t just watch the headlines — watch the buyers.
Market data can be 6–8 weeks behind, so some of the strongest indicators are happening right in front of you.
Here’s what we’re watching on the Northern Beaches:
👥 Open home attendance
🔄 Second inspections
📄 Contracts issued & genuine offers
🔨 Auction clearance rates & bidder numbers
🏠 New listings vs properties sold
And buyers — back yourself.
If you’re actively inspecting homes in your price range every weekend, you’re building a prett...
EP. 1736 - EVERYTHING LOOKS CHEAP IN 10 YEARS
🏡 The property market moves in cycles — don’t get caught up in the headlines.
Just like the weather has seasons, property has its ups and downs.
Across Sydney, and particularly the Northern Beaches, we’ve seen periods of growth, decline and stability. Right now, what we’re seeing on the ground is encouraging: prices are beginning to stabilise and sentiment is starting to turn positive.
That doesn’t necessarily mean instant price growth. The progression is more likely:
📉 Decline → ⚖️ Stability → 📈 Recovery → 🚀 Growth
The important thing is perspective. Headlines need a...
EP. 1735 - Budget Boom Sends Mum & Dad Investors Into Commercial Property
🏢 WHY ARE MORE INVESTORS LOOKING AT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY?
Since the budget dropped, we’re seeing a noticeable shift in investor interest — with more people starting to explore commercial property as an alternative to residential.
Why is commercial getting attention?
✔️ Entry points can start significantly lower than residential
✔️ Potential for positive cash flow from day one
✔️ Annual rental increases can support future value
✔️ Options across storage, office, retail and industrial
✔️ Limited commercial and industrial zoning can help constrain supply
For some investors, the question is becoming: would you rather chase a...
EP. 1734 - The office SURVIVAL guide
❄️ THE GREAT OFFICE AIRCON WAR
Every office has its battles… but few create as much debate as the air conditioning.
You know the situation:
✔️ One person is absolutely freezing
✔️ Someone else is sweating
✔️ The temperature gets changed every five minutes
✔️ Nobody agrees on what’s comfortable
✔️ And somehow, it’s never actually resolved
Our proposed solution? 22.5°C — set it and leave it alone.
Then there are all the other little office habits that drive everyone nuts… including the person whose online shopping seems to arrive at recepti...
EP. 1733 - TALE OF THE SALE 24 CARTER ROAD BROOKVALE!
🏭 OLD FACTORY, BAD INVESTMENT — GREAT OWNER-OCCUPIER OPPORTUNITY?
Older freehold factories can tell a very different story depending on who’s buying them.
For an owner-occupier, the benefits can be significant:
✔️ No strata levies
✔️ Greater control over improvements
✔️ No landlord increasing the rent
✔️ No landlord asking you to move
✔️ Improvements can benefit both the property and the business
✔️ Long-term security and control over your premises
For investors, older industrial properties can be more challenging when the existing rental return doesn’t stack up. But there can still be opportunities to ...
EP. 1732 - BROOKVALE'S FUTURE - POST FORUM BREAKDOWN
🏗️ BROOKVALE IS GOING TO CHANGE — BUT WHAT WILL THAT LOOK LIKE?
The Brookvale proposals continue to generate plenty of discussion across the Northern Beaches, with infrastructure, housing and the pace of development front and centre.
Some of the key points being discussed:
✔️ Traffic, transport and infrastructure
✔️ Proposed building heights and density
✔️ Affordable and key worker housing
✔️ Open spaces and community facilities
✔️ How infrastructure upgrades will be funded
✔️ The timeframe for any future development
The next major step will involve further assessment and an opportunity for the community to examine th...
EP. 1731 - FROM CONTRACTS TO KEYS: WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES WITH YOUR CONVEYANCER
🏡 SELLING A PROPERTY? GET YOUR DUCKS IN A ROW FIRST
Small paperwork issues can quickly slow down the conveyancing process when it’s time to sell.
✔️ Check your pool is registered & certified
✔️ Finalise any outstanding renovation documentation
✔️ Make sure approvals and certificates are in order
✔️ Allow for property searches & legal costs
✔️ Remember strata properties can require extensive documentation
A little preparation before going to market can help avoid unnecessary delays once a buyer is ready to move. 📄
#PropertyTips #Conveyancing #SellingProperty #SydneyProperty #NorthernBeaches #RealEstate #PropertySales #HomeSelling
EP. 1730 - THE IMPOSSIBLE BUILD (3x from 2019) GREEDY DEVELOPER???
🏗️ WHY AREN’T MORE APARTMENTS BEING BUILT?
The issue isn’t necessarily a lack of developers ready to build — it’s whether the numbers actually stack up.
✔️ Construction costs have risen significantly
✔️ Land, compliance and taxes add further costs
✔️ Developers still need a viable margin
✔️ A mix of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments may be required
✔️ In some areas, the end sale price simply doesn’t cover the total cost
The result? Developers with the money, experience and capacity to build may choose to sit on the sidelines.
More density might be approved...
EP1729 - TENANTS SMART RESIDENTIAL BONDS ……ARE IN!!!!!! OOFFF
🏡 BOND TRANSFERS – HOW WILL THE NEW SYSTEM ACTUALLY WORK?
The new bond transfer rules are designed to make moving between rental properties easier for tenants — but there are still plenty of questions around how the process will work in practice.
What’s causing confusion?
✔️ Tenants are often approved for a new property before vacating their current one
✔️ Cleaning, damage or maintenance disputes may not arise until after vacating
✔️ Property managers still need clarity around when a bond can be transferred
✔️ Landlords need appropriate security while a tenancy is being finalised
✔️ Fu...
EP. 1728 - We Love Albo's Latest Speech On The Economy.....
🏡 FIRST HOME BUYERS – IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE DEPOSIT
A 5% deposit might help you get into the market, but the bigger challenge for many buyers is actually servicing the loan.
What are buyers facing?
✔️ Higher monthly mortgage repayments
✔️ Everyday living costs continuing to add up
✔️ Bank serviceability buffers reducing borrowing capacity
✔️ Building, labour and material costs remaining high
✔️ Affordability becoming about cash flow, not just the deposit
The key? Getting the deposit together is only one part of buying property — you also need to comfortably manage the rep...
EP. 1727 - THE MARKET IS SH*T?!
🏡 THE MARKET HAS SOFTENED — BUT IT HASN’T CRASHED
The Northern Beaches property market has changed, but properties are still selling when vendors meet the market.
What are we seeing right now?
✔️ Buyers enjoying a calmer, more balanced market
✔️ Properties transacting around current market value
✔️ Vendors having more options if the price isn’t right
✔️ Upgraders potentially benefiting from a smaller changeover gap
✔️ Real sales data telling a clearer story than the headlines
The key? If you’re upgrading, don’t focus solely on what you’re selling for — conside...
EP. 1726 - 1000's OF APARTMENTS COMING TO BROOKVALE? YEAH RIGHT!?
🏗️ BROOKVALE – WHAT COULD THE BIGGER PICTURE LOOK LIKE?
The proposed changes to Brookvale have sparked plenty of conversation, but how significant could the development actually be across the wider Northern Beaches?
What should we consider?
✔️ Development could take decades to fully unfold
✔️ Not every landowner will choose to sell or develop
✔️ New housing would be concentrated around existing transport links
✔️ Previous developments in Dee Why and Warriewood offer useful comparisons
✔️ Infrastructure and parking remain key community concerns
The key? Major planning changes don’t happen overnight. The true im...
