Rewarding Property Decisions with Jarrod McCabe of Wakelin Property Advisory

As older apartment buildings across Melbourne's middle ring continue to age, we're seeing more cases where the underlying land value has started to exceed the value of the building itself. That's creating opportunities – but also complexity – for owners considering a group sale to a developer. It's a very different process from selling a single property, with far more moving parts and far more potential for things to go wrong. In this episode, Jarrod walks through the key considerations owners need to work through before embarking on the process. How to determine whether the land value genuinely justifies a developer sale Why owner motivations – from investors to long-term occupiers – shape the entire process The unanimity requirement in Victoria and how one holdout can stop everything Setting a minimum price and getting independent advice to hold the group together We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

The Victorian Government wants to build 300,000 new homes by 2051 around 60 train and tram activity centres across Melbourne. It's a bold plan to tackle housing affordability by focusing development in established locations rather than pushing Melbourne's boundaries further outward. But will it work – and what does it mean for property investors? In this episode, Jarrod applies a SWOT analysis to the Activity Centres program to cut through the politics and assess what it really means on the ground. Why leveraging existing infrastructure makes sense – and where the logic breaks down The land scarcity problem and why density alone isn't the answer How the wrong product mix could leave new housing stock sitting empty The real threat to existing owners' equity and neighbourhood character Learn more about Melbourne's activity centres in The Wakelin Melbourne Property Report 2026. We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email  

The first instalment of the 2026 Wakelin Melbourne Property Report showed where we are: investor activity is back, interstate capital has moved first, and a February rate rise has put that renewed confidence on notice.​ Part two is about how to think from here. In this episode, Jarrod steps away from the month‑to‑month noise and works through six tensions that will shape Melbourne’s housing investment market in 2026: Confidence vs memory of the last rate cycle – what it takes for buyers to believe a recovery is real Headline stability vs rule‑change risk – how much uncertainty around future settings investors are willing to live with to access value Renting longer vs buying earlier – how the rent‑versus‑buy equation is shifting at today’s price and rate levels Houses vs older low‑rise apartments – where the value actually sits when land does the heavy lifting What the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel and activity centres quietly change over the next few years. Portals and print vs AI and socials – how discovery is changing who sees opportunities first. To view and download The Wakelin Melbourne Property Report 2026 visit wakelin.com.au We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Melbourne's property market has started 2026 at a defining inflection point. The momentum has been undeniable. Wakelin's proprietary data reveals a 87% surge in investor enquiries through 2025, with interstate buyers leading the charge. But we now face a new test. The February rate rise has challenged that sentiment just as it was consolidating. So, where does that leave the market in 2026? In the Wakelin Melbourne Property Report, we look past the daily headlines to answer the six defining questions that should shape your investment decisions this year and beyond: Will Confidence Consolidate or Waver? The push and pull between strong fundamentals and fragile interest rate sentiment. How is Policy Shaping Investor Sentiment? Have the tax and regulatory shocks finally been absorbed? And what’s next on the horizon? Rent vs. Buy: Will the Math Shift the Market? Rental pressure meets new pathways to ownership. Can Apartments Finally Catch Up? Why the search for value might finally favour period units. Will Infrastructure Shift Demand? How new transport links like the Metro Tunnel are rewriting the map of ‘accessible’ Melbourne. How Are AI and Socials Reshaping Property Discovery? The emerging tools changing how the next generation finds value.

Welcome to the Rewarding Property Decisions ‘best of’ summer series. While we’re taking some time off over summer, we thought we’d share with you our most popular episodes in 2025. This one caught us by surprise at first. Our number one episode for 2025 is “Villa Units: Melbourne’s Overlooked Investment Gem.”    I suppose it’s understandable that this episode was popular, as people look for affordable, quality properties to purchase in one of the world’s most liveable cities.   Enjoy. ------------------------------------------ Jarrod shines a light on Melbourne’s villa units – a property type quietly gaining traction for its unique blend of affordability, scarcity, and broad appeal. In this episode: Why villa units offer strong land value and real scarcity How they appeal to first home buyers, investors, and downsizers alike Key features to look for: location, floor plan, parking, and outdoor space How blue-chip suburbs offer affordable villa unit opportunities A real case study: capital growth and lifestyle gains from a smart villa unit purchase We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Welcome to the Rewarding Property Decisions ‘best of’ summer series. The countdown is back again this summer, while we enjoy our break. Coming in at number two was a hot topic for 2025 regarding the movements in the Melbourne property market – ‘Winter is here, but Melbourne’s property market is warming up’.      Winter is coming, but Melbourne’s market signals are burning bright.  In this episode, Jarrod covers: Why winter is a window for smart buyers and sellers The five signals revealing hidden demand How to position yourself before the spring rush A real-life example of success through preparation Tune in to learn how to turn the quieter months into your property advantage. We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email  

Welcome to the Rewarding Property Decisions ‘best of’ summer series. The countdown is back again this summer, while we enjoy our break. Coming in at number three is the ever-popular Q & O format.  This episode was hosted by my colleagues Jordan and Brenton. They were happy to answer some great questions from our listeners.     Momentum began to build in Melbourne’s property market in 2025 – and with it, intensified focus and queries from buyers and sellers alike. In this episode, Wakelin Advisors Jordan Telfer and Brenton Potter dive into the real issues that matter – answering seven of the most practical and pressing questions facing investors right now. In this episode: Key tips for the final inspection before settlement Why choosing a property that’s 'typical for the area' matters Where you’ll find Melbourne’s best value villa units Prioritising marketing vs. styling when selling How to assess the risks of buying next to a vacant block Dealing with unconventional layouts – when to walk away or negotiate Building & pest reports: how to separate serious issues from minor defects   We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

With the holiday season upon us, many Melburnians are packing the car and heading for the coast – but which direction are you pointing the bonnet? East to the Mornington Peninsula or west to the Bellarine? In this episode, Jarrod compares Victoria’s two favourite coastal playgrounds across seven key battlegrounds – from beaches and wineries to golf and property – to uncover what truly sets them apart. The subtle cultural differences that shape each peninsula’s appeal Why the Bellarine’s surf and camping flexibility rival Mornington’s polish How infrastructure and access are changing the drive to each coast The property market contrasts – from scarcity value to affordability We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email  

The Victorian Government has signalled significant reforms that would require vendors to publish their reserve price at least seven days before an auction. In this week's episode, Jarrod McCabe and Jordan Telfer explain why this rule – while well-intentioned – clashes with the commercial reality of auction campaigns, and why a published reserve rarely provides the price certainty buyers crave. In this episode Jarrod and Jordan discuss: The campaign conflict: Why locking in a reserve before the critical penultimate Saturday leaves vendors pricing their assets with incomplete data The transparency risk: How early disclosure creates a target for pre-auction offers and opaque 'highest and best' scenarios The ‘Certainty’ Fallacy: Why knowing the reserve price offers little protection against competitive emotional bidding on the day A better solution: The case for vendor-funded building inspections to reduce buyer costs without distorting the auction mechanism. We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

For many buyers, the agent’s quote range is the first filter they use when searching for a property. But in today’s market, relying on that figure as your sole source of truth can lead to missed opportunities or wasted inspection costs. Residential property is a unique asset class driven as much by human emotion as it is by financial logic. Understanding the difference between ‘market manipulation’ and ‘market unpredictability’ is key to maintaining your sanity – and your budget – during a campaign. In this week's episode, Jarrod shares recent case studies from the Melbourne market to illustrate why the final sale price often defies the initial data. Market Fickleness vs. Underquoting: Dissecting a recent result in the Inner North where fear of missing out (FOMO) skewed the data. The unintended consequences of accuracy: Why accurate quotes often lead to failed campaigns in the current climate. The ‘Family Premium’ Case Study: How a specific buyer need in the Eastern Suburbs completely distorted the market value of a standard unit. Empowering the Buyer: Practical advice on using independent tools and professional advice to set your own limit, regardless of the agent's guide. We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Victoria’s rental landscape is shifting with a new suite of reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act, effective from 25 November 2025. These updates aim to raise standards and address poor practices, urging investors to focus on proactive compliance to avoid fines, disputes, or challenges in a competitive leasing market.​ In this week's episode, Jarrod is joined by Wakelin Property Advisor Jordan Telfer to break down the key mandates and share practical strategies for staying competitive as renter protections intensify.​ The 2021 baseline for rentals and common retrofits like efficient heating systems Key energy upgrade rules for hot water, cooling, insulation, and draughtproofing, plus exemptions for challenging properties The end of no-reason evictions, highlighting renter screening and manager partnerships The rental bidding ban and strategies for setting competitive initial rents without overbidding Longer 90-day notice periods for increases and vacating, with case-by-case planning for sales timing Pre-advertising minimum standards and defending rent increases through comparables and documentation We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email  

Melbourne's spring property market is heating up, with first-home buyers returning thanks to federal incentives slashing deposits to 5%.   While inner-suburb houses stay out of reach for many, apartments are gaining traction as an accessible entry point – but only if you focus on the right ones for long-term growth.   In this week's episode, Jarrod explains why notional land value – your proportional share of the site's underlying land – separates thriving apartments from stagnant ones, drawing from Wakelin's buyer advisory experience.   As development intensifies and supply tightens, understanding this unlocks apartments that capital growth: The power of notional land in driving appreciation, versus the pitfalls of high-rises with diluted shares Step-by-step guide to calculating your land entitlement and its proportion of the purchase price Top apartment types: Boutique older blocks like Art Deco and 1950s-70s builds on under-capitalised sites Melbourne's value hotspots in eastern and south-eastern suburbs like Boroondara and Stonnington Developer trends targeting these blocks for redevelopment, and hurdles like owner consensus A case study of four apartments sold as a site for 125% uplift, from $1M units to $9M total We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Selling property from a deceased estate stirs profound emotions and risks disputes among family members. Yet a structured approach can maximise value, provide fair closure, and honour the deceased's legacy. In this episode Jarrod discusses: The key differences between executors and beneficiaries, and why early role clarification reduces tension Defining sale goals, from joint ownership to buyouts, with tips on independent valuations Balancing legal timelines like probate and capital gains tax (CGT) exemptions with market conditions for optimal timing Tailoring property presentation to buyer profiles without overspending estate funds Choosing experienced agents and seeking vendor advocacy support to ease the executor's burden A real case study of resolving a sibling dispute through transparent auction processes We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

With Spring auctions numbers ramping up and Melbourne's property demand set to intensify, mastering the powerplays between bidders, vendors, and agents is crucial – but how do you adapt to win in this unpredictable arena? In this episode Jarrod discusses: The auctioneer/agent's tools: setting quotes, bids, and vendor insertions to shape the process Vendors as ultimate deciders: timing the reserve and using pass-ins strategically for better deals Bidders' agility: positioning, increment choices, and observing tells to outmanoeuvre rivals Post-auction tactics: walking away credibly to build leverage in negotiations A real case study where disciplined strategy turned a pass-in into a winning purchase We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

First-time buyers are driving demand for two-bedroom apartments this Spring, but costly mistakes in the property market can set newcomers back years – so how do you avoid them and build lasting wealth? In this episode Jarrod discusses: Not waiting for finance: start educating yourself early on priorities, locations, and property types Using government grants wisely without letting them steer you toward poor investments Dropping preconceived ideas about property types to align with your actual lifestyle and goals Focusing on potential rather than perfection, prioritising unchangeable factors like location Understanding buying processes, from auctions to private sales, and assembling expert help The critical need for thorough due diligence, including inspections and independent valuations We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

With remote property investment gaining traction, savvy investors are buying interstate or in other cities to diversify and capture growth in undervalued markets like Melbourne's current landscape. But what are the keys to success? In this episode Jarrod discusses: Why go remote: for diversification, reduced risks, tax benefits, and opportunities in markets at different cycles Where to invest: capital cities with strong fundamentals like jobs, education, population growth, and infrastructure When to enter: based on your financial readiness and signals from temporarily slowed markets poised for recovery What to buy: properties focused on capital growth, with high land value, scarcity, and broad appeal How to proceed: adapting to state-specific rules on auctions, disclosures, and processes with local expertise We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

For the first time in Jarrod’s career, Melbourne’s property investment market is being led by interstate buyers – a shift revealed in Wakelin’s 2025 Spring Property Report that could influence the city’s next growth cycle.    With interstate enquiries climbing to 57% from 17% in 2022 and local interest falling to 39%, the trend signals building momentum and new opportunities – but what will it mean for the recovery ahead?   In the Spring Property Report, Jarrod explores the findings and their implications.  Early drivers of Melbourne’s recovery: Interstate buyers now make up 57% of all enquiries, while Victoria’s has fallen to 39%. Why out-of-state investors see opportunity: Many have enjoyed 68–76% price growth in their home markets since the pandemic, and are now shifting capital into Melbourne, where prices have lagged and upside potential is high ‘Interstater’ trade-offs: Victoria's land taxes viewed as a cost worth absorbing for long-term capital gains Auction trends: Clearance rates reaching 74.8% in July 2025 with solid volumes, indicating growing buyer confidence Spring outlook: Interest rate cuts, strong buyer preparation, and early interstate positioning creating favourable conditions for strategic purchases before the market tightens further We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

It’s a story every seller hopes for – a trusted long-term renter eager to buy the property as soon as it hits the market. But is the ‘obvious sale’ always the best outcome? In this episode, Jarrod reveals a behind-the-scenes look at a St Kilda home sale where rigorous planning and dual-strategy paid off. You’ll hear: Why skipping a full campaign can put your result at risk How running a parallel plan with disciplined contingencies preserves opportunity Managing upgrades, trades, and tenant transitions for a seamless launch What to do when auction day disappoints – and how to unlock multiple offers after passing in We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Momentum is building in Melbourne’s property market – and with it, intensified focus and queries from buyers and sellers alike.   In this week’s episode, Wakelin Advisors Jordan Telfer and Brenton Potter dive into the real issues that matter – answering seven of the most practical and pressing questions facing investors right now.   In this episode: Key tips for the final inspection before settlement Why choosing a property that’s 'typical for the area' matters Where you’ll find Melbourne’s best value villa units Prioritising marketing vs. styling when selling How to assess the risks of buying next to a vacant block Dealing with unconventional layouts – when to walk away or negotiate Building & pest reports: how to separate serious issues from minor defects   We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email  

For many, the property journey is about climbing the ladder. But what happens when it’s time to take a step down? Downsizing is a major transition that comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.   In this episode, Jarrod explores: Why Melburnians downsize: managing space, lifestyle changes, and releasing equity The pros and cons of houses, villa units, apartments, and townhouses for downsizers What to look for: single-level living, low maintenance, and good storage How to plan your move and avoid common pitfalls Real case study: a seamless downsize with lifestyle and financial rewards   We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening.  If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family. Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge. To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email