Show Notes:

In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we break down what the latest interest rate rise actually means for Melbourne buyers — and where the opportunity and risk sits in today’s market.

While rate rises often create uncertainty, they also shift buyer behaviour, reduce competition, and change the dynamics of the market.

Right now, we’re seeing borrowing capacity shrink, buyer confidence drop, and more listings come online — creating a very different environment compared to earlier in the year.

In this episode, we explain how these factors are impacting the market, why less competition can create opportunity, and how to approach buying property in a rising rate environment without taking on unnecessary risk.

What You’ll Learn:

• How interest rate rises impact borrowing capacity and buyer competition
• Why confidence drops before prices — and why that matters
• How increased listings and softer demand are shifting leverage to buyers
• The risks of sitting on the sidelines and waiting for “certainty”
• What smart buyers are doing differently in today’s market
• How to approach buying in a rising rate environment with discipline and strategy

👋 About the Show

Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions.

Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we share what’s actually happening on the ground — not just headlines.

From auctions and negotiations to off-market opportunities and strategy, we break down what matters so you can make better decisions when it comes to buying property.

Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we break down the biggest mistakes first home buyers make  and how to avoid them.

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, yet many buyers walk in thinking they’re prepared… when in reality, the most costly mistakes often feel logical in the moment.

From misunderstanding suburbs to relying on price guides, these small missteps can cost tens  even hundreds  of thousands over time.

In this episode, we unpack where first home buyers go wrong, how the market really works, and what you need to do to stay in control and buy smart from day one.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why truly understanding a suburb (and its different pockets) can make or break your purchase
• How to research the sold market to understand real value not just price guides
• The dangers of getting emotionally attached to a property too early
• Why price guides can be misleading and how to assess true market value
• What effective negotiation actually looks like and where most buyers go wrong
• Why trying to time the market can hold you back (and what to focus on instead) 

👋 About the Show

Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we break down one of the biggest myths in property waiting for spring to buy or sell.

Right now, many buyers are sitting on the sidelines, hoping for certainty before making a move. But the reality is, by the time the market feels “safe” again, competition has already returned and prices have already shifted.

With softer clearance rates, increased stock levels, and reduced buyer urgency  particularly across Melbourne’s inner markets the current conditions are quietly creating some of the best opportunities we’ve seen in recent months.

In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening in the market right now, how each season plays out for buyers, and where the smartest opportunities are likely to come from over the next six months so you can stay ahead of the competition, not behind it.

What You’ll Learn:

•  Why waiting for spring often means paying more for the same property
• How current market conditions are creating hidden opportunities for strategic buyers
• What to look for in the autumn market including re-listed stock and price adjustments
• Why winter is one of the strongest buying windows (and why most buyers avoid it)
• How to use pass-ins and post-auction negotiations to your advantage
  When the “smart money” actually transacts and why it’s before spring
• A practical 6-month framework to help you plan, act, and stay ahead of the market
• The biggest mistake buyers are making right now and how to avoid it

👋 About the Show

Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we break down how to upsize in today’s market without taking on unnecessary risk.

Right now, there is a genuine opportunity for upsizers across Melbourne - particularly above $1.5M in the inner ring - but it’s also one of the easiest environments to get caught out if you don’t have a clear strategy.

With more listings, less confident buyers, and softer conditions, the balance of power has shifted. But upsizing is still one of the highest-risk moves you can make in property, as you’re buying and selling at the same time.

In this episode, we walk through the biggest mistakes upsizers are making right now, and how to structure your approach so you can minimise risk, stay in control, and put yourself in a position to capitalise on the current market.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why running your buy and sell campaigns at the same time gives you a major advantage
• How to decide whether to buy first or sell first — and why most people get this wrong
• Why valuing your own property conservatively is critical in today’s market
• How to use terms like settlements and conditions to protect yourself and reduce risk
• Why upsizers must be more disciplined than ever when it comes to negotiating and buying well
• The real risks of overpaying or underselling — and how to avoid both

👋 About the Show

Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we explore why the next 6 weeks to 6 months could be the most favorable buying conditions for premium Melbourne properties in at least five years. With rising interest rates, record-high listings, low auction clearance rates, and election uncertainty, the upper-end market is creating rare opportunities for savvy buyers to secure inner-ring homes for hundreds of thousands less than just a few months ago. We also break down the risks buyers face if they don’t have a strategy and why timing, planning, and market knowledge are critical.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why interest rate rises and election uncertainty are shifting power to buyers at the $2M+ level
• How listing surges and low auction clearance rates are creating unprecedented opportunities
• The comparative value of Melbourne’s premium market versus Sydney and other capitals
• How land tax and rental economics are influencing seller behaviour in blue-chip suburbs
• Strategies for navigating the upper-end market without taking unnecessary risks
• Why understanding vendor motivation and market fundamentals can save you hundreds of thousands.

👋 About the Show

Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

Is the current market handing premium Melbourne buyers a rare opportunity? In this episode of Buying Melbourne, Tristan Larkin and James Rankin break down why two consecutive RBA rate hikes, surging listings, and election uncertainty are creating the perfect conditions for savvy buyers to save hundreds of thousands on inner-ring properties above $2M. They share five tactical approaches to negotiating at the top end of the market, from targeting passed-in auctions to structuring terms that win deals without paying more.

What You'll Learn:

• Why the macro environment is shifting power to buyers in Melbourne's premium market
• How two consecutive rate hikes are reducing buyer depth at the $2M+ level
• The five tactics that can save you $300k on a premium inner-ring property
• How to use passed-in auctions, stale listings, and settlement terms to your advantage
• Why comparable sales matter more than ever when agents are anchoring to outdated guides
• How election uncertainty is thinning out your competition
• Pro tips for reading vendor motivation and agent behaviour at the top end

👋 About the Show
Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

Is now a good time to buy in Melbourne’s property market? In this episode of Buying Melbourne, Tristan Larkin and James Rankin unpack why media headlines, bank forecasts, and market predictions often mislead buyers and how to focus on what really matters. From understanding auction trends to ignoring fear-driven news, they reveal practical strategies for confident property decisions.

What You'll Learn:

• Why media reports and bank forecasts often contradict reality and why following them can be costly
• How historical data shows predictions are wrong more often than they’re right
• Understanding auction clearance rates and what they really mean for Melbourne buyers
• Why timing the market matters less than buying the right property for your needs
• How holding a property long-term smooths out short-term market fluctuations
• Why uncertainty can create opportunities to negotiate better deals
• How lifestyle priorities and situational timing should guide your purchase decisions

Packed with actionable insights, this episode is essential listening for first-home buyers, investors, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by the noise of Melbourne’s property market.

👋 About the Show
Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

Are Melbourne buyers leaving $100,000s on the table? In this episode of Buying Melbourne, Tristan Larkin and James Rankin break down the five biggest negotiating mistakes they see Melbourne property buyers make and explain how to avoid them. From pre-auction offers to leveraging contract terms, they show how savvy buyers can save money and secure the property they really want.

What You'll Learn:

• The most common negotiation pitfalls Melbourne buyers fall into and why they are costly
• How to avoid negotiating against yourself and hold firm on your offers
• Why understanding other buyers’ terms can make or break a deal
• The art of timing pre-auction offers in weak campaigns
• How pushing on settlement terms and contract clauses can protect your investment
• Why relying on price guides instead of comparable sales can mislead you
• Pro tips for reading vendor behavior, agent signals, and auction dynamics
• How to use settlement dates, good working order clauses, and other contract levers to your advantage

This episode is packed with actionable insights for first-home buyers, investors, and anyone looking to get the most out of Melbourne’s property market without leaving money on the table.

👋 About the Show
Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

Is Melbourne Australia’s most undervalued property market right now? In this episode of Buying Melbourne, Tristan Larkin is joined by Joel, Head of Strategy at Tomii, to explore why Melbourne could be the next property boom. They dive into auction trends, affordability, investor activity, and future growth hotspots to uncover where the smart money is heading.

What You'll Learn:

• Why recent Melbourne auction clearance rates are low, and what it really means for the market
• How affordability is driving interstate investors from Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane into Melbourne
• The suburbs and satellite cities poised for long-term growth, including Frankston, Bendigo, Geelong, and Malvern East
• Why on-the-ground insights and speaking to agents are crucial for identifying true market value
• How yields in affordable suburbs are attracting both investors and first-home buyers
• Why house-and-land packages may be a risky move for new investors
• The growing importance of combining data analysis with firsthand market knowledge
• Insights into Melbourne apartments, high-rise developments, and future supply constraints
• Rapid-fire suburb picks: underrated areas to watch and those to avoid

This episode highlights the shift towards affordability-driven growth, with investors seeking high yields and strong population growth areas. For buyers and investors, understanding these patterns can provide a strategic edge in Melbourne’s evolving property market.

👋 About the Show
Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

Where is Melbourne’s new money actually moving? And what suburbs are attracting high-income millennials and young professionals right now?

In this episode of Buying Melbourne, Tristan Larkin and James Rankin unpack the latest income data, auction trends, and on-the-ground agent insights to reveal where young and wealthy buyers are gravitating across Melbourne.

From shifting clearance rates to changing suburb preferences, this episode explores how lifestyle, walkability, schools, and long-term strategy are shaping the next wave of premium buyers.

What You'll Learn:

• Latest Melbourne auction trends and what 50%+ clearance rates really signal
  
  
• Why stock levels are tighter than expected and agents are feeling cautious
  
  
• How media headlines and uncertainty are creating buyer inaction
  
  
• The current sweet spot for upgraders between $1M–$2M
  
  
• Where $3,000+ per week earners are clustering, including Richmond, South Yarra, Prahran and Collingwood
  
  
• Why some buyers are choosing amenity-rich suburbs over Toorak
  
  
• The growing importance of walkability and high street culture
  
  
• How school zones continue to influence young money decisions
  
  
• Why demand is flowing into suburbs like Malvern East and Glen Iris
  
  
• What these migration patterns signal for future capital growth

This episode highlights a key shift in Melbourne’s prestige market.

Young wealth is prioritising lifestyle density, walkability, strong schools, and community over traditional status alone.

For buyers and investors alike, watching where high earners choose to live can offer powerful insight into the next wave of growth.

👋 About the Show
Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered.

🔗 Resources & Links

Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au

Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results

Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin

Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin