In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Future Proof Property Advisory co-founder Dawn Fouhy to help investors cut through the noise of the Melbourne market and gain clarity amid a crowded field of opinions.

Together, they unpack how analysis paralysis can stall progress, particularly in fast-changing markets like Melbourne and regional Victoria, and why investors need to align with advisors and strategies that genuinely resonate.

Fouhy explains what makes a property truly future-proof, urging investors to buy with future buyers in mind, avoid investor-saturated pockets, and target areas with scarcity and low building approvals.

She shines a spotlight on Melbourne's renewed appeal, noting that while oversupply is a risk in some locations, suburbs such as Williams Landing, Point Cook, and Hoppers Crossing are underpinned by strong owner-occupier demand and constrained supply.

The duo also explore Geelong's rise as Australia's top relocation hotspot, with Fouhy pointing to suburbs like Hamlyn Heights and Belmont as examples of locations where economic strength, lifestyle appeal, and solid fundamentals support long-term capital growth.

Revisiting the capital growth versus cash flow debate, Tarrant and Fouhy emphasise that while cash flow is crucial for managing holding costs, it is capital growth that ultimately drives meaningful wealth creation.

For those eyeing the Melbourne and Victorian markets in 2026 and beyond, Fouhy recommends starting with a realistic budget, then targeting townhouses or units in established, high-demand areas that offer both affordability and advantages.

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