In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Liam Garman sits down with Steve Ash, founder of Property Strats, to explore Melbourne's property market and uncover key opportunities and challenges for investors.

The duo begins the episode by highlighting a surge in activity, driven by first home buyers and government initiatives, such as the 5 per cent deposit scheme without lender's mortgage insurance, which has intensified competition in many suburbs.

Despite the market upswing, Steve warns of a scarcity of good deals, making it harder for investors to maintain a boutique approach. He also emphasises balancing financial growth with lifestyle, encouraging investors to enjoy the benefits of their portfolios.

Certain suburbs, such as Frankston and Melton, are experiencing strong growth, while units remain undervalued, offering attractive yields and capital growth potential.

Steve emphasises the importance of strategic portfolio planning, combining Melbourne properties for growth with higher-yield assets elsewhere to maintain a stable cash flow.

He also highlights challenges such as land tax and strict tenancy standards, which require careful due diligence. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email [email protected] for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.