Does the tax advantage of a new build actually make it a better property investment?In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay unpack the impact of the 2026 Budget changes to negative gearing and examine whether investors should now favour new residential builds over established property.

The discussion goes beyond tax deductions to compare the fundamentals that actually drive long-term property performance, including cash flow, depreciation, location, land value, supply, rental demand, owner-occupier demand, build risk and resale depth.Sky and Lindsay also break down several Melbourne growth corridors, including Tarneit, Donnybrook, Clyde North and Beveridge, looking at supply, vacancy, building approvals, inventory, days on market and hold periods. The episode explains why high levels of competing supply can make it difficult for new-build locations to achieve strong capital growth.The episode also explores the genuine advantages of new builds, the risks around construction delays and defects, developer margins, and why an established property can still offer stronger long-term investment fundamentals.

Episode highlights include:

• How the 2026 Budget changes negative gearing for residential property

• Why negative gearing should support an investment strategy, not determine it

• The genuine advantages and risks of buying a new build

• How supply, building approvals and vacancy rates can affect capital growth

• Why owner-occupier demand and resale depth matter for long-term performance

• A practical checklist for comparing new builds with established propertyEnjoying the podcast and want to support future episodes?

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Disclaimer: All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer’s Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay unpack the August Melbourne property market update, looking at the latest conditions across interest rates, lending, prices and buyer demand.

With the RBA holding the cash rate at 4.35%, Sky and Lindsay discuss what the decision means for property buyers and investors, why they are not yet convinced interest rate rises are over, and why keeping finance pre-approval current remains important in an uncertain market.

The episode also looks at the latest lending data, with new loan numbers and values both down around 5% over the June quarter. They unpack what this means for buyer activity, including the changing behaviour of investors and the impact of smaller average loan sizes.

Sky and Lindsay then break down Melbourne's latest property market figures, including a 1.2% monthly decline in dwelling values, a 3.4% quarterly fall and a 2.8% annual decline. Melbourne dwelling values are now 5.5% below the March 2022 peak, while median days on market have increased from 32 to 39 days.

The discussion also explores Melbourne's changing supply picture, with total listings 18% higher than this time last year but new listings lower. Sky explains why this does not necessarily mean more sellers are flooding the market, and shares what he is seeing on the ground across different price points and property types.

The August update also covers Victoria's new Premier, changing business sentiment, potential policy changes, anti-money laundering requirements and what Sky and Lindsay expect to see as the market moves into September.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• What the RBA holding the cash rate at 4.35% means for property buyers and investors

• The latest lending data and what falling loan numbers tell us about buyer activity

• Why Melbourne dwelling values remain below their March 2022 peak

• What the increase in total listings really tells us about Melbourne's supply

• What Sky is seeing at inspections across different parts of the Melbourne market

• Why the next few months could be a transitional period for Melbourne property

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DISCLAIMER

All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions.

All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer’s Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, Sky and Lindsay are joined by commercial property expert Patrick O’Callaghan from O& Co Group to unpack what investors need to know before moving from residential into commercial property.

From industrial and medical assets to office and retail, Patrick explains how different commercial property types perform, why industrial is currently his preferred asset class, and how tenant demand, location and asset selection can influence both income and long term growth.

The episode also explores the risks that can catch first time commercial investors off guard, including vacancy periods, tenant incentives, lease structures, recoverable outgoings and the higher level of due diligence required. Patrick also breaks down what he would look to buy at different price points, from around $800,000 through to $5 million.

If you are considering commercial property, looking to diversify an existing residential portfolio or simply want to understand the opportunities and risks involved, this episode provides practical insights from someone working across buying, leasing and property management.

Episode highlights include:

• Why industrial property is currently Patrick’s preferred commercial asset class

• What investors need to understand about commercial leases and recoverable outgoings

• How vacancy risk and tenant incentives can affect commercial property returns

• What Patrick would look to buy with a budget of $800,000, $2 million and $5 million

• Why under-rented industrial property can create opportunities for income and equity growth

• The due diligence, advisors and tenant considerations investors should assess before buying

Enjoying the podcast and want to support future episodes?You can buy us a coffee here:👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/melbournepropertypodcast

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Disclaimer

All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer’s Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Published: 23 August 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay step away from market data and suburb rankings to unpack the people, language and theatre that make buying property in Melbourne such a unique experience.

From Saturday inspection circuits and first home buyer family delegations to agent follow up calls, auction tactics and the familiar lines buyers hear every weekend, they break down what these situations can actually tell you and how to respond without giving away too much information.

The episode also explores common buyer stereotypes, including the yield focused investor, the optimistic renovator and the buyer waiting for the perfect property. Sky and Lindsay explain why preparation, experience and an evidence based approach can help buyers stay calm and avoid emotional decisions.

If you are buying property in Melbourne, attending auctions or simply want to better understand the psychology behind the buying process, this episode offers practical tips, real world examples and plenty of relatable property moments.

Episode highlights include:

• How to stay organised when inspecting multiple properties in one day

• What common agent phrases may actually mean

• How to handle Saturday night follow up calls from selling agents

• Understanding auction theatre, vendor bids and crowd behaviour

• How to avoid emotional decisions and build confidence through preparation

Enjoying the podcast and want to support future episodes?

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Disclaimer

All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer's Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Published: 16 Aug 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay reveal their top five Melbourne suburbs for one-bedroom units, comparing affordability, rental returns, vacancy rates, supply and resale potential.

Using current suburb and unit data, they highlight the different investment profiles each suburb offers. The analysis shows why the cheapest property is not always the best investment, and why future supply, market depth and property quality matter alongside headline yields.

The episode also breaks down the key factors buyers should assess when purchasing a one-bedroom unit, including internal size, natural light, car parking, owner corporation costs, building condition and competing supply.

If you are considering buying a unit in Melbourne or looking for an affordable investment with strong rental demand, this episode provides practical, data backed insights into where the opportunities may be.

Episode highlights include:

• The top five Melbourne suburbs for one-bedroom units

• How purchase prices and rental yields compare across each suburb

• The key property-level factors to assess before buying a unit

Enjoying the podcast and want to support future episodes?

You can buy us a coffee here:

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Follow for on the ground insights, local expertise and practical perspectives from professionals operating in the market every day.

Looking for tailored portfolio guidance?

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Disclaimer:

All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer's Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Published: 09 Aug 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky and Lindsay compare the major housing policies announced by the current Labor Government and the Liberal National Opposition ahead of the 2026 Victorian election.

They break down how each party's policies could affect renters, first home buyers, investors, homeowners and developers, analysing the likely impact on housing supply, affordability, property taxes and long term market outcomes.

If you want to better understand how the upcoming Victorian election could influence Melbourne's property market and what the competing housing policies may mean for buyers and investors, this episode provides balanced, practical and data backed insights.

Episode highlights include:

•⁠ ⁠A comparison of Labor and Liberal housing policies ahead of the 2026 Victorian election

•⁠ ⁠What each party's policies could mean for renters, investors and first home buyers

•⁠ ⁠The strengths and weaknesses of both approaches to housing supply and affordability

•⁠ ⁠Three original policy proposals designed to improve housing mobility, rental security and project delivery

•⁠ ⁠The key housing policy announcements to watch before election day

Enjoying the podcast and want to support future episodes?

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Disclaimer

All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. The discussion reflects publicly announced policies as at 19 July 2026, as outlined in the episode, and policies may change prior to the Victorian election. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer's Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Published: 3 August 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Lindsay and Sky deliver the July Melbourne property market update, unpacking the latest market data and what it means for buyers and investors across Melbourne and regional Victoria.

They break down the recent slowdown in property values, why Melbourne remains one of Australia's weakest capital city markets, and how softer conditions are creating more negotiating power for well prepared buyers. The episode also explores the growing divide between houses and units, rising rental yields, and what current supply levels mean for the months ahead.

Sky and Lindsay also discuss the Victorian Government's latest planning reforms, including higher density housing around transport hubs and fast tracked housing precincts in Geelong, highlighting the opportunities and risks these changes may create for property owners and investors.

If you are buying, investing or simply keeping an eye on the Melbourne property market, this episode provides practical, data backed insights to help you navigate changing market conditions with confidence.

Episode highlights include:

• Why Melbourne's property downturn is creating new opportunities for buyers

• The growing performance gap between houses and units

• How lower auction clearance rates are shifting negotiating power

• Victorian planning reforms and what they could mean for future property values

• Why rising rents and improving yields do not automatically mean positive cash flow

Enjoying the podcast and want to support future episodes?

You can buy us a coffee here:

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Follow for on the ground insights, local expertise and practical perspectives from professionals operating in the market every day.

Looking for tailored portfolio guidance?

Arrange a complimentary call with Sky Hammer here:

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🌐 Website:

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Have a subject you would like explored?

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Disclaimer:

All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer's Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Published: July 26, 2026

In this episode, Sky and Lindsay sit down for a relaxed but practical conversation about how they would enter the property market today if they were starting from scratch.

They break the process down step by step, looking at what they would prioritise at different budget levels, where they would be willing to compromise, and how their approach would change as either an investor or an owner-occupier. From getting finance-ready and setting realistic expectations to choosing the right property type and location, this episode provides a clear starting point for anyone trying to work out their next move.

It is an especially useful discussion in the post-2026 Federal Budget environment, where changing tax settings, borrowing conditions and broader market uncertainty have made it more important than ever to have a clear, adaptable strategy.

Never miss an episode. Hit SUBSCRIBE now.
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Follow for on the ground insights, local expertise and practical perspectives from professionals operating in the market every day.

Looking for tailored portfolio guidance?
Arrange a complimentary call with Sky Hammer here:
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🌐 Website:
https://convergencebuyersagents.com.au

Have a subject you would like explored?
DM us, leave a comment, or email:
📩 [email protected]

Disclaimer:
All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer’s Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Published: 19 July 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky Hammer and Lindsay Hammer revisit one of the most debated topics in Melbourne property investing: apartments.

While freestanding houses continue to be their preferred long-term investment, changing market conditions have prompted a fresh look at quality apartments as a cashflow strategy. With borrowing capacities reduced following the 2026 Federal Budget, higher interest rates and investors placing greater emphasis on serviceability, the conversation explores whether Melbourne apartments are beginning to offer compelling opportunities once again.

Sky and Lindsay discuss what separates an investment-grade apartment from the rest of the market, why boutique older-style complexes often outperform high-density developments, and why buying below replacement cost could present long-term value for patient investors.

The episode also examines the suburbs they're currently watching, the key data points they use to assess apartment markets, and the common mistakes investors make when chasing high rental yields without considering long-term capital growth.

Using real case studies from South Yarra, Highett and Northcote, they demonstrate the type of opportunities emerging in today's market while explaining the due diligence required before purchasing an apartment.

If you're an investor navigating tighter lending conditions or looking to improve cashflow without compromising on quality, this episode provides practical insights into when apartments may deserve a place in your investment strategy.

Episode highlights include:

• Why apartments are becoming more attractive in today's lending environment
• The impact of the 2026 Federal Budget on investor strategy
• Why cashflow is playing a bigger role in property investing
• The apartment characteristics that make the best long-term investments
• Boutique apartment blocks versus high-density developments

Enjoying the podcast and want to support future episodes?
You can buy us a coffee here:
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Follow for on-the-ground insights, local expertise and practical perspectives from professionals operating in Melbourne's property market every day.

Looking for tailored portfolio guidance?
Arrange a complimentary call with Sky Hammer here:
👉 https://convergencebuyersagents.com.au/dc-podcast

🌐 Website:
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Have a subject you would like explored?
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📩 [email protected]

Disclaimer:

All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer's Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.

Published: 13 July 2026

In this episode of the Melbourne Property Podcast, hosts Sky Hammer and Lindsay Hammer explore one of the most compelling emerging concepts in Australian property: Bluefield development.

As Australia continues to grapple with a housing shortage, they examine why large blocks in established suburbs could become some of the most valuable assets in a post-2026 Federal Budget environment. Rather than focusing on traditional knock-down rebuild developments, the discussion introduces Bluefield housing – a gentler approach to increasing housing supply by adapting existing homes and adding additional dwellings while preserving neighbourhood character.

The conversation explains how Bluefield development differs from greenfield, brownfield and greyfield development, why South Australia is leading the way with co-located housing, and what Victoria's current planning framework means for investors looking to position themselves for future opportunities.

Sky and Lindsay also discuss why established suburbs need to accommodate more housing, how changing demographics are reshaping demand, and what sophisticated investors should consider when assessing properties with long-term development optionality.

If you're an investor, homeowner or simply interested in the future of Australian housing, this episode offers practical insights into one of the most important planning and investment trends emerging across the country.

Episode highlights include:

• What Bluefield development is and why it matters
• How Bluefield differs from greenfield, brownfield and greyfield development
• Why Australia's housing shortage requires more than fringe land releases
• The role established suburbs will play in meeting future housing demand
• Why South Australia is leading Bluefield-style planning reform

Enjoying the podcast and want to support future episodes?
You can buy us a coffee here:
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Follow for on-the-ground insights, local expertise and practical perspectives from professionals operating in Melbourne's property market every day.

Looking for tailored portfolio guidance?
Arrange a complimentary call with Sky Hammer here:
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🌐 Website:
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Have a subject you would like explored?
DM us, leave a comment, or email:
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Disclaimer:
All discussions are general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. All content across this podcast, website and associated channels remains the intellectual property of Convergence Buyer's Agents and may not be reproduced without written permission.