In this episode of "Talk Property," hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie welcome Emily Wallace, a seasoned buyers' agent based in Melbourne, to discuss the dynamic property market in the city. With a focus on the current trends, challenges, and opportunities, Emily shares her insights on the Melbourne real estate landscape, particularly for first-time home buyers and investors.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction to Emily Wallace: Emily introduces herself as the director of a buyers' agency in Melbourne, where she assists first-time buyers and families in navigating the property market. She emphasizes the importance of location, accessibility to the city, and proximity to good schools in the buying process.
• Market Overview: The conversation delves into the historical capital growth trends in Melbourne over the past 20 years. Emily notes that while the market has experienced fluctuations, the overall trajectory has been upward, particularly in sought-after areas.
• Current Market Dynamics: Brad and Aaron discuss the recent population growth in Melbourne, which has seen an influx of residents from other states, particularly Sydney and Brisbane. Emily highlights the affordability factor that draws people to Melbourne, where property prices are significantly lower than in Sydney.
• First-Time Buyers vs. Investors: Emily reveals that about 70% of her clients are first-time buyers, with the remaining 30% being upsizers and downsizers. She explains that while first-time buyers are primarily focused on lifestyle, they also consider the investment potential of their properties.
• Property Types and Trends: The discussion shifts to the types of properties that are currently in demand. Emily points out that unrenovated villa units and townhouses are particularly appealing to buyers looking for value and potential for capital growth. She also addresses the oversupply of poorly designed apartments and the need for more medium-density housing.
• Challenges in the Market: The hosts and Emily discuss the challenges posed by rising rents and the desire for stability among renters. Many first-time buyers are opting to purchase homes to secure their living situation rather than continuing to rent.
• Future Outlook: Emily shares her thoughts on the future of the Melbourne property market, emphasizing the need for developers to focus on building the right types of properties to meet demand. She also discusses her plans for her agency, including growing her team and setting industry benchmarks for buyers' advocates.
• Practical Tips for Buyers: Emily offers practical advice for potential buyers, including the importance of researching neighborhoods and speaking to current residents to gauge the community vibe. She also highlights the significance of having a clear plan and understanding one's goals before making a property purchase.

This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in the Melbourne property market, whether you're a first-time buyer, an investor, or simply curious about the trends shaping the industry. Join us as we unpack the complexities of property buying in one of Australia's most vibrant cities!

00:00:00 - Podcast Introduction

00:01:12 - Emily's Background

00:02:40 - Market Trends

00:03:43 - Client Demographics

00:05:25 - Current Market Conditions

00:06:36 - Affordability Trends

00:08:46 - Lifestyle Preferences

00:10:35 - Rent Vesting vs. Owner Occupation

00:12:23 - Neighbor Relations

00:16:42 - Supply and Demand Issues

00:20:01 - Investment Opportunities

00:22:34 - Renovation Potential

00:24:44 - Future Plans

00:25:45 - Contact Information

00:27:25 - Podcasting Insights

00:29:12 - Networking Importance

00:31:20 - Industry Reflections