With Jordan Telfer and Brenton Potter
Momentum is building in Melbourne’s property market – and with it, intensified focus and queries from buyers and sellers alike.
So it’s timely that Wakelin Advisors Jordan Telfer and Brenton Potter tackle real-world queries from across the country, each rooted in the kinds of property dilemmas that matter most when the market builds.
Final inspection before settlement: What matters most?
Daniel from Ascot Vale asks: What should I focus on during a final inspection before settlement?
Jordan: The aim is to confirm the property remains in the exact condition it was at sale. I always bring a copy of the contract, so I can tick off all inclusions and fitted appliances mentioned in the particulars of sale. Test major utilities – cooktops, lights, dishwashers – if power is on. Pay particular attention to high-theft items like dishwashers that sometimes get removed, even though they should remain. Also, use old advert photos to check for any new damage (e.g. ceiling issues after winter).
Brenton: Don’t leave your inspection until the last possible day. Aim for three or four days before settlement so if you spot an issue, you can discuss it with your solicitor and avoid settlement delays. If you’re interstate or abroad, we’ll do the walk-through, film a video tour, and check everything matches your contract on your behalf.
Why buy ‘typical for the area’?
Liam from Sydney wants to know: Why is it so important to buy a property typical of the area?
Jordan: Each suburb has its own ‘norms.’ In North Carlton, for example, the market expects brick Victorian terraces rather than timber weatherboards – anything else is regarded as unusual and can be harder to sell. Meanwhile, Thornbury buyers are more accepting of both brick and timber, so the same outlier isn’t as risky.
Some areas, like Hawthorn and Kensington, naturally have a mix of housing styles, while in high-end spots like Armadale and South Yarra, buyers have higher functional expectations (like a central bathroom). Properties that conform to local norms generally appeal to the broadest market, making them safer investments.
Where are Melbourne’s best villa units?
Jenny from Albury asks: Which suburbs offer the best villa units, and why?
Brenton: The inner eastern suburbs – think Surrey Hills, Camberwell, Mont Albert – consistently provide the highest-quality villa units. We look for boutique blocks of four to six units with proper garages, spacious courtyards, and floorplans offering an entrance hall and separated living areas.
Jordan: Bigger developments further out often feel crowded, and long walks from the street to the door can be off-putting. Inner east boutique units hold their value thanks to their walkable access to local cafes, transport, and parks as well as their scarcity.
Styling vs. marketing: Where to spend
Rosemary from Elwood asks: I need to reduce costs to sell my property. Should I cut back on styling or marketing?
Brenton: If you’re forced to choose, marketing comes first. No matter how nicely it’s styled, you need buyers to actually see your property – meaning a strong online campaign, with domain, REA, and sometimes social media for younger target markets.
Jordan: Styling can be adjusted to lower costs – if the home’s existing furniture is in good nick, a partial styling approach (e.g. professional touches, artwork, decluttering) can work. The key is making the property inviting without overspending.
Buying next to a vacant block: How risky is it?
Ari from Sydney asks: I’ve found an investment property next to a vacant block – how risky is it, and what can I do?
Jordan: The risk is in the unknown – you don’t want a surprise development destroying your privacy or light, or hurting future value. Start by checking with council for submitted or approved plans, and look at what’s common in the street: mostly houses, or multi-level builds?
Brenton: If there are no plans yet, review zoning and site size – width can determine what’s even possible. If in doubt, price the uncertainty in. Sometimes the presence of a vacant lot results in a cheaper purchase, as others have been scared off.
Is a bathroom through a bedroom a dealbreaker?
Fiona from Sandringham asks: Is a villa unit with a bathroom that’s only accessible through a bedroom a dealbreaker?
Jordan: In one-bedroom apartments, this is fairly standard. For larger villa units, it’s rare and negatively viewed. If it’s possible to add a second entry from the hallway, it can be a value-adding opportunity – but if not, only consider this layout if the price or location make it a standout opportunity.
For investment, the more mainstream and practical the layout, the better. Unusual arrangements can limit future resale and rental appeal unless compensated for in price or sought-after location.
Decoding building & pest inspections: What really matters?
Andrew from Vermont asks: When a building and pest report lists multiple defects, how do I know what’s serious?
Brenton: Don’t just count the ‘defects’ – sort by severity. Most reports seem daunting because they list every minor scratch or crack repeatedly. Major issues to avoid are active termites, structural movement, and extensive damp.
Jordan: Long-term headaches almost always relate to water getting into places it shouldn’t – fix leaking roofs, drainage issues, and subfloor dampness before worrying about cosmetic repairs. Negotiate on price for what needs fixing, and use the report to plan maintenance, not as a reason to panic.
Take home message
The most successful property decisions come from asking the right questions at the right moment.
Whether you’re finalising a purchase, sizing up an unusual opportunity, or interpreting a daunting inspection report, arming yourself with local knowledge, detail, and the right professionals makes all the difference.
In a shifting market, curiosity – and clarity – are your greatest assets.
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