Don’t Make This Common Mistake
I can’t believe it’s nearly August though I think I say that every year!
Right now, we’re seeing a “new normal” in Sydney’s property market: low stock levels paired with renewed buyer confidence, driven by broader economic signals and interest rate sentiment. The Reserve Bank meets again this week, and economists are split on whether a rate cut is likely (especially after 95% predicted one last month… and got it wrong).
If you're an active buyer, you're probably hoping they don’t cut rates because more fuel in the market could mean even hotter auctions.
Let’s Talk About Investment Properties — With a Caution
I don’t usually dive deep into the investment side of property buying. That’s mainly because:
The areas I specialise in — Sydney’s Inner West and Eastern Suburbs — are predominantly owner-occupier markets. The rental yields here are typically lower than areas favoured by investors.
Personally, I enjoy helping people find homes they'll live in and love. I'm not just hunting for "3 bed, 2 bath, 1 garage" — I'm helping clients choose a lifestyle.
That said, I had a conversation this week I often do: a buyer approached me with a $1,000,000 budget, keen to invest anywhere in Australia — no preference on city, state, or even regional vs metro.
If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar spot — eager to invest but without a clear location in mind — then please read this carefully. Here’s my warning:
The Two Types of Buyer's Agents — And Why It Matters
If you’re an investor without a specific area in mind, you generally have two options when engaging a buyer’s agent:
Option 1:
Do some initial research yourself to identify a city or region you're comfortable with, then engage a local buyer’s agent who knows that area inside and out.
Option 2:
Hire a remote buyer’s agent who operates nationwide (or across most of Australia), and trust them to find the best investment for your needs wherever that might be.
My advice? Always go with Option 1. Here’s why:
1. Physical Inspections Matter
A local buyer’s agent personally inspects the property — spotting defects, red flags, and nuances that photos and Google Maps won’t reveal. Remote buyer’s agents often rely on local sales agents or property managers to inspect on their behalf — and these people are often financially incentivised to recommend the deal. That’s not objective advice.
2. Local Knowledge = Better Decisions
A good local BA will know the “micro-markets” within suburbs — which streets are more desirable, how flood zones impact value, how easy the council is to deal with for renovations, and much more. Remote agents simply can’t have that level of deep local insight across hundreds (or thousands) of suburbs.
3. Relationships Make a Difference
Local BAs often know the selling agents — their strategies, negotiation styles, and even past dealings. That kind of relationship equity can give you an edge. Remote agents are less likely to have this kind of established network, which can limit your strategic advantage.
So, What's the Risk?
Property is a long-term asset, and you may still get a good result with a remote BA — but why take the chance? Starting off with local expertise gives you a much stronger foundation to make informed, confident decisions.
And if you're ever looking outside of Sydney, I’d be happy to recommend excellent local buyer’s agents in other cities or regions. Just reply to this email and I’ll connect you.
