Buying Melbourne

Tristan Larkin & James Rankin

Welcome to Buying Melbourne, the podcast for anyone serious about property in Melbourne. Join Tristan and James for no-BS, straight-talking property insights straight from the ground up. No fluff, no jargon, just real conversations with the people who know Melbourne's market inside out. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing, investing, or just trying to figure out what's actually happening in Melbourne real estate right now, this is your unfair advantage. Every episode we cut through the noise with expert guests, local market updates, suburb deep-dives, and the honest advice you won't always hear from your agent. Melbourne property is complex. We make it simple. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

  1. Aug 13

    Ep.73 | Quoting Has Changed In Melbourne

    Show Notes: In this week’s episode of How’s The Market, we unpack how quoting strategies have changed across Melbourne as the market continues to shift in 2026. With auction clearance rates remaining under pressure and buyer demand becoming more selective, agents are adapting the way they price and sell properties. From higher price guides designed to leave room for negotiation to traditional underquoting strategies, understanding what sits behind the advertised range has never been more important. We also look at how quoting is changing across different price brackets  particularly the upper-end and $800k–$1.5m markets - and why buyers who rely solely on the advertised price could risk overpaying. In this episode, Tristan Larkin is joined by Jack Leahy from Loan Market Razor to discuss what buyers are seeing on the ground, how finance considerations are changing, and how to navigate Melbourne’s shifting market with greater confidence. What You’ll Learn: How Melbourne’s market has shifted throughout 2026Why auction clearance rates remain under pressureHow quoting strategies are changing across different price bracketsWhy some agents are quoting above expectations to create negotiation roomHow underquoting and auction strategies are still being usedWhat changing reserve prices are telling us about buyer demandWhy buyers need to look beyond the advertised price guideHow to identify opportunities and avoid overpaying in today’s marketWhat smart buyers can do differently to negotiate with confidence👋 About the Show How’s The Market is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to understand what’s really happening in the property market. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and the team at Tomii Property, we break down auction results, quoting strategies, negotiations, finance and real-world market shifts - giving buyers the insights they need to make smarter property decisions. Resources & Links Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

  2. May 8

    Ep.70 | Rates Just Went Up Again… Here’s What It Means for Melbourne Buyers

    Show Notes: In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we break down what the latest interest rate rise actually means for Melbourne buyers — and where the opportunity and risk sits in today’s market. While rate rises often create uncertainty, they also shift buyer behaviour, reduce competition, and change the dynamics of the market. Right now, we’re seeing borrowing capacity shrink, buyer confidence drop, and more listings come online — creating a very different environment compared to earlier in the year. In this episode, we explain how these factors are impacting the market, why less competition can create opportunity, and how to approach buying property in a rising rate environment without taking on unnecessary risk. What You’ll Learn: How interest rate rises impact borrowing capacity and buyer competitionWhy confidence drops before prices — and why that mattersHow increased listings and softer demand are shifting leverage to buyersThe risks of sitting on the sidelines and waiting for “certainty”What smart buyers are doing differently in today’s marketHow to approach buying in a rising rate environment with discipline and strategy👋 About the Show Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we share what’s actually happening on the ground — not just headlines. From auctions and negotiations to off-market opportunities and strategy, we break down what matters so you can make better decisions when it comes to buying property. Resources & Links Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

  3. Apr 30

    Ep. 69 | The Biggest Mistakes First Home Buyers Make

    In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we break down the biggest mistakes first home buyers make  and how to avoid them. Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, yet many buyers walk in thinking they’re prepared… when in reality, the most costly mistakes often feel logical in the moment. From misunderstanding suburbs to relying on price guides, these small missteps can cost tens  even hundreds  of thousands over time. In this episode, we unpack where first home buyers go wrong, how the market really works, and what you need to do to stay in control and buy smart from day one. What You’ll Learn: Why truly understanding a suburb (and its different pockets) can make or break your purchaseHow to research the sold market to understand real value not just price guidesThe dangers of getting emotionally attached to a property too earlyWhy price guides can be misleading and how to assess true market valueWhat effective negotiation actually looks like and where most buyers go wrongWhy trying to time the market can hold you back (and what to focus on instead) 👋 About the Show Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered. 🔗 Resources & Links Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

  4. Apr 27

    Ep 68. | Don’t wait for Spring

    In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we break down one of the biggest myths in property waiting for spring to buy or sell. Right now, many buyers are sitting on the sidelines, hoping for certainty before making a move. But the reality is, by the time the market feels “safe” again, competition has already returned and prices have already shifted. With softer clearance rates, increased stock levels, and reduced buyer urgency  particularly across Melbourne’s inner markets the current conditions are quietly creating some of the best opportunities we’ve seen in recent months. In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening in the market right now, how each season plays out for buyers, and where the smartest opportunities are likely to come from over the next six months so you can stay ahead of the competition, not behind it. What You’ll Learn:  Why waiting for spring often means paying more for the same propertyHow current market conditions are creating hidden opportunities for strategic buyersWhat to look for in the autumn market including re-listed stock and price adjustmentsWhy winter is one of the strongest buying windows (and why most buyers avoid it)How to use pass-ins and post-auction negotiations to your advantage When the “smart money” actually transacts and why it’s before springA practical 6-month framework to help you plan, act, and stay ahead of the marketThe biggest mistake buyers are making right now and how to avoid it👋 About the Show Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered. 🔗 Resources & Links Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

  5. Apr 16

    Ep.67 | How To Upsize in an Uncertain Market (Without Taking on Unnecessary Risk)

    In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we break down how to upsize in today’s market without taking on unnecessary risk. Right now, there is a genuine opportunity for upsizers across Melbourne - particularly above $1.5M in the inner ring - but it’s also one of the easiest environments to get caught out if you don’t have a clear strategy. With more listings, less confident buyers, and softer conditions, the balance of power has shifted. But upsizing is still one of the highest-risk moves you can make in property, as you’re buying and selling at the same time. In this episode, we walk through the biggest mistakes upsizers are making right now, and how to structure your approach so you can minimise risk, stay in control, and put yourself in a position to capitalise on the current market. What You’ll Learn: Why running your buy and sell campaigns at the same time gives you a major advantageHow to decide whether to buy first or sell first — and why most people get this wrongWhy valuing your own property conservatively is critical in today’s marketHow to use terms like settlements and conditions to protect yourself and reduce riskWhy upsizers must be more disciplined than ever when it comes to negotiating and buying wellThe real risks of overpaying or underselling — and how to avoid both👋 About the Show Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered. 🔗 Resources & Links Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

  6. Apr 9

    Ep. 66 | Why the Next 6 Months Is the Best Buying Window in 5 Years for Premium Melbourne

    In this episode of Buying Melbourne, we explore why the next 6 weeks to 6 months could be the most favorable buying conditions for premium Melbourne properties in at least five years. With rising interest rates, record-high listings, low auction clearance rates, and election uncertainty, the upper-end market is creating rare opportunities for savvy buyers to secure inner-ring homes for hundreds of thousands less than just a few months ago. We also break down the risks buyers face if they don’t have a strategy and why timing, planning, and market knowledge are critical. What You’ll Learn: Why interest rate rises and election uncertainty are shifting power to buyers at the $2M+ levelHow listing surges and low auction clearance rates are creating unprecedented opportunitiesThe comparative value of Melbourne’s premium market versus Sydney and other capitalsHow land tax and rental economics are influencing seller behaviour in blue-chip suburbsStrategies for navigating the upper-end market without taking unnecessary risksWhy understanding vendor motivation and market fundamentals can save you hundreds of thousands.👋 About the Show Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered. 🔗 Resources & Links Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

  7. Apr 1

    Ep. 65 | How to Buy a $3M Home for $2.7M in This Market

    Is the current market handing premium Melbourne buyers a rare opportunity? In this episode of Buying Melbourne, Tristan Larkin and James Rankin break down why two consecutive RBA rate hikes, surging listings, and election uncertainty are creating the perfect conditions for savvy buyers to save hundreds of thousands on inner-ring properties above $2M. They share five tactical approaches to negotiating at the top end of the market, from targeting passed-in auctions to structuring terms that win deals without paying more. What You'll Learn: Why the macro environment is shifting power to buyers in Melbourne's premium marketHow two consecutive rate hikes are reducing buyer depth at the $2M+ levelThe five tactics that can save you $300k on a premium inner-ring propertyHow to use passed-in auctions, stale listings, and settlement terms to your advantageWhy comparable sales matter more than ever when agents are anchoring to outdated guidesHow election uncertainty is thinning out your competitionPro tips for reading vendor motivation and agent behaviour at the top end👋 About the Show Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered. 🔗 Resources & Links Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

  8. Mar 25

    Ep. 64 | Why You Should Never Trust Property Forecasts (Banks Get It Wrong)

    Is now a good time to buy in Melbourne’s property market? In this episode of Buying Melbourne, Tristan Larkin and James Rankin unpack why media headlines, bank forecasts, and market predictions often mislead buyers and how to focus on what really matters. From understanding auction trends to ignoring fear-driven news, they reveal practical strategies for confident property decisions. What You'll Learn: Why media reports and bank forecasts often contradict reality and why following them can be costlyHow historical data shows predictions are wrong more often than they’re rightUnderstanding auction clearance rates and what they really mean for Melbourne buyersWhy timing the market matters less than buying the right property for your needsHow holding a property long-term smooths out short-term market fluctuationsWhy uncertainty can create opportunities to negotiate better dealsHow lifestyle priorities and situational timing should guide your purchase decisionsPacked with actionable insights, this episode is essential listening for first-home buyers, investors, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by the noise of Melbourne’s property market. 👋 About the Show Buying Melbourne is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers who want to make smarter property decisions. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and James Rankin from Tomii Property, we bring you expert tips, market insights, and real stories from the frontlines of real estate, finance, and construction. Auctions, rates, off-markets - we’ve got you covered. 🔗 Resources & Links Join our mailing list & read the blog → www.tomii.com.au Subscribe for weekly auction results → www.tomii.com.au/auction-results Follow Tristan on TikTok & Instagram → @tristanlarkin Follow James on TikTok & Instagram → @james__rankin

About

Welcome to Buying Melbourne, the podcast for anyone serious about property in Melbourne. Join Tristan and James for no-BS, straight-talking property insights straight from the ground up. No fluff, no jargon, just real conversations with the people who know Melbourne's market inside out. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing, investing, or just trying to figure out what's actually happening in Melbourne real estate right now, this is your unfair advantage. Every episode we cut through the noise with expert guests, local market updates, suburb deep-dives, and the honest advice you won't always hear from your agent. Melbourne property is complex. We make it simple. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

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