Buying Melbourne

Tristan Larkin & James Rankin
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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. 15h ago

    Ep. 80 | Melbourne Auctions Are About To Change Forever

    Show Notes: Victoria's auction rules are about to change significantly, with vendors required to publicly disclose their reserve price at least seven days before an auction or fixed-date sale. But the published reserve doesn't necessarily mean what buyers might assume. In this episode, Tristan breaks down the new rules, including why a vendor can potentially sell below their published reserve once an auction has started and why they aren't necessarily forced to sell simply because bidding exceeds it. We also explain the potential trap for buyers bidding below reserve hoping for a pass-in, how pre-auction offers will work, changes to fixed-date sales and why buyers still need to form their own opinion on what a property is actually worth. What You'll Learn: When Victoria's new auction reserve rules take effect How the seven-day reserve disclosure requirement works Why a vendor can potentially sell below the published reserve at auction Why bidding above the reserve doesn't necessarily force a sale The risk of bidding below reserve hoping to negotiate conditions after a pass-in Why a published reserve is not the same as property value How pre-auction offers will work How boardroom auctions and fixed-date sales are affected Why best-and-final campaigns could change Whether the reforms completely solve Melbourne's underquoting problem Why your auction due diligence shouldn't change 👋 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

  2. Sep 24

    Ep 79. | How I Negotiate A Property Purchase

    Show Notes: Negotiating a property purchase is about much more than simply making the lowest offer possible. In this episode, Tristan breaks down the process he uses when negotiating properties for Tomii clients, from establishing value and understanding the vendor's circumstances through to analysing competing offers and using settlement terms strategically. We also discuss why buyers accidentally negotiate against themselves, why your maximum budget shouldn't determine your offer and the importance of setting a walk-away number before emotion takes over. Finally, Tristan explains why sometimes the strongest negotiating move is simply doing nothing. What You'll Learn: How to prepare before making an offer Why the vendor's circumstances matter How settlement and contract terms can strengthen an offer How to work out whether you're genuinely competing with another buyer Why buyers accidentally negotiate against themselves How to establish a walk-away number When making the first offer can actually be an advantage Why negotiation shouldn't necessarily stop once the price is agreed When doing nothing can be your strongest move 👋 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

  3. Sep 17

    Ep 78. | Why Some Melbourne Properties Are STILL Selling Above The Price Guide

    Show Notes: Melbourne's property market might be weak, but that doesn't mean every property is struggling to sell. Some homes are passing in and reducing their expectations, while others are still attracting multiple bidders and selling hundreds of thousands above their advertised range. In this episode, Tristan explains why the gap between exceptional and average property is becoming increasingly important, what creates competition in a weaker market and why selling above the price guide doesn't necessarily mean someone has overpaid. We also look at real Melbourne sales and break down why some properties performed significantly better than others. What You'll Learn: Why there isn't one Melbourne property marketWhy buyers are becoming more selectiveWhat makes a property scarce and difficult to replaceWhy different price points are behaving differentlyWhy selling above the price guide doesn't necessarily mean overpayingHow to recognise when you have negotiating leverageWhy great property can still perform in a falling 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

  4. Sep 11

    Ep 77. | How I Work Out What A Property Is Actually Worth

    Show Notes: How do you actually know what a property is worth? The advertised price guide is one of the first numbers buyers see, but it shouldn't be the number that determines what you're prepared to pay. In this episode, Tristan breaks down the process he uses to value properties for clients, from finding genuinely comparable sales and adjusting for differences through to understanding location, land, renovations and scarcity. We also look at why your borrowing capacity has nothing to do with a property's value, why valuations should generally be a range rather than an exact number and how doing this work before an auction or negotiation can stop emotion taking over. What You’ll Learn: Why you shouldn't rely on the advertised price guideHow to find genuinely comparable salesHow to adjust comparable sales for differences between propertiesWhy location within a suburb can materially change valueHow to think about renovated versus unrenovated propertiesWhy your maximum budget shouldn't determine what you offerWhy property valuation is a range rather than an exact numberHow to set your limit before negotiating or bidding at auction👋 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. Sep 3

    Ep. 76 | Spring Has Arrived... Is Melbourne's Property Market About To Get Worse?

    Show Notes: Spring has officially arrived in Melbourne, but this year's selling season is starting under very different conditions. Property prices have been falling, auction clearance rates remain weak and buyers have become increasingly cautious after three interest rate rises in 2026. In this episode, Tristan looks at what could happen if the traditional increase in spring listings hits a market where buyer demand is already subdued. We discuss why more stock could give buyers even greater negotiating power, why vendors may increasingly find themselves competing against each other and why the best properties could continue to perform very differently from compromised homes. What You’ll Learn: Why spring could put further pressure on Melbourne property pricesWhat happens when listings increase faster than buyer demandWhy vendors are increasingly competing against other vendorsWhy great properties can still sell strongly in a weak marketWhy the upper end of Melbourne could behave differently to the entry-level marketWhether buyers should purchase now or wait for the market to fall furtherHow to take advantage of a buyer's market without simply buying something because it's cheap👋 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. Aug 28

    Ep. 75 | 5 Things I Check Before I Inspect ANY Property

    Show Notes: In this week’s episode of How’s The Market, we break down the 5 key things to check before you even inspect a property. In a falling market, buying the wrong property or skipping your due diligence can be an expensive mistake - especially when you’re spending $1m+. Before recommending a property to a client, there are several checks we run to understand the risks, the surrounding market and whether the property is even worth inspecting. From easements and planning overlays to comparable sales and floor plans, we walk through the checks that can help buyers avoid costly surprises and make smarter purchasing decisions. We also cover an important bonus check for apartment buyers: reviewing Owners Corporation documents before getting too far into the process. What You’ll Learn: Why due diligence should start before you inspect a propertyHow to check for easements and understand potential issuesWhat to look for in planning reports, zoning and property overlaysHow social housing data can help you understand an unfamiliar areaWhy comparable sales matter more than the quoted price rangeHow to analyse a floor plan before looking at the photosWhat room sizes, orientation and layout can tell you about a propertyThe key Owners Corporation documents apartment buyers should reviewWhat to look for in OC fees, special levies, maintenance and legal disputesWhy these checks can help you avoid overpaying or buying the wrong propertyHow doing your homework before an inspection can save you time and money👋 About the Show How’s The Market is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers and property owners who want to understand what’s really happening in the market. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and the team at Tomii Property, we break down auction results, pricing, negotiations, finance and real-world market shifts — giving buyers and property owners 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

  7. Aug 27

    Ep.74 | Now Is The Best Time To Upsize In Melbourne

    Show Notes: In this week’s episode of How’s The Market, we explore why now could be one of the best times to upsize in Melbourne. With the upper end of the market facing weaker auction results and more properties passing in or reducing their prices, buyers with the capacity to move up the property ladder are finding increased opportunities. We look at why some high-end homes are struggling to sell, while the lower end of the market continues to attract stronger competition. We also break down the potential advantage for upsizers who can sell in a stronger market and buy into a softer one — and how the difference between your selling and buying prices could work in your favour. From negotiating on quality homes that have failed to sell at auction to understanding how market conditions can impact your overall wealth position, this episode explains why the current market could create a unique opportunity for homeowners looking to make their next move. What You’ll Learn: Why the current Melbourne market could favour upsizersWhat weak auction clearance rates at the $1.5m+ level are telling usWhy quality homes are still selling while others are struggling to attract buyersHow passed-in properties and price reductions can create opportunitiesWhy the lower end of the market is currently performing better than the top endHow selling below $1.5m and buying above $1.5m could give upsizers greater leverageHow the difference between your selling and buying prices can work in your favourWhat buyers should look for when negotiating on high-end propertiesWhy timing your sale and purchase correctly is criticalHow smart upsizers can use current market conditions to improve their position👋 About the Show How’s The Market is Melbourne’s go-to podcast for buyers and property owners who want to understand what’s really happening in the market. Hosted by Tristan Larkin and the team at Tomii Property, we break down auction results, pricing, negotiations, finance and real-world market shifts — giving buyers and upsizers 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

  8. 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

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tristan Larkin & James Rankin
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Buying Melbourne
  • Show Website
    Buying Melbourne

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