Rewarding Property Decisions with Jarrod McCabe of Wakelin Property Advisory

Mastering auction powerplays between bidders, vendors and agents

With Spring auctions numbers ramping up and Melbourne's property demand set to intensify, mastering the powerplays between bidders, vendors, and agents is crucial – but how do you adapt to win in this unpredictable arena?

In this episode Jarrod discusses:

• The auctioneer/agent's tools: setting quotes, bids, and vendor insertions to shape the process
• Vendors as ultimate deciders: timing the reserve and using pass-ins strategically for better deals
• Bidders' agility: positioning, increment choices, and observing tells to outmanoeuvre rivals
• Post-auction tactics: walking away credibly to build leverage in negotiations
• A real case study where disciplined strategy turned a pass-in into a winning purchase

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

First home buyer pitfalls: Avoiding expensive mistakes in today's market

First-time buyers are driving demand for two-bedroom apartments this Spring, but costly mistakes in the property market can set newcomers back years – so how do you avoid them and build lasting wealth?

In this episode Jarrod discusses:

• Not waiting for finance: start educating yourself early on priorities, locations, and property types
• Using government grants wisely without letting them steer you toward poor investments
• Dropping preconceived ideas about property types to align with your actual lifestyle and goals
• Focusing on potential rather than perfection, prioritising unchangeable factors like location
• Understanding buying processes, from auctions to private sales, and assembling expert help
• The critical need for thorough due diligence, including inspections and independent valuations

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Interstate Property Investment: Unlocking Opportunities Beyond Your Home City

With remote property investment gaining traction, savvy investors are buying interstate or in other cities to diversify and capture growth in undervalued markets like Melbourne's current landscape. But what are the keys to success?

In this episode Jarrod discusses:

• Why go remote: for diversification, reduced risks, tax benefits, and opportunities in markets at different cycles
• Where to invest: capital cities with strong fundamentals like jobs, education, population growth, and infrastructure
• When to enter: based on your financial readiness and signals from temporarily slowed markets poised for recovery
• What to buy: properties focused on capital growth, with high land value, scarcity, and broad appeal
• How to proceed: adapting to state-specific rules on auctions, disclosures, and processes with local expertise

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Melbourne Spring Property Report 2025: Interstate Investors Lead the Way

For the first time in Jarrod’s career, Melbourne’s property investment market is being led by interstate buyers – a shift revealed in Wakelin’s 2025 Spring Property Report that could influence the city’s next growth cycle. 

 

With interstate enquiries climbing to 57% from 17% in 2022 and local interest falling to 39%, the trend signals building momentum and new opportunities – but what will it mean for the recovery ahead?

 

In the Spring Property Report, Jarrod explores the findings and their implications. 

• Early drivers of Melbourne’s recovery: Interstate buyers now make up 57% of all enquiries, while Victoria’s has fallen to 39%.
• Why out-of-state investors see opportunity: Many have enjoyed 68–76% price growth in their home markets since the pandemic, and are now shifting capital into Melbourne, where prices have lagged and upside potential is high
• ‘Interstater’ trade-offs: Victoria's land taxes viewed as a cost worth absorbing for long-term capital gains
• Auction trends: Clearance rates reaching 74.8% in July 2025 with solid volumes, indicating growing buyer confidence
• Spring outlook: Interest rate cuts, strong buyer preparation, and early interstate positioning creating favourable conditions for strategic purchases before the market tightens further

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Optimising Returns: A Case Study in Strategy to Sell Your Property

It’s a story every seller hopes for – a trusted long-term renter eager to buy the property as soon as it hits the market. But is the ‘obvious sale’ always the best outcome?

In this episode, Jarrod reveals a behind-the-scenes look at a St Kilda home sale where rigorous planning and dual-strategy paid off. You’ll hear:

• Why skipping a full campaign can put your result at risk
• How running a parallel plan with disciplined contingencies preserves opportunity
• Managing upgrades, trades, and tenant transitions for a seamless launch
• What to do when auction day disappoints – and how to unlock multiple offers after passing in

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

Q & O: Your Melbourne Property Investor Questions Answered

Momentum is building in Melbourne’s property market – and with it, intensified focus and queries from buyers and sellers alike.

 

In this week’s episode, Wakelin Advisors Jordan Telfer and Brenton Potter dive into the real issues that matter – answering seven of the most practical and pressing questions facing investors right now.

 

In this episode:

• Key tips for the final inspection before settlement
• Why choosing a property that’s 'typical for the area' matters
• Where you’ll find Melbourne’s best value villa units
• Prioritising marketing vs. styling when selling
• How to assess the risks of buying next to a vacant block
• Dealing with unconventional layouts – when to walk away or negotiate
• Building & pest reports: how to separate serious issues from minor defects

 

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

 

Property Downsizing: Strategies for a Smooth Transition

For many, the property journey is about climbing the ladder. But what happens when it’s time to take a step down? Downsizing is a major transition that comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

 

In this episode, Jarrod explores:

• Why Melburnians downsize: managing space, lifestyle changes, and releasing equity
• The pros and cons of houses, villa units, apartments, and townhouses for downsizers
• What to look for: single-level living, low maintenance, and good storage
• How to plan your move and avoid common pitfalls
• Real case study: a seamless downsize with lifestyle and financial rewards

 

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

The Power of Patience: A Case Study in Strategic Property Buying

Patience pays off in property – and this week’s episode proves it. 

 

In this episode, Jarrod is joined by Wakelin’s Manager of Property Advisory, Brenton Potter to discuss:

• How a Sydney investor navigated Melbourne’s market 
• The value of walking away when the numbers don’t stack up
• Why methodical due diligence pays off
• Negotiation tactics that led to a successful outcome
• Key lessons for investors seeking long-term growth

 

Tune in to discover how patience and strategy can set you up for long-term property success.

 

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

 

 

Winter is Here, but Melbourne's Property Market is Warming Up

Winter is coming, but Melbourne’s market signals are burning bright. 

In this episode, Jarrod covers:

• Why winter is a window for smart buyers and sellers
• The five signals revealing hidden demand
• How to position yourself before the spring rush
• A real-life example of success through preparation

Tune in to learn how to turn the quieter months into your property advantage.

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email

 

Villa Units: Melbourne’s Overlooked Investment Gem

Jarrod shines a light on Melbourne’s villa units – a property type quietly gaining traction for its unique blend of affordability, scarcity, and broad appeal.

In this episode:

• Why villa units offer strong land value and real scarcity
• How they appeal to first home buyers, investors, and downsizers alike
• Key features to look for: location, floor plan, parking, and outdoor space
• How blue-chip suburbs offer affordable villa unit opportunities
• A real case study: capital growth and lifestyle gains from a smart villa unit purchase

We enjoy providing you with free insights into the Melbourne property market and property investment more broadly. Thank you for listening. 

If you like what you hear, subscribe, like, rate or follow us and tell your friends and family.

Investing in property makes sense.  Investing in the right property takes knowledge.

To learn more visit www.wakelin.com.au  |  Instagram  |  Facebook  | LinkedIn  |  YouTube  |  Email