Beyond the Deal: Why Quality Stock Still Draws Crowds
There has been no shortage of headlines over the past fortnight.
The Victorian Government has formally announced its new “activity centres” strategy, a planning shift designed to concentrate housing density around key transport and lifestyle hubs. As reported across The Age and the Herald Sun, the intention is clear: more apartments, more medium-density housing, and faster approvals in designated precincts. For property owners, this creates two very different conversations. If you sit within one of these zones, there may be future upside in development potential. If you don’t, the scarcity of established family homes outside these areas may become even more pronounced over time.
At the same time, both The Age and the AFR have covered proposed changes around capital gains settings and broader tax policy discussions. While nothing is immediate, the commentary suggests any tightening of investor taxation would likely bring forward selling decisions in the short term, potentially creating more stock, before reducing investor supply longer term. As always, policy discussions create noise, but markets ultimately adjust and move forward.
Then last week, the RBA increase interest rates by 25 basis points.
On paper, that matters. In reality, what we are seeing on the ground across Stonnington, Bayside, Glen Eira and Port Phillip is this: quality family homes remain tightly held and genuinely limited in supply. In a normal rate environment, this level of stock constraint would be pushing prices upward more aggressively.
Right now, particularly in the $2.5m+ range, there is what I would describe as incredible value. Buyers have leverage where they haven’t had it in recent years, and well-positioned families are making strategic long-term decisions.
The apartment market is a different story again, it is currently awash with strong stock. Importantly, despite last week’s rate rise, we are still seeing solid numbers through our open homes. Demand hasn’t disappeared; it has simply become more selective and value-driven.
A few standout Besser+Co. properties currently on the market:
– 25 Webb Street, Caulfield
– 43b Leopold Street, Caulfield South
– 7 Liscard Street, Elsternwick
In the project space, we’ve had terrific success at 436 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield South, now five apartments sold, and would you believe, largely driven through the power of Instagram.
We’ve also just launched 226 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield North, a boutique offering of only 10 apartments, with oversized 2 and 3 bedroom residences designed to deliver genuine lifestyle and long-term liveability.
This week we also had the pleasure of interviewing Samantha McLean from Elite Agent Magazine. Samantha has spent the past 11 years interviewing some of the best and brightest minds in our industry. It was a privilege to turn the tables and interview her, discussing how real estate across the country has evolved for buyers and sellers, particularly with the rapid integration of technology and AI. The tools may be changing, but the fundamentals remain the same: strategy, negotiation and trust still win.
So yes, policy is shifting. Rates have moved. Headlines will continue.
But when I step back and look at what actually matters, supply, demand, buyer behaviour and value, the opportunities are very real for those prepared to act strategically.
Feel free click on the link below to schedule in a time to speak
0412 556 443
dion@besserco.com.au
