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Exploring Australia-Wide Investment in Off-Market Properties
Explore investment opportunities in off-market properties across Australia. Discover strategies and advantages with Collings Real Estate insights.
Identify Key Melbourne Suburban Growth Signals for Investors
Discover key Melbourne suburb growth signals for investors seeking high-yield opportunities. Analyze property market trends with strategic insights.
Top High Yield Suburbs in Melbourne’s Inner North
Discover Melbourne’s high yield suburbs in the inner north for top investment opportunities based on 2026 insights.
Checklist: What Investors Should Ask Before Buying an Apartment or Unit
For investors, buying an apartment is a foundational decision in navigating today’s dynamic real estate market. With the right strategies, investors can transform market challenges
How to Switch Apartment Campaign Strategy When the Market Changes
Mastering a versatile campaign strategy is crucial for thriving in the ever-changing real estate market. This comprehensive guide introduces essential tactics for aligning your strategy
Why Not All Investment Apartments Are Equal: Beyond Yield and Price
When evaluating investment apartments, it is essential to go beyond traditional yield metrics. Investors can discover hidden factors that greatly influence property value and potential
Case Study: Six Months Online and No Offers, Then Sold Off-Market in Three Days
Exploring an off-market sale can revolutionize property marketing strategies. This approach allows sellers to engage with serious buyers and achieve swift resolutions. Understanding the Appeal
How to Qualify Apartment Buyers in a Numbers-Focused Market
In today’s competitive real estate market, wisely qualifying apartment buyers is crucial for ensuring efficient and successful transactions. Emphasizing quality over pure volume of inquiries
- Blogs

Initially seen as a semi-industrial hub with its massive warehouses, workshops, and factories, Brunswick East has grown into popularity as a highly-cultural suburb.
Subjected to fast gentrification efforts of recent years, Brunswick East has been experiencing notable changes with several industrial sites transformed into residential and retail areas.
Lifestyle has become a driving force in Brunswick East’s development. This being in the cards, Brunswick East is now a go-to cultural place that boasts of multiple delights.
Here are 3 notable things that Brunswick East offers that make it a cultural hub you would want to visit:
A Community of Sustainability
A sustainable life is at the very core of living in Brunswick East. The suburb is host to the CERES urban farm and grocery, a community garden, urban farm and social enterprise center, and environmental education hub. Through the center, residents are able to learn everything from basic gardening to climate change.
On top of that, all the suburb’s amenities can easily be reached by walking, doing away with the need for vehicles that require gas-powered vehicles.
Exciting Bars and Wineries
The bars at Brunswick East are replete of various wines and cocktails. It is home to the Noisy Ritual, a vineyard where visitors can witness how wine is made from actual grapes.
Here, you can also find Atticus Finch for cocktails, Bouvier for whiskey, and beer at the Temple Brewing Co, and Alchemy Brewing.
A Thriving Music Scene
The Independent Music scene is alive with the suburb’s community radio station, the 3RRR. Meanwhile, The B.East and Whole Lotta Love are places where bands can play live music.
These features make up the triumvirate of fun in Brunswick East. But mind you, these are just a few of the suburb’s fine offerings. There are more things in the area that complete its picture as a highly-cultural suburb.
Brunswick East is one of the fastest emerging suburbs in Victoria, so it’s not surprising that interested buyers are flocking to see and experience the beauty of the suburb firsthand. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, reach out to us and let’s make your real estate process a smooth one. Fill out our contact form or call us directly at +61 3 9486 2000.
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- Blogs
It creates competition
Auctions can create a competitive bidding environment. Interested buyers might stretch themselves in competitive environments to purchase their dream home. In fact, this can be the biggest driver in achieving your premium price. Remember: competition fuels emotion.
Related: How to bid at an auction
Vendors are protected by the reserved price
The vendor sets the reserve price with the agent prior to the auction and you don’t have to sell unless the reserve is met or you’re happy with the highest bid.
Unconditional contract
Once the hammer folds, the buyer is bound to an unconditional contract and an immediate exchange will take place. The auction method is one of the most transparent ways to sell real estate. Buyers can see exactly who they’re competing against and vendors can witness firsthand what the market is prepared to pay for their property.
For more real estate video tips, head on to our Youtube channel.
- Blogs

Kylie has just moved to Ivanhoe and was wondering what part of the suburb she could start exploring. Despite sharing a name with a famous Aussie pop star, Kylie’s life is not as vibrant as other 20-something girls like her tend to be. It’s not that she frowns upon the spectacle that social media has to offer or the throbbing allure of the Melbourne nightlife. No. That’s not how it is. Kylie prefers the quiet character of humble Victoria and what its high culture has in store. Kylie finds enjoyment in visiting specialty stores.
And that is something that Ivanhoe can deliver.
If you’re visiting the suburb or already living there but have yet to catch a change of scene, these three specialty stores might just be something you can fancy.
Caffe Strada
Seen by many as the best coffee in all of Ivanhoe, Caffe Strada also serves a variety of food that is traditionally European.
Apart from that, Caffe Strada offers catering services for parties and events. The cafe serves up a range of pastries, cakes, and other savory foods expertly made by its team of chefs. But what gets the attention of its patrons is Caffe Strada’s 100% Gluten-Free menu.
Voyager Music & Video
A relic of its time but still going strong, Ivanhoe’s Voyager Music & Video is a shop that sells new DVDs and Blu-Rays and used ones for low prices.
The store boasts not only of its somewhat dated offerings but also its efficient and amiable service. It is the only rental DVD store to still be standing in Ivanhoe and among the few in the entirety of Melbourne. The store allows its patrons to listen to music privately before purchasing an album–something that hits right at the nostalgia.
If you’re looking for a semblance of how the music and video industry once was, then Voyager Music & Video is the place to be.
Chocolatier Australia
Established by brothers David and John Grisold in 1985, what is known today as Chocolatier Australia was then called, “Diamond Creek Chocolate Company.” The brothers were inspired to set up shop in light of their influence while growing up in a family that manufactured food for the hospitality industry. David and John decided to make premium, designer chocolates for airlines and top-tier hotels in the country.
While staying loyal to the hospitality sector, the product range evolved to include chocolates for Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day.
So there you have it, three specialty shops in Ivanhoe that are simply too interesting to pass up. If you happen to be in the suburb looking for alternative ways to amuse yourself, we recommend that you check these stores out. Or perhaps having these specialty stores around is the ultimate deciding factor to move to this suburb. Give us a call at + 61 3 9486 2000 and let’s discuss your requirements!
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- Blogs

Northcote is a trendy suburb especially appealing to young professionals because of its vibrant vibe. But apart from the bars and restaurants, especially in High Street, Northcote also offers a variety of family-friendly activities. In this blog, we have enumerated some of them:
- marvel at the amazing art pieces in Art Projects Australia
- watch a magic show at The Laneway Theatre
- have an afternoon barbecue at All Nations Park

Marvel at the amazing art pieces in Art Projects Australia
The studio gallery promotes the works of artists with intellectual disabilities. The art pieces are entered into exhibitions, art prizes and awards. Aspiring artists are encouraged to explore their creativity and formulate their own drawing and painting approach through printmaking, ceramics, digital photography, digital imaging, animation, 3D sculpture, and professional practice. Aside from fostering individual creative projects, they also do professional development programs in forms of field trips, skills workshops, collaborative projects, etc.

Watch a magic show at The Laneway Theatre
Another fun-filled activity in Northcote is watching a magic show by Tim Ellis at The Laneway Theatre. People who have watched the show only have positive things to say about Tim and his ability to keep the audience engaged from the beginning until the end of the show.

Have an afternoon barbecue at All Nations Park
Aside from being a nice park to walk around, All Nations Park at Northcote is also wide enough for an afternoon barbecue. Kids and adults have plenty of space to move around. All Nations Park is pet-friendly too so you can definitely include your furry friends in your afternoon barbecue.
At present, Northcote is one of the most sought-after suburbs in Victoria. This is not surprising as Northcote residents are very vocal about how good their neighbourhood amenities are. The suburb is known for its great internet access, public transport, parks and recreation, medical facilities and of course, lifestyle and entertainment options.
Are you looking into buying or selling a property in Northcote? Let us discuss your plans through info@collings.com.au or simply fill out our contact form and we’ll quickly get back to you.
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Northcote is known for its diverse array of restaurants, shops, and attractions. But one of the best things to do in Northcote is visit one of its many farmer’s markets!
Farmer’s markets are a great way to support local businesses, get fresh produce and other goods at reasonable prices, and, in Northcote’s case, enjoy the unique atmosphere of the vibrant neighborhood. Here are three farmer’s markets in Northcote you should check out:
- The Local Market Co-Op
- The Northcote Community Farmers Market
- The Northcote Social Club

The Local Market Co-Op
Every Sunday morning from 9 am-1 pm the Local Market Co-Op is open on High Street just north of St Georges Road. Here, you will find fresh produce from local farmers as well as artisanal goods from local makers.
Whether you’re looking for organic vegetables or handmade jewelry, this is the farmer’s market for you! Plus, buyers enjoy the live performances of musicians and the numerous food trucks that serve up delicious food.
So if you find yourself at the end of the weekend with nothing to do, go visit the Local Market Co-Op and have a good time.

The Northcote Community Farmers Market
This market opens every Saturday morning from 8 am-12 pm on the Northcote Town Hall grounds.
The Northcote Community Farmers Market may be smaller than The Local Market Co-Op but that doesn’t mean there’s less to see.
At the Northcote Community Farmers Market, you can find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as locally-produced honey, eggs, bread, and pastries.
The Northcote Community Farmers Market also offers workshops throughout the year so you can learn more about sustainable living and growing food at home.

The Northcote Social Club
If Saturdays aren’t convenient for your schedule, then check out the weekly farmers market at the Northcote Social Club every Thursday from 4 pm-8 pm.
The Northcote Social Club sells all kinds of goodies including organic meats, artisan cheeses, jams, and preserves. On top of that, regular food trucks grace the venue to provide for hungry shoppers.
But the fun does not stop there! Take advantage of the Northcote Social Club’s Happy Hour specials while you’re there.
There is Never a Dull Moment at These Farmer’s Markets
Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or artisanal goods made by local makers, Northcote offers these 3 farmer’s markets for residents and visitors to explore.
With the Local Market Co-Op’s live music performances, the workshops offered at the Northcote Community Farmers Market, and the Happy Hour specials at Northcote Social Club’s weekly market, visitors are never left with any dull moment.
So next time you’re in town, be sure to visit these amazing farmer’s markets in Northcote. You won’t regret it!
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Wellness has become central to our lives of us. And this is not surprising given the demand for genuine rest and repose from the almost unforgiving speed of daily living.
Clifton Hill provides the venue for clinics that serve the cause. And serve it well these clinics do. Let us take a look at three facilities that are among the ones that render the best wellness services within the suburb.
Wellness Medicine
While it operates as a GP, Integrative Medicine is at the core of Wellness Medicine’s service. Catering to various patients struggling with chronic conditions that challenge the General Practice model. The facility offers Integrative Medicine as spearheaded by Wellness Medicine founder, Dr. Joanna Hickey.
Patients can easily access Wellness Medicine by either car or public transport.
If you’re interested in making an appointment with Wellness Medicine you can call them at (03) 9489 7955 or drop them an email at info@wellnessmedicine.com.au. You can also make a personal visit to 41 Queens Parade.
Body Osteopathy Clifton Hill
The Body Osteopathy Clifton Hill is a wellness facility centered on recovery through the restoration of mobility of the physically challenged so they can reintegrate seamlessly into life.
As the name suggests, the facility offers Osteopathy, Cupping, and Dry Needling. On top of that, the experts also provide exercise advice.
Want to schedule a session with Body Osteopathy? You can visit them at 107 Queens Parade, ring them at 0434 292 751, or send an email through bodyosteo@gmail.com.
Body Align Myotherapy & Massage Clifton Hill, Melbourne
As the name suggests, the professionals at Body Align Myotherapy & Massage are experts in soft tissue treatment. The clinic has been providing Myotherapy and Massage in the suburb for over a decade.
Interested in making an appointment with Body Align Myotherapy & Massage? You can visit them at 107 Queens Parade, or call them at (03) 9489 7511. You can also send them an email through contact@bodyalignmyotherapy.com.au or book one online.
These three facilities provide Clifton Hill residents with the most reliable and trustworthy wellness offerings in the area. If you happen to be in the suburbs and in need of care or health-related services, you might want to check these clinics out.
Overall wellness is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. The suburb can only be as healthy as its residents. Having readily accessible facilities like this says so much about how important wellness is to the people it serves.
Is this a factor that you are looking into before purchasing a property? Or perhaps you are interested in selling your investment property – reach out to us and our Clifton Hill real estate agents will assist you with your requirements. Simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at +61 3 9486 2000
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- Uncategorized
Why 3–4 Bedroom Townhouses Dominate Local Demand
In 3081, families, upgraders, and investors are increasingly targeting high-quality 3- and 4-bedroom townhouses—especially new and well-designed product. Spiros Vamvalis explains why this market segment drives both developer strategy and buyer competition in Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West and Bellfield.
What Makes These Townhouses in Demand?
- Modern design, generous living zones, flexible layouts
- More affordable than houses in Ivanhoe/Heidelberg but with access to similar amenities
- Popular with families, downsizers and high-yield investors alike
How Spiros Advises Sellers
- Prepare for sale as you would a detached house—presentation drives price
- Ensure compliance with planning and building regs for smooth due diligence
- Understand recent sales benchmarks—Spiros collates the latest 3081 townhouse results and price-growth data
Case Studies: Recent High-Performing Townhouse Sales
- Examples where quality presentation and realistic, evidence-based pricing delivered above-market results for vendors.
- Investor appetite for strata-titled and individually saleable new stock.
For Buyers: What to Look For?
- Orientation and natural light
- Access to transport, schools, and shopping
- Quality of fitout and ongoing maintenance needs
3081 Specialist Help
Spiros serves both repeat investors and first-time townhouse sellers/buyers, with market-leading advice grounded in current data and local trends.
Find your next property with Collings
Track suburbs, get matched to on-market and off-market listings, and manage your whole property search in one place. Access the Collings property portal.
- Uncategorized
3081 vs Prestige Suburbs: The Value Case
Many buyers, from young families to downsizers and investors, increasingly see Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West and Bellfield (postcode 3081) as a value-driven alternative to the higher-priced blue-chip suburbs of Ivanhoe, Eaglemont and Heidelberg. With new amenities, strong transport links and a wave of developer and owner-occupier investment, 3081 has shaken outdated reputational baggage and now offers liveability and growth potential.
Buying Power & Amenity in 3081
- Access to Austin Hospital, Ivanhoe & Burgundy St retail and eateries without Ivanhoe’s entry price
- Modern townhouses, redevelopment opportunities and good-value family homes
- Excellent public transport, new parkland and strong community character
Spiros Vamvalis’ Advice for Sellers & Buyers
- Sellers: Emphasise the amenity comparison and price-access advantage for buyers used to shopping in Ivanhoe/Eaglemont
- Buyers: Don’t just chase postcode prestige—look at what similar money buys in 3081. Spiros offers price maps and recent sales evidence to illustrate the difference.
Evidence & Education
Spiros uses up-to-date market data and client case studies to show the lifestyle and financial trade-offs between 3081 and its blue-chip neighbours, giving buyers and sellers the power to make better-informed choices.
Book a detailed, evidence-based market appraisal or pocket guide session with Spiros for tailored advice.
Find your next property with Collings
Track suburbs, get matched to on-market and off-market listings, and manage your whole property search in one place. Access the Collings property portal.
- Uncategorized
Understanding 3081 Buyers
George Bottas knows each buyer profile—from first-home dreamers to seasoned investors—brings unique motivation, budget pressure and knowledge gaps. His guide to buying in Bellfield, Heidelberg Heights and Heidelberg West:
1. Assessing Your Needs and Budget
- What does your “must have” list truly mean for local price points?
- How can you future-proof your decision for lifestyle or family change?
2. Finding the Right Location and Pocket
- Why Bellfield, Heidelberg Heights and Heidelberg West all offer distinct value—plus an emerging micro-market analysis (eg. Bell Street–Southern Road pocket in Heidelberg Heights, gentrifying zones in Heidelberg West).
3. Inspecting Homes Like a Pro
- What to examine closely: structure, light, orientation, functionality, renovation potential.
4. The Offer and Negotiation Stage
- Key questions to ask your agent and legal team
- George’s “win-win” negotiation philosophy—understanding both parties’ needs without false pressure.
5. Preparation for Settlement & Moving In
- Managing the paperwork, timeline and handover communication so you enter your new 3081 property stress-free.
First-Home Buyer Journey in 3081
See George Bottas’ step-by-step route: finance prep, pocket selection, hidden cost checklists, buyer’s inspection, bid/offer, contract review, pre-settlement, key day and welcome to the neighbourhood. Real examples help clarify every step.
Find your next property with Collings
Track suburbs, get matched to on-market and off-market listings, and manage your whole property search in one place. Access the Collings property portal.