The PROPERTY DOCTORS, Sydney Australia Novak Properties

🏠 NSW Landlords & Investors: Big Changes You Need to Know!

If you're planning major renovations and need vacant possession, new tenancy laws now require:
✔️ 60–90 days’ notice to tenants
✔️ Submission of detailed plans to NSW Fair Trading
✔️ Owners Corporation approval if you're in a strata

Failure to follow the process can cost you time and money—think weeks without rent or even legal consequences.

Greg fro...

In this conversation, Mark Novak and Josh discuss how excessive property supply can severely hinder capital growth, the key factor that increases the value of most people’s real estate assets. They compare high-supply suburbs like Zetland, Epping, and Homebush—where mass apartment developments have led to sluggish growth—with low-supply, high-demand areas like Dee Why (DY), which have seen far greater appreciation. Using RP Data, t...

In this energetic and unfiltered edition of Novak News, Mark and Lisa Novak tackle the theme of real estate red flags, boldly calling out the “BS” they encounter daily in the property industry. They share real examples of problematic buyers—like ghost buyers who make grand offers and vanish, and those requesting excessive cooling-off periods as stalling tactics. They also expose issues with unrealistic buyer advisors and family int...

In this episode, Lisa and Billy delve into how to successfully revive expired property listings that have languished unsold with other agents. They highlight that many vendors come to them feeling burnt out—emotionally, financially, and mentally—after months or even years on the market without results. The average days on market for Northern Beaches properties is 41 days, but Lisa regularly sees properties listed for far longer due...

In this episode of Morning Minutes, Michael Burgio and Mark Novak use the analogy of school teachers to highlight how not all real estate agents are the same—even if they share the same title. Just as students remember their favorite school teachers for making learning engaging, relatable, and effective, the same principles apply when selecting a real estate agent. The pair reflect on how some teachers make topics enjoyable and mem...

In this episode, Mark Novak and Billy Drury explore asset protection strategies for parents helping their children enter the property market, especially first-home buyers. They highlight common concerns parents face—such as protecting financial contributions from future relationship breakdowns or ensuring fairness among siblings—and offer practical ways to assist without putting large sums of money at risk. One key strategy is usin...

In this live update from the Northern Beaches, Mark Novak and property manager Cleo discuss the current state of the rental market, highlighting that despite winter—typically a slower season—rents remain high and continue to increase. Cleo shares firsthand experience from re-letting properties, noting that while homes recently on the market are seeing modest rent increases, properties that haven’t turned over in years are seeing ju...

In this episode of Real Talk Weekly, Thomas Sims and Jonathan Vescio from Novak Properties dive into low-cost strategies to maximise your property sale price. They outline five key steps: 1) Decluttering and depersonalising to make the home feel more spacious and allow buyers to envision themselves living there; 2) Deep cleaning, particularly overlooked details like windows and bathrooms, which significantly affect first impression...

In this episode, Lisa and Billy discuss the curious and occasionally concerning phenomenon of "make-believe buyers"—individuals who present themselves as serious property purchasers but ultimately have no genuine capacity or intent to buy. These individuals appear across all price points, including multi-million-dollar properties, and can be surprisingly convincing at first, using local numbers, WhatsApp, and even involvi...

In this episode, Mark Novak and Josh Wapshott break down the sale of 20 Carter Road, Brookvale—a small freehold property originally purchased in 1993 for $295,000 and just sold for $2.26 million in 2025. The block included a four-bedroom house at the front and a warehouse at the rear, generating a combined rental income of approximately $92,000 per year. Despite its dated condition, the property’s value appreciated steadily over th...

In this Morning Minute episode, Michael Burgio and Mark Novak discuss major changes to development planning laws across NSW—specifically how the state government is overriding local councils to fast-track housing supply. The key focus is on the State Significant Development (SSD) pathway, which allows larger developments (over $75 million in build cost, roughly equating to 100+ units) to bypass local zoning restrictions for height ...

In this episode, Mark Novak and Billy Drury discuss the concept of the “glide path”—a metaphor for gradually settling into major life transitions, especially in business and property ownership. Mark recounts a conversation with his daughter who is navigating new responsibilities like managing an investment property, renting her residence, and working full-time. He explains that just like an airplane descending smoothly toward a run...

In this candid and engaging conversation, Cleo—a property manager with 17 years of experience—shares her insights into the demanding yet rewarding world of property management and the realities of balancing work and motherhood. She explains how the role is centered around problem-solving, with property managers often only contacted when issues arise. Cleo emphasizes the value of experience and structure, noting that much of her day...

The emotional journey of downsizing after decades in the same home presents unique challenges that go far beyond simple real estate transactions. What happens when cherished memories, comfortable routines, and fierce independence collide with the practical realities of aging?

Our fascinating conversation with Josh Wapshot reveals the delicate art of helping long-term homeowners transition to their next chapter. We unpack t...

In this energetic and relatable conversation, the hosts reflect on the common sentiment of seeing others succeed in property investment and thinking, “Must be nice.” They aim to show that this level of success is achievable with the right mindset and strategy. The key lies in positioning yourself to act quickly on good opportunities, understanding vendor needs, targeting growth areas, and implementing value-adding tactics like cosm...

In this candid and motivating conversation, the hosts address the common reaction people have when they see others succeed in real estate—“Must be nice”—and break down how everyday buyers can achieve similar success. They share personal anecdotes and insights from decades in the property business, explaining that quick equity gains are possible through strategies like buying below market value, targeting high-growth areas, cosmetic...

In this conversation, Michael Burgio from Novak Properties outlines how to select the right agent to sell a development site. He explains that not all real estate agents are suited for this task, comparing them to different types of teachers—some specialize in residential properties, others in commercial, off-the-plan, or development sales. Burgio emphasizes the importance of choosing a commercial agent familiar with zoning regulat...