The PROPERTY DOCTORS, Sydney Australia Novak Properties

In this detailed discussion, Michael Burgio addresses a growing trend of homeowners inquiring whether their property qualifies as a development site under recent zoning changes in NSW. He explains how to assess development potential by checking zoning (e.g., from R2 to R3), permissible building heights, and floor space ratio (FSR). Using a hypothetical 1,000 sqm block, he walks through calculating gross floor area, net saleable are...

The conversation introduces the Z Marketing Strategy—a zero-dollar marketing approach designed to eliminate upfront advertising costs for property sellers. Developed in response to the industry's reliance on vendor-paid advertising (VPA), the strategy allows sellers to test the market without committing to costly digital exposure or leaving a digital footprint on real estate portals. Instead, properties are initially promoted ...

In this detailed discussion from Morning Minutes, Michael Burgio and Josh Wapshott delve into the core differences between residential and commercial property investments. They explain that commercial properties typically offer higher rental yields and longer lease terms—sometimes up to 10–15 years—compared to residential leases, which are usually 6–12 months. This makes commercial assets attractive to investors focused on cash flo...

The property market landscape across Sydney's Northern Beaches has undergone significant shifts in the first half of 2025, presenting both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. What started as a rocky period has gradually stabilised, creating a unique market environment characterised by reduced stock levels and heightened buyer activity.

With approximately 640-650 properties currently listed acros...

A stunning example of European craftsmanship has changed hands in one of Collaroy's most sought-after streets. The recent $3.3 million sale of 19 Coutts Crescent reveals what savvy buyers are willing to pay for solid construction, versatile living spaces, and prime Northern Beaches positioning.

Built by a European bricklayer and his family in the 1970s, this double-brick home showcases exceptional workmanship that wou...

The mysterious world of high-end property selling tactics revealed! Ever wondered what those "Expression of Interest" or "Tender" labels really mean when you're browsing multi-million dollar listings? We're pulling back the curtain on these powerful but misunderstood sales methods that dominate the premium property market.

Most homeowners never encounter these specialized approaches, but when ...

Helping someone move from a home they've lived in for 42 years isn't just another property transaction—it's navigating a profound life transition filled with emotion, practical challenges, and family dynamics.

Josh Wapshott takes us deep into the heart of what he calls "golden sales," those deeply rewarding moments helping long-term homeowners find their next perfect living situation. Through the s...

Ready to take the leap into property ownership in 2025? The rules are changing, and they might just work in your favour. 

This candid discussion cuts through the confusing jargon of government schemes to deliver a straightforward guide for first home buyers navigating Australia's property market. We unpack the current First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme (FBAS) in NSW, which offers substantial stamp duty savings of up t...

Ready to challenge everything you thought you knew about selling property? Forget what your friends have told you about waiting for spring – we're breaking down the real estate myths that could be costing you thousands.

In this eye-opening discussion, Mark and Lisa Novak tackle the persistent belief that property should only be sold when gardens are blooming and the sun is shining. The reality? Weather has absolutely ...

The commercial office market took an unprecedented hit during COVID, with property values on Sydney's Northern Beaches plummeting by a staggering 70-80%. This frank discussion strips away the usual real estate optimism to examine what became Australia's worst-performing asset class.

We explore the fascinating divide between property owner responses during the crisis. Investors with multiple leveraged properties r...

Ever wonder why some properties sell for premium prices while seemingly identical ones struggle to find buyers? The answer often lies in a concept real estate professionals call "depth of market" – and it might be the most underappreciated factor in property pricing today.

Depth of market refers to the absorption rate of properties in a specific area – literally how many units a suburb can sell each month. Whethe...

Remember when a 12-month lease meant an ironclad commitment from both sides? Those days are rapidly disappearing in Australia's rental market.

Property management veteran Cleo Whithear unpacks the dramatic shift happening with rental agreements nationwide. The traditional fixed-term lease – once considered essential for both landlords and tenants – is increasingly being viewed as unnecessary baggage in today's re...

Ready to discover how savvy investors are making $100,000 in just 100 days? Our latest deep dive takes you inside the world of strategic off-the-plan property purchasing, focusing on a golden opportunity that's hiding in plain sight.

We take you through the Havana project in Dee Why – a nearly-completed development that's offering remarkable value compared to current market prices. Through our analysis, we highli...

Ever wondered what your strata levies really say about a building? Far more than just a quarterly bill, strata fees reveal crucial insights into property health that savvy buyers need to understand.

Think of strata as your building's compulsory savings account. Those quarterly payments fund everything from day-to-day operations to major future repairs. But contrary to popular belief, high levies aren't necessaril...

Wondering where all the property bargains have gone? You're not alone. The Northern Beaches real estate market has undergone a dramatic transformation that's changing the game for buyers and sellers alike.

Today we dive deep into what we're calling "bracket creep" - a permanent upward shift in entry-level price points that's reshaping the market landscape. The numbers tell a compelling story: ...

Debt might be the most misunderstood tool in wealth creation. While most Australians see debt as something to eliminate, the wealthy understand it's something to structure strategically.

In this illuminating conversation with Vasco Duarte, a senior debt advisor with 28 years of industry experience, we explore the sophisticated approaches to debt management that separate ordinary investors from truly successful ones. V...

Ever wondered what happens behind the curtain of a daily real estate vlog? Join us for an exclusive peek into the machinery that powers our morning broadcasts that have been running consistently for more than five years.

From humble beginnings with just a tripod and dining table, we've built an impressive media operation that includes a purpose-built $60,000+ "Green Room" studio complete with professional li...

The old saying that school choice "doesn't matter until it does" perfectly captures the educational dilemma facing Northern Beaches families today. When that moment arrives, it transforms into one of the most significant factors driving property decisions across the region.

School zoning has evolved dramatically over the years, creating rigid geographical boundaries that determine educational access. Propert...