Buying in a strata complex? Don’t forget to check the pet rules

A good buyer’s agent comes with a long list of benefits that goes far beyond their access to off market properties, says REBAA President Melinda Jennison from Streamline Property Buyers.

Sydney buyers have ditched the dream of blissfully floating in their very own backyard pool and instead set their eyes on the granny flat as multigenerational living increases and the affordability crisis worsens.

With interest rates falling and auction clearance rates sitting at their highest in two years, spring buyers are re-entering the market at full speed – but they’re not all looking in the same two suburbs.

‘Unrealistic Expectations’ Leaving Homes Unsold, Says Michelle May

Featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, buyers’ agent Michelle May explained why some Sydney properties linger on the market for months. She noted that sellers often hold out for prices well above market value, or overlook key issues like location, natural light, or renovation needs.

“Typically it’s because the vendor has unrealistic expectations, or isn’t that motivated to sell in the first place,” Michelle said.

While A-grade houses are still achieving strong results due to low supply, Michelle cautioned that overpriced or lower-quality homes, particularly apartments, are more likely to stall. For buyers, she recommends reviewing comparable sales, having contracts checked, and acting quickly if a well-priced property comes up.

As Sydney heads into the spring selling season, fewer homes are hitting the market, tipping conditions in favour of sellers. Featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, buyers’ agent Michelle May warned that recent changes to the First Home Guarantee scheme could put inexperienced buyers at risk. With the cap lifted to $1.5 million and no limits on places, Michelle cautions that the rush to buy with just a 5% deposit could leave first home buyers exposed to negative equity if valuations don’t stack up.

“Driven by competition, it is literally a race to the finish… I find it grossly irresponsible from the government to be doing this without actually alleviating the lack of supply,” Michelle said.

For buyers navigating this competitive market, having the right advice is more important than ever.

Buying in a strata complex? Don’t forget to check the pet rules

When it comes to strata living, it’s not just if pets are allowed – it’s how they’re allowed. As Michelle May explains, some by-laws require cats to be strictly indoors, while dogs may need to be carried through lobbies (a challenge for larger breeds or multi-pet households). “As a buyer you really need to go through the by-laws to see if this is going to cause an issue before you make an offer or go to auction,” Michelle says.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Michelle May, Principal of Michelle May Buyers Agents, cautioned buyers against purchasing cheap, “cookie-cutter” apartments sold off the plan. She warned that cost-cutting during construction can lead to long-term structural and quality issues, citing high-profile cases like Opal Tower and Mascot Towers.

“When you buy off the plan, you’re investing in the future of the whole building, not just your apartment,” Michelle said. “Visually, it might look fine, but many newer apartments aren’t built to stand the test of time.”

Michelle recommends that anyone considering buying off the plan work with a specialist property lawyer to navigate the complexities of the contract and avoid costly mistakes.

Michelle May on the Truth Behind Price Guides in the Sydney Property Market

Michelle was recently interviewed by The Sydney Morning Herald in an article exploring misleading price guides and the toll this takes on buyers. In the piece, Michelle urges home buyers to steer clear of guide prices and instead research sold data to understand true market value.

"Price guides are a way to entice you to come through the property," Michelle explains. “If your budget is well below what similar homes have recently sold for, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.”

As a trusted buyers agent, Michelle continues to advocate for transparency in the property market and empower buyers with informed strategies.

Sydney's Supercharged Suburbs: What's Driving the Surge in 2025?

With buyer activity picking up and affordability driving demand, certain Sydney suburbs are showing strong signs of future price growth. I recently spoke with Realestate.com.au about what’s fuelling this trend and why apartments are back in the spotlight.

If you're planning to buy in 2025, understanding these shifting dynamics is key to making a smart move before prices clim

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Planning to move to a new area? While it’s pretty simple to research property prices, finding out what the social dynamics are of a town or suburb isn’t so easy – yet it’s an important step that buyers should take before committing to a property purchase

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Listing numbers, that is the number of homes advertised for sale, have risen across major capital cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane according to latest data from CoreLogic.

As the market reflects on a tumultuous 2024, Michelle May, founder and principal of Michelle May Buyers Agents in Sydney, shares her insights on the trends that shaped the year and what's to come in the new year.

Homeowners with boom-time price expectations are failing to sell, and more listings are lingering on the market for six months or longer, fresh data reveals.

For those buying an apartment, the “shiny and new” nature of an Off The Plan development can be an attractive proposition – but it can also be risky.

Here are some of the most important things to consider before buying Off The Plan (OTP)

Conventional wisdom says owning a property for a substantial period of time will ensure a profit on resale, but new analysis shows that isn’t always true.