Pep and Chloe first reached out in 2021 when they wanted to buy an entry-level apartment under $600,000. That price point is not our core focus at Industry Insider Property, so we gave them clear advice based on 18 years of experience. With our advice, they bought without a buyer agent and moved into an apartment in Toorak.
Fast forward a few years, and they contacted us again. On this occasion, they were already in the midst of selling the Toorak apartment and upgrading to a family home.
They had missed out on three different auctions in Malvern, Malvern East and Glen Iris. All the time they thought they were in the running, only to reach the final steps of negotiations and walk away, bemused, unhappy, and wondering what just happened.
They paid for six different building inspections and contract reviews, but kept missing out.
I diagnosed a few reasons why I thought they kept missing out at auction.
1 – Underquoting, they were relying on the Statement of Information and what the agent was quoting.
2 – The Stonnington real estate market between 1-2.5M is moving, and they did not factor this in when valuing the homes.
3 – Fast-moving campaigns and different rules and methods of sale from each agent had them second-guessing.
Their experience of buying had shifted from excitement to frustration.
This is common across Melbourne’s prestige and family home market.
Limited supply, strong demand, and varied selling processes make it hard for buyers to act with confidence.
Pep and Chloe needed independent support, so they engaged our Complete Buyer Service.
They wanted to upgrade to a family home in Stonnington, one of Melbourne’s most competitive inner areas.
Why skilled buyer advocacy matters.
Buying in Stonnington and neighbouring suburbs like Malvern, Armadale, Glen Iris, and Toorak demands more than weekend inspections.
Our buyer agent team can provide access to off-market listings, precise price analysis, and a strategy that fits the selling agent’s process.
With our full-time focus, we:
✅ Reviewed their brief and budget.
✅ Completed an off-market list in Stonnington.
✅ Accessed pre-market properties that were listed but not online.
✅ Inspected homes that they did not know were available
✅ Managed efficient due diligence on the contract and building inspection.
The home that ticked the right boxes.
The right home in Malvern East came to light through an off-market call from a trusted agent we have known for 6 years. Initially, we received a walk-through video. Then we arranged a private inspection on a Saturday afternoon. Here are a few reasons why I liked this home.
✅ Three bedrooms plus a study
✅ Own title, set at the rear of the block
✅ Strong indoor outdoor flow
✅ Renovated ensuite and main bathroom
✅ East-facing garden and deck
✅ Private, quiet, and family-friendly
✅ Easy access to cafes, primary schools and a train station.
Understanding the selling process creates an edge.
Not all selling agents run the same sales method when buying before the auction. Some run private boardroom auctions, some might do a Zoom auction, and others use the highest and best offers as a closing method.
In this instance, the selling agent chose the highest and best, and we were in pole position because we acted first.
We triggered the process with a signed contract.
If another buyer challenged our number, we had one more chance to adjust our offer, while the other buyers did not.
This structure gave our clients a clear first-mover advantage.
Two competing buyers entered.
A downsizer who ultimately felt rushed by the best-and-final process.
A younger family came close, but their first offer was just below ours.
So our clients, Pep and Chloe, secured the home at a price they were pleased with, without the stress of another public auction.
Settlement takes place just before Christmas, and the focus now turns to planning summer gatherings and setting up their new home. They now get their weekends back and can focus on their young, growing family.
Why this case study matters.
This story shows why independent advice and a disciplined buying strategy create better outcomes in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
For buyers in Stonnington and surrounding areas, a professional buyer agent can cut time, reduce risk, and secure the right home at the right price. Competition is high, information is uneven, and the best homes often sell quietly and or quickly.
If you are upgrading, downsizing, or searching for a family home in Melbourne, reach out for a confidential conversation.
I’m Andrew Date from Industry Insider Property.
Our clients consistently say we’re the best decision they made in their property journey. Please read our reviews on LinkedIn and Google to see why.
Industry Insider Property
Level 3, 489 Toorak Road, Toorak 3142
+613 8374 7652
+613 402 346 810
industryinsider.com.au
