026: David Easterbrook of Elite Buyers Agent | Melbourne Bayside

Melbourne hasn’t had the headline-grabbing boom of Brisbane or Perth—but that doesn’t mean the opportunity isn’t there. In this episode, David Easterbrook joins Chris to unpack what’s really happening across Melbourne’s Bayside market and why the narrative often misses the point.David shares his journey from banking into buyer advocacy and how understanding people—not just numbers—is what truly drives property outcomes. They explore the differences between houses, townhouses, villas, and apartments in Bayside, and why renovation strategies that worked in 2019 don’t necessarily work today.The conversation dives into pricing since 2021, interest rate impact, government policy shifts, land tax, investor behaviour, and why Melbourne’s “balanced” market might be setting up the next cycle. David also reveals the biggest negotiation mistake buyers make: telling agents far too much.If you’re investing or upgrading in Melbourne, this episode will change how you assess asset types, manage renovation risk, and play the negotiation game.Episode Highlights01:59 — From Banking to Bayside Buyer’s Agent06:35 — Why Melbourne’s Bayside Surged08:33 — Breaking Down Bayside Asset Types12:43 — How Far South in Bayside Makes Sense?18:30 — House vs Townhouse: Strategy Explained20:47 — How to Identify a Quality Townhouse23:22 — Why Townhouses Lag Houses in Growth25:12 — Melbourne’s Market Since 202126:06 — Investor Exit & Melbourne’s Balance30:11 — Interest Rates, Affordability & Cycles33:06 — Rethinking the Buyer’s Agent Process36:55 — Why Timing Is Art, Not Skill39:15 — The Cost of Oversharing With Agents41:25 — Final Advice for Melbourne BuyersAbout the GuestDavid Easterbrook is Director and Co-Founder of Elite Buyers Agents, Melbourne-based buyer’s advocacy firm specialising in the Bayside market.David began his career in finance, working with major banks including ANZ, Suncorp, and Macquarie Bank before transitioning into property full-time around 2010. His background in banking gave him a strong foundation in lending, risk assessment, and financial structuring—skills that now underpin his strategic approach to property acquisition.Together with his wife Kim, who has an accounting background, David has built a long-standing buyer’s agency known for its straight-talking advice and deep local expertise in Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs.With over a decade in the market, David is known for his focus on negotiation strategy, timing, construction quality assessment, and long-term asset selection. His philosophy is simple: property is about people first—numbers second.He prides himself on honest advice, strong ethics, and driving outcomes that genuinely improve his clients’ financial position.Connect with DavidDavid Easterbrook - Elite Buyer Agents | LinkedInElite Buyer AgentsElite Buyer Agents (@elite_buyer_agents)Elite Buyer Agents (@EliteBuyerAgents) • FacebookElite Buyers Agent’s LinkedInWork with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - [email protected] Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker, or other qualified professional before making any decision. Canopy Private Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 558709.