Taking Back Saturday

Christmas is 105 days away! So if you’re buying in Brisbane and want to be in before Christmas, you’ve got roughly 8 weeks to find the one.This week on Taking Back Saturday, we break down exactly how we’d approach the next 60 days. This is the process that we run for our clients, fast-tracked and available for all buyers currently in the market.

Spring has sprung, but it isn’t coming to save sellers.Brisbane’s market has softened, stock is taking longer to sell, and the biggest challenge for many sellers isn’t the season — it’s their expectations. This week on Taking Back Saturday, we unpack why Spring isn’t a strategy, why great homes will still command great money, and why buyers and sellers both need to price their decisions for the market they’re actually in.

The market has changed, and so has the way buyers need to approach a deal. This week, we’re talking about patience, persistence and asking better questions when negotiations take longer and days on market continue to blow out. It’s not a time for complacency — engaged, proactive and capable buyers are gold for agents right now. We break down how to stay front of mind, understand seller expectations and put yourself in the best position to get a deal done.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we’re joined by Jess Caire, Executive Director of the Queensland Division of the Property Council of Australia, to unpack the big forces shaping Brisbane’s property market. We talk housing supply, affordability, the 2032 Olympics, infrastructure and what Brisbane could look like over the next 20 years — plus where the opportunities might be for buyers along the way.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we’re joined by Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner for a big-picture conversation about the future of our city. We talk housing affordability, density, growth, what Brisbane needs to protect and the legacy of the 2032 Olympics.

A special Monday edition of Taking Back Saturday with Holo's Justin Dickinson, ahead of tomorrow's RBA decision, unpacking the big questions around interest rates, bank rate cuts and whether now is the right time to refinance. We look at how even a small rate change can impact borrowing capacity, why finding your financial comfort zone matters more than simply knowing your maximum borrowing power, and what buyers should be thinking about next.

Brisbane's house prices have officially posted a second straight monthly decline, but is the market really in trouble? This week on Taking Back Saturday, Sam and Chayse unpack what the latest data is actually telling us, why the numbers are only now catching up to what's been happening on the ground since Easter, and what more choice means for buyers. Whether you're buying or selling, this episode cuts through the headlines and explains why a softer market doesn't have to be a bad thing.

It's the Auction Week finale! In this final episode, Sam and Chayse from Happy Buyers Club bring together everything you need to know before bidding. From understanding lower clearance rates and the three opportunities to buy under an auction campaign, to auction-day psychology, bidding strategies, and what to expect when the auction pauses, this is your practical guide to buying with confidence. If you're heading to an auction this weekend, don't miss this episode.

Auction Week continues! This week on Taking Back Saturday, we're joined by Place Estate Agency's lead auctioneer, Sam Kelso, to unpack what really happens on auction day. From what makes a great auction and whether auctions are still the best method of sale, to handling silent crowds, registered bidders, and practical advice for buyers when the pressure is on, Sam shares insights from the front line of Brisbane real estate. Plus, we finish with his outlook on where the market is headed over the next 12 months and one tip every buyer can take into the weekend.

It's Auction Week on Taking Back Saturday, and we're kicking things off with one of Queensland's most experienced auctioneers, Marcus Frater. As a second-generation auctioneer and respected sales trainer, Marcus takes us behind the scenes of what really happens before, during and after an auction.We unpack how auctions have changed in today's flatter market, the biggest mistakes buyers make, what happens when an auction is paused, and practical bidding strategies to give you the best chance of success. Whether you're bidding this weekend or just want to better understand the auction process, this episode is packed with insights to help you buy with confidence.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we're joined by Mark Diamond from Atlas Brisbane. We unpack what he's seeing in the Brisbane property market, whether selling strategies are changing, and how he tailors campaign recommendations for different homes. Mark also shares his approach to negotiation, what buyers can expect at his open homes, how he built dominant market share in his core area, and the questions every seller should ask before choosing an agent. Whether you're buying or selling, this episode is packed with practical insights from one of Brisbane's top-performing agents.

If you've been listening to Taking Back Saturday for a while but still haven't bought, this episode is for you. This week Sam and Chayse are talking about the importance of a persist or pivot meeting. It's something they do with their own clients too —taking the time to review what's happened, reflect on what you've learnt, revisit your homework, and decide whether your strategy still makes sense.We'll cover how to use recent sales to reassess your expectations, whether you're searching in the right suburbs, if your must-haves are still realistic, and when it's time to compromise. We also discuss the next steps, from checking in with your broker to building new relationships with local agents or considering whether a buyer's agent could help get you across the line.For the elder emos - Taking Back Sunday: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO1b7p16?si=d6de483376034c1f

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we're joined by Brisbane architect Yan Tang to talk about what makes a home truly great. From how an architect inspects a property to the biggest mistakes in modern homes, where an extra $100k is best spent, and the features that actually add value, this episode is packed with practical insights to help buyers make better decisions.

Brisbane's property market might finally be catching its breath. This week on Taking Back Saturday, we unpack the latest price data, why market sentiment doesn't always match the headlines, and what we're seeing on the ground as buyers and sellers adjust to a softer market. We also break down the new anti-money laundering (AML) rules, cut through the online outrage, and explain what they actually mean for everyday buyers and sellers.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we’re joined by Asset Legal’s Jake Morrison to unpack the biggest change to Australian residential real estate in years — the new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws taking effect from 1 July. We break down what’s changing for buyers, sellers, agents and solicitors, what extra checks and paperwork to expect, and how to avoid delays when buying property in the new AML landscape.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we sit down with Alwin Fung from Urban Build Co, our go-to building and pest inspector, to unpack what buyers really need to know before purchasing a home. From the biggest red flags and genuine walk-away issues to the defects that are manageable, Alwin explains how great inspectors provide context, communicate clearly and help buyers understand the difference between annoying problems and catastrophic ones. A must-listen for anyone buying property.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we’re joined (for the 2nd time in TBS history) by architect Jessica Hardwick to discuss how homeowners can make thoughtful, cost-effective improvements that genuinely add value to the way they live. From taking your time and planning strategically to understanding where your renovation dollars will have the biggest impact, Jessica shares practical insights on creating well-considered Brisbane homes without unnecessary expense.

In this week's episode of Taking Back Saturday, we explore how to successfully navigate selling your home amidst a flatter market. With buyers becoming more selective, we discuss why choosing the right agent matters more than ever, the importance of honest pricing conversations, and the questions you should be asking ahead of time to shape the campaign and result.RESOURCE: Questions to ask your agent - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19TlWalVOfsbHQNKo-fCRnJdMCQlHm7gg-UQGsLaqehQ/edit?usp=sharing

Join Chayse and Sam for this month's market wrap on Taking Back Saturday. It felt like there was a lot going on in May. Interest rates went up again, fuel got cheaper, power sort of did too, and the Federal Government dropped a Budget bomb. So what did that mean for house prices?Listen in for everything you need to know about the Brisbane property market right now.

The Brisbane market may be flattening, but that doesn’t mean buying property has become easier. In this week’s episode of Taking Back Saturday, Chayse and Sam unpack what it takes to buy confidently when rapid future price growth can no longer be relied upon. From running a proper comparable sales report to understand your three prices that matter, to involving your broker early and making strong, well-supported offers, we cover the process buyers need to follow to avoid overpaying and make smart decisions in today’s market.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we unpack the shift happening in the Brisbane property market and why buyers might finally have the conditions they’ve been asking for over the past three and a half years.Yes, buyers should still be cautious as property is expensive and getting it wrong hurts but there’s a big difference between caution and hesitation. Do the research, get confident on market value and start negotiating. If a property ticks the boxes and the seller is motivated, this market rewards decisive buyers. Good luck out there!

This week on Taking Back Saturday, Chayse sits down with Tarah Hastie from award-winning Brisbane builders, Activates Construction. From designing homes that balance style and real family functionality, to what buyers actually want in 2026, Tarah shares a behind-the-scenes look at the building industry, choosing the right locations, smart floorplans, rising construction costs and what it really takes to create a great family home.

On this special Monday edition of Taking Back Saturday, Sam and Justin Dickinson from HoLo break down the Federal Budget, the proposed property tax changes and what it all actually means for Brisbane buyers, homeowners and investors.From negative gearing reform and CGT changes to housing infrastructure, planning reform and the reality of supply shortages, they unpack why policy matters — but why supply and demand still drive the market.They also cover:• Why Brisbane is still facing long-term housing pressure• What first-home buyers should (and shouldn’t) expect• Why the investor landscape is changing• How value-add property strategies may become more important• The risks of reacting to headlines instead of fundamentalsIf you’re wondering whether these changes will actually make housing more affordable, cool Brisbane prices or reshape investing forever — this episode covers it all.Enjoy!

This week on Taking Back Saturday, Chayse is joined by Queensland Real Estate Editor for The Courier-Mail, Liz Tilley, for a behind-the-scenes look at Brisbane’s property market. From touring some of the city’s most beautiful homes to unpacking the real story behind current market conditions, Liz shares what she’s seeing on the ground, which segments are performing strongest, and what could shape Brisbane real estate in 2026.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we step back and make try to make sense of the mixed signals around the Brisbane property market right now . The national headlines might not agree, but the underlying story is clearer — local growth is still happening, just not as fast as it was a few months ago.We unpack what that slowdown means in real terms, from shifting buyer behaviour to changing dynamics across different price points, and what sections of the market are still holding strong. There’s also a look at how interest rates and broader uncertainty are shaping buyer confidence and how the best buyers are using that to their advantage. Whether you’re in the market or just keeping an eye on it, this episode is all about cutting through the noise and focusing on what actually matters right now.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we sit down with Remy Durieux of Remy’s Real Estate — a name you might recognise from many hilarious billboards around Brisbane's Southside.Best known as a Carina specialist, townhouse expert, and sharp marketing mind, Remy breaks down what’s really working right now in the local market.We dig into why townhouses are having a moment, how smart marketing can completely change a sale outcome, and what buyers and sellers in Carina need to understand to protect themselves and stay competitive.Enjoy !

This week on Taking Back Saturday, Sam and Chayse are talking to the movers, the upgraders and the upsizers thinking of buying and selling in the same market.The big question is to sell first or buy first?We break down both sides of the equation and what actually matters when making that decisions.We cover:Why selling first gives you more certainty (and often a better price)How longer settlements and rent-backs can buy you timeWhat it really takes to buy first successfully (hint: preparation is everything)Why subject-to-sale offers are so hard to get accepted right nowThe real risks involved in both approaches—and how to plan for themThis episode is all about having a clear strategy and understanding your position so you can move with confidence—not panic.If you’re trying to time a buy and sell in today’s market, this one’s for you.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we’re joined by Tom Uhlich from Boss Money Mortgage Brokers for a straight-talking conversation about what’s really happening in the lending space right now.With interest rates still front of mind and borrowing capacity shifting, Tom breaks down what he's hearing and seeing in the market (and from the banks). If you’re feeling unsure about your next move or want a clearer understanding of how to navigate finance in a changing market, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

This week’s Taking Back Saturday Market Wrap Podcast dives into the big question on everyone’s mind: what does the current global uncertainty actually mean for the Brisbane property market?With fuel prices climbing and more interest rate rises looming, Sam & Chayse break down what’s happening on the ground right now—buyer sentiment, stock levels, and where the opportunities still lie. More importantly, we look ahead at what the next few months could bring and how to position yourself in a shifting market.If you’re feeling unsure about what comes next, this episode cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, practical take on where things are heading.

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we’re joined by Luke Broekman — one half of the new HBC Invest duo.We learn about Luke's journey into buyers agency, what’s changed in the market, what a “good buy” really looks like, and the biggest challenges buyers are facing right now — all delivered with his great sense of humour.🎧 Tune in now

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we’re joined by the newest member of the Happy Buyers Club team, Adam Bloom, who’ll be leading our investment-focused purchasing under HBC Invest.Adam gives us his take on what actually makes a “good buy” (and why that’s not always obvious), plus his take on what buyers are finding toughest in today’s market.A good one for anyone thinking about investing — or just trying to get sharper on how to buy well.

There’s a lot of noise in the headlines right now — conflict in the Middle East, rising fuel prices, inflation and uncertainty around interest rates.In this episode of Taking Back Saturday, we unpack the latest property price forecast and break down what rising rates could mean for buyers and sellers.The big question: are we heading for a slowdown or will the resilient Brisbane market keep on keeping on?

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we're introducing the newest member of the happy buyers club team, Nikita Higgins, the only way we know how - by doing a podcast together. Nikita is already a well established buyers agent so her experience and expertise in securing great properties for her clients is something we are all keen to learn more about.Expect to see more of Nikita over the months to come !

It's market wrap time on Taking Back Saturday with prices up 1.6% in Brisbane this month (1.5% for houses / 2.1% for units).Sam and Chayse take a deeper look at what that means for buyers in different segments of the market and offer their 2c on how to navigate the toughest and most competitive ones.And may the odds be ever in your favour!

Welcome to the final part of the Taking Back Saturday buyer series with happy buyers club's Chayse and Sam.You've had an offer agreed, the contracts are signed but there's still plenty of work to be done to land the plane and get you into your new property.In this episode, Chayse and Sam will step you through everything you need to make "admin week" a success and ensure it's smooth sailing right through to settlement (and beyond!)

In this episode of the Taking Back Saturday Buyer Series, Sam & Chayse dive into the often fear-inducing world of auctions.Whether you're a first-time bidder or a seasoned pro, they cover all the key tips to best understand auctions, auction campaigns and auction terms, as well as, setting your budget and strategy to help you navigate the fast-paced environment with confidence.One not to be missed.

This is part 5 of the Taking Back Saturday buyer series featuring your favourite buyers agent duo, Sam and Chayse. You've seen it, you like it, now it's time to buy it. This is the part where it all gets very real so understanding how to make offers that actually get accepted will give you an advantage over everyone else in the market.

The time has come to get off realestate.com.au and actually get out and inspect some properties!In part 4 of our Taking Back Saturday buyer series, Sam and Chayse run through, step by step, how they inspect properties for their clients.Open homes are all over and done with pretty quickly so make the most of your time at property by knowing what you should be looking out for and why. This is a must listen before any Saturday out in the market. Enjoy!

On this special Tuesday edition / 100th new episode of Taking Back Saturday, we break down what’s really happening in the property market right now.We're dropping a market wrap from January, unpacking the RBA’s latest 0.25% rate increase, and what we can expect with prices moving forward across Brisbane despite these higher rates.Most importantly, we talk through what all of this actually means for buyers — how conditions are shifting, where opportunities still exist, and how to approach the market with confidence in a changing environment.If you’re buying, watching, or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧

Part 3 of the new Taking Back Saturday buyer series is all about real estate agents. If you're buying property, there is a fair chance you'll need to speak to at least one, if not many of them. So in this week's podcast, Chayse and Sam discuss:- Which agents you need to speak to- What you need to tell them about your search- What questions you need to ask- How to get an agents supportListen in and become the best buyer in your market

Like we always say, before you fall in love with a great house, fall in love with a great mortgage broker so joining Chayse on this week's podcast is the mortgage broker we love the most, Justin Dickinson from HoLo. It's hard to buy what you want, without the money so in part two of this buyer series, Justin and Chayse talk through all things pre-approvals and home loans. Key Takeaways:What is a pre-approval?What do you need for a pre-approval?How long does a pre-approval take?Why does it feel like an invasion of privacy?Do you need a pre-approval before you start searching?Can you make offers without a pre-approval?How long of a finance clause do you need when offering with a pre-approval?How can you improve your borrowing capacity?

Over the coming weeks on Taking Back Saturday, Chayse and Sam will be bringing back their comprehensive series of buyers podcasts which cover all the basics and the not-so-basics of buying a property. If you're looking to buy property in 2026, this is the series for you. This first episode is all about preparation - getting ready to buy, nailing your non-negoatiables, preparing your offer conditions and assembling your buying team. These are the steps that seperate the buyers from the browsers.

In this week's episode of Taking Back Saturday, we unpack the biggest mistake buyers make heading into a new year — chasing the what and where without getting clear on the why. Just like most New Year’s resolutions, property plans fail when there’s no genuine motivation behind them.We break down how different “whys” — financial, family, lifestyle or investment-driven — should shape every buying decision, from budget to location to compromise. We also talk through the right questions first-home buyers, relocators and investors should be asking themselves before they hit the open homes.Because in 2026, the buyers who win won’t be the fastest — they’ll be the most prepared, aligned and confident when the right opportunity shows up.

This week on Taking Back Saturday 🎙️- it’s our 2026 predictions episode! Sam and Chayse from happy buyers club break down what they think will happen in the Brisbane property market over the year to come including where do they expect prices to go and when do we expect things to calm down.Plus, a little sneak preview of what's to come at hbc in 2026.It's your year happy buyers, let's get it!

This week's Taking Back Saturday podcast is our last of 2025 so we're taking the chance to look back at the year that was and reflect upon the predictions we made 12 months ago. In short, Brisbane’s 2025 price growth wasn’t exactly crystal-ball stuff — it was inevitable. We unpack why we feel that the market has become more “unfair” as the year’s gone on, how tightening supply and real FOMO are driving a bottom-up boom, and why equity is racing ahead of wages. If buying now feels harder than it did even a few months ago, this episode explains exactly why. 📈

This week on Taking Back Saturday, we’re joined by Bailey McKee from Belle Property Bulimba for a candid, on-the-ground take on the Brisbane market. We unpack what sellers are really saying, why buyers are frustrated with price guides, how to negotiate with confidence, and Bailey’s non-negotiables on both sides of a deal. If you’re buying in 2026, this one’s packed with practical advice you can actually use. 🏡

It's market wrap time again on Taking Back Saturday and spoiler alert, it's still mental out there right now! Chayse and Sam run through the details of what the Brisbane market doing right now and what it means for buyers and sellers on the final run into Christmas?Strap in !

This week on Taking Back Saturday, Sam is joined by one of Brisbane’s leading Inner North agents — and fellow podcaster — Ross Armstrong. We dig into what the market is doing right now, how auction vs. private treaty campaigns really work behind the scenes, and what buyers can expect from Ross and his team throughout the sales process.We talk follow-up etiquette, transparency around offers and feedback, how negotiation styles shift depending on the campaign, and of course — Ross shares his number one tip for anyone hoping to secure a property this weekend.

This week on Taking Back Saturday… we’re leaning right into the unofficial HBC tagline: real estate sucks.Why does it suck? Honestly… where do we start?Consider this episode real estate therapy as we share a couple of stories from the last few weeks. It’s no wonder everyone walks into real estate expecting the worst — and when you’re dealing with huge sums of money and sky-high emotions, that “perfect storm” can burn out even the eventual buyer or the seller who gets a dream price.This episode is all about breaking down why the experience feels so broken… and how buyers can reclaim clarity, confidence, and control in a system built to do the opposite.Tune in

This week on Taking Back Saturday, Justin Dickinson from Holo jumps back into the hot seat for a timely deep dive into one big question: Is now the moment to refinance and fix your home loan? Are we finally sitting at—or near—the bottom of the rate cycle?We break down what’s actually happening in the current lending environment and what homeowners should be paying attention to right now. If you’ve been asking yourself whether to make a move or sit tight, this episode brings the clarity you’ve been looking for.