Street Secrets 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 Highlights
01:59 — From Banking to Bayside Buyer’s Agent
06:35 — Why Melbourne’s Bayside Surged
08:33 — Breaking Down Bayside Asset Types
12:43 — How Far South in Bayside Makes Sense?
18:30 — House vs Townhouse: Strategy Explained
20:47 — How to Identify a Quality Townhouse
23:22 — Why Townhouses Lag Houses in Growth
25:12 — Melbourne’s Market Since 2021
26:06 — Investor Exit & Melbourne’s Balance
30:11 — Interest Rates, Affordability & Cycles
33:06 — Rethinking the Buyer’s Agent Process
36:55 — Why Timing Is Art, Not Skill
39:15 — The Cost of Oversharing With Agents
41:25 — Final Advice for Melbourne Buyers
About the Guest
David 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 David
- David Easterbrook - Elite Buyer Agents | LinkedIn
- Elite Buyer Agents
- Elite Buyer Agents (@elite_buyer_agents)
- Elite Buyer Agents (@EliteBuyerAgents) • Facebook
- Elite Buyers Agent’s LinkedIn
Work with Chris (Alcove)
- Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au
- Phone: 0489 913 227
- Email - hello@alcove.com.au
- Socials:
- LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
- LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/
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