Maymont Property

Jamie Mugavin
Buyer and Vendor Advocate
Certified Practising Valuer
Director
Suite 1, Level 3, 250 Camberwell Road
Camberwell, VIC 3124
P: +61 468 920 395
W: www.maymont.com.au
E: jamie.mugavin@maymont.com.au

Company Bio: Maymont Property is a Melbourne-based buyer and vendor advocacy firm dedicated to helping clients make confident and informed property decisions. With deep market knowledge, strong industry relationships, and access to both on- and off-market opportunities, Maymont provides tailored guidance through every stage of the buying or selling process. Focused on transparency, strategy, and results, the team ensures clients achieve the best possible outcomes in one of life’s most important financial and lifestyle decisions.

Q & A Session

Inside Melbourne’s Property Market: An In-Depth Q&A with Buyer’s Agent Jamie (September 2025)

Are you considering buying property in Melbourne? We sat down with Jamie, a seasoned buyer’s agent and former property valuer, to get his expert take on the current market, the buying process, and what buyers need to know to make smart decisions. Here’s a comprehensive look at his insights, from market trends to practical advice for first-home buyers and investors alike.

Meet Jamie: From Valuer to Buyer’s Advocate

Jamie’s real estate journey began as a property valuer, a role he held for over a decade. During this time, he completed more than 8,000 valuations across Melbourne, giving him a unique, data-driven perspective on the city’s diverse property landscape. In 2024, Jamie transitioned to working as a buyer’s agent, leveraging his valuation expertise to help clients navigate the complexities of purchasing property. Unlike many buyer’s agents who come from a sales background and focus on specific suburbs, Jamie’s experience allows him to confidently advise on a wide range of property types and locations, from entry-level units to prestige homes and developments.

Understanding the Melbourne Market: Trends and Shifts

Jamie describes Melbourne’s property market as “multi-tiered,” with distinct differences between price segments. The prestige market (above $2.5–$3 million) has remained steady, with limited growth and more cautious demand. In contrast, the sub-$1.5 million segment—particularly among first-home buyers and investors—has seen increased activity and competition. Jamie attributes this to recent interest rate cuts, which tend to stimulate demand at the lower end of the market more quickly than at the top.

He also notes a significant uptick in the number of buyers attending open inspections, especially for properties under $1 million. This surge in interest is a clear sign of shifting market dynamics, with more buyers entering the fray and competition intensifying for affordable homes.

Another notable trend is the growing use of AI and online data tools by buyers. While these resources can empower buyers with more information, Jamie cautions that not all data sources are reliable or relevant. He’s observed that some buyers rely too heavily on automated price estimates or comparable sales that aren’t truly comparable, which can lead to misguided expectations or missed opportunities.

The Buying Process: Strategy, Preparation, and Due Diligence

Jamie emphasises that knowing the true market price of a property early in the process is crucial. Many buyers waste time and money chasing properties that are underquoted or outside their realistic budget. As a buyer’s agent, Jamie’s role is to provide accurate price assessments, guide clients through due diligence, and help them avoid common pitfalls—such as overpaying at auction or overlooking hidden costs.

He works closely with trusted professionals for contract reviews, building and pest inspections, and legal checks, ensuring that clients are fully informed before making an offer. Jamie’s analytical background as a valuer is particularly valuable when it comes to assessing risks and identifying the drivers of long-term capital growth.

When it comes to negotiating and purchasing, Jamie is a strong advocate for auctions, citing their transparency compared to private sales. He encourages clients to be well-prepared, with finance and due diligence completed early,

so they can act quickly and confidently when the right property comes along.

Advice for Buyers: First-Timers and Investors

For first-time buyers, Jamie’s advice is to act quickly in a campaign, be thoroughly prepared, and consider engaging a professional. He points out that the fee for a buyer’s agent is often offset by the savings achieved through negotiation and market insight. Jamie also stresses the importance of understanding all costs involved in a purchase—not just the sale price, but also stamp duty, legal fees, and inspection costs, which are often overlooked by inexperienced buyers.

For investors, Jamie highlights the value of professional guidance in identifying growth areas and avoiding costly mistakes. He notes that hidden costs, such as stamp duty (especially in Victoria), can catch buyers off guard if not properly accounted for. Working with a buyer’s agent can help investors make more informed decisions and maximise their returns.

Collaboration and Communication: Working With Other Professionals

A successful property purchase is rarely a solo effort. Jamie collaborates closely with mortgage brokers, solicitors, conveyancers, and building inspectors, particularly at the start of the process. He values strong, open communication and often sets up group chats to keep everyone—especially the client—informed and supported throughout the transaction. This approach ensures that questions are answered promptly and that the process moves smoothly, even when timelines are tight.

Jamie also notes that while real estate agents are key contacts, the dynamic is often “us against them” when representing buyers, underscoring the importance of having an advocate on your side.

Local Insights: Where to Find Value in Melbourne

For those seeking value, Jamie points to Brunswick West as an up-and-coming area for family homes, thanks to its proximity to the city, good transport links, and relative affordability. He also highlights Frankston as a recent investment hotspot, with strong demand driven by its bay location, amenities, and improving infrastructure. However, he cautions that prices in Frankston have risen quickly, and investors now need a larger budget to secure quality properties.

Jamie observes that turnkey properties—homes ready to move into—are in high demand, as rising construction costs and permit headaches have made renovations less appealing. While features like pools can add visual appeal, especially in the prestige market, they aren’t always a must-have for buyers, particularly given Melbourne’s climate.

The Future of Buyer’s Agents and the Market

Looking ahead, Jamie predicts that the role of buyer’s agents will continue to grow in Australia, following trends seen in the US where equal representation for buyers and sellers is much more common. He expects more professionals to enter the field, which could change the industry dynamic and potentially introduce more deal-oriented agents. Jamie believes that the best buyer’s agents will continue to stand out by offering genuine advocacy, deep market knowledge, and strong negotiation skills.

He also flags potential regulatory changes—such as reforms to stamp duty and land tax—that could significantly impact buyers and investors. While technology and data access are improving, Jamie is confident that the personal touch and expertise of a buyer’s agent will remain essential in helping clients navigate an increasingly complex market.

Jamie’s Top Tips for Buyers

  • Do your homework: Attend auctions, inspect as many properties as possible, and get a solid understanding of local pricing.
  • Be prepared: Have your finance, due diligence, and professional support in place early.
  • Act quickly: Good properties move fast, so being ready to make decisions can be the difference between success and disappointment.
  • Consider professional help: The right buyer’s agent can save you time, money, and stress—especially in a competitive or unfamiliar market.

Final Word:
Jamie’s overarching advice for anyone buying property in the next 12 months is simple but powerful: “Do your homework.” With the right preparation and support, you can make confident, informed decisions and secure the property that’s right for you.

Miller Goldie & Associates

Chris Devereux

Director

46 Pin Oak Crescent, Flemington, VIC 3031

P: (03) 9376 7132 & (03) 9347 0844

W: millergoldie.com.au

E: accountants@millergoldie.com.au

Company Bio: Miller Goldie & Associates is a well-established accounting firm based in Flemington, Victoria, with a rich history spanning over 90 years. The team combines the expertise of experienced CPAs with the energy of younger professionals to deliver responsive, high-quality service.

Serving individuals, small businesses and self-managed super funds, they specialise in tax planning and compliance, business structuring, SMSF administration and advisory, and cloud accounting solutions.

Committed to understanding each client’s unique story and financial goals, Miller Goldie & Associates prides itself on offering personalised advice and being a trusted partner throughout both personal and business life.

Q & A Session

Career Motivation and Background

Chris Devereux (company Director), a seasoned accountant with two decades of experience, emphasises the importance of financial literacy, problem-solving, and personalised client service. He transitioned from financial advice to public practice around the age of 30, driven by a desire to help individuals and businesses solve financial problems and reduce stress. Chris has been a director at Miller Goldie & Associates for seven years, a firm with over 90 years of history.

Client Base and Focus

The firm serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, companies, trusts, and self-managed super funds (SMSFs), with a primary focus on small businesses rather than large corporations. Chris finds the most rewarding aspect of his work to be witnessing clients achieve financial milestones, such as purchasing their first home, and enjoys being part of their financial journeys.

Small Business Challenges

Chris identifies budgeting for GST and income tax, as well as insufficient business planning, as major challenges faced by small businesses in the Melbourne/Kensington area. Many entrepreneurs fail to conduct adequate market research or develop a clear vision, leading to business struggles or closure within a few years. A lack of understanding about tax obligations, such as the difference between gross income and the amounts owed for GST and income tax, is also a recurring issue.

Supporting Businesses Beyond Compliance

Chris provides support for business clients not only through compliance and tax returns but also by helping them problem-solve issues related to HR, payroll, and cash flow forecasting. While acknowledging the limitations of small accounting firms in transforming businesses, he emphasises the value of ongoing advice and having a reliable network to address various business challenges. He also assists clients with wealth creation strategies, such as superannuation planning and long-term financial vision.

Collaboration with Other Professionals

Chris notes the benefits of collaboration between accountants, mortgage brokers, and financial advisors. When these professionals work together, client outcomes are improved through seamless communication and more efficient processes. He regularly introduces clients to other professionals, such as solicitors for trust-related matters or brokers for finance, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support.

Common Financial Mistakes

Chris highlights common financial mistakes, such as individuals relying on unverified media information and making assumptions about tax and personal finance instead of seeking professional advice. He believes many people underutilise the full scope of accounting services, often viewing accountants solely as tax return lodgers. Chris encourages clients to seek advice beyond compliance, such as guidance on securing finance for a first home.

Budgeting and Financial Education

Budgeting is emphasised as a foundational habit. Chris advises clients to live within their means and plan their spending across the month, rather than using all available funds immediately. He also notes that budgeting mismanagement is a common issue and stresses the importance of teaching financial principles, even to children, to instil an understanding of money’s value from an early age.

Financial Habits for Long-Term Wealth

According to Chris, clients who successfully build long-term wealth tend to have good risk assessment skills and are willing to take calculated risks. However, he also acknowledges that consistent hard work and setting clear goals are equally valid paths to financial stability. Living within one’s means and having a point of difference are highlighted as important factors.

Local Community and Clientele

Chris enjoys working locally due to the vibrant and diverse community. The area features a high concentration of hospitality and service-based businesses. The neighbourhood has experienced significant gentrification over the past 15 years, resulting in a blend of older residents downsizing and younger families moving in, alongside a strong migrant population.

Data Security and Industry Trends

Data security and fraud prevention have become increasingly important in the accounting industry. Chris highlights the need for vigilance in protecting sensitive information. Regarding property and business investment, the past three years have been challenging in Melbourne, but he believes opportunities always exist despite market cycles.

Superannuation Tax Changes

Chris discusses the new tax on SMSFs with balances over $3 million, suggesting it will impact a small percentage of people and is not necessarily a well-conceived policy. He argues that a focus on taxing income, rather than assets, would be more logical and equitable.