Julian Khursigara CEO
Welcome
Here at Search Party Property, we live and breathe property investing. To us, it is more than just a great way to build wealth - it is a lifestyle. And it is a lifestyle that we want to help a wider range of people access and enjoy. But while we love property, we appreciate that not everyone shares our passion. We also know that this love is not a prerequisite to succeeding as a property investor. In fact, when you work with us, all the hard work will be done for you.
Process
As experienced buyers agents, we aim to make purchasing an investment property as easy - and rewarding - as possible. This means working with you to review your financial situation, set your investment goals, and develop your investment strategy. It also means helping you refine your search criteria and put your plan to purchase into action.
1. Financial Analysis and Goal Alignment: We start by assessing your financial situation and aligning it with your investment objectives.
2. Strategic Investment Planning: Developing a bespoke investment strategy is at the core of our service.
3. In-Depth Market Analysis: Utilizing our data methodology, we conduct comprehensive market analyses, focusing on target areas and key investment indicators.
4. Acquisition and Negotiation: We assist in every aspect of property acquisition, from formulating an offer to negotiating purchase terms.
5. Rental Optimization: Guidance is provided to ensure your property is rent- ready, optimizing your investment returns.
To take the guesswork out of choosing a property, we will complete a detailed market analysis for you. In doing this, we will focus on your target area and consider everything from recent sales to planning infrastructure upgrades. We will then use this insight to identify the investment opportunities that best suit your situation and strategy. Then, once you have chosen your preferred property, we will help you secure it. We will work with you to put together your offer and negotiate the conditions of the purchase on your behalf. We will even help you prepare the property for rent, including planning any work required to maximise your returns.
Results
As a team, our whole focus is delivering great outcomes for our clients. We are proud of the quality of service we deliver and always tailor our offering to each client’s unique requirements. We believe this makes for a better experience, and creates better results, for everyone we work with.
While we work with all kinds of investors, we are particularly known for building large, high-performing portfolios - and quickly. Our investment approach has been refined over 20 years in the industry and is designed to deliver maximum returns and allow you to acquire multiple properties within the five years of investing with us.
Authors
Julian Khursigara - CEO
Nathan Fowler - Head of Research
Investing in property is as much an art as it is a science. For many, the vast array of variables and statistics can feel overwhelming. But fear not! We've distilled the most crucial indicators into our methodology to guide you in making informed decisions. Here's a peek behind the curtain at our approach:
Demand Profile: Ever wondered how popular a 3-bedroom house is compared to its 2-bedroom counterpart? This variable provides insight into the consumer's choice, indicating which property types are hot commodities. It’s a clear representation of the property market's demand side.
Typical House Price & Median Rent: Price trends offer a direct glimpse into market health. Steady prices signal stability, while fluctuations can point to emerging opportunities. Alongside, the median rent paints a picture of potential return on investment.
IRSAD (Socio-economic Indicator): A suburb's socio-economic status can profoundly influence property appreciation. A rising IRSAD often suggests growing infrastructure, better schools, and community developments - a magnet for potential homeowners.
Unemployment Rate: It’s more than just a number. High employment can boost demand as more people have the means to purchase or rent, making this a critical factor in gauging a suburb's potential.
Vacancy Rate: A low vacancy rate can indicate a high demand relative to supply, often leading to increased rental yields.
Top Industries of Employment: This showcases the suburb's economic backbone, helping predict future growth areas and ensuring you're not banking on a one-industry town. Affordability Index: Everyone loves a bargain, but it's essential to know if that bargain will pay off in the long run. This index shows the balance between property prices and earning potential in the area.
Population Demographics: Age distributions can forecast future demands. For example, areas with younger populations might see increased demand for schools or family-friendly amenities.
Ownership Type: A mix of rented and owned properties can signal an area's investment potential and its attractiveness to both homeowners and investors.
It's crucial to note the underlying threads that connect these suburbs. Many are experiencing a surge in population growth, reinforcing the importance of housing demand in these areas. While some suburbs are ideal for those eyeing short-term rental yields, others show immense promise for long-term property appreciation. For the discerning investor, it's these intricacies that can make all the difference.
Let’s dive deeper into these trends in the following pages and uncover the unique potential of each suburb we’ve identified.
Bacchus Marsh
Bacchus Marsh presents a strong case for investors seeking a combination of rental income and growth potential. The median rent in Bacchus Marsh is $469 per week, paired with a healthy yield of 3.85%, providing solid returns. The vacancy rate sits at 1.76%, indicating moderate demand and some competition for rental properties, ensuring reliable tenancies for landlords.
With an IRSAD score of 4, Bacchus Marsh reflects a suburb that, while facing some socio-economic challenges, still offers opportunities for growth. For investors, this could mean potential for value increases as the area develops further.
The unemployment rate in Bacchus Marsh is 4.4%, well below the national average, signalling a strong local employment
Index of relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD)
market that supports ongoing demand for rental properties. The largest demographic segment is the 25-44 age group, typically consisting of families and professionals—key tenants in the property market.
Bacchus Marsh has an inventory risk of 1.22 months of stock on the
market, indicating a balanced market where demand is expected to remain steady. Overall, with its solid yields, low unemployment, and steady demand, Bacchus Marsh offers a well-rounded opportunity for property investors looking for both security and growth potential.
Risk - Months of Stock on Market
Derrimut
Investors looking at Derrimut can feel reassured by the suburb’s steady cash flow potential and robust rental market. The median rent over the past year stands at $420, supported by a yield of 2.85%, signalling solid returns for landlords. With a notably low vacancy rate of 1.66%, the likelihood of prolonged vacancies is minimised, further enhancing its attractiveness.
Derrimut boasts a higher Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) score of 6, indicating stronger economic stability than many other areas. This suggests that the suburb offers potential for long-term growth, alongside a relatively balanced socio-economic profile.
Index of relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD)
The unemployment rate in Derrimut is 5.8%, aligning closely with the national average. This demonstrates a stable employment market, which is vital for maintaining rental demand. Demographically, Derrimut is dominated by the 25-44 age bracket, typically associated with working professionals and young families, which provides a consistent pool of tenants for investment properties.
The investment risk, reflected in an inventory risk of 1.2 months of stock on the market, suggests the suburb is currently favouring sellers, with demand likely to outstrip supply. Overall, Derrimut presents a compelling case for investors seeking a combination of steady rental income and the potential for future growth.
Investors exploring opportunities in Skye will be drawn to the suburb's strong rental market and attractive yields. With a median rent of $560 per week and a yield of 3.85%, Skye offers promising cash flow potential for property investors. Furthermore, the suburb's low vacancy rate of 1.25% reduces the likelihood of properties sitting unrented for extended
periods, enhancing the financial appeal. Skye’s Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) score of 5 reflects a reasonably balanced socio-economic environment, offering a good mix of stability and potential for future growth. This positions Skye as a suburb with ongoing investment potential.
Index of relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD)
The unemployment rate in Skye sits at a relatively low 4.5%, below national averages, suggesting a robust local employment market that contributes to a steady rental demand. The population is diverse across age groups, with a particularly strong presence in the 25-44 and 4564 brackets, which typically consist of working professionals and families— prime demographics for property investors.
With an inventory risk of 2.64 months of stock on the market, Skye presents a balanced market, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Overall, Skye combines high yields, low vacancies, and a stable socio-economic profile, making it an appealing option for long-term property investment.
Population by age segment
Inventory Risk - Months of Stock on Market
Seabrook
Seabrook is an attractive prospect for investors seeking a combination of stability and growth potential. The median rent in Seabrook stands at $521 per week, supported by a solid yield of 3.52%. The rental market remains tight, with a low vacancy rate of 2.42%, ensuring minimal periods of property downtime for investors.
With an Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) score of 7, Seabrook is positioned as a relatively affluent suburb, offering greater socio-economic stability than many other areas. This makes it an appealing location for investors seeking long-term growth and secure rental returns.
Index of relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD)
The unemployment rate in Seabrook is 6.5%, slightly above the national average, but still reflective of a functioning local economy that maintains steady rental demand. Demographically, Seabrook is balanced across age groups, with the 2544 age bracket being the largest—prime tenants for long-term rental properties, particularly those seeking family homes.
Seabrook’s investment appeal is further bolstered by an inventory risk of just 0.91 months of stock on the market, indicating a strong seller's market where demand is likely to exceed supply. Overall, Seabrook combines a low vacancy rate, good yields, and socio-economic advantages, making it a suburb with great promise for property investors.
Mernda
Mernda stands out as an appealing investment suburb due to its combination of steady rental yields and a healthy market. With a median rent of $477 per week and a yield of 3.48%, Mernda offers solid rental income opportunities. The suburb also enjoys an impressively low vacancy rate of just 1.01%, ensuring minimal time between tenants for property owners.
The suburb boasts an Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) score of 7, indicating a relatively affluent community. This level of socio-economic stability strengthens Mernda's appeal to investors looking for long-term growth and tenant security.
Index of relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD)
The unemployment rate in Mernda is 5.7%, slightly below the national average, suggesting a reliable local employment market, which is critical for sustained rental demand. Mernda’s population is diverse, with a significant portion of residents in the 25-44 age group, making it a hotspot for families and working professionals—key demographics for rental properties.
Mernda’s inventory risk is measured at 1.25 months of stock on the market, indicating a well-balanced market where demand meets supply. Overall, Mernda offers low vacancy rates, strong rental demand, and socio-economic advantages, making it a suburb with considerable investment potential.
Population by age segment
Inventory Risk - Months of Stock on Market
Sydenham
Sydenham offers an attractive combination of strong rental yields and low vacancy rates, making it a suburb well-suited for property investors. With a median rent of $497 per week and a yield of 3.72%, the suburb provides solid rental returns. Additionally, the exceptionally low vacancy rate of just 0.88% indicates high demand, ensuring minimal rental downtime for property owners.
The suburb’s IRSAD score of 5 suggests a balanced socio-economic environment, with some room for improvement, which can offer potential for future capital growth. Sydenham’s combination of affordability and appeal positions it as an ideal spot for those looking for consistent rental income.
Index of relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD)
2 4 6 8 10
The unemployment rate in Sydenham stands at 6.8%, which is slightly above the national average, but the suburb’s demographic composition, particularly its large 25-44 age group, supports ongoing demand for rental properties. This age group, largely consisting of working professionals and families, is key for maintaining steady rental demand.
With an inventory risk of 1.37 months of stock on the market, Sydenham presents a balanced investment opportunity where demand meets supply. Overall, Sydenham’s low vacancy rate, healthy yields, and stable population make it a suburb with promising investment potential.
Population by age segment
Inventory Risk - Months of Stock on Market
Kurunjang
Kurunjang offers an attractive proposition for property investors looking for affordability and rental yield. With a median rent of $417 per week and a yield of 3.94%, Kurunjang provides a healthy return on investment. The suburb's vacancy rate sits at 1.81%, indicating a strong rental market with consistent tenant demand.
Kurunjang’s IRSAD score of 2 reflects some socio-economic challenges, but this also indicates room for growth as the suburb continues to develop. For investors, this represents an opportunity to enter a market where there is potential for future value increases as infrastructure and amenities improve.
Index of relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD)
2 4 6 8 10
The unemployment rate in Kurunjang is 7.3%, which is slightly higher than the national average. However, the largest demographic segment is the 25-44 age group, consisting of working professionals and families, which ensures ongoing demand for rental properties.
The inventory risk is measured at 0.97 months of stock on the market, signalling a strong seller’s market where demand for properties exceeds supply. Overall, Kurunjang offers a promising blend of affordability, strong yields, and future growth potential, making it an appealing choice for investors.
Population by age segment
Inventory Risk - Months of Stock on Market
Melton West
Melton West offers an appealing option for investors with its strong rental yields and affordable property prices. With a median rent of $413 per week and a yield of 3.97%, Melton West ensures a consistent cash flow for property owners. The low vacancy rate of 1.12% reflects the high demand for
rental properties in the area, reducing the risk of extended vacancy periods.
With an IRSAD score of 2, Melton West may face some socio-economic challenges, but this also signals potential for capital growth as infrastructure develops and the suburb
Index of relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD)
matures. For investors, this presents an opportunity to benefit from both rental income and future value appreciation.
The unemployment rate in Melton West is 7.4%, higher than the national average. However, the suburb’s large population of 25-44 year-olds—professionals and families—supports steady rental demand, ensuring a reliable tenant pool.
The inventory risk for Melton West stands at 1.0 months of stock on the market, indicating a balanced market where demand remains strong. Overall, Melton West offers a promising mix of affordability, solid rental returns, and long-term growth prospects, making it an attractive suburb for property investors.
Population by age segment Inventory Risk - Months of Stock on Market
Make A Start
All the planning in the world means nothing if you do not put it into action. So, now that you have the strategy, the plan, and the team, it is time to take the plunge. This means knowing exactly what you want to do and making sure you actually follow through.
Three tactics to taking action
To help kick yourself into action, try these three simple tricks:
1
Make a mental commitment
Your mind is often the biggest barrier to actually following through with a planned action. It can play tricks on you, making you question your decisions and priorities, and undermining your resolve. To overcome this, you need to remain focused on the outcome and avoid letting the desire to procrastinate take hold.
2
Get your team to hold you to account
Your team should be as committed to your success as you are and willing to push you to get results. So, share your goals with them and ask them to help make sure you actually take the required steps. Even if they just regularly check on your progress, that kind of follow up can be enough to drive action.
3
Create a checklist
The bigger an action is, the harder it will seem and the more likely you are to put it off. But breaking it down into smaller steps can make it seem much more achievable and easier to prioritise. So, instead of committing to "buy an investment property", come up with a checklist that guides you through the process.
Lessons learnt: Moving from thinking to doing
Jerry was a data analyst and came to us with incredibly detailed spreadsheets covering market data, buying checklists, and pricing models. But while he had more than enough information to make great investment decisions, he struggled taking the next step. We worked with him to change this and helped him buy two properties in three years.
What did we learn: Jerry's experience showed us that, as crucial as research is, it means nothing without follow through. It also highlighted that, while the first step may be a tough one, everyone after it gets easier.
CLIENT STORY
How Daniel finally took action
Young mechanic with a partner who was energetic to build wealth through property. Initially, were considering to buy a unit in Sydney for their first home. We ran various cash flow analysis and projections and the returns did not stack up. Decided to opt to be a 'rentvestor' and purchased their first investment property instead. Were seeking high growth and solid rental returns. Now ready for investment #2.
Daniel's investment property numbers
Brick walled, tiled roof house
3 bed, 2 bath, 1 car
price
$361,000 Jan-22
Price
growth
Rent Price At Purchase
$320pw
$480pw
Rental Growth
Current Rent 20.70%
CLIENT STORY
How a full valuation gave Sophia peace of mind
Recently single mom of 2 girls. Renting in Melbourne in inner city area as buy price too high. Nervous to start with byt took action to invest to build her wealth and continue to rent in a desirable area.We created a strategy analysis and cashflow to ensure we aligned with plan. Enjoyed the seeing the success of her investment and has recently purchased investment #2.
Brick walled, tiled roof house
4 bed, 2 bath, 1 garage
Purchase price
$566,000 Jan-23
Current Price
$670,000
Capital growth
$103,000
Rent Price At Purchase
$320pw
Current Rent
$480pw
Rental Growth
20.70%
Lessons learnt: Doing your own due diligence
We previously worked with a client who pulled out of a purchase because termites were found on the property's fence. Apparently, they were worried it was a sign of bigger issues as they had a friend who experienced something similar. However, this property only required minor repairs, and a comparable property sold for $50,000 more a week later.
What did we learn: This experience reinforced how easily some investors can be put off. It is also a reminder that being willing to do minor repairs could help you get a great deal.
CLIENT STORY
How data helped Mohan find his dream home
Young couple with 2 children. Had equity in family home and wanted to build a investment portfolio. Conducted detailed strategy session and planned to buy two properties in 12 months. Need additional guidance around data and process. Busy with work and kids activities. Have seen great success with their current investments and now seeking finance for investment #3.
Mohan's investment property numbers
Brick walled, tiled roof house
4 bed, 2 bath, 1 garage
Purchase price
$412,000 Dec-22
Current Price
$540,000
Capital growth
$128,000
Rent Price At Purchase
$450pw
Current Rent
$600pw
Rental Growth
22.20%
Lessons learnt: Trusting the expert advice
Tammy was not sure whether she wanted her first investment property to be a large family home or a townhouse. Everyone she knew was telling her to buy a house but based on her situation, we strongly recommend a townhouse. She ended up trusting us and her townhouse delivered 40% capital growth in the first 12 months and a 7-8% gross yield.
What did we learn: We appreciate that Tammy took our advice and are very happy it worked out so well for her. However, this experience was a reminder that too many investors trust the opinions of friends more than credible market data.
Here's What Our Clients Have To Say
