Author: Yianni Garbas

  • Runs in the Family: my Acme Mag interview

    The Darling Building, Adelaide

    In March 2020, Acme Mag sat me down for an interview called “Runs in the Family”. I was a chartered accountant, new to real estate, and still working out what kind of agent I wanted to be.

    Reading it back, not much has changed. Dad built houses. Mum sold them. I grew up in a house where property was the dinner table conversation, and I picked up the same three things from both of them: look after people, be honest, and do the work.

    A lot more auctions since then. Still an accountant underneath the suit, ethics first, discipline always, and the numbers get checked twice.

    If you want the original, it’s here: Acme Mag, “Runs in the Family”. Thanks to the team there for the story.

  • Property, Oil & Taco’s…

    Sounds like a bad joke or dinner at my in-law’s on a Thursday night.
    I haven’t posted on here in ages, to be fair ive been off socials all year, busy working, living, trying to be more present, all that good stuff.

    But I had a friend call and ask about the plethora of sh!t going on at the moment, rate rises, possible CGT changes, oil price hikes and years. But the number of conversations I’ve had this week — from clients, colleagues, mates — all circling the same question has been hard to ignore.

    “Should I buy property right now?” or “Should I sell before WW3?…or at least before GTA VI drops(I assured him if thats the case he has plenty of time”

    So grab a coffee, and read through this while you pretend to be engaged with that Zoom meeting.

    The RBA just hiked rates for the second month in a row. Cash rate’s at 4.10%. There’s a war in the Middle East pushing fuel prices through the roof. Consumer sentiment is in pessimistic territory. Tariff uncertainty everywhere.

    Adelaide’s auction clearance rate dipped to around 65% a few weeks ago, the lowest we’d seen since last August.

    It feels like a melting pot of things outside anyone’s control.

    And I get why people are uncertain. Construction costs are touted to go up 20%, insurances etc…when the world feels uncertain, doing nothing feels safe.

    Property is not something you time, like all the greats, Buffett, Munger, Garbas, Dalio have said it is time in market not timing the market.

    So why property?(not financial advice) If you’re buying a home, it’s an asset with dual utility it’s shelter and a store of wealth.

    And here is the thing, everyone I know who bought in 2020 when the world was arguably scarier than it is now isn’t sitting around regretting the specific day (25 March, Happy Greek Indepdence Day) they signed the contract. They’re looking at what that asset is worth today and thinking, “thank God we bought”/

    Adelaide’s median house price has been climbing for years. Supply is still constrained. Population growth is real. Rental demand isn’t going anywhere. Those fundamentals haven’t changed because petrol hit $2.59 at your local servo.

    The people who build wealth through property aren’t the ones who wait for perfect conditions. They’re the ones who bought well, held long, and made decisions based on a 10-year lens, not a 10-day news cycle(turn the tv off, get off socials, get some fresh air, read a book…more a note to myself)

    I’m not saying rush out and buy anything. That’s reckless. I’m saying don’t let short-term noise override long-term strategy.

    If you’ve got the capacity, you’ve done the numbers, and the asset stacks up, the best time to act is when others are hesitating.

    And here is how I see it, even if my principal place of residence crashed 30%, I’m not selling, sure the numbers don’t look as great on paper, but my family have shelter a roof over their head, safety and security, why would I sell? (I don’t see the market crashing 30% just FYI)

    Anyway that’s my 2 cents, Claude, Chatty & Grok would not approve of this message, however I don’t really care, and if you made it this far, kudos to you, I owe you a coffee…ill have to ride my bicycle to you seeing as my daughters are asking to go for a drive to sleep(clearly they haven’t been paying attention as we drive past the servo).


    Στην υγειά μας / (Stin iyia mas) / to our health

    – YG

  • Home is closer than you think…

    Within the tranquil green surroundings of a Wynn Vale neighbourhood, 21 Horama Close shows there is beauty in simplicity, even in suburban architecture. Designed with deliberate efficiency and economy in mind, this five-bedroom residence, spanning an impressive 250sqm internal, offers a versatile space to evolve along with your growing family, but still easy-care low maintenance ground.

    Tranquilly tucked within a quiet no-through road of Gulfview Village whilst keeping every amenity of Westfield TTP on close call, this lavishly large residence elevates family living with sweeping views to Outer Harbour and beyond.

    As owners Heather & Neville emphasises: “This home has brought us peace, privacy, and comfort, and brings us joy on a daily basis, for over 17 years.”

    Steeped in classic federation style and the encompassing foothills landscape, the flexible five-bedroom footprint incorporates multiple living zones, ornate ceilings and decorative archways to add a generous sense of refined character.

    Cleverly configured to provide generational independence, the master bedroom, walk-in robe and couple’s ensuite with corner spa are situated to the front of the footprint, alongside a fifth bedroom to keep any little ones close.

    Matching the generous proportions of inside, you’ll find multiple places to entertain or enjoy your morning coffee undercover, with plenty of lawn for kids and pets to create their own fun.

  • Relish Relaxation in Style in Rosslyn Park

    5C Ayr Street is a timeless home that doesn’t stop delivering…Stretching from picture-perfect frontage to north-facing rear, wrapped with lush gardens, and thoroughly at home in Rosslyn Park’s leafy heart, 5c Ayr Street is the ultimate base for any lifestyle. 

    For the late owner, Vida, it was not merely a residence but a sanctuary of tranquility, safety and community.

    Radiating a street appeal more than worthy of its prestige address, a Tuscan-style façade fronts a versatile layout that expands far beyond first impressions. French doors and picture windows line an extensive formal lounge and open plan living area, providing an abundance of space to spread out and endless scope to configure exactly as you like simultaneously. 

    Uniting all zones, an intuitive kitchen layers granite benchtops over a full suite of stainless-steel Westinghouse appliances, island bench ensuring easy meal service and smooth flow.

    An expansive main bedroom is expertly serviced by high-end ensuite, ultra-wide stone topped vanity, bathtub, and corner shower ready to bring serenity to everyday rituals. Two additional bedrooms are tucked privately in their own wing, with family bathroom cleverly designed to double as ensuite on demand. 

    Seamlessly extending the footprint alfresco and soaking up northern orientation, a vast Vergola instantly secures its place as your entertaining epicentre for morning coffee, Christmas lunch, and every moment in between. Overlooking lawn and curated garden beds, the rear yard completes the equation with a botanical sanctuary sure to please green thumbs and furry family members alike without requiring all your downtime.

    Vida’s life and memories are deeply embedded here, in a home created with care, and lived in with love. 5C Ayr Street offers its next custodian something truly special – a space to live, love, laugh and enjoy the leafy green oasis that is Rosslyn Park. 

  • Adelaide Property Market Analysis: FY24 Price Surge and FY25 Forecast – Rental Market and Supply-Demand Balance

    Happy New Financial Year, I hope you are well and keeping warm. 

    📈 Adelaide Property Market: Prices Surged 15.4% in the 2024 Financial Year(FY) 📈

    Adelaide’s property market had a strong showing in FY24 despite tough economic conditions like higher living costs and increased interest rates. The ongoing shortage of homes continued to drive up property values.

    💲 Property Values – Adelaide’s Median Value now sits at $767,974

    • Monthly: Property prices rose by 0.7% in June 2024 nationwide, with capital cities and regional markets both seeing gains of 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively. Adelaide grew by 1.7% in June. 
    • Quarterly: Adelaide, property prices increased by 4.7% in Q4 2024.
    • Annual: Nationally, property prices jumped by 8.0% over FY24, led by Perth (23.6%), Brisbane (15.8%), and Adelaide (15.4%).

    🏘 Market Trends

    • Diverse Landscape: While the national market is strong, local conditions vary widely depending on location, price range, and property type. Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland are seeing strong price growth due to tight supply, while Victoria and Tasmania are dealing with more listings and softer conditions.
    • Affordability and Demand: Demand for affordable housing has risen as borrowing capacity shrinks and affordability becomes more challenging. Properties in the lower price brackets are appreciating faster, driven by first-time buyers and investors.
    • Rental Market: Rental prices continued to rise steadily, up 0.4% in June and 8.2% annually. However, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are seeing slower growth in unit rentals due to affordability issues and less international migration.
    • Supply-Demand Balance: Despite more listings, total housing availability remains well below the five-year average, with Perth (-47%), Adelaide (-43%), and Brisbane (-34%) facing significant shortages. In contrast, Melbourne (+14%) and Hobart (+46%) have seen higher-than-usual listings.

    🔮 Outlook Looking ahead to FY25, the market is expected to keep its momentum with tight supply and strong demand pushing prices. Challenges like affordability and high interest rates persist, but potential tax cuts and expected interest rate adjustments in early 2025 could stimulate further market activity.

    Whatever your goals or aspirations, do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your plans for the future. 

    Feedback is always encouraged, and we would love to hear from you. Please share any suggestions about what you would like to hear more about.

    Best Wishes,
    YG