Finding the right fit in Leichhardt.

The challenge:

While they had clear lifestyle priorities, their search lacked structure. They weren’t fixed on location, but were focused on finding the right house and the right “vibe.” Renovating was an option in theory — though it quickly became clear that Alice was far less enthusiastic about taking on a project than Mark.

When we met in October, they shared their dream of being in a new home by Christmas. With only one week together before they both left for two weeks overseas, we needed to move quickly but thoughtfully.

Our approach:

We used their overseas travel time strategically.

• Inspected properties on their behalf and provided detailed video walkthroughs & agent reviews via our client portal

• Assessed true value and renovation risk across multiple suburbs

• Clarified alignment around appetite for renovation vs. move-in-ready

• Shortlisted three strong contenders to view on their return — East, Lower North Shore and Leichhardt

The Leichhardt property stood out immediately. It had been on the market for five weeks and withdrawn from auction after an early $3.4m offer was rejected. The buyer had since purchased elsewhere, leaving the property slightly stale.

When Nathan and Alice saw it, they were surprised by the scale — four bedrooms, generous garden, and a true village setting. It wasn’t an area they had originally considered, but the lifestyle and space were compelling.

We encouraged them to explore the neighbourhood properly — cafés, pubs, commute to work, and a second inspection with family — before making a decision.

Client snapshot:

Nathan and Alice had been searching on and off for around six months before engaging us. Engaged to be married the following year, they were eager to settle into their own home — particularly after 18 months living with Al’s father following complications with their apartment.

With a budget of up to $3.1m, they were exploring Surry Hills, Redfern, Paddington and parts of the Lower North Shore and Inner West. Their brief was 2–3 bedrooms, room to start a family, and a walkable “village” lifestyle close to cafés and pubs. They expected this would be a 5 to 7 year home.

With the vendors already relocated overseas and motivated to sell, timing worked in our favour.

We submitted an offer of $3.05m with a 2 week settlement. After measured negotiations, the property was secured at $3.075m - within budget and exceptional value for a finished four bedroom home in the area.

They exchanged within four weeks of engaging us — and moved in before Christmas.

The outcome:

“We thought being in our own home before Christmas was a pipe dream. But once we engaged Nadene and John, we knew we had the help we needed.

The whole process was amazing. They really gave us the confidence to broaden our thinking & take action.”

Alice

This purchase succeeded because we expanded the search without compromising the brief.

By looking beyond their initial suburb shortlist, we found a home that exceeded expectations — offering space for their future family without the stress of renovation. Strategic negotiation, understanding vendor motivation, and the ability to move quickly were key to securing the property at the right price.

When I caught up with Nathan and Alice after they had moved in, they said they almost felt like they were “playing house” — hardly believing it was theirs. But what they were most grateful for was this: they could now focus on their wedding, not a building project, and grow into a home that would serve them well beyond the 5 to 7 years they had originally imagined.

Why this worked:

Sometimes the right move starts with a broader perspective.
Let’s explore what might be possible for you.