Inside Laura Jayes’ Property Journey – From First Apartment to $3 Million

Property, Politics & the $3M Question

In our latest episode of Talking Real Estate with John Gibson, we welcomed  Laura Jayes, one of Australia’s most respected political journalists and the anchor of  AM Agenda on Sky News.

In this snippet, John puts Laura on the spot with a simple but revealing question: “How would you spend $3 million?” Her answer shines a light on the way many Australians think about lifestyle, security and property priorities when faced with a big decision.

Watch the short clip below, and catch the full episode where Laura dives deeper into property, the economy, and the politics shaping it all.

Listen to the full podcast here or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Trends

Resilient Growth: Sydney property prices have shown strong resilience, with median house prices rebounding and trending upward.
Tight supply supporting prices: New listing volumes remain below long-term averages, constraining supply and underpinning vendor positions.
Infrastructure & growth corridors driving opportunity: Upcoming transport and infrastructure projects (rail extensions, road upgrades, urban renewal zones) are shaping growth areas and buyer interest.
Investors: are targeting areas with lower vacancy rates and better rental yields, reflecting the pressure on housing availability.

Commercial Property Market

Investment Trends: Investors are focusing on quality assets like industrial and premium office spaces. Capital values have adjusted, creating opportunities in value-add and opportunistic investments.
Key Drivers: Infrastructure projects (e.g. Western Sydney Airport, Sydney Metro) are influencing future growth zones. Hybrid work models and rising construction costs continue to shape leasing and development strategies.
Vacancy Rising: Sydney CBD vacancy office is around 13.5% – 13.7%, one of the highest levels in decades.

Every market shift creates openings.
The key is knowing how to move on them.

Residential Buyer’s Agent

Cronulla Apartment for Investment

Summary

Our client engaged us to source an investment property with strong long-term potential. With a focus on future uplift and the ability to hold for the long term, we explored a wide range of opportunities across Sydney’s growth corridors before securing a Cronulla apartment that offered significant development upside.

Key Points

Objective: Secure an investment with long-term growth and potential for future uplift
Explored both western Sydney growth areas (linked to new transport infrastructure) and coastal suburbs undergoing planning law changes
Identified a boutique block of only five units with strong land content and redevelopment potential if amalgamated with neighbouring properties
Conducted extensive due diligence on zoning, development feasibility, and market conditions
Negotiated terms and worked closely with client’s legal and finance teams to fast-track an unconditional exchange

Successful Outcome

We successfully assisted the client in securing a quality apartment in Cronulla — a highly desirable coastal location. The property presents strong fundamentals and offers significant upside through future redevelopment potential. While all investments carry risk, this acquisition positions the client to benefit from returns that could exceed those typically achieved through standard residential units, subject to future planning and market conditions.

Seller’s Advocacy
Pymble House

Assisted with the successful sale of a family home in Pymble, achieving a smooth outcome for long-term owners moving to their next chapter.

Residential Buyer’s Agent
Gymea Apartment

Acted on behalf of an overseas client to secure a low-maintenance unit in Gymea. Targeted a high-demand location with strong rental appeal and negotiated successfully in a competitive market.

Commercial Tenant Representation
Sydney Fringe City Office

Relocated an established business into larger office premises, negotiating favourable lease terms to support growth.

“It was great working with John. He had local knowledge, good advice and connections that eventuated in a successful property purchase. We had been searching in the area for some time, and it was only by working with John that we were able gain access to an off market opportunity that eventuated with a successful sale. He communicated well and was very supportive throughout the process. Thanks John!” – Candice K