I recently caught up with a couple based in the UAE who purchased through us about a year ago. Their story perfectly sums up why knowing where to buy and having a clear strategy makes all the difference for expats investing from overseas.
Two Properties, Two Very Different Outcomes
About five years ago, they purchased an apartment in Melbourne on their own. It wasn’t a bad decision; it gave them a base to use when returning home and, through consistent overpayments, they’ve built solid equity. But in terms of growth, it’s gone sideways. And, in my view, it’s likely to stay that way through the next cycle. That’s the reality for many apartments right now. They can serve a purpose but rarely deliver the kind of capital growth most people expect.
Fast forward to the property we purchased together last year, a well-located investment in Hampton, carefully chosen around their long-term goals. In just twelve months, it’s appreciated by around 10%, comfortably outperforming the broader Melbourne market.
- Same buyers.
- Same city.
- Completely different results.
The Power of Knowing Where
When we sat down in the office recently to reassess their portfolio, the conversation was wide-ranging. We looked at everything: subdivisions, heritage homes, land, apartments, you name it. But the key ingredient was clarity. Understanding what truly matters most to them right now, and in the years ahead.
Then, at one point, I got that familiar feeling, the goosebumps moment, when the right strategy came into focus. It was clear, practical, and future-proofed. That’s the kind of strategy I love. Purpose-led. Thoughtful. Future-first. Because sometimes the smartest property move isn’t about chasing the biggest return, it’s about buying something that supports your life and unlocks your next step
Why So Many Expats Get Stuck
For many expats, the hardest part of buying in Melbourne isn’t the paperwork or the distance. It’s not knowing where to start. Melbourne is huge. Each suburb has its own story, its own price rhythm, and its own potential. From overseas, it’s almost impossible to see that nuance clearly. That’s why so many expats either put off buying altogether or make decisions based on convenience or comfort, often resulting in properties that underperform.
What We Do Differently
Our entire process at Shortlist is built to solve this exact problem. We help expats identify where to buy, why it fits their goals, and how to do it safely from overseas. Every stage, from goal setting to suburb selection to negotiation, is designed to make remote buying feel less remote. We know the pain points, the logistics, and the emotional challenges of buying from afar. And we’ve built a framework that brings it all together, clarity, confidence, and strategy.
This UAE-based couple’s success wasn’t luck. It was structure, clarity, and purpose. They used their apartment’s manufactured equity to re-enter the market in a smarter way, this time, in a location built for growth. The result? A portfolio that now balances lifestyle flexibility with genuine investment performance.
That’s the goal for every expat we work with, not just to buy a property, but to buy the right one. Because for expats buying from overseas, knowing where is everything and helping you find that, that’s what we do best.
→ Join The Shortlist
If you’re an Australian expat living abroad and unsure where to start, The Shortlist is your first step. It’s designed to help you gain clarity, refine your goals, and learn exactly how to buy the right property from overseas, safely and confidently.