OpenScope Realty · October 2026 · Edition 01
The Property Edge
Real Deals. Smarter Strategies. Better Property Decisions.
Would You Walk Past This Property?
Look Beyond the For Sale Sign.
Have you ever walked into a property and thought, 'This place needs too much work'?
Fair enough. But sometimes that's exactly where an interesting opportunity begins.
A good property and a good property deal aren't always the same thing.
Welcome to the first edition of The Property Edge.
I'm Kunal from OpenScope Realty. After more than 20 years working across property and finance, one thing I've learned is that the most attractive opportunity isn't always the best-looking home.
Sometimes it's the purchase price. Sometimes it's the land, the rental return or the potential to create future value.
I'll be sharing real purchases, practical lessons and the questions worth asking before making a property decision. Just the sort of thinking we use when assessing a purchase.
A recent purchase in Melbourne
A Family Home with More Than One Advantage
We recently helped a client secure a Melbourne family home for $976,000, against our indicative market assessment of approximately $1.06 million.
$976,000
Purchase Price
Approximately $84,000
Below Indicative Market Assessment
The $84,000 difference is based on our indicative market assessment, not a formal valuation, realised profit or guaranteed equity.
But the price was only part of the story.
The home has approximately 720m² of land, an existing four-bedroom layout and the potential for a targeted cosmetic renovation, including adapting a room into a fifth bedroom, subject to feasibility.
The plan isn't to flip it immediately.
It's to create a comfortable family home today, with the opportunity to improve its value over time.
The Real Advantage? Buying With a Plan From Day One.
How we look at it
Buy the Finished Product or Create Value Yourself?
Imagine two properties in the same suburb.
One is beautifully renovated and priced accordingly.
The other looks tired but has a solid layout, useful land and room for well-planned improvements.
Which would you buy?
The answer depends on your objectives.
For a homebuyer, comfort may come first.
For a flipper, the resale margin must cover renovations, finance, selling costs, contingencies and tax.
For an investor, net rental return and long-term demand matter.
In commercial property, tenant strength, lease terms and outgoings can be just as important as the building.
The Smartest Deal Isn't Necessarily the Cheapest Property. It's the Property Where the Strategy and Numbers Make Sense.
October property perspective
A Changing Market Makes Selection Even More Important.
Borrowing costs remain an important consideration, and property conditions vary significantly by location and asset type.
We're particularly interested in purchases where price, local demand, holding costs and the ability to add value can be assessed properly.
Not every off-market property is a bargain.
Not every high-yield property is positively geared.
And not every renovation is worth doing.
Sometimes the best move is to walk away.
Your take
What Would You Choose With a $700,000 Investment Budget?
A.
A renovated, low-maintenance property
B.
An older property with value-add potential
C.
A property with stronger rental income potential
Which would you choose, and why?
Newsletter subscribers can reply to the email edition with A, B or C to share their thoughts.
A Note from Kunal
Whether you're buying your own home, building a portfolio, assessing a renovation project or advising a client, I hope The Property Edge gives you a useful perspective.
At OpenScope Realty, we work with buyers and investors on sourcing, negotiation, renovation and value-add strategies, development feasibility and selected commercial opportunities.
We also assist property owners through independent vendor advocacy.
If you work with property clients as a broker, accountant, financial planner or another professional, I am always happy to compare notes or offer a second perspective on a potential purchase.
Have a question, a deal to discuss or just want to exchange ideas?
Cheers,
Kunal Batavia
Founder & Director | OpenScope Realty
Licensed Buyer's & Vendor Advocate