Sam Rigopoulos
A founding director and auctioneer at Jellis Craig Inner North, Sam is considered one of Melbourne’s top-performing agents, particularly in the prestige and design-led market. Awarded REIV Salesperson of the Year in 2018 and 2019 and a former number one in REB’s Top 50 Sales Agents, he has an instinctive understanding of the architectural and lifestyle value of homes across the inner north, and is personally driven by community and connection.
Co-founder of Agent Athletes, a platform blending high-performance mindset with industry excellence, Sam is a passionate foodie, a family man and a lifelong local of the Inner North.
What advice would you give to young people looking to buy in Melbourne?
Don’t be fixed on a particular suburb – instead, search within a region. Look for an asset that is well-serviced by amenity that gives you an entry into a market. Remember, your first home is not your final destination – getting a foothold into the market is most important.
What’s your number-one tip for someone selling their property?
It’s critical to focus on presentation, promotion and price – the three pillars to a successful campaign.
What is the favourite property you’ve sold and why?
The Old Bakery in Pigdon Street, Carlton North, an iconic Melbourne property and a hidden oasis tucked in a laneway. It had history, charm and was simply a lovely Melbourne home in a fantastic inner Melbourne location.
Do I need to renovate before I sell?
Only if you can be confident on the return on investment. Sometimes less is best and you should seek advice from a trusted local agent. The property might have appeal that transcends any upgrades you may make.
Where is the prestige market heading?
It’s going from strength to strength. Low supply is underpinning sustained growth in values. Rising building costs have contributed to the undersupply, ultimately leading to a growing number of people seeking turnkey homes.
How essential is social media as a selling tool?
Critical. There’s a whole market of people who are influenced by social media and what they see through those channels. The reality is that people spend more time there than any traditional media channel.
What suburbs do you think will experience the biggest growth over the next 12 months?
Speaking from an inner north of Melbourne perspective, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston and Reservoir.
Should I sell my property off-market?
If a discreet sale is important to you, then selling off market has its obvious merits.
However, if maximising price is critical, then an off-market sale should really only proceed if you have enough context or data that the offer is equal or better than going to market.
