The Block winners Mitch and Mark to host new Location, Location, Location

Aussie favourite Location, Location, Location is returning to our screens for the first time in nearly a decade – and it’s got a couple of fun new hosts to boot. 

Dynamite property duo and winners of The Block 2021, Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie, will use their many years of experience to help everyday Australians in a variety of situations find their dream home. 

Mark says signing on to the show was a “no-brainer”.

“Property can be scary,” he says. “So, I think if we can bring that knowledge and fun, hell yes. When we were asked, ‘Would you consider [hosting the show]’, it was like, ‘Absolutely. In a heartbeat’.”

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Casting for the exciting new season of Location, Location, Location is now open.

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Viewers and those participating in the show will benefit from the pair’s nearly two decades of experience buying and selling homes as Mitch and Mark demystify the property purchasing process and coach buyers on how to see what a property truly represents. 

“We’ve been privileged enough to gain a lot of knowledge through the highs and the lows and through making mistakes and getting it right,” says Mitch. “And through that, it positions us better than most.”

The pair see their role as helping reframe what can be a “daunting journey” for prospective buyers. 

“It can be fun if you take away the nerves,” says Mark. “And we want to be there with them. Because when people are buying property, normally they’re buying from an agent. Now, the agent, rightfully so, is representing the seller. So, we’re going to be the buyer’s guardian angel, sitting on their shoulder, to represent them.”

The latest season is set to launch on Channel 10 later this year and casting is now open for keen house hunters. 

Ahead of the show, Mitch and Mark have some top tips and key messages to share with prospective buyers. 

Know what you want

It might sound obvious, but Mitch and Mark emphasise the importance of being clear on what you’re looking for in a home – including your non-negotiables – before you start searching.

“Actually sit and work out what you want, and work out what’s absolutely necessary and what’s desirable and what’s your back-up plan,” says Mark. “So, when you’re going looking, you’re going with some knowledge about yourself and your needs. Think about your family. How many rooms do you really need? And what are the compromises you can make?” 

Research your location (location, location)

There’s a reason why property experts love this adage. Mitch and Mark say that once you know your location inside out, you know almost as much as an agent.

“You need to know exactly what’s going on in the area you’re looking at, and in quite intimate detail,” says Mark. “Whether it’s on the high side of the hill or the low part of the town. Every little nuance changes the value of property, so the more you know about the market you’re looking in, the more equipped you are to know a good buy when you see it.”

“The Domain app is brilliant. It has to become your bible,” adds Mitch. “That’s where you can get all your information. You can organise yourself through the app. But you’ll find out everything that’s going on in the market through that app, and the more you use it, the better prepared you are when you get out there and start pounding the pavement.

“You start to see patterns of what’s happening in certain parts of the suburb. You’ll see the main road will be lower priced. You’ll see the dark side of the hill will be cheaper … You have all that research before you even go and look at your first property.”

Don’t wait too long in a cooling market 

Mitch points out that in the current market, where property prices are generally flattening or trending downwards, those who hold their horses for too long might miss out. 

“My tip is, don’t wait too long,” says Mitch, “The market may drop a little bit further, but if you wait too long to jump in, as soon as the upswing takes off again, it takes off. There’s no turning back. So, if you’re in it for the long game, if you’re going to own your home for the next seven years, whether the market drops a little more now or it stays the same, you just want to make sure you’re in there before it upswings again.”

Count the apologies

Mitch and Mark are known for recognising the potential in “ugly duckling” homes. Part of the duo’s approach when sizing up these properties is to “measure the number of apologies”. 

“If you were to repair that house and make it beautiful, what are the things you can’t fix? What are the things that are always going to be a problem? A busy main road. A flight path. Not getting any sun. Facing south,” says Mark. “All the things you can’t fix will determine the top value you can ever put the property back on the market for.”

Casting for the new season of Location, Location, Location is now open. Go to 10play.com.au/casting to apply now.