Gregory Kolyvas has secured $851,000 for a two-bedroom Rockdale apartment, setting a new building record through a database-driven campaign that generated five offers and exceeded vendor expectations by more than $50,000.
Gregory Kolyvas knew the double lock-up garage would be the circuit-breaker. When he listed a two-bedroom apartment at 29/8-16 Aboukir Street, Rockdale, the rare parking feature immediately set it apart in a suburb where single garages are standard.
What followed was a carefully orchestrated campaign that combined database intelligence with high-quality marketing to deliver $851,000 — a new building record and more than $50,000 above what the vendors had hoped to achieve.
The database advantage
Gregory’s strategy centred on buyers who had previously inspected or enquired on similar properties he’d sold in Aboukir Street and surrounding streets over the past six to 12 months.
“We’ve sold quite a few properties in this area recently, and we utilised our database of buyers from those campaigns,” Gregory said.
“Getting buyers through the door from realestate.com.au and Domain is easy — they’re actively searching. But having our database buyers at the same open homes made it look a lot fuller. There was a genuine sense of fear of missing out among buyers, which helped us generate higher offers.”
The approach worked. Five offers came through, representing a mix of local investors, downsizers helping their children enter the market, and buyers from the Eastern Suburbs and Inner West seeking an affordable entry point.
The rare features that mattered
The double lock-up garage proved to be the standout feature, with buyers repeatedly commenting on its rarity in the surrounding suburbs. Combined with the apartment’s construction quality and north-facing aspect, it created a compelling package.
As the campaign progressed, some of the initial buyers dropped away, extending the marketing period beyond Gregory’s initial expectations. But two serious contenders remained, and the negotiation turned into a back-and-forth contest.
“We had two buyers competing right to the end, and we pushed them to get the best possible result for our vendor,” Gregory said.
“It came down to the final details — settlement terms and other specifics — but ultimately we were focused on getting the best possible price. That’s the job.”
Exceeding expectations in uncertain times
The vendors had entered the market hoping for somewhere in the low $800,000s. The final result of $851,000 not only exceeded that figure but also set the highest sale price the building had ever achieved.
“They were absolutely over the moon,” Gregory said.
“When they found out we’d got the building record, they were super impressed. The property rightly deserved it.”
Local context
Rockdale offers practical apartment living with easy access to Rockdale Station, shopping precincts, and Brighton-Le-Sands beach. The suburb appeals to buyers priced out of neighbouring areas like Kogarah and Hurstville, where comparable two-bedroom units typically command higher median prices.
Market perspective
For Gregory, the result stands as evidence against the prevailing market pessimism dominating news headlines.
“While the market’s been slower than expected, this result shows what strong negotiation and the right strategy can achieve,” he said.
“There are many buyers out and about looking for good property. If you’re a seller watching the news and feeling deterred, have a look at recent sales in your area. With the right strategy and negotiation skills, you can achieve a premium result no matter which market we’re facing.”
The campaign’s success came down to persistence and refusing to settle for an easier sale at a lower price.
“We could have easily sold the property for a lot cheaper, but we wanted to ensure we got the best possible price no matter the market,” Gregory said.
“That’s why the owners are so over the moon — we delivered a record price in a market where there’s so much uncertainty.”
About the Agent
Gregory Kolyvas from Chase Property Group operates with transparency and integrity, bringing deep local insight and broader Sydney market knowledge to every campaign. Known for measured advice and clear communication, Gregory builds long-term client relationships grounded in trust and discretion. His active community involvement strengthens the networks that benefit his clients, while his strategic focus consistently delivers strong results. Visit Gregory’s website for more information or call Gregory on 0412357849.