The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate

Australia’s housing market is creaking under pressure — record-low affordability, rising lower-end prices, and policies that keep boosting demand instead of easing it. In this episode, Cotality’s Head of Research Eliza Owen helps us zoom out and make sense of the contradictions shaping today’s market.

We unpack why “years to save a 20% deposit” is the wrong metric, why income — not deposits — is the real barrier, and how the 5% deposit scheme pushes prices up by funnelling demand under strict caps. Eliza also breaks down the mismatch between the homes we build and how Australians actually live, alongside the co...

2026 is shaping up as a year of subtle indicators and big risks, and Louis Christopher breaks down the data points seasoned investors should be paying attention to right now.

In this episode, Louis joins Veronica and Chris just days after releasing the 2026 edition to unpack the findings that matter most: population growth moderating sharply, supply finally catching up in pockets, and why rental pressure may ease before prices do. And, critically, he reveals the assumptions his modelling rests on — and the risks that could topple them.

Louis walks us through the four core scenarios underpinning hi...

In this Q&A episode, Veronica and Chris unpack the real property questions investors are facing right now. From ATO debt rules to cashflow pressure and portfolio structure, this episode gets straight to the point and cuts through the myths.

They break down a $5.3M portfolio spread across Logan, Townsville, Shepparton, regional WA and Melbourne’s fringe, revealing why “affordable” properties often deliver slow long-term growth — and when selling is actually the smarter move.

The conversation also dives into rising insurance costs in flood-prone markets, including Gold Coast premiums hitting up to $20K a year. Veronica...

The Block 2025 auctions were billed as a massive TV spectacle — but what unfolded in Daylesford turned out to be one of the most revealing auction finales the show has aired in years. 

Five nearly identical, fully furnished homes were pushed to market on a single afternoon, each carrying price expectations the local market was never built to support. What followed was a rare moment where real buyer behaviour overpowered reality-TV momentum.

To break down what really went on, we’re joined by buyers and vendors advocate Mark Errichiello, who attended the auctions, tracked buyer behaviour, and h...

Everyone’s talking about AI as the future of property, but what if it’s quietly distorting how we see value?

Veronica and Chris sit down with Luke Metcalfe, founder of Microburbs and DataScape, to reveal why precision in property data is often just an illusion. Luke, one of Australia’s leading data scientists, reveals why many AI-driven tools sound convincing but are often wrong — and how they can even manipulate our confidence in property decisions.

From understanding what AI models are actually trained to do, to exploring why machine learning can’t yet capture local nuan...

Property investment has entered dangerous new territory. What used to be about building long-term wealth has become clouded by hype, shortcuts, and unqualified advice. Investors are being drawn into speculative schemes disguised as strategy. 

In this episode, Veronica and Chris sit down with Ben Kingsley, Founding Managing Director of Empower Wealth and Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA), to unpack the alarming resurgence of speculative, misleading, and unlicensed property advice spreading across Australia.

Ben recently authored an open letter to industry associations, warning of “get-rich-quick” operators, social media influencers, and unqualified advisors encou...

There’s a side of the property market most Australians never see — where listings don’t make headlines, and deals happen behind closed doors.

In this episode, we step into that world of discretion and discovery with William Laing, Co-Founder and CEO of Quiet List, to explore how off-market sales are quietly reshaping the real estate landscape.

With nearly one in five Sydney homes now trading off-market, William reveals how private listings are redefining demand and changing how agents, buyers, and sellers connect. From price-testing vendors and privacy-driven sellers to the rise of buyer’s agents a...

Australia’s strata system was once a clever solution to urban living — a way to share land, lift homeownership, and build communities in growing cities. But decades later, that same framework is struggling to keep up with modern life.

What once worked for small, low-rise communities now governs the high-density towers that house millions of Australians. The result? Costs have climbed, decision-making has grown more complex, and owners often find themselves footing bills for problems they didn’t create

In this episode, Prof. Cathy Sherry — Professor at Macquarie Law School and Executive Member of Smart Green Ci...

Australia’s housing shortage isn’t just about planning approvals or red tape — it’s about money. 

In this episode, commercial finance expert Jean-Pierre Gortan, Joint Founder of Simplicity Loans & Advisory, joins Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates to unpack the financial bottlenecks preventing new homes from being built, even in areas crying out for supply.

Jean-Pierre draws on more than two decades of experience structuring complex, multi-lender deals to explain why so many developments are stuck in limbo. From Parramatta to Penrith, he reveals how post-COVID construction cost blowouts, tighter lending standards, and broken feasibility models ha...

Property decisions today hinge on interest rates, inflation, and housing demand — but what if the traditional signals we’ve all relied on no longer give the full picture?

In this episode, we sit down with Alan Oster, former Chief Economist of NAB and one of Australia’s most respected economic voices, to unpack what really matters in a housing market under stress.

Alan explains why GDP, unemployment, and even consumer surveys can mislead investors, and why real-time banking data has changed the game. He shares stories from decades of forecasting — including times when the “headline” numbers poin...

What’s really driving property investors in 2025? The latest PIPA Investor Sentiment Survey lays it bare — and the results matter for every investor, renter, and policymaker in Australia.

In this episode, we’re joined by Lachlan Vidler, Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA), to unpack the top findings. The survey shows investors are selling under pressure—with debt reduction, compliance costs, and land tax topping the list of reasons. But here’s the kicker: when those properties are sold, only 42% stay in the rental pool, shrinking rental supply and pushing rents higher.

Policy ris...

Short-term rentals have faced caps, levies, and rising costs. Investors are asking the big question: Does the short-stay model still work?

In this episode, Quirin Schwaighofer, co-founder and co-CEO of MadeComfy, joins us to unpack the state of the short-stay market in 2025. We talk about how regulations like NSW’s 180-day cap and Byron Bay’s 60-day limits are reshaping operations, where demand is shifting post-COVID, and why distribution has moved far beyond Airbnb.

We also dive into when mid-term furnished rentals can outperform, what investors should track weekly to stay ahead, and the pitfalls that...

Property management in Australia has been facing challenges for years — tenants feel ignored, landlords are frustrated, and managers are burning out. The question is: is the entire model broken beyond repair?

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Bateman, strategist, innovator, and founder of property management platform Kolmeo, to unpack what’s gone wrong and what the future could look like. Scott brings unique insights from running Australia’s largest property management business, where outdated systems, legislative overload, and high staff turnover made clear that incremental fixes weren’t enough.

We explore why property manageme...

Australia’s housing market has been facing growing pressures in recent years.

Homeowners often sit on millions in equity but can’t easily access it, while aspiring buyers without the “Bank of Mum and Dad” struggle to get into the market. At the same time, investors chase capital growth but face the costly, stressful reality of being landlords.

In this episode, we sit down with Evan Thornley, CEO of LongView, to explore a smarter alternative: a residential property fund that unlocks equity for homeowners and delivers strong returns for investors. Through products like HomeFlex and Buying B...

Australia’s housing crisis isn’t just a social problem — it’s an economic one.

In this episode, Robert Pradolin, founder of Housing All Australians, argues that secure, affordable housing must be treated as essential infrastructure for the nation’s prosperity. With over 40 years in residential development, Robert brings both insider knowledge and bold solutions to a system that has been failing for decades.

We dig into how the private sector can mobilise unused buildings as “pop-up shelters,” why compassionate capitalism is redefining the role of developers, and how innovative construction methods like lightweight timber can cut costs...

NIMBY vs YIMBY? Is saying “no” to change protecting community character — or blocking the homes our cities desperately need?

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan O’Brien, lead organizer of YIMBY Melbourne, to unpack what’s at stake when communities resist — or embrace — change.

We dig into whether opposing development is simply selfish or a legitimate defense of lifestyle and character, and whether YIMBY optimism sometimes overlooks practical realities. From heritage streetscapes and leafy suburbs to missing-middle density and downsizer demand, this is a frank look at the trade-offs that come with growth.

Jonathan...

Commercial property isn’t just “resi with higher yields” — it’s a whole different game with its own language, rules, and risks.

In this episode, we sit down with Helen Tarrant, founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, to unpack what investors really need to know before making the leap.

Helen reveals why mindset is the first hurdle when moving from residential to commercial, and why too many investors skip the education that could save them from costly mistakes. We explore the key levers that drive a property’s value — lease term, location, tenant quality, and asset type — and why...

Australia’s strata sector is under pressure — and it's no longer a niche issue.

Following high-profile investigations by Four Corners and 7.30 Report, strata governance failures, building defects, and financial blowouts are now front and centre. With more Australians living in apartments and townhouses than ever before, what happens next in this space will impact millions.

In this episode, Kate McHugh, co-founder of the Strata Futures Stakeholder Engagement and Roundtable, joins us to unpack what’s driving the crisis—and what needs to change. Drawing from her work on the Strata Futures Report, Kate outlines the six key...

With property data becoming increasingly available, investors face a growing challenge: accurately interpreting the numbers. In this episode, Veronica and Chris speak with Matija Djolic, co-founder of HtAG Analytics, to discuss how investors can effectively use property data and avoid common mistakes.

Matija outlines four essential questions investors need to address before making decisions, emphasizing the importance of clearly understanding risk profiles, investment timeframes, and personal objectives. He highlights frequent pitfalls, including chasing short-term gains, misunderstanding suburb-level data, and misinterpreting market "hotspots."

This conversation equips investors with practical insights on responsible data use, clarifying when...

Today, we sit down with Scott Aggett, founder of Hello Haus, a negotiation service shaking up Australia’s property buying landscape. Scott pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes game of real estate negotiation and reveals why most buyers are unknowingly walking into traps laid by experienced selling agents. If you’ve ever felt outmatched or overwhelmed in the home-buying process, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s going on behind the scenes.

Listeners will gain deep insights into the psychological tactics agents use to push buyers into emotional decisions, often costing them tens of thousa...

If you’re navigating retirement planning in Australia, this episode is a must-listen.

Financial adviser James Wrigley joins The Elephant in the Room to unpack the strategies that high-income earners, Gen X professionals, and aspiring retirees can use to build a more secure financial future, without falling into the usual traps.

From maximising tax returns through superannuation to understanding why property may not be the most reliable retirement asset, James breaks down complex concepts into actionable steps. You’ll learn how super could grow from $300K to $2M, when and how to use catch-up contributions, and...

When it comes to property ownership in Australia, few topics are as misunderstood—and as crucial—as insurance. In this episode, Veronica sits down with Kimberley Jonsson, CEO of CHU Insurance, to unpack the growing risks in strata and property insurance and why many owners might be underprepared. From the rising cost of premiums to the unseen dangers lurking in older buildings, Kimberley brings expert insight into the systemic issues shaping Australia’s housing market—and what that means for you.

We dive into how the Insurance Affordability Index reveals a stark difference between houses and strata properti...

What happens when a city goes from being “uninvestable” to a national hotspot almost overnight?

In this episode, Perth-based buyer’s agent Matthew Hughes joins Veronica to unpack what’s driving the WA property surge—and what investors are getting wrong. With boots-on-the-ground insight, he shares why affordability alone is a flawed strategy, how investor FOMO is distorting the market, and why timing and fundamentals still matter.

While many are chasing quick wins, Matthew and Veronica challenge the hype. They dig into the risks of borderless buying, the pitfalls of relying solely on data, and why buying...

In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Riley, founder of Property Collectives, to explore a new way of thinking about housing—one rooted in collaboration, not speculation. Tim breaks down how the group build model works, why it’s gaining traction, and how it empowers people to co-create their homes rather than buy off the plan.

We cover a wide range of topics, including long-term land leases, co-op residency structures, cost-based living models, and how these ideas could offer an alternative to rising rents and traditional home ownership. Tim also talks through the realities of group decisi...

What’s really behind the shift we’re seeing in regional property market trends, especially along the NSW South Coast? In this episode, we sit down with our good friend and local expert Matthew Knight as someone who’s been living and breathing this stuff for years, to give us the real story. We’ve heard all the noise about COVID booms and tree changers flooding coastal towns, but what happens after the rush settles? Are people still moving out of the city, or has the tide gone out?

Matthew walks us through what he’s seeing on the gro...

Is housing really unaffordable because we’re not building enough? Or is that just one part of a much bigger, more complicated story? In this episode, we sit down with Peter Mares, journalist, researcher, and author of No Place Like Home – to break down the real reasons why housing is unaffordable in Australia today.

Peter walks us through how decades of policy decisions, from tax incentives to the withdrawal of public housing investment, have created a system that prioritises wealth-building over stability. We talk about the deeper issues at play; like how negative gearing and capital gains tax...

Is all this property wealth we talk about actually real—or is it just theoretical? That’s what we unpack in this episode with our guest Martin North, founder of Digital Finance Analytics and someone who’s been watching the numbers and the story behind them for years. We ask him: is Australia’s $11 trillion property market built on something solid, or are we clinging to an illusion that’s quietly reshaping the country?

Martin walks us through what he calls a “Python swallowing an elephant” moment; the massive bulge of intergenerational wealth that’s moving slowly through the syst...

The building industry in Australia 2025 is still feeling the ripple effects of COVID, supply chain chaos, and builder collapses, and we wanted to know what it actually looks like to survive all that. So we brought in Brad Duggan, CEO of Metricon, to pull back the curtain on what went wrong, what they got right, and what others need to understand if they’re going to build homes (and stay afloat) in this market.

Brad doesn’t hold back. He talks about the grind; the fixed-price contracts, the cost blowouts, the tough calls they had to make just...

What do zoning shakeups mean for your suburb, your street, and your property’s value? In this Q&A episode, we answer real questions from listeners and unpack the property market trends that are shaping the way people buy, build, and invest right now.

We talk about what makes a home “A-grade” beyond land size and location, how to avoid overcapitalising, and why things like natural light and flexible layouts matter more than fancy finishes. We also break down the reality of rentvesting with a family and whether that under-$600K “positively geared” investment still exists.

Here’s w...

What if everything we’re told about fixing Australia’s housing crisis is just scratching the surface? That’s the starting point for our conversation with Michele Adair, Managing Director of the Housing Trust and a long-time advocate for meaningful housing reform. Michele brings decades of experience and doesn’t hold back when talking about what’s really broken in the system.

Throughout the episode, we cover key issues that are often ignored or oversimplified in the national conversation around Australia’s housing crisis, including:

What really goes on in an auctioneer’s mind, and what do they see that most buyers and sellers don’t? In this episode, we chat with Emma Brown-Garrett, a seasoned auctioneer who’s been in the property world for over 20 years, to talk about everything most people misunderstand about auctions. Emma’s not just there to call numbers. She’s reading the room, guiding negotiations, and sometimes stepping in to rescue a sale when things aren’t going to plan.

We asked her what she notices that tells her a buyer has more money to give, and she was...

How much of what we hear about Australia’s housing crisis is actually true, and how much is just media hype?

In this episode, we’re joined by Cameron Kusher, a property economist who’s here to speak without corporate filters, and he doesn’t hold back. We talk about how the media often gets housing stories wrong, oversimplifying complex issues just to chase clicks. The real concern? That these headlines shape government policy, leading to short-sighted solutions that don’t actually fix anything.

Cameron walks us through what’s really driving the supply issue: rising const...

What if the real driver behind Australia’s property obsession isn’t logic, but human behaviour?

In this episode, we’re joined by behavioural economist Evan Lucas, and let’s just say… this one’s a thinker. We talk about how our attitudes toward property have shifted since the pandemic; what’s stuck, what’s changed, and why the DIY mindset, generational habits, and even the Bunnings effect all feed into the way we view real estate. It’s not just about shelter. It’s about control. Identity. Security. And that deeply emotional idea of “home.”

Evan pulls back the cu...

Lately, it feels like everyone’s saying Australia is just a few steps behind the U.S. when it comes to real estate; especially with buyer’s agents. But I’ve always wondered… is that actually a good thing?

In this episode, we're joined again by David Sidoni, host of the How to Buy a Home podcast, and we pull back the curtain on how real estate really works in the U.S. We talk about agent commissions, who pays who, what the buyer’s agent actually does, and how a recent $5 billion lawsuit is turning the whole syst...

Buying a property is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will ever make, and yet, so many buyers are forced to make that decision with barely any reliable information about who’s building their home. In this episode, we sit down with Brad Walters from Equifax to unpack the trust crisis in the Australian construction industry, and more importantly, what’s being done to fix it.

We talk about the lack of transparency in building quality, the rise in insolvencies, and those so-called phoenix companies that keep reappearing under new names. Brad walks us through iCIR...

What role does property truly play in shaping Australia’s economic story? In today's episode, we sit down with Diana Mousina, Senior Economist at AMP, to unpack why property plays such a central role in Australia’s economic landscape. Diana brings a sharp, accessible take on the macro forces at play, both locally and globally, and helps us make sense of how the housing market ended up where it is today.

We explore the persistent housing undersupply across the country, how population growth and household formation trends feed into demand, and why supply still hasn’t kept pace...

Trying to work out what’s actually possible on a development site can be an absolute nightmare. So in this episode, we’re joined by Will Sullivan from PropCode to talk about how AI might be able to help. We dig into how tech is being used to speed up the research process, reduce the need to spend hours on council websites (or pay $250 an hour to a planner), and pull together planning rules that are otherwise hidden across PDFs, maps, and inconsistent formats.

We talk through how PropCode works, what it can do—and just as import...

Melbourne’s property market has been through a lot lately — ups, downs, and now a bit of a bounce. Is this a genuine turnaround, or just a brief shift before more challenges arise? In this episode, we chat with Cate Bakos, a seasoned Melbourne property market specialist who knows the city’s market dynamics better than most.

Cate shares what she’s seeing at the coalface — from interstate investors jumping in to locals cautiously testing the waters. We dig into the impact of Melbourne’s massive infrastructure projects, the aftermath of the city’s harsh lockdowns, and why sentiment...

When it comes to buying property, many people think due diligence is just checking if the house looks nice or if the price feels right. But the reality is, it runs way deeper than that. In this episode, we take you through our 109-point due diligence checklist—yes, 109 points—and share what really goes into properly evaluating a property.

We dig into why so many buyers, and even some buyers’ agents, miss crucial details that can lead to expensive regrets. From spotting dodgy renovations and unapproved works to reading contracts carefully, we show that it’s not just abo...

We hear it all the time—population growth drives property prices. But is that actually true, or just one of the many myths that get thrown around in real estate? In this episode, we sit down with Simon Pressley from Propertyology to break down what really moves property markets. Is it supply and demand? Is it economic conditions? Or are we just looking at all the wrong things?

Simon spent years studying Australian property history, and he’s got some strong opinions—like why people completely misunderstand the impact of population growth and why economic diversity is actual...

We’re tackling some seriously meaty questions in this episode, covering everything from dodgy deals to buyer’s agent dilemmas. Should you buy a house near a mobile phone tower? How do you handle a seller who’s going solo without an agent? And what does it mean when a property keeps changing hands every few years—red flag or just a coincidence?

We also dig into what happens when you start losing confidence in your buyer’s agent. Do you keep going, or do you cut your losses and walk away? And what if you suspect you’ve got...

Climate risk is no longer a distant concern—it’s already shaping how banks, insurers, and homeowners approach property. In this episode, we sit down with Philip Tapsell from XDI Systems, part of the Climate Risk Group, to explore how climate-related risks are being measured and factored into financial decisions. How close are banks to pricing in climate risk with mortgages? What happens when certain areas become uninsurable? And what can property owners do to safeguard their investments?

Philip breaks down the growing impact of extreme weather on property values and highlights the information gap between financial inst...

Thousands of homes wiped out, entire neighborhoods gone—wildfires in Los Angeles have reached a terrifying new level. But could something like that happen here in Australia?

Former New South Wales Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins joins us to break it all down—how bushfires are getting worse, why they’re becoming harder to fight, and what that means for people living near bushland.

Greg shares his firsthand experience working with fire agencies around the world and explains how bushfires are now turning into full-blown urban firestorms. We get into why hazard reduction burns are ge...

Most people assume long-term thinking is the key to success in property—but what if it’s actually holding you back? In this episode, we break down whether having a long-term property strategy is always the smartest move—or if it could actually be working against you. We take you through how we each approach property strategy, why some plans are set up to fail from the start, and how to tell if the advice you’re getting is truly in your best interest or just a well-packaged sales pitch.

Chris shares how his strategy sessions with clients...

Tax planning in property isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a game changer. In this episode, we explore why getting the right advice early can be the difference between wealth creation and costly mistakes. From uncovering myths about negative gearing to breaking down the hidden ways investors lose money, our conversation with Catherine Simons talks about what really matters when it comes to structuring your investments wisely.

We discuss common traps, like rushing into property trusts or ignoring the impact of selling in unfavourable tax years. Catherine shares practical advice on pre-purchase consultations, highlighting why your a...

Ever wondered if energy-efficient homes are the next big thing in real estate? Or is the industry still lagging on this?

In this episode, we're diving into how sustainability is shaking up the property game, and we've got Jacob Caine, president of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, to give us the inside scoop. Jacob was at the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference, representing Australian real estate, so he knows what's up.

We're talking about how climate change – from crazy weather events to skyrocketing energy bills – is changing what buyers want and how much homes are wort...

What is hotspotting, really? In this episode, we sit down with Terry Ryder, the founder of Hotspotting, to explore what the term means and what it should mean for property investors. Terry has spent over four decades researching and writing about Australian residential property, and he’s here to share why chasing short-term predictions is not the way to go.

Terry walks us through his approach to identifying true hotspots—places with economic diversity, infrastructure investment, and long-term growth potential. He’s upfront about how the name “hotspotting” can sometimes create misconceptions, with people thinking it’s about quick...

As we step into 2025, the property market is abuzz with questions about its trajectory after a challenging 2024. Is the shift towards a buyer's market inevitable, or are we simply seeing seasonal fluctuations?

In this episode, Eliza Owen from CoreLogic returns to share her insights on what’s ahead and what it all means for buyers, investors, and renters alike.

We start with a discussion on the ripple effects of rising unemployment and how it could influence the rental market and demand particularly in cities like Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, which saw impressive growth last year. El...

Why are so many residential investors making the leap into commercial real estate? That’s the big question we unpack in this episode with Vanessa Rader from Ray White Research. With over 25 years of experience across residential, commercial, and niche property markets, Vanessa offers an expert perspective on this growing trend and its implications for investors.

One of the standout moments in our chat is how Vanessa highlights the key distinctions between residential and commercial investments. While residential decisions often hinge on emotion, commercial real estate is all about strategy and crunching the numbers. It’s no wond...

What drives us to bid at auctions? In this episode, we throw it back to where it all began, revisiting our very first episode that set the stage for everything we’ve explored since. Behavioural biases—those sneaky little tricks your brain plays—are at the heart of this conversation, and we talk about all 12 of them, plus a few extras that make auctions the fascinating psychological arenas they are.

Simon Russell, a behavioural scientist, joins us to break down the surprising ways our subconscious minds react under pressure. From something as simple as a free coffee outsid...

In this episode, we’re taking a look ahead at what might shape the property market in 2025. No, we’re not here to predict the future or pull out a crystal ball, but we are diving into the key factors that could have an impact—things like interest rates, immigration, intergenerational wealth, and stock levels. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, we’ve got some thoughts on what you might want to keep in mind.

We kick things off by reflecting on what’s surprised us in 2024. For Veronica, it’s been Sydney’s stability—a balanced market...

In this episode, we dive deep into the Perth property market with Damian Collins, who knows the ins and outs of this unique city. Exploring the cycles that define the city’s real estate, the hotspots and danger zones investors should consider, and the key drivers behind its growth. With over three decades of experience, Damian shares invaluable insights, and together, we unpack what’s shaping Perth’s property landscape.

We break down Perth’s strong ties to the mining industry, its growing population, and how infrastructure development is influencing property values. Together, we highlight suburbs that might lo...

Ever wondered if changing jobs or working overseas could throw a wrench in your plans to buy a home? In this episode, we dive into some of the most common questions we hear from homebuyers. How long do you need to stay in a new job before applying for a loan? What’s the deal with borrowing as an expat? And does timing your property purchase around a career change make sense? There’s a lot to unpack here, and the answers might surprise you.

We also dig into a tricky one: Should you push your borrowing capa...

How do you know if your strata manager is doing a good job? Amanda Farmer – the owner of Lawyers Chambers, is back with us to share her thoughts on the current state of strata management, especially after the recent media attention that’s put the industry under fire.

We talk about what’s happening behind the scenes, why these issues have surfaced, and whether new legislation will actually make a difference—or just create more paperwork.

We talk about real concerns regarding commissions, conflicts of interest, and how strata managers can sometimes act without proper instruct...

What makes auctions so tough for buyers? That’s the question we dive into in this episode. Auctions are often praised for their transparency, but is that really enough to give buyers a fair shot? With seasoned professionals like Justin Nickerson running the show, how can an everyday buyer hope to compete?

In this episode, we sit down and have a chat with Justin Nickerson, one of Australia’s most awarded auctioneers, to uncover the secrets behind the auction process. Justin reveals to us why auctions can be so daunting for buyers and shares how his experience—honed...

What’s happening with Adelaide’s property market? Is the incredible boom we’ve been seeing finally coming to an end? In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Koulizos, the property professor, to take a closer look at what’s going on in this fascinating market.

Adelaide’s median house price has now overtaken Melbourne’s—for the first time in 40 years! And all this while having a population of less than 1.5 million compared to Melbourne’s 5.5 million. It’s been a remarkable run of price growth since mid-2020, but is the boom about to fizzle out?

Peter d...

Legislative changes are shaking up property management across Australia, and the impact reaches much further than we might expect. In this episode, we sit down with Cathie Crampton, National Head of Property Management Growth at Belle Property Corporate, to break down how these new laws are reshaping the roles of landlords, property managers, and tenants alike. With two decades of experience across the country, Cathie has insights from every corner of the industry, making her the perfect guide to help us understand what these shifts really mean for all of us.

We explore how property managers are...

Underquoting, auction tactics, and market sentiment—some of real estate’s most controversial topics. These are exactly what we’re diving into today with Thomas McGlynn, CEO of BresicWhitney. There's no holding back as we talk about the realities behind underquoting, why it’s so hard to avoid in a competitive market, and the fine line agents walk when trying to attract buyers without misleading them.

As Thomas puts it, even with laws in place, agents are often forced into tough positions: when one agent quotes low, others often have to adjust their guides just to compete. It’s a t...

Is putting property into your SMSF a good idea, or could it be too risky? SMSF advisor Liam Shorte from Sonas Wealth joins us today to explore this hot topic, giving practical insights on the benefits of more control, tax advantages, and the hidden costs and risks that SMSF investors often miss.

We explore the appeal of property investment within an SMSF for those aiming to diversify their retirement strategies, with Liam highlighting both the potential benefits and risks involved. While property can offer control and growth, Liam has seen many investors fall prey to unqualified advice...

We’re all familiar with energy ratings on appliances and cars, but what if your home came with one too? Could this be where the housing market is headed? Today, we sit down with Cecille Weldon, Australia’s top expert in residential energy efficiency, to explore what this could mean for the future of housing. Could energy ratings become the next game-changer in real estate?

Cecille breaks it down for us — how homes might be rated, who will cover the costs, and whether property buyers and tenants are really willing to pay more for energy-efficient living. With rising...

What’s really going on in Australia’s property market? In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Kusher, Executive Director of Economic Research at REA Group, to unpack the trends shaping the Australian property market right now.

With access to some of the country’s most comprehensive property data, Cameron sheds light on what buyers are searching for, where listings are rising, and how this all connects to transactions and prices.

We dig into regional differences in price growth—why places like Perth and Adelaide are surging, while Melbourne struggles—and what’s driving these change...

How can it be that investors are both selling off properties and borrowing record amounts of money at the same time? In a market with rising interest rates, stricter tenancy laws, and increasing property taxes, why is investor activity still so high? And what does this say about the future of property investment in Australia?

In this episode, we are joined by Stuart Wemyss from ProSolution Private Clients to dig into this situation and break down why, despite all the economic pressures, investor lending is hitting all-time highs in some regions, like Western Australia, while cities like...

Why are so many property investors pulling out of the market, and what’s driving this trend? In this episode, we dive deep into the findings of the 2024 PIPA Investor Sentiments Survey with Nicola McDougall, Chair of The Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA). The survey uncovers some surprising data, challenging common assumptions about where and why investors are selling their properties.

Nicola sheds light on the growing trend of investors abandoning the property market and shares insights into what’s fueling their decisions. Are rising interest rates to blame, or are there deeper, underlying factors at play...

Is equity the most underused wealth-building tool? Owen Rask believes it is—and we’re missing out by not tapping into it. In this episode, we sit down with Owen from the Rask Group to explore how equity, particularly in property, can be a game-changer for growing your wealth. From property investment to ETFs and self-managed super funds (SMSFs), Owen breaks down how leveraging equity can open up opportunities you may not have considered.

We also get into financial literacy in Australia, and Owen has some sharp insights. While more people are paying attention to their finances, many...

Why do Alec and Bryce from Equity Mates think the next generation won’t own homes? In this episode, we have a chat with Alec Renehan and Bryce Leske, the co-founders of Equity Mates Media, to explore why more young Australians are steering away from the idea of property ownership and leaning towards investing in shares instead.

We discuss how the wealth gap between those who can get financial help from family and those who can’t is influencing this shift. How is this gap making property less accessible for younger generations? And why are many looking to t...

Are you ready to find out where property investors are putting their money and what trends are shaping the market right now? In this episode, we dive deep into the latest suburb trends report and explore the surprising insights revealed by the latest property investment data.

From unexpected investment hotspots in Sydney and Melbourne to some major shifts in regional markets like Perth and Adelaide, this conversation will give you a fresh look at where investors are heading—and why.

We're joined by Kent Lardner, our resident property geek and we break down the numbers be...

Why is it so tough to ramp up housing supply when it seems like everyone’s talking about it? In this episode, we’re joined by Jill Garner, the Victorian Government Architect, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at why boosting supply isn’t as simple as just setting targets. Jill brings her extensive experience to the table, sharing insights into the realities of urban planning and design from both government and industry perspectives.

Jill helps us understand the challenges that come with trying to increase housing supply discussing the struggles that state and local governments face in bal...

How does the UK property market compare to ours here in Australia? In this episode, we sit down with Martin North from Digital Finance Analytics to really break it down. We’re diving into what makes the UK property market tick and how it stacks up against what we see in Australia. What are the key drivers over there? And how do they align—or differ—from what’s happening on our home turf?

Martin’s got a ton of insights on property trends across the globe, and in our conversation, we dig into the unique factors shaping th...

Strata management—it’s one of those areas in property where things can get tricky if you’re not in the know. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Teys, who’s been in the trenches of strata for years, tackling some of the biggest issues that come up in this space. If you’re involved in a strata scheme—whether as an owner, investor, or part of a committee—this is a conversation you just can’t afford to miss.

Today, we dive into the real problems that strata communities face every day. From dealing with disputes that...

Australia's housing market is in turmoil, but can it be fixed? In this episode, we sit down with respected financial journalist Alan Kohler to delve into the roots of this ongoing crisis and explore potential solutions.

Alan shares his insights on why first-time home buyers today face far greater challenges than those in previous generations and how the housing sector has become a critical pillar of Australia's economy, unlike in many other nations.

We also dive into Alan's provocative assertion that housing wealth is both “meaningless and destructive.” What does he mean by this? How can...

Are short-term rental platforms like Airbnb contributing to the worsening of the housing affordability crisis by reducing the availability of long-term rental properties?

This shift towards short-term rentals makes it increasingly difficult for people to find affordable homes, driving up rental prices and increasing housing instability for vulnerable populations.

Join us as Karl Fitzgerald, founder and director of Grounded, brings his extensive research to the table. Karl talks about how Airbnb and similar platforms impact housing markets, particularly in regional areas, and offer insightful solutions based on his findings.

Tune in to explore...

Are you grappling with decisions about your investment property? In this episode, we dive into a range of listener questions to provide the insights you need. We’ll explore the impact of land tax variations across different states and discuss the pros and cons of buying in A-grade versus B-grade suburbs. Our discussion also touches on the reasons behind the surge in properties for sale in lifestyle areas post-COVID, shedding light on the market dynamics at play.

We tackle the tough decision of whether to sell an investment property to upgrade your primary home, providing practical advice to...

Are you curious about how demographic changes will shape the property market in the coming decade?  In this episode, we chat with Simon Kuestenmacher from The Demographic Group to dive into the evolving trends in wealth transfer and their impact on housing.

Simon gives us some great insights into the demographic factors affecting today’s wealth transfer, exploring how predictable these shifts are and how major events like COVID-19 change market dynamics. We talk about how baby boomers handle inheritance differently based on their experiences and how this intergenerational wealth transfer impacts the property market over the nex...

Have you ever wondered if there’s a need for vendor advocates or if it’s just another money grab by some players in the real estate industry?

Vendor advocacy is a term you may not have heard before, but it’s a service that’s gaining popularity. A vendor’s advocate is an advisor engaged by a person selling their property to help them choose a selling agent to make the selling process easier. Think of them as an agent whisperer.

In today's episode, we explore how vendors might benefit the most from engaging a vendor’s...

How can integrity be restored in an industry often criticised for its ethical shortcomings? In this episode, we sit down with John Minns, the NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, to delve into the measures being taken by the Office of Fair Trading to regulate and improve the real estate sector’s reputation. With an industry plagued by issues ranging from underquoting by sales agents to property managers grappling with rental shortages, and strata managers caught in conflicts of interest, John Minns has a formidable task ahead.

John shares his motivations for stepping into the commissioner role an...

Ever found yourself torn between relying on hard data or trusting local insights for your property investments? It’s a tough call many investors struggle with, wondering if the numbers can tell the full story or if boots-on-the-ground knowledge is more reliable.

In the Suburb Trends Report for the month of June 2024, we dive into the age-old debate of whether numbers or on-the-ground knowledge holds the key to successful property investments. We weigh the pros and cons of both data and local insights, and explore how the perfect blend of both can give you a real edge in...

Choosing the wrong broker can lead to higher costs and missed opportunities. It’s crucial to find someone who doesn’t just process loans but also offers solid advice and guidance. With so many options, it’s tough to figure out who’s genuinely good and who’s just looking to close a deal.

So in this episode, we break down how to find the perfect mortgage broker for you. We kick off by explaining the differences between a financial planner and a mortgage broker, helping you make the right choice. Then, we discuss what makes a broker "go...

Wondering how the 2024 property forecasts are stacking up so far? Tune in to our mid-year review as we dive into the real estate predictions that nailed it and the ones that missed the mark. In this episode, we dissect the key trends, market shifts, and unexpected twists that have shaped the housing landscape in the first half of the year.

Today, we have Louis Christopher with us again to share his insights from the much-anticipated “Boom or Bust” report. Louis has a knack for making accurate predictions, but he’s also refreshingly honest about where he’s gone ast...

How can you distinguish the trustworthy buyer’s agents from the rest in a market flooded with options? With so many buyer’s agents vying for your attention, it's easy to fall prey to misleading promises and hidden agendas.

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of buyer’s agents, uncovering the essential red flags every prospective property buyer should be aware of before making that crucial hire. With the real estate market booming and buyer’s agents popping up left and right, it’s more important than ever to discern who can truly save you money...

Are you curious about what Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is and how it actually works? Do you wonder if it's necessary and worth considering when purchasing a property, or do you think it's just an additional cost you can avoid?

In this episode, we sit down with Strachan Taylor from Helia, Australia’s leading provider of LMI, to delve into the details.

We aim to clarify how often claims are made and why, despite its additional cost, LMI can be a beneficial safeguard rather than something to avoid. By breaking down these aspects, we help yo...

Are you curious about the hidden forces driving Brisbane’s property boom? What impact is the upcoming Olympics having on the property market, and is the construction for the games draining resources from other sectors? Beyond these questions, what else could be behind this sustained period of rapidly rising property prices, and is there any sign of a slowdown on the horizon?

Today, we delve into the dynamics at play with Meighan Wells from Property Pursuit. With over 20 years of experience, Meighan offers unparalleled insights into what’s happening on the ground in the Queensland capital. We expl...

Could increasing housing supply alone effectively address our current affordability challenges, or is the housing crisis more accurately characterised as just a recurring issue with a new label?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cameron Murray, Chief Economist at Fresh Economic Thinking who specialises in property and urban development. We dive into the question of whether the term "crisis" accurately captures the challenges of the housing market, or if it's a situation we've already faced before under different names.

Dr. Murray's new book, "The Great Housing Hijack," takes a critical look at the...

In this month's Suburb Trends report for May 2024, we're diving deep into the world of property investment, exploring a critical issue that every investor should be aware of: false positives in property data.

With the property market experiencing upward pressure on prices due to low supply, investors risk being misled by appearances, just like the allure of a dimly lit nightclub before the lights come on. Without the ability to distinguish between promising investments and pitfalls, investors may find themselves making pretty costly decisions based on misleading data.

To shed light on this topic, Kent...

As Australia grapples with the ambitious challenge of constructing 1.2 million new dwellings in the next five years, we aim to answer the pressing question: Is this target attainable?

We talk about the implications of this challenge, including the need to address housing pressure and determine suitable locations for new developments. Moreover, we discuss the potential impacts of immigration policies on housing demand and supply dynamics.

Today's guest is Peter Tulip, Chief Economist at the Centre for Independent Studies whose expertise in housing and monetary policies, coupled with his advocacy for high-density living, underscores his credibility...

With property values stagnant amidst a backdrop of soaring prices in other cities, we explore the factors contributing to Melbourne's unique market behaviour. Could the city's prolonged lockdowns have played a significant role in shaping its property landscape? What does the future hold for buyers and sellers? Meanwhile, rising rents beg the question: how does this affect the apartment market?

Today, Jarrod McCabe from Wakelin Property Advisory joins us to unpack these pressing questions. With more than two decades in the property industry – across valuations and investment advisory – Jarrod's expert analysis and insights aim to offer clarity on M...

Ever wondered why economists seem to favour land tax? What happens if we get rid of stamp duty on houses? And why do some people say negative gearing and capital gains tax discounts are bad? We're here to unpack these questions and more.

Join us in this episode as we explore the often-debated topics of negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount with Chief Economist Michael Blythe, whose recent paper, "In Praise of Negative Gearing" has stirred up quite a buzz. We dive into the insights and arguments he presents and uncover the nexus between property...

What is driving the relentless rise in Australia's property prices, and how are homeowners managing as the fixed mortgage rates from the COVID era expire? These are important questions as we deal with rising inflation and increasing living costs, so in this episode, we tackle these issues to see how they're affecting both the housing market and potential buyers.

Joining us to break down these complex topics is Carlos Cacho, Chief Economist at Jarden Australia. Carlos has a deep understanding of Australian economics, especially banking and housing markets, thanks to his previous roles at UBS Australia and...

Ever wondered why people end up spending more than they planned at auctions? What about the missed opportunities for vendors due to ineffective auctioning practices? These common pitfalls not only impact individual transactions but also shape the broader dynamics of the auction process.

In this episode, we're joined by award-winning auctioneer Andy Reid to understand why these problems happen at auctions and how to solve them. We explore why people get caught up in bidding wars and what sellers can do to get better results, then break down the tricks of the trade and give you practical...

Depending on a potentially biased strata report could lead to problems later on, like unexpected costs or hidden issues with the property.  Without clarity on what might be omitted or misrepresented in these reports, buyers risk making decisions based on incomplete or biased information, therefore jeopardising their investment.

Today, we are joined by Michael Ferrier, the founder and MD of EYEON Property Inspections — who has been in the property business for more than 15 years now. With a decade and a half dedicated to perfecting property inspections, Michael's here to help us decipher the characteristics of a reliable rep...

With Queensland’s housing market facing an unprecedented crunch, many are left wondering: What can be done to ease the strain? The consequences of this housing crisis are far-reaching, affecting individuals, families, and communities across the state because it's not just about finding a roof over your head anymore. With housing prices soaring and options dwindling, the dream of owning a home is slipping out of reach for many Queenslanders.

Today, we have Jackson Hills from Q Shelter — Queensland’s leading authority on housing and homelessness services. With years of experience and expertise in the field, you can tr...

Negative gearing and its companion, the capital gains tax discount, have reemerged as hot topics in economic and political circles. But why does it matter? Well, it affects investors, homeowners, and the economy as a whole. There's a lot of confusion about what it all means and what might happen next.

In this episode, we explain what negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount are all about. We clear up any confusion and explore why they're in the news again. By the end, you'll have a better grasp of these topics and what they mean for...

The real estate landscape is constantly evolving, and recent data has unveiled surprising trends in Australian cities' property markets.

Brisbane's boom, Hobart's unexpected decline, and Perth's resurgence raise intriguing questions and we're unsure if the numbers we're seeing are telling us the whole truth. Are these trends indicative of long-term changes, or are there underlying factors that could challenge our understanding of the data?

In this episode, we are once again joined by Eliza Owen, the Head of Research at CoreLogic Australia whose vast experience in housing market research makes her an authority on key...

Are rental pressures set to continue in 2024, or is there hope for easing in certain areas? Securing a rental property is becoming increasingly challenging in 2024, posing difficulties for landlords and tenants alike.

For property investors, it’s about facing the task of strategically investing their funds. Meanwhile, tenants are faced with the uncertainty of rising rental rates and limited housing options.

Today, we are joined by our resident data geek, Kent Lardner to dissect these pressing issues. With Kent's expertise in analysing real estate trends, he brings invaluable insights into the factors shaping the rental ma...

Do first home buyer incentives actually help make housing more affordable, or do they unintentionally worsen affordability issues?

As the debate surrounding first home buyer incentives continues, we seek to understand their true effect on property prices and overall housing affordability. Governmental interventions, such as lending to first home buyers, raise questions about the source of funding and who ultimately benefits from these policies.

Today, we are joined by property valuer, Will Phillips — whose extensive research and expertise in property valuation brings valuable insights into how first home buyer incentives are affecting the housing market.

Are we adequately prepared for the consequences of the rapid surge in apartment construction and the subsequent increase in strata dwellings?

As we witness a significant increase in the number of new dwellings within strata schemes, it's essential to assess whether our current strata management practices are sufficient to handle the associated challenges. From potential conflicts among residents to the strain on resources and infrastructure, the implications of this rapid growth in strata dwellings are far-reaching and require careful consideration.

Today, we're joined by Michael Teys, an experienced consultant who specialises in strata management. With...

The YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement proposes increasing urban density while maintaining the quality of life. This raises questions about the potential impact on developer profits, the power struggle between YIMBYs and NIMBYs, and the broader implications for city planning and community dynamics.

Join us as we talk with Melissa Neighbour, an urban planner, community builder, and the co-founder of Sydney YIMBY. With her extensive experience and expertise in sustainability, Melissa is uniquely positioned to shed light on the intricacies of the YIMBY movement and its potential to reshape urban landscapes.

Listen to this...

Join us in today's episode as we tackle real estate head-on, responding to questions from our listeners that hit close to home. Ever found yourself rushing to perform strata due diligence on a property about to slip through your fingers? We've got you covered with practical strategies for navigating this time-sensitive challenge.

And what do you do when your strata manager seems to have disappeared into thin air? We share practical and effective advice on effective communication to break through those managerial roadblocks. For investors struggling to understand the complexities of land tax, we break down the...

Have you ever wondered why, despite the widely recognised affordability crisis in Australia, housing prices continue to soar? This puzzling situation raises questions about how the housing market works and what it means for those trying to buy a home or invest in property.

In today's episode, we talk to senior economist Paul Ryan from REA Group’s PropTrack. Paul's been digging into real estate trends for quite a while, and he's got a practical grasp of the subject. His straightforward insights into what's driving housing prices gives us a clear picture of the current market.

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Have you been keeping an eye on how the world's reopening is influencing the choices of Australian expats in the real estate market? Wondering if the trend of returning home is on the rise or if new destinations are emerging as hotspots for Aussies living abroad? What's really happening now that the world is opening up again?  Are Aussies flocking back home, or are they still loving the expat life?

In today's episode, we sit down with Brett Evans from Atlas Wealth Management to get into the real deal about Australians living overseas and their impact on t...

How reliable is the data behind Perth's property boom, and what does it truly tell us about the future of this market? Is the market genuinely booming, or are we looking at a bubble that's about to pop?

Today, we take a look at Perth's bustling real estate scene with Ray Chua, a seasoned buyers agent who's right in the thick of it all in Perth. He brings us the inside scoop by breaking down what's really driving the spike in property values in this vibrant city.

Ray's got his finger on the pulse of...