Hotspotting

Guest: Ian Perkins, Co-Founder & Director, Lawlab What if reviewing your property contract was as simple as uploading a file and letting AI do the rest? In this episode of The Property Playbook, Tim Graham sits down with Ian Perkins of Lawlab, one of Australia's most innovative property law firms, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of conveyancing. Founded in 1899 and reinvented for the digital age, Lawlab has revolutionised property transactions with secure, streamlined technology—making the process faster, smarter, and more transparent. Ian unveils their latest innovation, BuySecure, an AI-powered tool that translates complex property contracts into plain English, giving buyers instant clarity and confidence before they sign.

While housing affordability dominates political debate, most Australians don't actually want prices to drop. In this episode, we unpack new data showing strong confidence in the property market and explore how government policies, limited supply, and buyer sentiment are keeping prices on the rise. We also look at why politicians talk about affordability but rarely act — and what this means for buyers, renters, and investors across Australia.

What if the suburbs with the best rental returns were also the ones skyrocketing in value? In this episode of The Pulse, we uncover the most surprising trend in Australian real estate — the same locations we picked for their high yields are now leading the nation in capital growth. We dive into the data from past editions and reveal how many of these 50 hotspots have doubled in value in less than five years. From Perth to Queensland to South Australia, these affordable, high-performing markets are delivering a true investor's dream — strong cash flow, rapid price growth, and long-term potential. Tune in to discover where smart investors are finding the ultimate win-win-win: affordability, yield, and growth.

Every investor wants to know the secret to finding Australia's next property growth hotspots — but how do you actually predict where values will rise next? In this episode, we dive into the key drivers behind property growth and unpack the metrics and indicators that reveal which locations are set to outperform. Forget backward-looking data — this is about reading the signs of the future. Based on insights from the new book Why Property Values Rise, you'll learn how to spot tomorrow's top-performing suburbs today and make smarter, future-focused investment decisions.

High-yield property markets are disappearing fast — so where are investors still finding strong returns in 2025? In this episode, we unpack Australia's shifting property landscape and reveal the locations that still offer solid rental yields and room for growth. We also explore how savvy investors are using depreciation to lift their returns and stay cashflow positive, even as yields tighten nationwide. If you're serious about property investing, this episode will help you spot the opportunities others are missing and make smarter moves in today's market.

Australia's wealth keeps breaking records — but is it all built on property? The latest ABS data shows total household wealth has hit $17.76 trillion, with residential real estate making up the bulk of it. Meanwhile, a global report ranks Australia as the second wealthiest country in the world, behind only Luxembourg. In this episode, we unpack what's really driving Australia's growing prosperity, why property plays such a massive role, and what this means for the future of the housing market. Tune in for a grounded look at the numbers behind the headlines — and what they reveal about Australia's real wealth story.

You've probably seen the headlines claiming you can still buy a home in Australia for under $300K — but is it really that simple? In this episode, we dig into the truth behind those "cheap property" lists and why they often mislead buyers and investors. We'll unpack how these headlines get made, what they leave out, and why chasing a bargain in the wrong place could cost you more than you think. Tune in for real talk on the Australian property market, smart investing, and how to separate solid advice from clickbait.

Not all property research is what it seems. Too often, so-called "groundbreaking studies" and "top suburbs to buy" lists are nothing more than clever publicity stunts dressed up as data. In this episode, we unpack one of these high-profile reports making waves in the media and reveal why it could send investors down the wrong path. You'll learn how to see through the spin, spot misleading property advice, and focus on the real drivers of growth in the Australian property market.

Not all high-yield property markets are worth the risk. The latest National Top 10 Positive Cashflow Hotspots report uncovers where investors can still achieve strong rental returns and long-term growth — and which once-booming locations no longer make the cut. In this episode, we dive into why markets like Rockingham, Townsville and Rockhampton have dropped off, what makes a market truly safe and sustainable, and where to look now for genuine positive cashflow opportunities. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve in Australia's ever-changing property landscape.

Some of Australia's biggest media outlets keep getting real estate stories wrong — and this latest one takes the cake. In this episode, we unpack a so-called "white paper" claiming that units are a bad investment and reveal why that idea is completely outdated. The truth is, the property landscape is changing fast. In many markets, units and townhouses are now outperforming houses on capital growth. So why does the media keep recycling the same myths? Tune in as we break down what's really happening in Australia's property market and what it means for investors and homebuyers alike.

We've all heard the classic line – land appreciates, buildings depreciate. But is it still true? In this episode, we unpack one of property's oldest clichés and explore why it's not the land itself that creates value, but the location. From lifestyle shifts and urban convenience to the rise of secure, low-maintenance living, units and apartments are outperforming houses in markets across Australia. So, has the property paradigm finally changed? Tune in for clear, data-backed insights on property investment, real estate trends, and the future of housing in Australia.zazazazzzzaazaz

Think doubling your property value in ten years sounds impressive? In reality, that's pretty mediocre — yet the media keeps hyping it up as groundbreaking. In this episode, we unpack how clickbait headlines and self-promotional “research” distort the truth about the Australian property market. Discover where real growth is happening and why most real estate coverage misses the mark.

Australia's population is booming — but the real story lies in where that growth is happening. Victoria has added the most people, yet WA and Queensland are still leading the pack for growth rates. So, what's driving these shifts — and what do they mean for property and migration trends across the country? In this episode, we unpack the latest id.com.au population data, explore why Australians are on the move, and reveal how overseas migration is reshaping our states. Whether you're into real estate, economics, or just curious about the numbers behind the headlines, this one's worth a listen.

Are investors and foreign buyers really driving up Australia's property prices? The latest NAB survey paints a very different picture — showing that home buyers still dominate the market. In this episode, we dig into the real numbers behind housing affordability, the rise of first-home buyers, and why the media might be getting it wrong. Tune in to uncover what's really happening in the Australian property market and what it means for buyers, investors, and anyone trying to get a foot in the door.

Australia's housing shortage isn't just about not enough homes — it's about the soaring cost of building them.

Why do property price guides keep failing buyers — and what can be done to fix them? In this episode, Tim Graham sits down with Jacob Caine, Interim CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), to unpack one of the most controversial topics in Australian real estate: underquoting. Despite reforms in 2017, public frustration and media scrutiny remain. Jacob explains why, what's really driving consumer distrust, and how the REIV's new Strategic Working Group is developing a Blueprint for Price Guides to improve transparency, protect vendors' rights, and restore confidence in the market. Together, Tim and Jacob explore: Why underquoting persists — and how widespread it really is What the 2017 legislation got right … and where it falls short How data transparency can reduce confusion for buyers and agents alike  The role of the REIV's Working Group and its proposed reforms The case for mandatory disclosure of sales results and stronger comparables  How Victoria's model compares with other states like Queensland Jacob shares practical insights from the frontline — including why only a fraction of a percent of auctions end in underquoting fines, and how new data requirements and clearer rules could reshape the way Australians buy and sell property.

Why does the same “saving for a home deposit” story keep making headlines year after year? In this episode, we dig into the truth behind those so-called property “research reports” and why the media can't resist them — even when they're wildly misleading. We uncover how these reports are designed to grab attention, not inform buyers, and reveal what's actually happening for first-home buyers in today's market. From media spin to real affordability, this episode cuts through the noise to give you the facts.

We've all heard it — investors get all the tax breaks while home buyers struggle to get a foot in the door. But what if that story's completely backwards? In this episode, we dig into the real numbers behind Australia's housing tax system and reveal who's actually getting the bigger benefits. Spoiler: it's not the investors. Tune in as we break down the myths, unpack the facts, and explore what this means for the housing crisis, property affordability, and the future of home ownership in Australia.

Australia's housing crisis dominates the headlines, but are short term rentals like Airbnb really to blame? Politicians, media and commentators keep pointing the finger at property owners – yet new research from the University of South Australia shows restrictions and taxes on short term rentals do little to improve affordability or supply. In this episode, we break down the myths, look at the evidence, and explore why governments keep scapegoating Airbnb hosts instead of tackling the real causes of the rental crisis. We'll also unpack what this means for renters, property investors and Australia's tourism industry. If you want fresh insights into housing policy, property markets and the future of affordable rentals, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Selling your home can be one of the most emotional and financially critical decisions of your life. But what if there was a way to take the stress out of it and ensure you get the best result possible? In this episode, Tim Graham sits down with Tom Ryan, founder of Tom Ryan Vendor Advocacy. With over 35 years in real estate, Tom specialises in helping vendors choose the right agent, manage the selling process, and achieve better outcomes with less stress.

Spring has flipped the script on Australia's property market – and the shifts are huge. In this episode of The Price Predictor Index, we unpack the latest quarterly trends shaking up real estate across the country. Brisbane is surging, Melbourne's revival is in full swing, and Sydney has jumped back into the growth cycle – all fuelled by soaring demand for units, townhouses and apartments. But while the big cities rise, former leaders like Perth, Regional WA and Queensland are cooling fast, and Darwin has become the nation's hottest market. We also dive into regional bright spots in Victoria, South Australia and beyond.

In this episode, Tim Graham sits down with Louis Velasquez—better known as Lucky—the founder of Finance Better. From humble beginnings in the slums of Manila to becoming a hedge fund trader and ultimately building one of Australia's standout mortgage broking businesses, Lucky's story is one of grit, resilience, and purpose. Lucky opens up about: His journey from hardship to finance – including being homeless as a teen, landing a role at a major bank, and discovering his passion for helping families make smarter financial choices. Building Finance Better – how he carved out a reputation in a competitive industry by keeping advice simple, relatable, and focused on people, not just numbers.  Lessons in business – the importance of planning for success, hiring to fill gaps, and knowing when to step back and bring in leadership to take things to the next level. Innovation in finance – how Finance Better is investing in AI and customer experience, creating platforms that help people better manage their loans and portfolios 24/7. Market insights – his candid take on the 5% deposit scheme, why many first-home buyers may turn into rentvestors, and why he believes Australia is heading into a “super boom” driven by migration, falling rates, and housing undersupply. This conversation goes beyond policies and products, uncovering the human story behind Lucky's passion for finance and his bold predictions for the property market. Where to connect with Lucky: Website: financebetter.com.au Instagram: @_luckyvelasquez

The Australian property market is on the move again — and the Spring edition of The Price Predictor Index uncovers some surprising shifts. Brisbane is strengthening, Melbourne's revival is confirmed, and Sydney is back in the growth game. Meanwhile, Perth and regional hotspots in WA and Queensland are cooling, as Darwin surges to the top and the Gold Coast keeps powering ahead. In this episode, we break down the latest market trends, reveal where buyer demand is heating up, and highlight what these changes mean for investors, home buyers, and anyone keeping an eye on Australia's real estate landscape.

Is negative gearing really to blame for Australia's housing crisis? A new Finder survey asked 22 leading economists, academics, and property experts how to make housing more affordable — and their answers may surprise you. Not one pointed to negative gearing, and only one mentioned capital gains tax. Instead, the focus was on boosting housing supply, cutting red tape, rethinking demand-side incentives, and even considering the impact of migration. In this episode, we unpack what the experts actually said, why the usual media narratives miss the mark, and what solutions could really make a difference to Australia's housing affordability problem.

Why are property prices across Australia still on the rise when affordability is already stretched?

Why are property prices across Australia still on the rise when affordability is already stretched?

Sally McManus and the ACTU want to scrap negative gearing and the capital gains tax “concession” for property investors, arguing it will fix housing affordability. But does the evidence actually stack up? In this episode, we dive into the history of negative gearing in Australia, the real impact of CGT rules, and why blaming property investors might miss the bigger picture. From rental shortages to soaring construction costs, we unpack the policies that have shaped today's housing crisis — and what really needs to change. Perfect for anyone interested in Australian property, housing policy, and the politics driving affordability.

In this episode, Terry Ryder, Founder of Hotspotting, sits down with Adam Horth — a seasoned real estate professional, trainer, and Operations Director at Smartre Group. Adam's journey began at just 19 years old, starting out as a salesperson and eventually building his own highly successful agency in Ipswich, QLD. Within six years, his office was the number one agency in the area, supported by a team of high-performing agents. Today, Adam combines his passion for real estate with training and leadership, helping agency principals and salespeople across Australia and New Zealand through Smartre Training. Together, Terry and Adam explore: Adam's first property purchase — the mistakes, the lessons, and why “failing forward” shaped his approach to investing. Investment philosophies — from the importance of education to understanding compounding and why there isn't one single “right” strategy. The value of good advice — why many investors shy away from paying for mentoring or research, and how this often limits success. Sales and agency insights — what separates a great real estate agent from the rest, and how vendors and buyers can use this to their advantage. Residential vs commercial property — Adam's experience with both, and why portfolio diversity is key for long-term resilience. Personal growth and leadership — the role of reading, self-education, and Adam's principle of “educate yourself before you entertain yourself”. This conversation blends candid personal stories, practical advice, and a wealth of real-world experience. Whether you're a first-time investor, an aspiring property professional, or someone leading a sales team, Adam's perspective offers invaluable takeaways.

Everyone's suddenly talking about the “Darwin boom” as if it came out of nowhere – but did it really? In this episode, we unpack why the media has only just noticed what was obvious months ago. We reveal how forward-looking data pointed to Darwin's rise well before prices surged, and why the so-called exodus to affordable lifestyle is anything but new. If you want to spot the next growth markets before the headlines do, this one's for you.

After two quiet years, Regional Victoria's property market is showing clear signs of a strong revival. Our latest Hotspotting analysis reveals a surge in sales activity across key cities including Bendigo, Geelong, Shepparton, Wodonga and Ballarat – with sales volumes now at their highest since the Covid boom of 2021. In this episode, we unpack what's driving the comeback: The surge in buyer demand and sales growth across regional centres Why Melbourne residents are making the move to more affordable regional lifestyles The role of affordability and infrastructure in fuelling demand What rising sales activity means for future price growth With sales volumes up 16% year-on-year and as much as 41% in some locations, the timing to enter the Victorian market may be better than it's been in years. But there's a catch – Victoria's higher property taxes remain an important consideration for investors and homebuyers alike. Tune in to discover whether now is the right time to act in Regional Victoria's resurgent property market.

Melbourne's property market is making a comeback — and the data confirms it. After lagging behind other capitals, the city is now cheaper than Brisbane and Sydney, with sales activity surging to its highest levels since the 2021 boom. Backed by population growth, new infrastructure, and rising demand for affordable units, Melbourne is shaping up as one of the best value markets in the country. In this episode, we reveal the suburbs leading the charge, why buyer interest is climbing fast, and what this means for investors and home-buyers looking to get in ahead of the next growth cycle.

Why do media commentators keep declaring ‘new' trends that have actually been brewing for years?   In this episode, we unpack the so-called “Darwin boom” — the one the headlines claimed nobody saw coming.   Spoiler: we called it back in January.   Discover how forward-looking indicators, like our Price Predictor Index, spot market surges months before they hit the news, and why knowing early can make all the difference when investing.

Where not to buy can be just as telling as where to invest. In this episode, we dive into the thinking behind our latest National Top 10 Best Buys report – and why some of Australia's strongest recent performers, like Perth, Adelaide, and the Gold Coast, are no longer on the list. We explain why these booming markets have now passed their peak, and shine a light on the emerging "second wind" locations – early-stage markets with the right ingredients for future growth. If you want to spot the next wave before the crowd catches on, this is the insight you've been waiting for.

From FOMO to COMO – but is it really new? The media says we've entered the “COMO era” – Compromise Or Miss Out – as buyers face affordability pressures and tight supply. But is this a fresh trend or simply a rebrand of a long-standing reality? In this episode, we explore why compromising to get on the property ladder has always been part of the journey, and why catchy acronyms don't tell the full story. From rentvesting to regional moves, discover the truth behind the headlines – and what it really takes to build your way to that dream home.

Think Australia's property market only grew 5% last year? Think again. In this episode, we unpack why the national average is a misleading headline – and reveal the hundreds of markets across Australia that outperformed by two, three, even four times that figure. From regional boom towns to affordable pockets in smaller capitals, these are the places we've been calling out for years in our Hotspotting reports – and they've delivered. Tune in for a deep dive into the real growth stories of FY2025, backed by data from over 4,500 suburbs, and discover where property values are doubling in under five years. If you're still buying into the “lukewarm market” narrative, this one might just change your view.

Brisbane is booming — but it's not just houses leading the charge. In this episode, we dive into why Brisbane has become one of Australia's strongest-performing property markets, recently crossing the $1 million median house price mark. But here's what's even more interesting: it's the unit market that's outpacing houses in many suburbs. With massive infrastructure investment, Olympic momentum, and affordability tipping the scales, we unpack the suburbs showing standout growth — and why buyers are increasingly turning to apartments and townhouses in 2025. Tune in for data-backed insights and suburb-level trends shaping Greater Brisbane right now.

Brisbane's booming – but Regional Queensland might just be outpacing it. In this episode, we unpack why Queensland's regional markets are turning heads: strong price growth, soaring demand, and a tidal wave of infrastructure investment leading up to the 2032 Olympics. From Townsville to the Sunshine Coast, these markets are offering the ultimate property trifecta – affordability, rental yield, and capital growth potential. Tune in to find out why Regional Queensland is shaping up to be Australia's hottest property story in 2025 and beyond.

Your 40s are one of the most powerful decades to take control of your financial future—and in this episode, we show you how. Tim Graham is joined by Sam Wakefield, financial adviser and founder of Optalife, to explore practical strategies for Australians in their 40s who want to grow, protect, and future-proof their wealth. Whether you're playing catch-up, looking to scale up, or getting serious about your goals, this episode is packed with real-world advice.

Is metro market momentum really back — or is that just lazy analysis? In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the real estate headlines doing the rounds… and expose why many so-called “expert” takes just don't stack up. From regional markets outpacing the capitals to units giving houses a run for their money, the data tells a different story — if you know how to read it properly. Join us as we break down the myths, challenge the mainstream, and show you why real insight comes from experience — not economists.  

Think regional South Australia is off the radar for serious property investors? Think again. This episode dives into the standout performance of affordable regional towns like Murray Bridge — Australia's No.1 location for capital growth over the past five years. We break down the data behind the boom, reveal why “cheapies with prospects” are delivering nation-leading returns, and explore where the next high-growth opportunities may lie. If you're chasing value, yields and growth — this is one episode you don't want to miss.

Australia's household wealth has hit a record-breaking $17.3 trillion — but what's really driving this surge? In this episode, we explore the numbers behind the boom, uncovering why property still holds the crown as the nation's top wealth-builder. Is Australia's real estate obsession sustainable? What role is super starting to play? And how might intergenerational wealth shape the future? Join us for a quick, insightful dive into what's fuelling this financial momentum — and what it means for you.

Is Australia really on the brink of a property boom… just because interest rates dropped a little? That's what the headlines want you to believe—but the real story is far more complex. In this episode, we unpack the growing wave of misinformation flooding mainstream media about real estate. From journalists with zero property knowledge to shiny “senior economists” spinning fairy tales, it's no wonder consumers are confused. We challenge the obsession with interest rates as the be-all and end-all of property forecasting—and explore what's actually driving markets like Darwin, Melbourne, and Regional Victoria. If you're tired of shallow headlines and want real, nuanced insight into what shapes Australian property, this episode is for you.

What if you didn't have to choose between strong rental income and serious capital growth? In this episode, we dive into new data from The Pulse—a quarterly report that spotlights 50 high-performing property markets across Australia. These aren't your typical hotspots: we're talking yields of 6–8%, paired with one-year capital growth averaging 18%—at a time when the national average was just 3%. From Townsville to Bunbury, you'll hear real examples of suburbs delivering double-digit gains and cashflow that stacks up. If you're an investor chasing the elusive sweet spot between growth and income, this is the episode you can't afford to miss.

At a time when many investors feel forced to choose between yield and growth, Hotspotting's Pulse Report proves you can still have both, if you know where to look. In this TickerNews interview, Tim Graham breaks down the insights from the latest Winter 2025 edition of The Pulse Report, revealing 50 Australian suburbs with strong rental yields and solid prospects for capital growth. Tim also reviews the standout results from the 2024 edition, where featured markets like Townsville's Aitkenvale and WA's Midland achieved capital growth of 35–40%, far outperforming the national average of just 3%. 

Is Regional NSW Australia's next property hotspot?

Which property markets are heating up—and which are cooling down? In this episode of The Property Playbook, Tim Graham sits down with Australia's leading independent property analyst, Terry Ryder of Hotspotting, to unpack the insights from the Winter 2025 edition of the Price Predictor Index. Discover which capital cities and regional areas are showing the strongest buyer demand right now, which markets are entering a second growth wave, and why Sydney has fallen to last place.

Australia's housing crisis is deepening — but why are land prices still soaring even as sales hit a 25-year low? In this episode, we unpack the latest Residential Land Report, exposing the growing mismatch between demand and supply of shovel-ready land. From skyrocketing prices in Perth to policy inertia in Canberra, we explore what's fuelling the bottleneck, why the government's 1.2 million homes target may be wishful thinking, and what it all means for affordability, construction, and first-home buyers. Curious about the real roadblocks to housing in Australia? Tune in.    

Everyone wants growth — but what about consistency? In this episode, we explore a different kind of opportunity: Australia's most consistent property markets, where buyer demand remains steady quarter after quarter. These are the quiet achievers — suburbs and regions that may not always make headlines but have delivered impressive long-term growth. We highlight: ✅ The top 50 most consistent locations across Australia

Navigating Today's Property Market with Terry Ryder In this episode, Terry Ryder—Australia's leading property analyst and founder of Hotspotting—joins host Adam Horth of Smartre Training to unpack the true state of the Australian real estate market. Drawing on decades of research and market-watching, Terry delivers a clear-eyed analysis of property trends and growth prospects across the country, breaking it down state by state. From regional hotspots to shifting buyer behaviour, this conversation sheds light on what's shaping the market right now—and what smart investors need to watch next. Terry also shares what it really means to be a property investor in today's climate. From rising interest rates and tight supply, to the strategies that still work despite the noise, this episode is packed with practical insights for those serious about long-term success in real estate. Plus, don't miss Terry's top book recommendations for investors and business builders alike: Built to Sell by John Warrillow The War of Art by Steven Pressfield The Road Less Stupid by Keith J. Cunningham For more resources and upcoming events, visit: Smartre Training Programs Smartre's Top Performers Seminars and Events Submit your Field Challenger Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode offers the clarity and direction you need to navigate the property market with confidence. Tune in and make your next move a smart one.

Think Sydney and Melbourne lead the property market? Think again. In this episode, we reveal the surprising frontrunners from the Winter edition of The Price Predictor Index — and it's the smaller capitals and regional markets stealing the spotlight.

What's really happening in Australia's property markets? In this episode, we break down the new Winter edition of the Price Predictor Index — and the results are anything but expected.