Smart Property Investment Podcast Network

The market may look like it is heading for a broad downturn, but sentiment, affordability, and shifting buyer behaviour are creating a very different picture underneath. So what is really driving the market, and is it time to buy? On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial discuss post-budget sentiment and what it meant for property investors. The pair look at the growing number of owner-occupiers shifting to interest-only loans in an effort to preserve future tax benefits, while Paliwal warned that tax considerations should not outweigh the quality of the underlying property. They also examine the growing divide between higher- and lower-priced markets, with more affordable areas continuing to outperform as jobs, demographics, and rental yields support demand. The conversation then turns to buyers looking to upgrade, with weaker competition in some major markets potentially creating an opportunity for those with the capacity to make a move.

Property prices are falling, borrowing power is tightening, and the old playbook is losing its edge, forcing investors to rethink their strategy. Here is what to look for. On The Smart Property Investment Show, SPI managing editor Liam Garman is joined by Andrew Havig, founder of buyer's agency Arvon Property Group, to discuss where investors could find opportunity as market conditions diverge across Australia. The pair look at why investors need to look beyond the headlines, with some markets seeing falling prices and softer demand while others remain competitive due to tight housing supply and strong fundamentals. When assessing an asset, Havig said investors should take into account intrinsic value, replacement cost, gentrification potential, and local housing supply. The conversation turns to cash flow and yield, with Havig explaining why investors are increasingly focusing on properties that can remain cash flow neutral or positive, particularly as borrowing conditions become tougher and portfolio growth gets harder. He also explains why first-time investors should focus on building a strong residential portfolio before moving into commercial property. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Australia's property market is becoming increasingly divided, with falling prices, rising rents, rate pressures, and government policy creating both challenges and opportunities for investors. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant is joined by Tom Panos to discuss changing market conditions, the mood among Australia's top agents, and what the shift means for both property professionals and investors. The pair look at vendor management and the need for agents to be honest about market conditions, from weaker clearance rates and declining prices to the sharp divide between premium and more affordable properties. The conversation turns to government policy, housing supply, and the broader economy, including the potential impact of higher interest rates and growing pressure on small businesses. For investors, the picture looks different, with decreasing prices and rising rents creating opportunities for those with the borrowing capacity and cash flow to act, while Panos argues Australia's underlying appeal remains strong.

Property values are falling across Australia, buyer confidence is weakening, and borrowing power is tightening, but could the downturn create new opportunities for investors? On the latest episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, SPI deputy editor Emilie Lauer is joined by Julian Barnes from Broker Daily to discuss what falling property values mean for investors. The pair look at the spread of falling values across capital cities, with national values down in 93 per cent of suburbs, alongside shifting demand across price brackets and a rise in private treaty sales. The conversation then turns to borrowing power, interest rate expectations, and the growing role of non-bank lenders, while weaker buyer confidence and subdued auction activity could create more room for negotiation. Regional markets have proved more resilient than the capitals, with the discussion highlighting the importance of microeconomic data, due diligence, and understanding local conditions as investors assess what could come next. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Australia's property market is slowing, but is a crash really coming? The forces behind the downturn could determine whether the market takes a breather or enters a deeper correction. The inaugural episode of Property Banter sees Michael Lezaja from Pinnacle Buyers Agents examine the forces reshaping Australia's property market, from rate hikes and investor sentiment to changing government policy. The discussion looks at whether the recent downturn signals a genuine market crash or simply a pause, with strong population growth, tight rental markets, and limited housing supply continuing to support underlying demand. Lezaja examined proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT), as well as the end of residential self-managed super fund (SMSF) borrowing, and what these shifts could mean for everyday property investors. He also explores the growing role of institutional capital and build-to-rent, questioning whether Australia's housing market is moving away from everyday investors and towards a very different ownership model.

A divorce, six properties, and four states: here is how one investor rebuilt and grew a $5.8m portfolio through interstate investing, diversification, and careful asset selection. On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal is joined by Sudesh Piyatissa, who shares his investment journey behind his six-property portfolio, now spanning Victoria, Queensland, NSW, and Western Australia. Piyatissa shares how he rebuilt his financial position after his divorce in 2021 and why stepping outside Melbourne became a turning point in his investment strategy. The pair explore how Piyatissa moved from buying close to home to investing interstate, with markets including Toowoomba and the Gold Coast becoming key parts of his portfolio. They discuss why each property needs to serve a purpose, and how thinking about a portfolio as a whole can change the way investors assess individual assets. With a demanding career leaving little time for property research, Piyatissa explains why building a trusted team became critical to his ability to keep investing and making decisions across multiple markets. The conversation also looks at the lessons Piyatissa has taken from his journey, including why investors should not let market uncertainty stop them from acting when the right opportunity comes along.

Higher inflation, a struggling construction sector, and falling listings are raising fresh questions about where the property market goes next. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman examine the latest inflation figures and what they could mean for interest rates, mortgages, and property prices. The pair look at why several major banks are tipping higher rates, and whether another hike could put further pressure on households already dealing with rising living costs. They also unpack the collapse of a major building company, with thousands of homes left in limbo, and what the fallout could mean for Australia's already stretched housing supply. With new listings sitting below the five-year average, the conversation turns to affordability, construction costs, and whether weaker conditions could eventually create opportunities for buyers and investors.  

Property investors may be facing tighter borrowing capacity and weaker sentiment, but the data suggests many are still looking for ways to get ahead. On Property Investing Insights, Phil Tarrant sits down with Victor Kumar and Reshmi Kumar from Right Property Group to examine what investors are thinking, where they are looking, and how strategies are changing. The trio explore the biggest barriers facing investors, with borrowing capacity emerging as a key challenge, while many remain intent on buying despite expectations of softer prices. They discuss why slower markets could create opportunities to trade into stronger assets, identify motivated sellers, and negotiate better deals rather than simply waiting for conditions to improve. The conversation also looks at growing interest in commercial property, portfolio planning, and the role of a clear long-term strategy when investing for financial freedom, retirement, and the next generation.

From a $215,000 house in Brisbane to a 24-property portfolio in just six years, this investor's rapid scale-up shows what's possible when strategy, timing, and professional expertise collide. On this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Liam Garman sits down with Andrew Havig, director of Arvon Property Group, to unpack the growth journey behind one of the market's more remarkable portfolios – and the buyer's agency he's since built off the back of it. Havig takes listeners back to his first purchase in late 2019 – a modest $215,000 house in Brisbane – through to 11 properties acquired in 2024 alone. He shares how a near miss with serviceability, after picking up two low-yielding lifestyle properties on the Gold Coast, taught him an early lesson in balancing cash flow against growth, one that continues to shape every deal he does today. The conversation also digs into how Arvon secures the bulk of its deals off-market, and what "off-market" actually means for investors trying to access opportunities that never make it to platforms like realestate.com.au. Havig breaks down the relationship building and volume of outreach behind genuine off-market access, as distinct from the claims some buyer's agents make. Looking at where the opportunities lie right now, Havig points to two standout plays: the Melbourne apartment market, trading around 6 per cent gross yields well below replacement cost, and commercial property, where he's seeing strong demand across retail, industrial, medical, and childcare assets. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Building a property portfolio is about more than finding the next hotspot, with asset selection, market cycles, and hard-earned lessons all shaping what comes next. The inaugural episode of Built for Scale sees Liam Garman and Josh Crealy from LEVR Group discuss what it takes to build a property portfolio and a sustainable career in real estate. Crealy shares the investment mistakes that cost him dearly, including losses from chasing initial public offerings (IPO) and start-ups, and how those experiences changed his approach to building wealth. The pair explore asset selection, market cycles, and portfolio strategy, including why investors need to understand what they are buying rather than simply chasing the latest hotspot or market hype. The duo also discuss what separates sustainable property businesses from those built around marketing, and why genuine expertise, referrals, and repeat clients can matter more than noise in a tougher market. For more information you may reach Josh Crealy at josh@levrgroup.com.au or 0402248186.

The SMSF lending ban has closed a major door for property investors, but it could also create new opportunities as lending, prices, and investor sentiment adjust. On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal and Jack Fouracre examine what the end of residential SMSF lending means for investors and the wider property market. The pair look at what could happen to existing SMSF borrowers, from lender competition and refinancing to the possibility of higher borrowing costs as the market adjusts. They also examine the potential fallout for property transactions, developers, and new housing supply, particularly where SMSF buyers have played a role in funding projects and pre-sales. With sentiment already weighing on the market, the conversation considers whether weaker conditions could ultimately create opportunities for investors, particularly if interest rates, borrowing capacity, and rental yields move in their favour.

From rising debt and unemployment to migration, gig workers, and buyer's agents, Australia's economic shifts are creating fresh questions about the strength of the property market and what comes next. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman examine the week's biggest property and economic developments, connecting the dots between policy, jobs, migration, and what they could mean for the market. The pair discuss Australia's growing debt, pressure on state budgets and a cooling jobs market, questioning what weaker economic conditions could mean for interest rates, house prices, and household wealth. They also turn to migration and remittances, the gig economy, and rising labour costs, examining how broader policy decisions could flow through to consumers, businesses, and the property market. The conversation wraps with a look at the buyer's agency sector, including the prospect of consolidation and why investors may need to look beyond bold market predictions when choosing who to trust with their next property move.

Building a $10 million-plus portfolio takes more than buying property, with renovations, developments, lending strategy, and some hard-learned lessons shaping an investor's journey. On the How I Met My Broker podcast, Liam Garman and Hung Chuy from Strategic Brokers are joined by investor Adam Beasley to discuss the deals and decisions behind his $10 million-plus property portfolio. Beasley shares how his background as an electrician helped him spot opportunities to manufacture value, from his first Penrith purchase to renovations and development plays that created equity and lifted rental returns. The conversation gets into the deals that nearly went wrong, including a commercial opportunity he walked away from after his due diligence uncovered what was really behind the numbers. The trio also look at the finance decisions that helped keep the portfolio moving, and why having a broker who understands an investor's strategy can make a difference when the next opportunity comes along.

Past performance can create confidence, but the biggest gains could come from knowing where to look next. With markets shifting, data is becoming a powerful tool for investors chasing above-average growth. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant is joined by Dr Mat Djolic from HtAG Analytics to explore how investors can use data to make more strategic property decisions. The pair examine how HtAG analyses more than 200 indicators to rank markets, looking at factors including affordability, supply, demand, and socio-economic conditions to identify areas with stronger growth potential. They discuss the opportunity cost of choosing an average-performing market, and why even small differences in annual growth can create a significant gap in portfolio value over the long term. The conversation also covers emerging opportunities across Victoria, Perth, and Queensland, as well as the importance of looking beyond market hype, questioning conventional wisdom, and avoiding confirmation bias when deciding where to invest. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Kev Tran digs into the three budget tiers KTG Property Advisory actually uses with clients' budgets: $350,000 to $550,000, $600,000 to $900,000, and over $850,000, and unpacks what's realistically achievable in each bracket right now. Tran lays out the exact asset types still delivering solid yield and growth under $500,000, and why chasing a cheap house in a small regional town can be a costly mistake. The conversation also tackles the elephant in the room: negative gearing changes and capital gains tax (CGT) reform have shifted the entry point for property investing, and a lot of buyers are stuck on the fence waiting for prices to "come back down". Tran explains why that wait usually backfires, and what he'd actually invest in if he was starting fresh under today's rules. Whether you're sitting on $100,000 in savings or just trying to figure out where your budget actually gets you, this episode gives you clear guidance on what's still working and what to avoid.

Building a property portfolio is about creating more choices for your family, but what happens when illness or injury threatens the wealth you've worked so hard to build? On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal is joined by Chris Seneviratne, director of wealth protection at Solace Life, to discuss the often-overlooked role of insurance in a broader wealth-building strategy. The pair explore why family, security, and legacy often sit behind investors' financial goals, and why building wealth alone may not be enough without a plan to protect it. They also look at common assumptions around superannuation and government support, and the financial pressure that can follow if an investor becomes seriously ill or unable to work. The conversation covers trauma and critical illness cover, why securing protection earlier can matter, and how investors can factor risk management into their long-term portfolio strategy.

Melbourne is back on investors' radar, but not every suburb makes the cut. From the city's south-east to regional Victoria, some markets offer opportunity while others come with red flags. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman is joined by Albert Hadinata, lead buyer's advocate at Seed Property, to discuss where investors should be looking across Melbourne and regional Victoria. The pair look at why Melbourne's affordability, infrastructure, and population growth are putting the city back in focus, and which south-east suburbs are attracting strong buyer demand below $950,000. They also explore opportunities beyond the capital, including Ballarat, Shepparton, and the Latrobe Valley, while highlighting areas such as Melton and Werribee where oversupply could limit future growth. The conversation also covers new builds, rentvesting, and the danger of following property trends on social media, with a focus on building a strategy around an investor's own financial position and long-term goals. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

A government bailout, banks fighting harder for borrowers, and buyer activity falling: Australia's property market is showing cracks as economic pressure starts to build. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman tackle the government's decision to support the Tomago aluminium smelter, questioning whether taxpayer money should be used to rescue struggling businesses. The conversation then turns to property, including the growing debate around third-party trust accounts and what a recent NSW court case could mean for the industry. The pair also look at banks ramping up refinancing offers and cashbacks as mortgage volumes soften, while buyer activity and property prices come under pressure across parts of the country. They then discuss whether a deeper property correction could spill into the broader economy, including household wealth, consumer spending, and the prospect of future rate cuts.

SMSF residential lending is off the table, but investors aren't out of options. As the rules shift, commercial property is emerging as a new pathway to keep portfolios growing. On The Pure Property Podcast, Phil Tarrant and Paul Glossop are joined by Aaron Findlay to discuss the SMSF lending changes and the rush from investors trying to secure residential deals before the deadline. The trio look at the surge in investor activity, why the lending changes are forcing investors to rethink their strategies, and how commercial property is gaining attention as a potential alternative. They also explore the appeal of commercial property, including its income potential, different management demands, and opportunities for business owners to hold premises through their SMSF and lease them back to their own business. The conversation also covers the importance of understanding leases, conducting thorough due diligence, and looking beyond the rush to secure a deal, particularly as investors navigate a rapidly changing lending landscape.

The SMSF lending crackdown has changed the game. But with rates on hold and commercial lending gaining attention, investors have new finance strategies to consider. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant is joined by Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos from FinnI Mortgages to discuss how the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to hold the cash rate and the end of self-managed super fund (SMSF) lending are reshaping investors' financial strategies. The trio examine the RBA's decision to hold the cash rate and the government's underestimated SMSF lending figures, exploring what both mean for mortgage holders, investors, developers and the broader property market. With residential SMSF borrowing now off the table, the trio explore the growing shift towards commercial property and lease-doc lending, where a property's rental income can help underpin the lending assessment. Tarrant, Loisance, and Arvanitopoulos also examine how these lending options could help investors with limited borrowing capacity but available equity, while weighing the risks before making a move. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Interest-only or principal and interest? The choice could affect your repayments, borrowing power, and ability to buy your next property, with the "right" loan depending on the strategy behind your portfolio. On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial tackle one of the biggest finance decisions facing property investors: interest-only or principal and interest? The pair compare the two types of loans, looking beyond the headline interest rate to the impact each option can have on cash flow, debt reduction, and portfolio growth. They also examine borrowing capacity, including why some lenders treat interest-only debt differently and how the right loan structure could potentially give investors more room to acquire additional properties. The conversation then turns to loan-to-value ratio (LVR), refinancing, and equity, including situations where paying down debt faster can strengthen an investor's position and when preserving cash flow may make more strategic sense. Paliwal and Fouracre also explore the longer-term impact of inflation on debt and why investors need to consider their broader portfolio strategy rather than automatically choosing one loan structure over the other.

Having kids can change your borrowing power, your goals, and even your property strategy. This couple reveal how they balance building a portfolio with creating the life they actually want. n The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman sits down with property investors Jason and Jami-Lee Titus to discuss the realities of growing a portfolio while starting and raising a family. The couple share why they regularly reset their financial and personal goals, and the difference between the properties they want to buy and the life those investments are actually designed to create. They also discuss the pressure to keep up with friends, social media, and other investors, and why constantly comparing your progress to someone else's can push you towards goals that were never yours. The conversation then turns to borrowing capacity and the financial reality of having children, including how a drop in household income can dramatically change what investors can borrow and how aggressively they can invest. Jason and Jami-Lee also reveal how communication has helped them navigate competing priorities, from investment decisions to lifestyle goals, and why building a property portfolio shouldn't come at the expense of the life you're trying to build. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Property, politics, and policy collided this week as government funding, SMSF changes, housing affordability, and market narratives fuelled fresh debate. But behind the headlines, what do these shifts actually mean for buyers, sellers, and investors? On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman dive into the growing tension between politics, property, and public debate, exploring why housing remains one of Australia's most contested issues. The pair discuss how market forecasts can often depend on who is delivering them, with selling agents, buyer's agents, and commentators frequently presenting different versions of the same data. They also look at the impact of government policy on property, including the future of self-managed super fund (SMSF) investment, the shift towards commercial opportunities, and how changing rules could influence investor decisions. The duo then explores builder incentives, immigration and housing demand, negative equity, and whether current policy settings are addressing the challenges facing the market.

Renovating can build equity – but it can also destroy your budget. From hidden costs to builder blowouts and expensive mistakes, here's what every property investor should know before picking up the hammer. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman and Emilie Lauer unpack the reality of renovating an investment property, using Emilie's own project as a case study. The pair discuss the hidden costs that caught her by surprise, why quotes aren't always as straightforward as they seem, and the importance of planning for the unknown with a healthy contingency buffer. They also explore how renovations can create manufactured equity in today's market, the decisions that can add long-term value, and why having the right renovation strategy is just as important as choosing the right property. The conversation also shares practical lessons from the renovation process, including how to prepare before work starts, avoid costly oversights, and keep a project on track without losing sight of the bigger investment picture. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

A "rat house" that grew 71 per cent in just two years. A former meth house that jumped from $465,000 to $800,000. Parental guarantees released in just four months through instant equity. Properties that tripled in value in just 5 years. These aren't hypothetical scenarios; they're real outcomes from mutual clients House Finder worked with alongside one of Australia's leading mortgage brokers, Hung Chuy from Strategic Brokers. After hundreds of purchases together, we've seen some unbelievable stories. We couldn't fit them into one episode. Part 1 is out now!

One investor turned divorce, financial setbacks, and starting again with just $7,000 into a six-property portfolio across four states – and reveals the strategy that made it possible. On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal sits down with investor Trent Olsen to discuss how he rebuilt his financial future after a major life transition, using strategy, discipline, and data to grow a multi-state property portfolio. Trent shares the lessons from his early investing mistakes, why diversification became the foundation of his portfolio, and how choosing the right markets helped him start over. The conversation shares the realities of scaling a portfolio, from managing cash flow and holding costs to taking on second jobs, while highlighting why delayed gratification and a long-term mindset remain some of the most powerful tools available to property investors. The pair also discuss the role of data-driven decision-making, working with the right broker and investment team, and why having a clear strategy from day one can make the difference between simply buying property and building long-term wealth.

The rules of property finance are changing. From SMSF reforms to new lending strategies, investors who understand where the market is heading could gain an edge. Forget interest rates. As self-managed super fund (SMSF), refinancing and commercial lending reshape investors' strategies, finance could become the biggest advantage in today's property market. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant sits down with Eva Loisance, principal of Finni Mortgages, to discuss the biggest changes happening across Australia's lending market. The pair examine the latest on the government's proposed SMSF borrowing ban, why industry figures suggest the policy may be based on flawed data, and the impact the changes could have on investors, developers, and new housing supply. They also explore how investors are adapting to a softer market through refinancing, equity releases, and cash-out strategies, while revealing how some lenders are changing their servicing rules to help borrowers increase their capacity. The duo then looks at the growing appeal of commercial property lending, lease-doc loans, and why investors who have reached their residential borrowing limits are increasingly looking beyond traditional finance. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

The property industry is facing a trust test, with questionable advice, buyer's agent practices, and rushed investment decisions putting buyers on alert. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman unpack the biggest issues facing property investors right now, from misleading investment advice and buyer's agent concerns to the rush before major self-managed super fund (SMSF) changes take effect. The pair discuss the growing scrutiny around buyer's agents, questioning whether some business models have prioritised sales over investor outcomes. They also examine the latest developments from the Dashdot collapse, including concerns around upfront fees, investment advice, and the impact on customers left out of pocket. The duo explores why some investors are being drawn towards questionable opportunities, from expensive apartment purchases to promises of easy returns, and why due diligence remains critical in a shifting market. Tarrant and Garman then turn to the SMSF borrowing changes, the rush to secure deals before the deadline, and whether policy decisions are accurately reflecting the realities of the property market. The episode also looks at housing affordability, falling prices, and what a more cautious market means for investors trying to make their next move.

Australia's property market is being reshaped by a new wave of demand. From migration-driven growth corridors to changing rental markets and shifting investor strategies, these are the trends investors cannot afford to ignore. On the Property Investing Insights podcast, Phil Tarrant is joined by Victor and Reshmi Kumar to discuss how migration, demographics, and changing buyer behaviour are influencing where demand is building across Australia. The trio share their observations about migration from India, the suburbs seeing increased demand, and why understanding population shifts could help investors identify future opportunities. They also examine the current market reset, including interest rates, softer conditions, the shift towards cash flow-focused strategies and the changing role of buyer's agents in helping investors navigate a more complex environment. With the boom-time playbook no longer applying, the trio reveals why data, demographics, and suburb fundamentals are becoming critical for investors looking to stay ahead.

The market is full of fear, but investors waiting for the "perfect time" to buy could be missing the opportunity already unfolding. As confidence falls and buyers hesitate, the next wave of property opportunities could be hiding in plain sight. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman is joined by Steve Ash from Property Strats to shed light on where opportunities are emerging as uncertainty, changing policies, and cautious buyers reshape the market. The pair explore why investors looking beyond the headlines could gain an advantage, from discounted opportunities in Melbourne to the growing appeal of cash flow-focused strategies. They also discuss why Australia's property market cannot be judged as one single market, with local supply, demand, rental conditions, and buyer activity creating very different outcomes across suburbs and property types. As sentiment remains cautious, Ash explains why waiting for certainty could mean missing the opportunities that appear before confidence returns. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Australia's property landscape is changing, but the numbers driving the next investment opportunity go far beyond house prices. From inflation and interest rates to local supply, vacancy rates, and economic resilience, these are the indicators shaping investors' next move. On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal sits down with PRD chief economist Dr Diaswati (Asti) Mardiasmo to explore how investors can make sense of an increasingly complex market, where economic conditions, government policy, and local market data are becoming just as important as property prices. The pair discuss the federal budget and its impact on investors, including the changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax, and trusts, while examining why new-build incentives may not translate into the housing supply many expect. Mardiasmo also explains why buyer's agents are playing a more strategic role than ever before, helping investors interpret economic trends, local market conditions, and suburb-level data rather than simply sourcing properties. The conversation also explores why local market data matters more than national headlines, and the economic indicators investors should be watching.

Property headlines may be screaming "crash", but Australia's real estate market is far more complex than the news suggests – and investors who rely on the headlines risk missing the bigger picture. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman is joined by Results Mentoring founding mentors Simon Buckingham and Brendan Kelly to discuss what's really happening across Australia's property markets and why broad market commentary often misses the mark. The pair argue there is no single Australian property market, but thousands of individual markets moving for different reasons. They explain why investors should ignore sensational headlines and instead focus on local supply, demand, infrastructure, vacancy rates, and economic fundamentals when making investment decisions. The conversation also examines how higher interest rates, changing tax policies, and shifting buyer sentiment are affecting different parts of the country, with some markets cooling while others continue to present strong opportunities. Buckingham and Kelly also share the key indicators they monitor before buying property, explaining how data-driven research can help investors identify resilient suburbs, avoid underperforming markets, and make better long-term investment decisions. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Australia's property market is entering another period of uncertainty, with the SMSF borrowing deadline, interest rate speculation, and shifting buyer demand all set to test the market in the months ahead. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman discuss the SMSF buying rush ahead of the 10 August deadline, what the market could look like once that demand fades, and where opportunities may emerge for prepared buyers. The pair also examine how tighter borrowing conditions are pushing investors towards higher-yielding properties, and why chasing cash flow alone could come at the expense of long-term performance. They also turn their attention to the latest trust account theft case, questioning why fraud continues to plague the industry and whether technology can finally remove one of real estate's biggest ongoing risks.

As investors scramble to beat the SMSF deadline, the biggest question is no longer what to buy before August – it's where the best opportunities will be once the market settles. On the How I Met My Broker podcast, hosts Hung Chuy and Liam Garman are joined by Property Strats founder Steve Ash to discuss the investment opportunities emerging after the federal budget changes and the looming self-managed super fund (SMSF) deadline. The trio discuss why Melbourne is back on investors' radar, pointing to discounted house prices, improving value and strong long-term fundamentals that could make the city one of Australia's most compelling markets over the coming years. The conversation also examines the SMSF frenzy ahead of the borrowing ban, with Chuy revealing demand has been so strong his brokerage has stopped taking on new SMSF clients, while Ash explains what investors should expect once the deadline passes. The trio then explore where investors could turn next, from commercial property and trusts to the potential emergence of a buyer's market, arguing that those with finance in place and a long-term strategy will be best positioned to capitalise on the next wave of opportunities.

Too many property investors chase the next purchase without knowing how it fits into their long-term financial plan – and that's where expensive mistakes begin. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant sits down with PRPTY360 founder Julian Fadini to discuss why successful investing starts with a strategy, not simply buying another property. Fadini explains why the best investment decisions come from understanding long-term financial goals first, revealing how financial planning, portfolio strategy, and careful asset selection work together to build lasting wealth. The discussion also explores where opportunities still exist in today's market, with Fadini outlining why areas with limited land supply, strong owner-occupier demand, and lifestyle appeal continue to outperform over the long term. The pair then examine today's changing investment landscape, from self-managed super fund (SMSF) reforms to shifting buyer behaviour, explaining why investors who stay focused on fundamentals – not market noise – are better placed to build stronger portfolios over time. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

A major expansion is underway for InvestorKit and Fouracre Financial, with two strategic acquisitions set to strengthen their technology, lending, and investment capabilities. On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal and Jack Fouracre discuss their acquisition of key Dashdot assets and Dash Lending, and what the deals mean for property investors. The pair explain how Dashdot's forecasting technology, portfolio modelling tools, and property data will strengthen InvestorKit's research platform, while Dash Lending's team and loan book will expand Fouracre Financial's lending capabilities beyond $1 billion in loans under management. They also reveal why the acquisitions are about more than growth, outlining their vision to bring investment advice, lending, and technology together under one ecosystem. Finally, Paliwal and Fouracre share what's next for both businesses and how the expanded capabilities will help investors make smarter property decisions and build stronger portfolios.

Property investors are waiting for prices to fall, but hesitation could be creating the biggest missed opportunity in today's market. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman is joined by Emilie Lauer and Julian Barnes to discuss the biggest stories shaping the market, including falling mortgage demand, shifting investor sentiment, and new opportunities for buyers. The trio explores why more investors are considering new builds following the federal tax changes, while warning that complex contracts and project delays can quickly turn a good deal into a costly mistake. They also discuss the rush into self-managed super funds (SMSF) ahead of the residential borrowing deadline, Westpac's latest lending changes, and why interest rate expectations remain divided. Finally, the episode examines why softer competition, increased vendor discounting, and a more balanced market could give prepared investors greater negotiating power than they've had in years.

Fear of missing out is back in Australia's property market. As thousands of investors rush to beat the SMSF deadline, the biggest risk isn't missing out – it's buying the wrong property in the process. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant is joined by Alex Whitlock to discuss the growing frenzy surrounding self-managed super funds (SMSF) and why investor urgency is creating new risks. The pair question whether the race to secure finance before the borrowing ban is pushing investors into poor-quality assets, warning against letting marketing hype or tight deadlines dictate long-term investment decisions. Attention then turns to the mortgage market, with borrowing capacities shrinking and investor activity slowing, raising fresh questions about what the next phase of lending could look like for brokers and borrowers alike. Finally, Tarrant and Whitlock explain why investors should look beyond buyer's agents alone, arguing that local property managers can often provide some of the strongest insights into rental demand, cash flow, and the long-term fundamentals of a market.

Thousands of investors are racing to beat the SMSF borrowing ban – but rushing into the wrong property could prove far more expensive than missing the deadline. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant is joined by Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos from Finni Mortgages to discuss the frantic rush into self-managed super fund (SMSF) property purchases, and why investors need to separate urgency from smart decision-making. The trio reveal how the looming borrowing ban has triggered a surge in demand, creating fierce competition, inflated asking prices, and growing pressure on brokers, lenders, and buyer's agents to settle deals before time runs out. The discussion also exposes the risks emerging in the market, from overpriced properties and questionable buyer's agent recommendations to valuations falling short and deals collapsing as investors scramble to secure finance. Tarrant, Loisance, and Arvanitopoulos explain how recent lending changes and the loss of negative gearing benefits are reshaping borrowing power, forcing investors to rethink their finance strategy, property selection, and long-term investment plans.

Borrowing power has fallen by as much as 30 per cent for some investors – but that doesn't mean property investing is over. It just means the rules have changed. On the KTG Property Podcast, Kev Tran sits down with mortgage broker and investor Jyh Kao to explain how lenders are responding to the negative gearing changes, why borrowing capacities are shrinking, and what investors can do to stay in the game. Kao reveals that changes to lender servicing calculators are reshaping borrowing power, forcing many investors to rethink everything from loan structures and lender choice to the type of property they buy next. The discussion also explores why chasing tax benefits alone has always been the wrong strategy, arguing that investors should instead focus on cash flow, equity, income growth, and long-term portfolio planning. Tran and Kao explain why opportunities still exist despite tighter lending conditions, revealing how strategic lender selection, smarter asset choices, and the right finance structure can help investors continue growing their portfolios even as the market changes.

Two Sydney units left him stuck. One $297,000 Brisbane purchase changed everything and completely transformed the way he invested in property. On The Property Nerds podcast, Arjun Paliwal sits down with electrician and business owner Brenton Russo to discuss how following conventional property advice initially held him back before a strategic shift unlocked a multi-state portfolio. Russo explains how buying two Sydney units early in his investing journey left him unable to keep growing, before a $297,000 Brisbane purchase at the height of COVID-19 went on to triple in value and gave him the confidence and equity to continue investing. Beyond the financial gains, Russo reveals how property created opportunities far beyond wealth, from helping his father recover after a financial setback to giving him the freedom to pursue new business ventures. Finally, Paliwal and Russo argue that waiting for certainty is often the biggest investing mistake, explaining why taking action with the right advice can be the difference between staying stuck and building long-term wealth.

Millions of Australians are still following property advice that no longer works. In today's market, that mistake could cost investors hundreds of thousands of dollars. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman sits down with buyer's agent Jason Titus to break down the outdated property myths that still hold investors back – and why a clear strategy matters more than ever. Titus argues that too many Australians still believe buying close to home or simply "getting on the property ladder" is enough, when successful investing now depends on data, long-term planning, and buying where the numbers stack up, not where emotions take over. The discussion also explores the challenges facing everyday families, with Titus explaining why many investors in their 40s are turning their accumulated equity into long-term wealth rather than leaving it idle. Finally, the pair explain why rising living costs, limited housing supply, and changing market conditions make having a personalised investment strategy more important than ever – and why investors relying on yesterday's advice risk falling behind. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Tax changes may have stolen the headlines, but Australia's property market is increasingly being shaped by immigration, housing supply, and political decisions that investors can't afford to ignore. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant is joined by Steve Kuper to connect the dots between politics, geopolitics, and property, revealing how government decisions, immigration policy, and global uncertainty are beginning to reshape Australia's housing market. The duo examines the rush of investors scrambling to buy residential property through self-managed super funds before the borrowing ban takes effect, questioning whether urgency is driving sound investment decisions or expensive mistakes. Attention then turns to Canberra, where the fallout from recent tax reforms continues to divide investors, raising fresh questions about housing affordability, fairness, and whether government policy is solving the problem or creating new ones. The discussion also explores Australia's immigration settings, revealing why a growing mismatch between skilled migration and construction labour is adding further pressure to an already constrained housing market. Finally, Tarrant and Kuper look beyond Australia's borders, discussing why geopolitical tensions are no longer just a foreign affairs issue and how global instability could increasingly influence property markets, investor confidence, and the nation's economic outlook.

Everyone's watching tax changes, interest rates, and policy backflips – but they're missing the one factor secretly deciding who wins big in property: Australia's housing supply gap, and it's only getting worse. On The Pure Property Podcast, Phil Tarrant joins Paul Glossop to discuss why the biggest challenge facing Australia's housing market isn't tax reform, interest rates, or investor sentiment, but a chronic shortage of homes that government policy still hasn't solved. The pair argue that while recent changes to negative gearing and self-managed super funds (SMSF) have dominated headlines, they do little to address the underlying supply crisis, with immigration continuing to outpace new housing construction. Attention then turns to the fallout from banning residential property borrowing through SMSFs, with Glossop warning the changes could remove a significant source of demand for new apartment developments and place even more pressure on future housing supply. The discussion also challenges the growing narrative that property is no longer a worthwhile investment, explaining why leverage, long-term strategy, and value-add opportunities continue to separate successful investors from everyone else. Finally, Glossop introduces his new Toolbox Talks initiative, explaining why educating tradies and everyday Australians about property investing could be one of the most effective ways to build wealth beyond a regular paycheck.

Look beyond capital growth – Australia's next property fortune is being made in the rental market, and most investors haven't caught on yet. Welcome to the "rental super boom". On The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant sits down with Sam Gordon from Australian Property Scout to break down why shifting tax settings, tightening borrowing conditions, and chronic housing shortages are quietly rewriting the rules on where smart money should be looking next. According to Gordon, while the recent policy changes have spooked plenty of investors, the fundamentals haven't budged. He said that leverage, demand, and surging rental growth still make property one of the strongest wealth-building levers in the country. Gordon shares Australian Property Scout's latest research, identifying 12 regions tipped for exceptional rental growth as low vacancy rates, population shifts, and supply shortages place increasing pressure on rents. You can view the whitepaper here. The conversation then pivots to cash flow and why it's no longer optional. Gordon breaks down why capital growth alone won't cut it anymore, and how stronger rental yields are becoming the backbone of serious portfolio strategy. The pair tackle the comeback of off-the-plan projects and house-and-land packages and share where the real opportunities are hiding, where the landmines sit, and why due diligence has never mattered more. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Most investors think buying property is enough. But one emotional decision can cost years of growth, while the right strategy can completely change your financial future. On The Property Nerds, Arjun Paliwal sits down with Sidd Sureshbabu to unpack the investing mistakes that stalled his early progress and the strategy that helped transform his portfolio into more than $1.4 million in growth. Sureshbabu reflects on buying his first Sydney apartment based on emotion rather than investment fundamentals, expecting the market to do the heavy lifting before discovering that not every property delivers the same result. The conversation then follows the shift to a data-led approach, with carefully selected purchases across Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria delivering significantly stronger capital growth in just a few years. Attention also turns to rentvesting, with Sureshbabu explaining why renting where he wanted to live while investing where the numbers stacked up allowed him to grow faster without compromising his lifestyle.

Thousands of property investors just lost one of their most powerful wealth-building strategies. But with the clock already ticking, those who move quickly may still be able to get the SMSF options. On The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant sits down with Eva Loisance from Finni Mortgages to discuss the government's decision to ban borrowing through self-managed super funds (SMSFs) for residential property and what it means for investors. The pair explain why the reforms have sent shockwaves through the industry, triggering a race to secure existing SMSF lending before the transition window closes and leaving many investors scrambling to understand what happens next. The discussion reveals why the changes could stretch far beyond individual investors, with the potential to reduce rental supply, slow off-the-plan developments, and reshape how future property projects are funded. Attention then turns to the strategies still available, including commercial property, refinancing, and alternative ownership structures, while warning investors to steer clear of rushed solutions and so-called loopholes that could create costly problems down the track. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Everyone wants to know why housing has become so unaffordable. But what if the policies designed to fix the crisis are actually making it worse? On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman question whether recent tax reforms, lending changes, and housing policies could have unintended consequences for investors, developers, and first home buyers alike. From the crackdown on investor taxes to broader housing reforms, the pair examine whether the government's approach will genuinely improve affordability or simply reduce housing supply and place even more pressure on the market. They also explore Australia's increasingly fragmented property landscape, where Sydney and Melbourne continue to soften while Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth tell a very different story, proving there is no such thing as a single Australian property market. The conversation then shifts to the broader economy, examining how higher interest rates, persistent inflation, and growing employment uncertainty could shape borrowing power, property values, and investor confidence in the months ahead. Finally, the duo assess the potential fallout from changes to self-managed super funds, posing one critical question: if individual investors are gradually pushed out of the market, who will fund Australia's next generation of housing?

Most investors are still chasing capital growth. But in today's market, cash flow is becoming the real competitive advantage, with many investors rethinking their strategy. The question is: should you? On The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman sits down with Josh Crealy from LEVR to explain why tighter borrowing capacity, higher holding costs, and looming tax changes are forcing investors to rethink what makes a good property investment. Crealy argues that strong yield is no longer just a bonus – it's becoming one of the biggest drivers of buying decisions, allowing investors to hold assets more comfortably while positioning themselves for future growth. The discussion then turns to blue-chip Melbourne apartments trading below replacement cost while delivering yields that many houses simply can't match. Drawing on a recent acquisition, he explains how one Melbourne unit purchased for $416,000 is expected to return around 6.5 per cent in rental yield while costing as little as $16 a week to hold, highlighting why investors are taking a fresh look at the city's apartment market. The pair also unpack Australia's growing housing supply problem, revealing why established properties in tightly held locations could become increasingly valuable as rising construction costs continue to choke new development. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

From Investor to Client Strategist Tom Herceg began his journey with House Finder as an investor chasing financial freedom. Less than five years later, we built a portfolio of 8 properties with over $3 million in combined capital growth. Even more impressively, three of those properties TRIPLED in value during that time. Despite this exceptional growth, his entire portfolio is only around $20,000 negatively geared per year - a figure that's expected to improve as rental increases are on the horizon After experiencing the strategy firsthand, Tom was so convinced by the results that he joined House Finder as a Client Strategist, helping other investors achieve similar success. He doesn't teach theory. He teaches from real experience - the wins, the mistakes, and everything in between. That's exactly what we believe in: experienced investors helping other investors build wealth through proven, real world experience.

The COVID-19 property boom rewarded almost everyone. But today's market is separating investors from speculators. So what does it actually take to build wealth in 2026? On this week's episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman sits down with Pinnacle Buyers Agents founder Michael Lezaja to unpack why the post-COVID-19 property market demands a very different investment strategy, and what successful investors are doing to stay ahead. With borrowing capacity under pressure and tax incentives becoming less generous, Lezaja argues the biggest opportunities lie in buying property below its intrinsic value – not simply "below market value". It's a strategy he believes many investors abandoned during the COVID-19 boom. He explains why blue-chip property isn't the answer for most Australians, why a 3 per cent rental yield can stall your portfolio, and why the off-the-plan sales pitch is no more convincing today than it was a decade ago. The conversation also explores practical strategies to accelerate portfolio growth, including adding granny flats, converting three-bedroom homes into four-bedroom properties, deliberately targeting "inferior" homes with upside, and why a $6,000 Bunnings kitchen renovation could deliver one of the highest returns on investment available. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.