WHO ARE WE? ”Cousins, Real Estate Investors, Educators, Podcasts and one‘s even an Author!” Cousins Alex and James Fitzgerald, hosts of The Double Shot Podcast, are under 35yr property professionals who’ve collectively transacted over $500M of real estate and are investors themselves. Each week they digest the key headlines relevant to business and investing with a lean toward the millennial perspective and a focus on how Australians can most affectively use real estate as their key investment strategy. They also both work for Custodian, a company founded by CEO and Author John Fitzgerald (Yes! they are related) – who also wrote best seller “7 Steps to Wealth”. At Custodian, we have been helping Australians from all walks of life on how to utilise their equity and savings and the power of compound growth, to secure their financial future, and repay their mortgage much faster in the process. Custodian was founded by author of best seller “7 Steps to Wealth”, to help thousands apply the strategy highlighted in the book. When it comes to Real Estate, you couldn’t pick a better channel. How about a step further? Get your ticket to our upcoming webinar and learn more about to build a portfolio and get rid of your mortgage within 7 to 10 years. https://bit.ly/3xSP0ZW Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CustodianHQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/custodian.realestate/ Website https://custodian.com.au/ Blog at: https://custodian.com.au/our-blog/
- Why is it beneficial to pay principal and interest off your place of residence as quick as possible? - Is Victoria the best place to invest in property right now? - Our 3 loans are coming off interest only in 2026 - do you think we should refinance to interest only or swap to principal and interest? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Mitch MC duties. - Phone apps and worst habits? - Golden visas - what are they and do we like them? - Property taxes state by state compared. - Deal of the week - Rosehill race track. - Buy/Sell Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- How do you make land profitable? - I'm cash-poor but asset-rich — how can I secure my next investment? - I'm a single mother and recently changed jobs, but I still need an additional $20,000 in income to buy. How can I increase my borrowing capacity? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au | alexf@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
Alex, James and Mitch discuss: - The Shape debate continues... - Average household size - where does Australia land in top 20? - Wage data and RBA rate decision. - Migrant data - how many Australians are born overseas and what is the significance of that data? - Buy/Sell. Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au | alexf@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- What's your view on fixing rates - should we do it now? - Is the housing construction shortfall going to be impacted with rising immigration rates? - Is it feasible to build a 4 bedroom shared home with self contained rooms (kitchen, living and bedroom in each room) Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Mothers Day. - Man vs Gorilla. - Tariffs embargo. - Rentvesting boom? - Household spending data - what does it tell us? - Castle Group $119m purchase in Austral - we unpack the deal. - Buy/Sell. - Stat fact - when does the average property investor sell? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- I've been told I have a borrowing capacity of $400,000 due to a $70,000 HECS debt. I also have $80,000 cash to put down — what should I do? - How many investors own three or more investment properties? - Would you buy an apartment today if you don't have enough to purchase a house? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | alexf@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Alex discuss: - Alex new house - buying and selling experience. - Election result. - Corelogic April data - 4 months of in, what do we know. - Stockland, Australia's biggest developer, interesting quarter result insights. - Warren Buffett last shareholder meeting - how does the legend stack up statistically? - Buy/Sell. - Stat Fact. Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | alexf@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- I am already 47 years old has 1 investment property. Annual income of $140000. With the current interest rates do you think I still have the chance to add another investment property? - Do your experts allow for Land Tax costs (per states) in your/our strategy? As land values are only increasing. - My valuation on my own home came in higher when I upgraded to an inspection - why is that? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
Mitch and James discuss: - Weekend happenings. - Feedback. - Government tax collections up - how much tax does the average Aussie pay? - Vacancy rate data out - what does it mean? - Melbourne auction clearance data interesting. - Buy/Sell. - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- Is it better to do interest only or P&I (principal and interest) for investments? - What is your opinion about investing in real estate with an SMSF (self managed super fund) ? Is it worth it considering the costs associated with SMSF + LRBA (Limited recourse borrowing arrangements)? - Why is it not recommended to use the same bank for loans to multiple houses? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Easter recap. - Mitch descending on Melbourne. - Unemployment rate and impact. - Building commencements and what it means. - Population – where will 3.6 million people be going? - Buy/Sell. - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- Is it better hold in super and salary sacrifice to avoid Capital Gains Tax? - I have one child still in daycare, cost of daycare is means tested. Is there a way to get investment properties without the income from that investment going against your income? - Whats the best way to purchase property if you own your own business/company? Is it harder to obtain finance from the banks? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - The weekend that was: Masters, Adelaide tourism, election promises… - First home buyer incentives – election 101. - Interstate migration numbers out. - The Oracle has spoken. - Buy/Sell - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- What incentives are there for landlords to invest in solar panels? - If we stop full time work and stop paying any tax, does the depreciation schedule still help give you cash flow? - What has changed in the last 2 years for you to be bullish on Melbourne? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Aussie butchers win bronze! - Mitch allowed 2nd of 3 golf chats for 2025. - Trump's tariffs. - Household spending data. - Housing approval data. - What does it all mean for interest rates? - Buy/Sell - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- I've been looking at purchasing a dual occupancy (1 x 2 bedroom & 1 x 3 bedroom house on a block of land). The bank's valuation came in under the purchase price — should I drop the property? - With The Gabba being demolished — will that have a negative impact on property values in the area? - My friend gave me advice that I should not, under any circumstances, build a 3 bedroom home. If I can afford to build a 4 bedroom home, should I spend the extra money? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Brisbane Olympics. - Recent study from big firm… - QLD valuer general figures out. - AVID buying AV Jennings. - House prices in March. - Buy/Sell. - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
Mitch and James back this week to discuss: -Election / budget week is inescapable. - Mitch's doppelganger. - Overseas migration struggling to be contained. - Budget takeaway – Help to Buy. - Mortgage stress numbers from RBA. - Buy/Sell. - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- Are there ways that you can get more growth in your property than the overall market? - Is the land (location) more important or a new build ? - Can you explain how we get a tax benefit if our properties are positive cash flow? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James Mitch discuss: - Post-Alfred check in. - Melbourne went off on the weekend. - WA Election round up. - Dutton pushing for WFH – what impact does it have on property? - 5 years on from Covid – property landscape before and after. - Trump's tariffs – what do they mean and impact? - Buy/Sell - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has disrupted our regular programming, so we're bringing you a timely and insightful conversation between James and a special guest. This week, The Demographics Group's Simon Kuestenmacher unpacks the key trends shaping Australia's cities, workforce, and population. We explore the role of migration in driving economic growth, how our biggest cities are evolving, and the infrastructure challenges of a growing nation. Simon also dives into the impact of remote work, artificial intelligence, and urban density shifts—revealing what these changes mean for housing, jobs, and liveability. What will Sydney and Melbourne looks like as 10 million people cities the size of London and Seoul? Despite the challenges, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Australia's future. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the forces shaping the nation and what they mean for investors, homeowners, and future generations. Get in touch: jamesf@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- Interest rates are still high - can we expect it to be reduced to 4% by the end of 2025? - All of the properties near me are starting price 1.6 million, how can we afford this as an investment? - What's the best strategy to pay off home loan on PPOR? Send us your questions: jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Tropical Cyclone Alfred - NRL in Las Vegas: Is it worth the effort? - New South Wales' new rezoning laws: Westfield is quick to capitalise! - CoreLogic data insights and the latest property trends - Alex shares an interesting article on the 15% foreign resident capital gains withholding tax (FRCGW) - Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman took home how much?! - Buy/Sell - Who Am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Surfboard vs. bike sales?! - The top six hobbies in your thirties - Queensland waiving stamp duty for first-home buyers - New South Wales rezoning laws—good news for landowners (sort of) - Buy/Sell - Who Am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
This week, we're doing something a little different. James is joined by Joe Stimson, a professional rugby league player with over 100 NRL games under his belt, including stints with the Melbourne Storm, one of Australia's most successful sporting organizations. Beyond his achievements on the field, Joe has built a strong foundation in personal finance and property investing as a client of Custodian. But what truly sets him apart is his high-performance mindset—one that's driven by goal setting, continuous feedback, and an unwavering commitment to growth. In this episode, we dive into: - How Joe started setting goals in high school and why that habit has been crucial to his success - The power of feedback—why embracing it (without taking offense) can be a game-changer in wealth-building, career, and life - Lessons from elite sport that apply to everyday success, whether in business, health, or relationships Joe's approach to personal growth is inspiring, and his story is proof that success isn't just about talent—it's about mindset. Tune in for an insightful chat, and if you enjoy this kind of episode, let us know—we just might do more of them! Get in touch: jamesf@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- Do you take into consideration factors such as vacancy, maintenance and property manager fee's with the properties when calculating cash flow? - What are your thoughts on NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) investment properties? The yields look great on face value. - What property profile is the "safe/best" to invest in? (2, 3 or 4 bedrooms) Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Where can you get the best coffee in Australia? - RBA cuts rates (!) - HECS debts being excluded from borrowing calculations. - Insurer bashing – are they taking the mickey? - Buy/Sell - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- At the moment I can purchase a small block of land with a terrace house on it. Am I better to wait and purchase a bigger block with a traditional house on it? - Do you think the outcome of this years election will have a different impact on property markets depending on who gets in? - Can you weigh up the risk and reward of selling a property under the PPR 6-year rule to avoid capital gains tax and reinvest, versus holding onto it? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Superbowl recap including half time show. - Mitch and James questionable footwear decisions. - How much do you need for retirement / financial independence? - Australia's most expensive home sale record broken! - Discretionary spending data and what it means for next week's rates decision. - Buy/Sell - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- What do you think about Dual Occupancy Homes? - I have a 2 bedroom townhouse in Mascot, Sydney. Should I sell it and buy a house for long term investment? - How can I increase our borrowing power for the same salary we make so we can buy more properties? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch back for 2025, discussing: - Tourism numbers – which countries cracked the top 5? - Inflation numbers out – what does it mean for interest rates going into 2025? - House price and buyer/seller data unpacked – what and where the trends are. - Bond data – “this is fascinating, but bear with me…” - Buy/Sell - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
SHE IS BACK! Mitch, James and Alex discuss: - Did Alex listen to the pod during the year? - Mitch held accountable. - Biggest news items of 2024. - Property market review 2024. - Biggest property influencing news item of 2024. - Buy/Sell - Who am I? (Mitch does PB). Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- With Bitcoin up 140% this year, clearly beating house prices, do you think this should be part of an investment strategy? - Do you have any book gift ideas going into Christmas? - I'm assessing property investment opportunities at the moment - should I stop and revisit in the new year given the market isn't very active over Christmas? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
Mitch and James discuss: - Weekend going ons – silly season in full swing. - Go to option after a night out. - GDP data out – implication on rates. - Nappy Valley and Tombstone Towns – destinations for highest natural population growth. - Building activity unpacked. - Buy/Sell. - Who am I – spotify wrap version. Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- We have 3 investment properties originally set up as 80/20 ownership between my wife and myself. 80% me as I am/was the higher income earner. My wife has now retired from the workforce and is on an allocated pension. How difficult would it be to transfer ownership 100% to my name to continue to reap the tax advantages or would the legal costs outweigh the tax benefits? - Are there still properties in the market that are positive geared to help with serviceability? - I am wondering with the world tech changes to robotics/AI is property going to be declining in value due to mortgage fire sales? I think property in Sydney is starting to decrease in value (Taren Point prices have dropped, $100,000-200,000 in 6 weeks) Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
Mitch and James discuss: - Data Centres and their power usage. - Tupperware news (!) - APRA announcement on mortgage buffers. - Help to Buy initiative released. - Upgraders dominating housing market now. - Buy/Sell - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- If you buy a huge block of land with an old house. Is it easy to get a loan, so you can demolish and build 3 houses? - What are the critical steps to performing due diligence before purchasing a property? - What lessons can be learned from failed real estate investments? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Black Friday. - Video calls on airplanes – good or bad? - Noosa triathlon challenge thrown down. - Buying off the plan – pro's and con's. - Overseas property purchase data out – big drop! Why? - Units growing faster than houses – why and where? - Buy/Sell - Who am I? (Mitch scores a PB) Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- I need to know if property investment is worth if done oversees? For example, in UAE. How does it compare to investing in Australia? - With Trump winning the presidency in the US, how do you see that affecting Australia markets? - When are the best months to time your lease agreements to align with demand / supply cycles in each state? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
Mitch and James back after the week break to discuss: - US election aftermath. - Mike Tyson and Jake Paul on Netflix. - Annual cash report from RBA has James excited. - Net overseas migration numbers out – are we on target? - Wage growth figures – what does it mean for rates? - Buy or sell. - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
This week, we're joined by Michael Matusik, a top Australian property market analyst and market/product advisor, to break down the forces shaping today's housing market. We cover everything from the supply-demand crunch and rising prices to future investment opportunities. With Michael's data-driven insights, discover how to navigate Australia's evolving property landscape and uncover new wealth-building strategies. Don't miss it! Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- What is negative gearing? - How can an investor build a diversified portfolio that balances risk and return? - What's the one piece of advice seasoned investors wish they knew before buying their first property? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - US election nearly over… - Has property investing peaked in Australia? Why? - Latest inflation and Reserve Bank data. - What will happen when interest rates come down? Domain has an interesting take on this. - Buy or sell. - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- What are the signs that a property market is overheating, and how should investors respond? - I have felt that house size and inclusions are becoming more influential in newer houses, more than land size. Do you see it this way? - Should investors mix up their portfolios with both higher yield and higher capital growth properties to accommodate each other? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Townsville debrief. - QLD election done and decided. - Young rich list – who made it and what do they do? - APRA buffer wars. - Melbourne planning department goes bang. - Buy or sell. - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- Why don't governments/countries teach money to their citizens starting from primary school? - I work fifo and pay 50k+ in tax, what are some ways i can reduce my tax? I have looked into salary sacrifice but cant with current employer - any other options? - How do you manage your debt when you get to 2, 3 or 4 properties? I'd be concerned about the repayments and whether I could afford it. Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Big junket coming up – checked luggage or carry on? - Report card feedback from James' Mum. - Nedd Brockmann amazing effort. - Lowest births for 17 years – what does that mean and how do the States compare? - Unemployment data for September – what does it mean for rates? - Top professions for landlords – who comes out number 1 and who surprises? - Buy/Sell - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- If I am not in a place where I have enough equity for an 80 or 90% LVR, would it be worth taking a risk going as high as 95%LVR to make sure I get in before the next year of massive growth? - I saw on a business program that interest rates could rise with Japan's economy. Is that likely to happen here? - I've got an older property in regional NSW that is costing me about $800/month to hold - should I sell and put the money into something else or hold it? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
James and Mitch discuss: - Review of the show while James was away. - Mitch big weekend in Melbourne. - James week off. - Negatives and positives on Melbourne press and data. - Report cards for the Councils? - Housing hits $11T. - Fitzys listings. - Buy or sell. - Who am I? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.
- Do you recommend paying buyers agents for building your portfolio? - When you're looking for a location to invest in, how do you determine that it's viable? - How do you use your super to buy property? Get in touch jamesf@jlf.com.au | mitchells@jlf.com.au All views and opinions discussed are that of the hosts. They do not endorse reliability or accuracy of their information. Not for commercial use.