The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)

This week, the Property Trio unpack reverse mortgages after a thoughtful listener question from Simon about funding retirement without selling property.It’s a classic accumulation-to-income pivot, and one many investors leave too late. While accessing equity instead of triggering capital gains tax sounds appealing, reverse mortgages are a cash flow tool, not a wealth strategy. Compounding interest can erode equity over time, and lending limits are age-based and typically restricted to owner-occupied homes. Importantly, there’s no CGT advantage.The Trio emphasise that while reverse mortgages can play a role later in life, the most optimal outcomes come from proactive, long-term planning.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/30/listener-question-reverse-mortgages/

In this debut live recording, Dave, Cate and Mike share their market pulse highlights before diving into some live interaction with the audience. The Q&A format is hosted by none other than the fabulous Property Professor, Pete Koulizos who joins the stage too.This mighty episode runs for one hour and thirty-five minutes. The first thirteen minutes are dedicated to each of the host's market pulse updates, followed by a great assortment of questions from the floor.We had enormous fun delivering this live ep and we thank our attendees, who made it a great night to remember. We hope our listeners enjoy too!The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/23/live-event-march-2026/

Dave Johnston and Mike Mortlock unpack the February housing data, with Perth still leading growth while Sydney and Melbourne remain flat. Hobart is showing early signs of recovery, and regional markets continue to outperform capitals. Rising global tensions, higher bond yields and possible tax changes are lifting rate expectations, but long-term housing demand continues to support property values.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/16/ep-353-february-2026-market-update/

Australia’s housing affordability crisis isn’t just demand-driven. In this week's episode, the Trio examines supply constraints, productivity, taxes and labour shortages.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/09/the-housing-supply-challenge/

In this episode, a great listener question from Brendan sparks the conversation. The Trio take a strategic deep dive into ownership structures, equity release and lender policy, helping investors align tax outcomes, borrowing power and long-term portfolio planning.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/02/ownership-structuring-strategy/And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event this week - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. You can access tickets Here.

In this episode, the Property Trio unpack debt recycling in plain English, explaining how it works and why it’s often misunderstood. Cate, Dave and Mike explore tax deductibility, redraw traps and cash flow risks, helping listeners understand when the strategy can add value... and when it may do more harm than good.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/02/23/pre-sale-improvements/And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. You can access tickets Here.

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Cate, Dave and Mike unpack the latest January 2026 monthly market figures. Following the recent cash rate increase of 25 basis points, the Trio reflect on the conditions that lead the RBA Board to raise interest rates in Feb. This was after more than six months of rates on hold following early 2025's three sets of cuts. Inflation was the primary driver, but many factors are taken into account. Join the Trio as they discuss the rationale behind the decision, and uncover more detail in the data that's unfolding.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/02/16/ep-349-january-2026-market-update/And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. You can access tickets Here.https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/01/19/ep-345-december-2025-market-update/

In this episode, the Property Trio unpack debt recycling in plain English, explaining how it works and why it’s often misunderstood. Cate, Dave and Mike explore tax deductibility, redraw traps and cash flow risks, helping listeners understand when the strategy can add value... and when it may do more harm than good.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/02/09/debt-recycling/And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. You can access tickets Here.

In this episode of The Property Trio Podcast, Dave hosts the annual "How did we go?" predictions episode. The Trio have a bit of fun, going through their 2025 predictions and applying a scorecard for each other's accuracy. Who got it right? What did they get wrong? And what surprises did they miss? Cate, Dave and Mike are open, reflective and honest about how they each fared.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/02/02/2025-predictions-review/And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. You can access tickets Here.

This episode of The Property Trio Podcast was sparked by a fantastic listener question from Callum. The Trio dive into the mortgage questions borrowers ask every single day – plus a few curveballs that catch even experienced investors off guard.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/01/26/rules-for-borrowers/And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. You can access tickets Here.

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Cate, Dave and Mike unpack the latest December monthly market figures.Dave points out that we have experienced the highest national growth since 2021, and the Trio break down the star performers for the final month of the year. Adelaide and Perth continued their stellar run for December, yet Melbourne and Sydney marginally slipped back. The trio consider the reasons for this, circling stock levels, auction centric markets and price segmentation. As always in their monthly market updates, they canvas rents, listing numbers, lending data the Westpac Consumer Sentiment figures.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/01/19/ep-345-december-2025-market-update/

In this episode of The Property Trio Podcast, Dave hosts the annual Predictions episode. Part two of a two-part series, the Trio share their predictions on interest rates, possible threats, government intervention, supply and rental markets!The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/01/12/2026-predictions-part-2/And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. You can access tickets Here.

In this episode of The Property Trio Podcast, Dave hosts the annual Predictions episode. Part one of a two-part series, the Trio share their predictions on growth, markets, rents, investor numbers and more. It's one episode that is not to be missed!The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/01/05/2026-predictions-part-1/And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. You can access tickets Here.

In this episode of The Property Trio Podcast, Cate hosts a listener questions episode featuring the mortgage questions borrowers ask most often. Inspired by a listener question from Callum, the Trio open the vault on borrowing capacity, rental income treatment, interest-only strategies, and the tax traps that can quietly cost property owners hundreds of thousands over time.Wishing our listeners a happy and prosperous 2026!The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/29/mortgage-strategy-questions-answered/

In this episode, The Trio explore how to identify serious competitors, read buyer behaviour, understand market forces, and apply smart tactics to gain an edge in both auctions and private sales.Wishing our loyal listeners a safe and joyous festive season!The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/22/determining-genuine-buyer-competition/

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Mike, Cate, and Dave unpack the latest November market figures.Perth continues to surge, gaining pace this month with a 2.4% lift, and investor lending hits record highs, prompting APRA to potentially apply changes. National prices rise more than one per cent for the third month running, and the Trio talk about the uplift in rental growth that has struck in recent months.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/15/ep-340-november-2025-market-update/

This episode busts the biggest mortgage myths costing borrowers money. Mike, Cate and Dave unpack why the lowest rate isn’t always best, how repayment strategy affects future tax deductions, why borrowing capacity varies by lender, the truth about maternity-leave lending, and why bank loyalty rarely pays.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/08/mortgage-myths-exposed/

This episode unpacks the adoption of AI for use in property analysis, due diligence, and decision-making.AI is transforming property research, but the Trio reveal its limits. AI can be great for summaries, but is often poor with data accuracy. It can be useful for ideas, yet dangerous for decisions. Cate, Dave and Mike recommend that AI users always verify numbers and rely on expert judgement when it comes to making property decisions.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/24/unlimited-borrowing-myth/

This episode unpacks the myth of “unlimited borrowing” through multiple trust structures. Cate, Dave, and Mike explain why lenders look through trusts to the borrower, meaning all debts are still counted. They cover higher costs, tougher lending policies, and land tax pitfalls. Trusts offer asset protection, not extra borrowing capacity....So investors must seek proper legal, tax, and lending advice.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/01/ai-and-property/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM🎧In this month’s Property Trio market update, Mike, Cate, and Dave unpack the latest October market figures... and there are some interesting stats to discuss 📊 💥 Nationally, growth is still positive for every single capital city. Perth has topped the charts at 1.9% monthly growth, while Darwin, Adelaide and Brisbane remain close with 1.6%, 1.4% and 1.8% respectively. Melbourne and Sydney may not have growth to match the others, but for Melbourne in particular at 0.9%, this monthly growth is the strongest that the southern city has delivered all year. The sheer weighting of both of the largest capital cities have a bearing on national growth also. "The pace of growth in Australian home values accelerated in October, rising by 1.1%; the fastest monthly gain since June 2023." (Cotality) 💬 The Trio discuss the spread of value growth in each capital city. The middle and lower quartiles continue to perform strongly, even as the top end remains subdued. Could the 5% deposit guarantee, combined with stronger investor interest be the cause of this? 📈 And for the first time in a while, the combined capitals are out-starting the combined regionals. Regional WA shines with 1.8% growth for the month, some 0.7% stronger than the next, (regional QLD). Like the capitals, every single combined state/territory region exhibited positive growth for October.🏠 Meanwhile, rents continue to show strength, with Darwin and Hobart continuing to demonstrate the strongest change in rents. "Unit rents are rising faster than house rents across most cities."  Pressure on rental yields is a hallmark of rising capital values, and the gross rental yields chart illustrates this well.Vacancy rates remain low — with the tightest city at just 0.4% in Hobart and the highest vacancy rate still being a low 1.8% in Melbourne — signalling an ongoing rental crisis driven by housing shortages and a struggling construction sector.Listing numbers are interesting - while the new listing numbers within just 3% of previous year (and 0.4% from the past five year average), it's all listings that tell the true story. Nationally, our listing numbers are down 14.3% compared to last year, and 18.3% down compared to the past five year average. It's easy to see why values are surging in some markets where the supply and demand imbalance has struck. 💰 Consumer sentiment tells a few surprising stories, with "a markedly more confident assessment of prospects for the economy" apparent. Several measures in the indices exhibited a strong increase in sentiment, with both the expectations of economic conditions in the next twelve months, and interest rate expectations index jumps recorded in early November.The Trio look forward to the monthly reporting of CPI going forward, and in particular, what this will do for visibility within the Reserve Bank Board's dashboard.Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/17/ep-336-october-2025-market-update/