Inside Residential Property

In this episode of Inside Residential Property, host Liam Garman is joined by Patrick Casey, managing director of Rethink Wealth, and Andrew, a young and active investor, to unpack a practical financial playbook for Australians in their 20s to 40s looking to build wealth through residential property. Using Andrew’s real investment journey as a case study, the episode explores how early action, smart asset selection, and strategic use of debt can accelerate portfolio growth, while also highlighting the financial trade-offs that often emerge as investors juggle serviceability, borrowing capacity, lifestyle goals, and tax considerations. Andrew shares how he entered the market in 2018, starting with a modest Queensland unit and later using equity and timing to progress through off-the-plan and renovation-led moves. The conversation then turns to one of the most common forks in the road for younger investors: principal place of residence versus rentvesting. Patrick and Liam unpack how each path can influence borrowing capacity and long-term flexibility, and why personal circumstances, including relationships, future family plans and lifestyle needs, should be considered alongside spreadsheet outcomes. The episode also tackles the longer-term question of when to shift from capital growth to cash flow, outlining the risks of transitioning too early (and sacrificing asset quality) or too late (and being asset-rich but cash-flow poor). Patrick shares a clear framework for thinking in “windows of opportunity” across life stages, and why building a team and having a plan matters more than chasing the next hotspot. What you’ll learn in this episode: How investors in their 20s to 40s can build a strategy that supports long-term wealth creation. Why “action over perfection” often matters in the early accumulation phase. How serviceability and borrowing capacity shape what’s possible – and when it can happen. The key differences between rentvesting versus owning your home (and how to decide). How capital gains tax (CGT) rules and transaction costs should influence buy, hold, or sell decisions. When it makes sense to transition from capital growth to cash flow – and the risks either way. Why property flipping and “hotspot hopping” can quietly destroy long-term returns. How to avoid analysis paralysis and focus on sustainable, high-quality asset decisions. This episode is essential listening for younger residential property investors who want clarity on the financial strategy behind portfolio growth – offering a practical, experience-led perspective on serviceability, tax, life-stage planning and how to keep making smart moves without getting stuck. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not personal financial advice. Before acting on this information, you should consider whether it is appropriate for you and consider seeking personal advice. Where relevant, you should consider the applicable product disclosure statement (PDS) and target market determination (TMD) before making any decision. Rethink Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Walker Lane Pty Ltd (AFSL 509305).

In this episode of Inside Residential Property, host Liam Garman is joined by Rethink Residential senior buyer’s agent James Thompson and investor Daniel to break down the realities of the buy-and-renovate property strategy – including when it works, when it doesn’t, and why many investors underestimate the risks involved. Using Daniel’s real investment journey as a case study, the episode explores how manufacturing equity through renovations and granny flats can accelerate portfolio growth – but also why rising construction costs, time commitments, cash flow pressure, and life-stage changes often force investors to reassess their strategy. Daniel shares how he began investing at a young age, purchasing uninhabitable properties, completing hands-on renovations, and adding significant equity through disciplined budgeting, suburb research and targeted upgrades. The conversation details how equity releases were used to fund granny flat construction and further property acquisitions, before examining how consecutive interest rate rises reshaped cash flow and borrowing capacity. The episode also addresses common investor mistakes, including overcapitalising on renovations, misunderstanding opportunity cost, and following rigid property plans that fail to adapt to changing markets and personal circumstances. What you’ll learn in this episode: When a buy-and-renovate property strategy makes sense – and when it doesn’t. How to assess renovation opportunities using comparable sales and buyer demand. Why time, labour, and opportunity cost matter as much as renovation budgets. How equity releases and granny flats can support portfolio growth. The impact of interest rate rises on renovation-heavy investment strategies. When selling property can accelerate progress rather than stall it. Why property strategies must evolve with life stages and market conditions. The risks behind house and land packages and commission-driven advice. This episode is essential listening for residential property investors considering renovation or value-add strategies, offering a practical, experience-led perspective on how to build equity responsibly, manage risk, and keep portfolios moving forward without getting stuck in outdated plans.

In this episode of Inside Residential Property, host Liam Garman sits down with Rethink Financing Director and award-winning mortgage strategist Son Pham to unpack one of the biggest blockers in today’s investing landscape – the belief that serviceability is capped. Together, they reveal why many investors feel “tapped out” and why, from a broker’s perspective, there is almost always more borrowing power available when you know how to navigate lender policy. They’re joined by investor Danny, who walks listeners through his decade-long portfolio journey, starting with an off-the-plan townhouse in Glenmore Park before expanding into high-performing regional and interstate markets. Danny shares the wins, mistakes, and philosophy that shaped his strategy – from audit-proofing his team with an accountant and broker, to reframing debt as leverage and prioritising long-term freedom over short-term comfort. Son breaks down Danny’s lending position live on air, exploring how banks actually calculate serviceability, why “the buffer” traps so many investors, and how non-bank lenders, trust structures and policy nuances can dramatically change borrowing outcomes. The trio dissect valuation strategy, equity releases, credit file traps, and when investors should consider selling to accelerate their next move – all with the goal of reducing time spent on the sidelines and keeping the portfolio compounding. Listeners will gain insights into: How lenders really assess income, rental shading, and buffers, and why policy is more powerful than interest rates. Why serviceability “walls” are often illusions, and the specific lender types that can shift borrowing power. When (and when not) to use trust structures for residential portfolios. How to think about selling – identifying assets that have “done their job” vs. those with more growth runway. The mindset shift needed to scale: debt as leverage, action over perfection, and buying well even at higher rates. This episode offers an unfiltered, highly practical breakdown of what it really takes to keep growing when the banks say no – empowering investors to unlock smarter pathways, accelerate their next move, and avoid spending years stuck at a standstill.

In this episode of Inside Residential Property, host Liam Garman and Rethink Residential’s James Thompson unpack the real story of 26-year-old engineer Charlie, who turned a $25,000 deposit and a spreadsheet into a property portfolio now worth over $2 million. Charlie shares how he bought his first investment property in Wagga Wagga at just 21, before rapidly expanding into the Central Coast and Hunter Valley. Working multiple jobs through university, Charlie saved aggressively, researched regional markets, and identified cash-flow-positive opportunities that set the foundation for long-term wealth. James dissects Charlie’s three-property playbook, highlighting the balance between capital growth and yield, the role of strategic refinancing, and how investors can replicate this success even in today’s tighter lending climate. Together, they discuss when to hold and when to sell, as well as the pitfalls of being equity-rich but cash-poor. Listeners will gain insights into: Choosing the right regional markets and avoiding one-industry towns Financing and structuring portfolios for sustainable growth Balancing capital growth and cash flow in early investments Navigating lending caps and how to keep building when the banks say no Why goal setting matters, and how to move from accumulation to freedom This episode offers an unfiltered look into the challenges and triumphs of starting young in the residential property game.

In the very first episode of Inside Residential Property, host Liam Garman and Rethink Group CEO Scott O’Neill dive into the strategies that separate long-term investors from short-term speculators. To kick things off, they unpack the remarkable journey of Vincent, a 29-year-old who has built an eight-property portfolio worth over $5 million in under four years. Using Vincent’s story as a case study, the conversation explores how everyday Australians can scale their portfolios, the financing and cash flow challenges that come with rapid growth, and why chasing hotspots or quick wins often backfires. With more than $6 billion in acquisitions facilitated across Australia and New Zealand, Rethink Group brings the trusted expertise to cut through market noise and focus on strategies that work. Key topics covered in this episode include: • How Vincent grew to eight properties in just four years • The real costs of hotspot chasing and “pump and dump” strategies • Why balancing cash flow and growth is crucial for sustainability • The role of diversification in reducing portfolio risk • When it makes sense to pivot from residential to commercial This debut episode sets the tone for a series dedicated to real stories, expert insights, and smarter decisions in residential property. Subscribe now for monthly episodes designed to help you grow your portfolio with confidence. Learn more: www.rethinkgroup.com.au Book a consultation: https://www.rethinkresidential.com.au/contact