Property Investment Podcast Network

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Scott O'Neill, CEO of Rethink Group, to kick off 2026 with a comprehensive outlook on where commercial property markets are heading and how sophisticated investors should be positioning capital in the year ahead. Building on the momentum of a strong 2025, the conversation unpacks the major structural forces shaping commercial property today – from constrained development pipelines and rising construction costs to increased private and offshore capital flowing into Australian and New Zealand markets. Drawing on hundreds of active buyers and transactions across the Rethink platform, Scott provides a real-time, ground-level view of how investors are deploying capital and where competition is intensifying. The episode delivers a detailed asset-by-asset outlook for 2026, including industrial, retail, and office markets. Scott explains why secondary industrial assets are expected to deliver some of the strongest risk-adjusted returns, supported by owner-occupier demand, replacement cost pressures and yield expansion. Retail is also assessed, with neighbourhood shopping centres and large-format retail emerging as standout performers due to severe supply constraints, resilient tenant demand and improving investor sentiment. Listeners will gain practical insight into: How to think like a family office when allocating capital. Why blended portfolios across asset classes outperform concentrated strategies. Setting minimum yield thresholds to protect downside risk. Balancing income security with long-term capital growth. Which asset types and deal structures to avoid in the current cycle. Scott also shares a disciplined perspective on interest rates, reinforcing why short-term movements should not drive long-term investment decisions, and how investors can build portfolios that remain resilient across changing economic conditions. This episode is essential listening for investors seeking clarity on where value exists in commercial property today, how professional capital is being positioned, and what a disciplined, long-term investment strategy looks like as markets move through the next phase of the cycle.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, managing editor Liam Garman and deputy editor Emilie Lauer discuss two timely matters: the growing cyber security risks in property transactions, and Perth's milestone median house price. Garman highlights the rise of sophisticated scams, including cases where hackers have intercepted funds during property deals, stressing the importance of verification and two-factor authentication. He cites research showing that 97 per cent of buyers struggle to detect fraud, urging vigilance in all digital communications. The conversation then turns to Perth, where median house prices have surpassed $1 million following a 9.9 per cent quarterly increase, driven by low stock levels and high demand. The co-hosts explore contributing factors such as a tight labour market, government infrastructure projects, and a strong resources sector, all of which are limiting residential construction supply. The episode also reviews national trends, with Australian property values rising 937 per cent over 40 years, though affordability pressures and potential interest rate hikes suggest slower growth ahead. Rental trends were highlighted, showing unit rents now outperforming house rents in several cities, prompting investors to reassess strategies. 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.

In this episode of The Property Nerds podcast, hosts Arjun Paliwal, Jack Fouracre, and Adrian Lee discuss the rise of rentvesting and its impact on Australian property investment. Rentvesting involves renting a home in a desirable location while investing in property elsewhere, allowing investors to balance lifestyle choices with financial growth. Fouracre explains that for buyers with limited borrowing capacity, it can be more effective to invest in properties outside their immediate living area, where returns may be higher. Lee highlights the flexibility it provides, particularly for those who relocate frequently for work, avoiding the costs and constraints of home ownership. Paliwal stresses that rentvesting requires a solid investment plan and careful market analysis, as it's not only about living where you want, but also about making smart financial decisions. The co-hosts also discuss how trends like rising rents, fluctuating interest rates, and remote work are boosting the strategy's popularity. While rentvesting is on the rise, the trio note the importance of cash flow and rental yields in determining whether the strategy makes financial sense.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Eva Loisance from Finni Mortgages to discuss the recent tightening of trust-based lending and its impact on property investors. They explore how major banks, including Macquarie, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), have introduced stricter rules for trust loans, including reduced loan-to-value ratios, proof of established banking relationships, and redirecting trust lending to private banking divisions. Loisance explains how these changes affect investors using multiple trusts to acquire properties simultaneously and the potential risks of overextending. The discussion highlights that non-bank lenders continue to offer trust-based loans, often with more flexible terms but higher interest rates. The duo stresses the importance of working closely with mortgage brokers and financial advisors to navigate the new lending landscape. According to Tarrant and Loisance, these tighter criteria reflect broader industry self-regulation and pre-emptive measures ahead of potential Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) intervention. 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.

In this episode of the How I Met My Broker podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Hung Chuy share essential strategies for investors, first home buyers, and developers navigating the property market. Chuy highlights the challenges of entering the market, including understanding initiatives such as the 5 per cent deposit scheme and shared equity programs, while cautioning against rushing purchases without proper planning. They explore investment strategies such as rentvesting, emphasising the importance of evaluating market conditions and performing financial analysis. Commercial real estate is also discussed, with advice on due diligence, tenant quality, and working with experienced buyer's agents. For owners who want to sell, the co-hosts stress treating properties as business assets and selling underperforming properties strategically. The conversation also touches on property development, including navigating red tape, managing construction costs, dealing with unexpected delays, and ensuring a sufficient financial buffer.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Liam Garman sits down with Aus Property Report founder Myles Clark to unpack what investors really need to look for in building reports, as he debunks myths and clarifies confusing report language. They discuss the most common and costly defects that can catch investors off guard, from structural problems to hidden maintenance issues. The conversation then turns to the limitations of building inspections – what an inspector can't see, how to manage these blind spots, and how investors can distinguish between good and bad inspectors. Finally, they explore the differences investors should expect between houses and strata properties, including units and townhouses, before sharing Clark's top tips on protecting assets from long-term damage. 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.

In this episode of The Property Nerds podcast, hosts Arjun Paliwal, Jack Fouracre, and Adrian Lee sit down with Mark Speakman from the NSW Liberal Party to unpack Sydney's housing crisis and explore potential solutions. The discussion highlights how skyrocketing house prices, now 13 times the average income, have made home ownership increasingly unattainable for median earners. Speakman explains that the crisis is driven not only by demand but also by supply constraints, high construction costs, and significant government taxes that can add 25–40 per cent to the cost of a new home. The conversation covers recent planning reforms aimed at speeding approvals for medium-density housing and the importance of a simpler, more predictable planning system Speakman stresses that community consultation should guide master planning but not stall implementation at every stage of development. "Quick-fix" solutions like 5 per cent deposit schemes are debated, with experts cautioning that they address demand, not supply, and could worsen affordability without systemic changes. The discussion also touches on workforce challenges, including skilled labour shortages and low apprenticeship rates, which impact construction timelines and costs.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Liam Garman is joined by seasoned investor Alex Whitlock to discuss the critical role of property managers in maximising returns and protecting investor portfolios. The conversation explores the differences between competent and mediocre property managers, the impact of compliance and legislative changes, and how proactive management can enhance rental yield. Whitlock shares personal insights and examples, highlighting how effective property management contributes to long-term portfolio growth. The duo also discusses technological advancements, such as automated payments and owner portals, and provides practical advice for investors considering a change in management. Overall, they emphasise that investors who align with a skilled, proactive property manager will achieve greater financial success. 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.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Emilie Lauer is joined by Knight Frank's chief economist Ben Burston to explore what 2026 holds for Australia's commercial property market. Reflecting on 2025, Burston notes a year of recovery across sectors, with retail bouncing back, industrial continuing strong growth, and offices stabilising. Over the last 12 months, investor behaviour shifted, with private buyers diversifying into commercial sectors like childcare, quick-service restaurants, and data centres. Looking ahead, Burston expects steady growth, tempered by interest rate fluctuations, with opportunities for investors to acquire quality assets at attractive yields. State-specific insights highlight Melbourne's long-term potential, while Sydney and Brisbane are set for quicker gains, and construction costs and "high economic rent" dynamics are likely to drive rent growth and stabilise values. Burston sector-specific analysis points to prime offices and industrial infill locations as particularly promising, while dominant shopping centres benefit from tightening supply and population growth. Overall, the duo underscores that strategic, diversified investing and careful due diligence will be key for successful investment in the evolving 2026 commercial property market. 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.

In this episode of The Property Nerds podcast, hosts Arjun Paliwal, Jack Fouracre, and Adrian Lee sit down with Kit Gunasekara from InvestorKit to explore why investors shouldn't wait for the "perfect opportunity" and take action to drive momentum. The conversation centres on the idea that taking imperfect action delivers progress, a mindset Gunasekara credits with helping him build a $5 million portfolio by his early 30s. Gunasekara shares how the discomfort of advising others before fully committing himself pushed him to start investing and think long-term about scalability. He reflects on early mistakes, including a poorly timed purchase of a Melbourne apartment, and explains how those setbacks became critical learning points rather than failures. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding land value, market cycles, and fundamentals instead of chasing hype. Gunasekara also outlines how a data-led approach in Queensland delivered strong growth by aligning strategy with market conditions. Now a portfolio strategist at InvestorKit, he draws on his own journey to help hundreds of clients build equity and confidence. The hosts reinforce that informed action, adaptability, and learning from mistakes drive long-term success in property investing.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Finni Mortgages principal Eva Loisance, along with brokers Costa Arvanitopoulos and Rebecca Carlson, to unpack standout property deals from 2025 and the strategies behind them. The discussion highlights how transparency, strategic planning, and creative financing can transform client outcomes, from first home buyers using the 5 per cent deposit scheme to investors leveraging self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to expand their portfolios. Loisance emphasises the importance of trust, warning against "financial infidelity" where undisclosed debts or hidden expenses can derail applications. Carlson shares examples of clients achieving ambitious property goals, while Arvanitopoulos illustrates how innovative solutions, such as debt consolidation and lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers, can improve cash flow and unlock additional investment opportunities. The brokers stress the value of aligning with a knowledgeable professional who can navigate complex lending landscapes and maintain pre-approvals, particularly during high-opportunity periods like the holidays. The team demonstrates how brokers do more than facilitate loans; they provide strategic guidance, uncover opportunities, and help investors achieve meaningful, long-term success in the property market. 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.

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, host Phil Tarrant sits down with Scott O'Neill, CEO of Rethink Group, to review the performance of the Australian commercial property market in 2025 and unpack what investors should be preparing for as the market moves into 2026. This in-depth discussion revisits early-year predictions and holds them to account, analysing how interest rate cuts, supply shortages, lending conditions and investor sentiment shaped outcomes across key asset classes, including retail property, industrial property, and office assets. Drawing on insights from hundreds of transactions completed throughout the year, Scott provides a ground-level view of how capital has actually been deployed in the commercial market. Key commercial property trends from 2025 The episode explores why large format retail and neighbourhood shopping centres emerged as some of the strongest-performing commercial asset classes, supported by yield appeal, limited new supply, and resilient tenant demand. Scott also explains how secondary industrial assets continued to outperform prime industrial stock, driven by higher yields, owner-occupier demand, and replacement cost pressures. Office markets are also assessed, with commentary on stabilising conditions in select suburban and freehold office assets, contrasted against ongoing challenges in secondary CBD office stock. The conversation extends to regional and residential property markets, highlighting which capital cities delivered the strongest growth and how government incentives influenced late-year momentum. Listeners will gain practical insight into: Beyond market performance, this episode dives into commercial property investment strategy, focusing on how experienced investors are: Consolidating portfolios rather than accumulating smaller assets. Prioritising cash flow resilience over speculative growth. Diversifying across asset classes and geographies, including New Zealand commercial property. Actively refinancing to improve servicing and capital efficiency. Scott also shares practical lessons from 2025 around asset management, due diligence, development feasibility, tenant risk, and knowing when to exit underperforming properties – reinforcing why commercial portfolios must be managed like businesses, not passive investments. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to understand where commercial property sits in the current cycle, how professional investors are positioning capital, and what disciplined commercial property investing looks like in a maturing market. What to expect in episode 69 In Episode 69, listeners will gain clarity on which asset classes are expected to deliver the strongest risk-adjusted returns, how interest rate cuts and lending competition are reshaping opportunities, and the strategic considerations disciplined investors should be making as they optimise portfolios and protect downside risk heading into 2026.

In the second part of their discussion on The Smart Property Investment Show, managing editor Liam Garman and deputy editor Emilie Lauer explore how investors can position their portfolios for 2026 as market conditions shift. The conversation focuses on rising demand driven by government schemes, constrained housing supply, and the need for more disciplined, price-sensitive strategies. The pair urge investors to use the slower summer period to review cash flow, equity, rental performance, and portfolio structure, rather than chasing outdated hotspots. Additionally, they warn that widely publicised postcodes and AI-driven research tools can inflate demand and erode opportunity, reinforcing the importance of on-the-ground research and experienced advice. Looking ahead, diversification, particularly into commercial property, is emerging as a key theme for 2026. Garman and Lauer also stress the need for emotional discipline, cautioning against rushed end-of-year decisions, and highlight goal-setting and investor wellbeing as essential foundations for long-term success.

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 a special summer episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant is joined by Eva Loisance, principal at Finni Mortgages, to reflect on the property deals that made a difference in 2025. The episode highlights the pivotal role mortgage brokers play in guiding Australians through complex investment finance decisions. Loisance shares real-world examples, including refinancing a neighbour's high-interest loan to save over $2,500 per month and dramatically reduce the mortgage term. Another case explores a client leveraging equity and strategic refinancing to grow a substantial property portfolio. The discussion also covers innovative strategies such as family pledges, which enable younger investors to enter the market without large deposits. Tarrant and Loisance emphasise the importance of ethical practices and informed decision-making in the broking industry. The conversation touches on challenges faced by self-employed investors and self-managed super fund (SMSF) users, underscoring the need for professional guidance. 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.

In a special December episode of Property Investing Insights with Right Property Group, Phil Tarrant, co-host Victor Kumar, and guest Melissa Matheson wrap up the Design Your Decade series, reflecting on key lessons from property investment over 2025. The episode reviews insights from the series, sharing practical strategies, case studies, and real-world examples of building and optimising investment portfolios. Matheson illustrates how disciplined planning, strategic sell-downs, and professional guidance can streamline a portfolio for better long-term outcomes. With support from Kumar and the Right Property Group, she refined her holdings to a 10-property portfolio valued at nearly $10 million, with manageable debt. The conversation covers common challenges investors face, including refinancing, cash flow management, and navigating lending and tenant issues. Kumar emphasises that goal-setting, patience, and adaptability are key traits for successful investors. Matheson's story reinforces that property investment is a long-term, strategic process rather than a quick path to wealth.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, managing editor Liam Garman and deputy editor Emilie Lauer break down the year that was in Australian property, examining which markets surged, where momentum stalled, and why demand-side policy is setting the scene for further growth into 2026. The conversation explores interest rate predictions, refinancing options, and the economic forces driving inflation, highlighting why expert advice has become critical in an increasingly complex market. Garman and Lauer also unpack regional performance across the country, shifting buyer priorities, and the rise of the "compromise or miss out" mindset reshaping purchasing decisions, particularly among younger buyers. Looking ahead, they discuss why strategy will be central to navigating the next phase of the property cycle and tease part two of the series, focused on building sustainable, long-term property outcomes in 2026. 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.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, Arjun Paliwal, Jack Fouracre, and Adrian Lee explore the evolving landscape of property investment, focusing on regulatory changes, lending policies, and market dynamics shaping investor strategies. The discussion highlights the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA's) new policy limiting high-risk investor lending to 20 per cent of banks' portfolios, potentially shifting opportunities toward brokers and non-bank lenders. The trio emphasises the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, as life changes and cash flow constraints can affect borrowing capacity despite debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. Strategies such as rentvesting are discussed as ways to maintain a DTI under six while building a property portfolio. Lender Mortgage Insurance (LMI) waivers and extended 40-year loan terms are highlighted as tools that can reduce upfront costs and increase borrowing flexibility. Additionally, the discussion addresses the nuances of shading rental income in DTI calculations, helping investors understand their true borrowing capacity. The co-hosts stress that professional guidance is critical for navigating regulatory shifts and optimising investment decisions.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant is joined by Lachlan Vidler from Atlas Property Group to challenge the myth that successful investors need massive property portfolios. They discuss how the idea of building $10 million portfolios is often driven by vanity rather than sound financial strategy. Drawing on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, Tarrant notes that most Australian property investors own just one or two properties, not sprawling portfolios. Vidler explains that managing multiple properties brings similar complexity regardless of value, often increasing stress without improving outcomes. The conversation highlights how tighter lending conditions, elevated prices, and regulatory changes have made large-scale portfolio building far more difficult than it was decades ago. Instead, the duo argues that fewer, higher-quality assets can deliver stronger long-term results with fewer headaches. A practical example shows how acquiring a small number of properties over time and strategically selling can lead to a debt-free portfolio generating meaningful passive income. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that realistic goals, patience, and quality investments matter far more than the number of properties owned. 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.

In a recent episode of How I Met My Broker, SPI host Liam Garman and director of Strategic Brokers Hung Chuy are joined by director of Australian Property Scout (APS) Sam Gordon to discuss the challenges and opportunities in commercial property investment. Chuy highlights the busy end-of-year lending period, noting that clients are seeking guidance amidst changing market conditions. Gordon reflects on APS's strong growth in 2025, including recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year and inclusion in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Fast 100, setting the stage for a strategic 2026. The conversation explores the complexities of commercial property, including understanding yields, tax benefits, vacancies, and asset selection, emphasising that insufficient knowledge can lead to costly mistakes. Both Chuy and Gordon stress the importance of building a solid residential portfolio before transitioning into commercial investments to establish equity and minimise risk. Differences between residential and commercial lending were explained, including typical loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) and the potential pitfalls of cross-collateralisation. The trio also highlights the income potential of commercial properties, noting that passing most outgoings to tenants can offer higher net yields than residential assets.