First Property Buyer Show

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with buyer's agent James Nelis to explore the crucial role that mindset plays in property buying. The discussion begins with Nelis reflecting on his first property purchase in Kallangur, Queensland, admitting that it was driven more by the desire to enter the market than by a strategic plan, yet it has performed well over time. The duo then unpack the common mistake of buying due to societal pressure and fear of missing out, stressing the importance of having a clear strategy aligned with long-term goals. Nelis emphasises resilience and discipline, warning that success in property is a long-haul game and advising buyers to define their 'why' to guide decision-making, and to be prepared to miss out on properties when making competitive offers. The episode addresses challenges for casual or variable-income earners, underscoring the importance of expert guidance to navigate lenders' policies and secure favourable terms. Reflecting on his semi-professional Australian Football League (AFL) career, Nelis draws parallels between sports and property buying, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, a high-performance mindset, and surrounding oneself with the right people to succeed in the property market.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with property expert Kev Tran to unpack common myths and strategies shaping the journey of first-time buyers. The discussion opens with the sense of urgency many feel to purchase property, with Tran warning that rushing into the wrong investment can lead to financial strain. He highlights the strategic balance between buying owner-occupier homes and investment properties, suggesting that regional purchases can help build capital for pricier metropolitan markets. The conversation also debunks a major myth: Investors no longer need at least 10 properties to retire, especially as lending restrictions have tightened since 2018. Instead, Tran notes that a portfolio of three to five quality properties can be more sustainable, achievable, and aligned with lifestyle goals. Building such a portfolio requires understanding borrowing capacity, managing equity wisely, and avoiding overcapitalisation. Due diligence remains critical, with investors urged to assess risks like flood zones, bushfire areas, and unapproved structures using resources such as council websites and title insurance.

On the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Mortgage Choice broker Richard Brown to unpack the role brokers play in guiding first-time homebuyers through Australia's complex property market. Brown shares his personal journey of purchasing his first home in his mid-20s, highlighting strategies for saving for a deposit and leveraging government grants. A key focus was the 5 per cent deposit scheme, which allows buyers to enter the market with a smaller deposit but comes with the responsibility of a 95 per cent mortgage. Brown emphasises the importance of having a financial buffer and a long-term plan, rather than relying solely on the scheme to enter the market. The role of mortgage brokers is also discussed in detail, with Brown explaining how brokers guide buyers through loan options and provide tailored advice without charging clients directly. The duo encourages prospective buyers to speak with multiple brokers to find someone who understands their goals. They also explore strategies for overcoming deposit challenges, from leveraging lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers to considering rentvesting as a pathway into property ownership.

In a recent episode of the First Property Buyer Show, hosts Emilie Lauer and Liam Garman explore the challenges and opportunities facing first-time Australian property buyers amid a rapidly changing market. First-time buyers are entering a highly active market driven by fluctuating prices and the new First Home Guarantee Scheme, which has sparked urgency and FOMO among buyers. The hosts note that growth was not uniform across Australia, highlighting affordable options in certain cities and regions. They emphasise the importance of strategic buying, cautioning against overextending financially and paying above market value, and discuss strategies like rentvesting, which allow buyers to enter the market without compromising lifestyle. The hosts also stress maintaining a financial buffer for unexpected costs, such as repairs or strata levies, even when benefiting from government schemes. Recent market trends show strong price growth across major cities, with apartments becoming increasingly popular due to affordability and lifestyle considerations, though buyers must account for additional costs like strata fees and GST.

In this special crossover episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with The Adviser's What's Making Headlines team to discuss the expanded First Home Guarantee scheme and its impact on the Australian property market. The revamped scheme allows first home buyers to purchase a property with just a 5 per cent deposit, removes previous income limits, and increases property value caps, making home ownership more accessible without requiring lender's mortgage insurance. Despite its benefits, about 31 per cent of Australians remain unaware of the scheme, and 24 per cent hold misconceptions, including the false belief that it eliminates stamp duty. The scheme is expected to increase competition for properties, particularly in the sub-$1 million range, which will contribute to rising prices as buyers accelerate their purchase plans. National property prices have also seen the highest monthly rise since October 2023, driven in part by limited stock and heightened demand. With the Reserve Bank holding the cash rate at 3.6 per cent, first home buyers face both opportunities and challenges, requiring careful financial planning amid competitive market conditions. Overall, the expanded Home Guarantee scheme is reshaping buyer behaviour, influencing property prices, and presenting significant implications for buyers and the broader housing market.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with Nick Voegt from Smash Property Investing to explore how first-time buyers can navigate the market through understanding key data.  Nick starts by sharing his experience in buying his first off-the-plan property in Schofields, north-west Sydney, at the market peak in 2017, which he held onto despite early dips.  He reflects on experiencing "analysis paralysis," a common hurdle for first-time buyers overwhelmed by information, emphasising the need for decisiveness.  According to Nick, first-time buyers can gain an edge in a competitive market by focusing on sales volumes, days on market, and overall market momentum rather than just historical growth. He also explains the buying the "worst house on the best street" strategy to add value through renovations and "rentvesting", which allows buyers to invest while renting their primary residence.  He also highlights promising investment regions across Australia, including Melbourne, Victoria, and Brisbane, Queensland, for different budgets. 

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with finance broker Rob Shanley from Propple to explore how first-time buyers can enter the market by co-investing with friends or family. With property prices continuing to rise, many young Australians are turning to this strategy as a more attainable path to home ownership. Rob says that pooling resources allows buyers to share deposits, loan repayments, and renovation costs, making it easier to buy sooner, with lenders adapting to the trend by offering products designed to match it. Beyond financial benefits, co-investment also offers accountability and shared support, helping co-investors stay on track during major life events. However, trust and clear agreements are essential, with Rob stressing the need for well-drafted co-ownership contracts that outline responsibilities, expenses, and exit strategies. Unlike spousal ownership, most co-investment arrangements employ a "tenants in common" structure, which grants each party control over their portion while safeguarding individual interests. As affordability challenges grow, Rob says that co-investing is becoming an increasingly popular pathway for first home buyers to build wealth together.

In this special episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with real estate managing editor Liam Garman to share her personal journey as a first-time buyer, reflecting on the insights she gained from the podcast guests. From launching the First Property Buyer Show to becoming a first-time home owner, Emilie, the host, turned her property reporting into a personal experience. Her journey began six months ago when she set out to understand the first home buying process, providing practical tips and lessons for buyers navigating Australia's competitive market. Interviewing experts from buyer's agents to property investors, Emilie gained insights that guided her through Sydney's competitive market. She and her fiancé, Chris, searched for a two-bedroom home, initially hoping for two bathrooms, and explored suburbs like Rosebery and Zetland. However, like many first-time home buyers, they had to compromise. Financial preparedness proved crucial, with mortgage pre-approval and a clear budget allowing them to act quickly when they found their ideal property in Drummoyne. Strata reports, inspections, and negotiation skills learnt across the previous podcast episodes also helped the couple win the property. Settling in, they were thankful to have kept a financial buffer as they began tackling renovations and managing unexpected costs, including a hot water tank replacement.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with Hung Chuy from Strategic Brokers to explain how the fast-tracked First Home Guarantee scheme works and its impact on first-time buyers. The Australian government has fast-tracked the First Home Guarantee scheme, bringing its launch forward to 1 October 2025, allowing first-time buyers to purchase a home with a 5 per cent deposit and no lender's mortgage insurance. Additionally, the scheme has removed income caps, allowing high earners to borrow up to 95 per cent on properties of up to $1.5 million, depending on the state. Hung said that the announcement surprised many in the real estate and financial sectors, sparking a surge in inquiries from prospective buyers. He noted that the scheme will be available through over 30 lenders, with each having different debt assessment rules, making broker guidance crucial. Hung said while the low deposit is attractive, buyers need to factor in additional costs and carefully assess their financial capacity, including mortgage repayments and potential interest rate changes. The duo then moves on to the impact of the scheme, predicting it will increase competition for properties under the cap, driving prices higher and creating a fast-moving market.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with property investor Jacob Smith to unpack the highs and hurdles of purchasing a first home in Sydney. Jacob and his fiancée recently bought an oversized one-bedroom plus study apartment in Wolli Creek, NSW, choosing stability over rentvesting. Leveraging the First Home Buyer Scheme – with a 5 per cent deposit, stamp duty exemption, and a $10,000 family gift – the couple secured a property that felt like a two-bed, without the price tag. The conversation dives into their bold financial strategy: repaying a 30-year loan in just 10 years by making weekly repayments and maximising offset account features. But the journey wasn't smooth sailing. Jacob reveals how unused credit cards and buy-now-pay-later accounts nearly derailed their borrowing power, and how a lack of auction knowledge almost left them unprepared. A standout theme is Jacob's use of technology. He credits AI tools like ChatGPT with scanning lengthy strata reports to uncover risks that could have been missed. His advice to other first-time buyers is clear: clear debts early, understand loan features, and use every tool available – from helpful neighbours to cutting-edge AI – to make smart property decisions.

In this special Q&A episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with property editor Liam Garman to tackle listeners' top questions about navigating Australia's challenging property market as a first-time buyer. The episode covers everything from market dynamics to financial preparedness, with a strong focus on the importance of thorough property inspections, especially when buying apartments or new builds, which often come with hidden structural issues. Liam urges buyers to favour established properties over off-the-plan ones, citing inflated prices, oversupply risks, and aggressive sales incentives in new developments. Financial strategy is a key theme, with Liam recommending a 20 per cent deposit to avoid lender's mortgage insurance and advising against prioritising student debt repayment over asset acquisition. The show also explores saving tactics, suggesting short-term, practical methods like budgeting and taking on extra work, rather than investing in shares or super. For those considering joint purchases, the hosts caution against buying with friends due to exit risks, instead recommending rentvesting for solo buyers. They emphasise the need to treat the first property as a stepping stone, not a forever home, and stress the value of maintaining a financial buffer.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer is joined by financial adviser John Stallman from Super Advice AI to discuss key financial strategies for first-time buyers. John shares key strategies for navigating the Australian property market, emphasising the importance of timing and simplifying complex financial topics for first-time buyers. The discussion highlights how manageable financial planning can empower buyers, with John drawing from his investment journey to demonstrate the value of early, strategic decisions. Government initiatives such as the deposit guarantee program and the First Home Super Saver Scheme are presented as effective tools for reducing upfront financial hurdles. John also introduces the concept of "rentvesting" – renting where you live while owning an investment property – as a savvy approach to leverage tax benefits through negative gearing. He emphasises the importance of long-term financial planning, built on four key pillars: property investment, superannuation, contingency reserves, and maintaining a lifestyle balance.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with investor and founder of the Right Property Group, Reshmi Kumar, to discuss the importance of strategy and goal-setting for first-time buyers navigating Australia's property market. The duo first reflects on the urgency that young buyers often feel to enter the market, driven by the fear of missing out.  Reshmi emphasises the importance of careful planning and setting SMART goals, using her own journey – beginning with just $4,500 and purchasing a $137,000 home in 1998 – as proof of how a modest start can evolve into long-term wealth. She explains how each property she bought with her husband, Victor, aligned with broader life goals they had, such as schools and lifestyle, and recommends capital-growth-focused investments, especially for women balancing family and career. Reshmi also advises giving at least a year between purchases to gain hands-on experience with ownership responsibilities and financial management. 

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with Lyndsey Fall, a first-time investor who adopted rentvesting – renting in her preferred location while investing elsewhere – as a savvy way to enter the Australian property market. Originally from the UK, Lindsey relocated to Sydney and subsequently chose to invest in Perth, where she identified strong market potential. She emphasises the value of research, clear goals, disciplined saving, and support networks, crediting digital tools and a trusted agent for managing her remote purchase. Despite never seeing the property in person, she navigated the process confidently by understanding each step and maintaining financial discipline through detailed budgeting. Lindsey's story highlights the value of having a financial buffer, relying on professional property management, and being prepared to learn throughout the process. Since she purchased her investment property, its value has grown significantly, and she now plans to leverage her equity to buy a second one.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with accountant Munzurul Khan from KHI Partners to unpack the tax implications of property ownership in Australia. Munzurul outlines the key differences between owner-occupiers and rentvestors, noting that while the former receive no ongoing tax deductions, they benefit from capital gains and land tax exemptions. Rentvestors, however, can claim a wide range of deductions, including loan interest, maintenance, and borrowing costs. Munzurul emphasises meticulous recordkeeping, using spreadsheets and property managers for accurate tax claims, while also highlighting deductions for work expenses, insurance, and super contributions. He also breaks down how capital gains tax applies when selling an investment property, highlighting the 50 per cent discount available after 12 months of ownership. The duo also provides the benefits of collaborating with a strategic accountant over a purely transactional one, particularly for long-term planning.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with Dr Diaswati (Asti) Mardiasmo, chief economist at PRD, about the complexities facing first-time buyers in Australia's evolving property market. Asti likens the market to an octopus with many influencing factors: population growth, interest rates, supply, government support, and foreign investment laws – all of which buyers must consider. She encourages breaking the market into smaller, manageable segments, such as stock type and location, to identify realistic opportunities. Notably, cities such as Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart are now outpacing Sydney and Melbourne in growth, with units experiencing stronger price increases due to limited housing supply. Despite support schemes like the 5 per cent deposit program, Asti notes that rising prices and limited scheme availability make it more challenging to enter the market. She urges buyers to focus on financial readiness over seasonal timing, warning against waiting for perfect conditions.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with KHI head buyer's agent and Australia's former top mortgage broker, Ross Le Quesne, to discuss finances and long-term wealth-building strategies. The episode begins with Ross sharing insights from his journey, having purchased his first home in the early 2000s for $315,000, which would be worth over $1 million today, illustrating the growing challenges that first-time buyers face. He stresses the importance of focusing on future goals rather than emotional attachments to properties, cautioning against becoming accidental investors. Ross also debunks the myth that a 20 per cent deposit is necessary, highlighting options like family guarantor loans and lender's mortgage insurance to help buyers enter the market sooner. He emphasises consulting a mortgage broker early for financial guidance beyond loans and warns against off-the-plan properties, urging buyers to choose assets that support long-term wealth creation. Ultimately, Ross encourages buyers to act promptly, as property remains a powerful wealth-building tool despite current market challenges.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Kev Tran, director and principal buyer's agent at Kev Tran Group, to discuss the key dilemma for first-time buyers: buying a home to live in versus starting with an investment. Kev shares how he went from a misinformed first purchase to becoming a successful rentvestor with four properties, now favouring established homes over off-the-plan buys due to delays and poor capital growth. He explains that while a primary residence offers stability, it can limit borrowing power, whereas rentvesting allows buyers to invest in more affordable markets and benefit from tax advantages. The duo also highlights a growing trend called "stayvesting" where buyers live with family while investing. Kev said rentvestors and stayvestors should focus on building a strong support team, especially having a skilled broker and property manager, and prioritise strategic locations with solid economic fundamentals. While government incentives can help, Kev urges buyers to think beyond short-term perks and focus on long-term financial outcomes.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with seasoned buyer's agent from Advocate Property Services, Jo Vadillo, to discuss the art of property negotiation and how to master it. Jo highlights the importance of having a clear strategy and being well-prepared, urging buyers to resist pressure to name a price too soon and instead focus on understanding market value, vendor motivations, and competition before making an offer. She stresses that negotiation isn't just about price; flexibility, speed, and favourable terms can give buyers a competitive edge, advising buyers to put everything in writing while addressing issues like repairs with tact and professionalism. Jo explains that being pre-approved and ready to move quickly can make an offer far more appealing to agents and sellers, especially when backed by a 66W certificate in NSW, which signals the buyer's full commitment with no cooling-off period. Finally, she urges buyers to do their homework, compare recent sales, and feel confident submitting lower offers if the property appears overpriced.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Robert Dougherty to discuss his journey as a first property buyer who turned to renovation to enter the property market, motivated by economic factors and the chance to personalise his home. The duo begins by exploring Robert's property journey with his wife Megan as they spend a year carefully researching properties before settling in the affordable, spacious Blue Mountains area. Influenced by a family philosophy to buy the "worst house in the best street" and renovate, the couple has always known that they would renovate their house and embraced the hands-on process despite its difficulties.  Robert stresses the importance of research, thorough inspections, and choosing trustworthy tradies to avoid costly mistakes.  He said the key to renovating is to balance DIY efforts with professional help, learning practical skills along the way while managing unexpected setbacks. Ultimately, the couple's renovation has become more than a financial investment – it has created a personalised home that reflects their values.  Robert's journey reflects the growing renovation trend in Australia and encourages first-time buyers to consider it a fulfilling path to home ownership.