Own It Property Podcast

In this episode, Dion sits down with Tim Wilson, Shadow Treasurer of Australia, to unpack what the federal budget really means for first home buyers and renters. They cover why building fewer homes and taxing investors harder could push rents and prices up, how the 5% deposit scheme has already inflated entry-level property prices, and why grandfathering old rules risks creating a two-tiered market that locks buyers out for longer. A candid, no-spin look at the policy behind the headlines.

Have you ever made an offer on a property, been told to "offer more," and then jumped up tens of thousands of dollars without knowing where the vendor actually stood? That's called double stepping, and it's one of the most common ways buyers cost themselves money at the negotiation table. In this episode of Own It, host Dion Marsden, a former real estate agent, breaks down exactly how double stepping works from the agent's side, why it benefits the seller when buyers fall for it, and the simple question you need to ask after every offer to protect yourself. You'll learn how to always secure a counter offer, how to use that information to negotiate with confidence, and why the party who keeps moving without getting anything back is the one who loses out. If you're planning to buy a property and negotiate directly with a vendor, this quick, practical episode could save you thousands. Plus, a look ahead to next episode covering self-managed super fund property purchases.

Most buyers waste time focusing on the wrong things when purchasing a property — shiny kitchens, new bathrooms, trendy finishes — and completely ignore what actually drives long-term value. In this episode of the Own It Podcast, Dion breaks down the 80/20 Rule for Property Buying and explains why just 20% of a property determines 80% of its long-term performance. You’ll learn: What the non-negotiables are when buying property Why location, land, asset type, and floorplan matter more than renovations Which compromises are safe to make — and which ones can cost you hundreds of thousands Why cosmetic features depreciate while fundamentals drive growth How buyers get trapped chasing “perfect” properties that underperform Why off-the-plan apartments are a classic example of focusing on the wrong 80% This episode is essential listening for first-home buyers, upgraders, and anyone feeling stuck trying to choose between properties. If you want to buy with confidence — not emotion — this framework will change how you look at property forever.

Buying near a busy road, train line, school, or powerlines is one of the most common dilemmas buyers face — and the advice online is confusing at best. In this episode, Dion breaks down the real impact these compromises have on property value, future resale, and your day-to-day living. Using real examples and buyer behaviour insights from the market, Dion explains: Which compromises are fixable and which ones never change Why busy roads and train lines usually mean a 5%–20% discount How these “discounts” work — and why you’ll also sell for less The biggest red flag of all: buying under powerlines How buyer psychology shapes demand around schools, roads and transport When buying a compromised property can be a smart move When the risk is simply not worth it If you're considering a home on a main road, near a train line, across from a school, or anywhere close to powerlines, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make the right call.

Choosing what to buy is just as important as choosing where to buy — and yet most buyers get it wrong. In this episode, Dion breaks down asset selection and explains the real differences between houses, townhouses, units, and apartments. Using fresh CoreLogic data and real buyer stories, he ranks these property types based on long-term performance, land value, demand, and risk. You’ll learn: Why houses consistently outperform other property types The difference between a good townhouse/unit and a bad one Why land value is the number one driver of capital growth The biggest risks of buying brand-new or off-the-plan Which types of apartments can perform — and which never do How lifestyle vs investment goals change what the “best” asset looks like for you Whether you're a first-home buyer, investor, or upgrading, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and choose the property type with the strongest long-term upside.