Australian Property Podcast

Most buyers approach property search the same way regardless of what the market is doing. Pete Wargent and Amy Lunardi argue that this is exactly where buyers go wrong.

In this episode of the Australian Property Podcast, they break down how to identify the market you are actually in and how your strategy needs to change when conditions shift. Rather than relying on broad headlines, they explain how to zoom in on the signals that matter most: auction clearance rates, days on market, vendor discounting, stock levels and real buyer depth at inspections and auctions.

In hot markets, they cover the need to move quickly, complete due diligence early, set a hard ceiling before negotiations begin and avoid the emotional exhaustion that leads buyers to overpay or drift from their brief. In cooler markets, they unpack how to spot a genuinely motivated vendor, when to make an offer before being invited, how to think about off-markets and EOI campaigns, and why waiting for the perfect bottom can become its own costly mistake.

The result is a practical guide for first-home buyers, upgraders and investors who want to buy well in any environment. There may never be a perfect market, but there is a smarter way to buy in the one you have.

Resources for this episode

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Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

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Access Show Notes

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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This episode was originally featured on The Australian Finance Podcast.

Discover why the traditional path to buying your first home no longer works, the trade-offs modern buyers must make, and how to rethink home ownership in today’s market.

In this Australian Property Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Lucinda Hartley, author of Finding Home, to unpack what’s really changed when it comes to buying your first home. They cover:

– Why the traditional “rulebook” no longer applies

– How first home buyers need to rethink what “home” means

– The key trade-offs you must understand before buying

– How to approach home ownership in a way that fits your life today

Topics Covered

– Why the First Home Buyer Rulebook is Outdated

– Then vs Now: What’s Changed in the Property Market

– Rethinking What “Home” Means

– The First Question Buyers Should Ask Themselves

– Housing as “Success” vs Housing as “Security”

– Is “Worst House, Best Street” Still Relevant?

– Suburb vs Property: What Matters More Today

– Changing Buyer Preferences (Apartments, Location, Lifestyle)

– The Impact of Government Grants & Incentives

– Is the 30% Housing Rule Still Realistic?

– The Trade-Off Triangle Explained

– The 10 Lifestyle Trade-Off Lenses

– Common Trade-Offs Buyers Regret

– Defining Your Non-Negotiables Before Buying

– Credit Scores: What Actually Matters

– Final Advice for First Home Buyers

Resources for this episode

⁠Connect with Lucinda: Finding Home – Lucinda Hartley⁠

⁠Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”⁠

⁠Speak with the Rask Advice team⁠

Ask a question (select the Property podcast)

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down what potential changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing could mean for investors and renters, then zoom out to the bigger forces shaping the property market.

Key topics:

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DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack how long the Sydney and Melbourne property downturn could last, why build costs may rise again, and what buyers, sellers and investors should do next.

They cover weak auctions, slowing construction, tight rental markets, and the practical decisions facing first-home buyers, upgraders and investors in a softer market.

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Property podcast)

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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This week on the Australian Property Podcast, we’re sharing a great past conversation originally published on The Australian Finance Podcast.

In this episode, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Ben Kingsley, one of Australia’s leading property investment advisers, founder of Empower Wealth, and Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia.

Ben, alongside long-time business partner Bryce Holdaway, recently released their third book, How to Retire on $3,000 a Week. Together, they’ve built a strong reputation for helping everyday Australians better understand property investing, and are also the co-authors of best-selling titles Make Money Simple Again and The Armchair Guide to Property Investing.

While Bryce wasn’t part of this conversation, Ben shares practical insights from their latest book and his decades of experience helping investors build wealth through property.

In this episode, we cover:

- how property can fit alongside super as part of a broader wealth plan

- whether there is a sweet spot when it comes to the number of investment properties to own

- what’s inside their latest book and the key ideas behind retiring on $3,000 a week

- practical lessons from working with everyday Australians on long-term property strategies

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Property podcast)

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down the latest fuel shock, rising inflation risk and shifting rate expectations, and what it means for the Australian property market.

They connect the macro pressure to what is happening on the ground — tighter listings, rising build costs, weaker sentiment and the early signs of a split market — and outline how buyers, sellers and investors can navigate what could be a difficult stretch into late 2026.

Together they discuss

– Fuel shock intensifying: shortages emerging and diesel pushing above $3 per litre
– Fuel excise cut unlikely to offset rising costs as supply remains constrained
– Markets now pricing rates toward 4.6% – 4.85%, with further hikes expected before easing
– Build feasibility deteriorating
– Consumer confidence collapsing
– Two-speed market forming: entry-level demand holding, premium segments weakening
– Housing shortfall widening
– Listener Q&A: portfolio strategy and capital allocation in uncertain conditions

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Property podcast)

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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Oil prices up, construction costs up, confidence down!

Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack a fast-moving week for property: surging fuel costs, rising inflation risk, collapsing confidence, and what all of that means for rates, building activity, listings, and buyer behaviour. The episode matters because the pressure is no longer theoretical — it is already hitting development feasibility, rental supply, and decision-making across the market.

Together they discuss

- Diesel has surged to roughly $3 per litre, with Australia especially exposed to fuel shocks; Pete notes this is already flowing through to transport, airfares, freight, food, and service pricing.

- February inflation came in at 3.7% headline and 3.3% core, but both hosts stress that this was effectively pre-conflict data, with much bigger inflation impacts still to come through fuel and housing costs.

- Consumer sentiment is at its weakest since 1973, services PMI dropped from 52.8 to 46.2, and market pricing has shifted toward a terminal cash rate of about 4.65% by December. Pete also notes bond yields spiked to 4.9% before easing back.

- First-home buyers are still transacting despite the nerves, helped by the 5% deposit scheme and a strong desire to exit the rental market. Chris says his team had six first-home buyers purchase in a week, even as investors begin to look more fragile.

- The market is splitting: premium property has cooled, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, while the lower end remains highly competitive. Pete says he is still seeing no evidence of declines at entry-level price points, even as high-end sentiment weakens.

- Development feasibility is deteriorating fast. Pete cites producer-price inputs like copper pipes and tiles up 82% since 2019, and notes luxury apartment construction costs have risen by about $125,000. Both hosts mention clients cancelling developments because they would now lose money by building.

- Builders are under renewed strain and profit incentive worries: new home sales fell in March, insolvencies are rising

- Listener Q&A: fixing part of a mortgage in a rising-rate environment, and whether a much larger inherited deposit should change ownership percentages inside a marriage.

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Property podcast)

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

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Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack the RBA’s latest rate hike, what higher mortgage rates could mean for borrowing power and sentiment, and why Australia’s housing shortage is still intensifying. They move from the macro picture into the real pressure points on the ground: tighter rental markets, a split housing cycle, and the conditions that may create both risk and opportunity over the next 12 months.

Together, they discuss:

- RBA lifted rates and could do so again if inflation persists

- Oil s reigniting inflation risk, feeding into rate expectations and dampening buyer confidence

- The hidden costs of moving house in Australia

- First-home buyers still active but adjusting budgets; upgraders slowing, especially in key markets

- Market turning K-shaped: premium softening while entry-level demand stays strong via 5% deposit schemes

- Rental pressure intensifying: how long will shortages last?

- Structural challenges: dwelling numbers, demographic shifts, and mismatched supply

- Development conditions are constrained: what can builders do?

- Listener Q&A

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Property podcast)

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack a volatile week in global markets and what it might mean for Australian housing. From oil price shocks and inflation fears to population shifts and investor behaviour, they explore why short-term uncertainty rarely changes the long-term structural drivers of property markets

Together, they discuss:

- Sudden oil price spikes briefly shake financial markets

- Global supply shocks, inflation pressures and potential interest rate hikes could influence housing sentiment without necessarily changing long-term property demand.

- Migration patterns are intensifying rental shortages and housing pressure in those states.

- Why investors approaching retirement are increasingly selling property assets, particularly negatively geared units that generate little cashflow in retirement.

- The growing divide between generations.

- How market uncertainty often reduces listings rather than demand

- The hidden costs of moving house in Australia.

- Listener Q&A

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Property podcast)

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The market is splitting in two. Buyers who stay selective will do better.

Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down why inflation risks are rising again after renewed global instability, how that’s feeding into rate expectations and buyer sentiment, and why construction is still failing to deliver enough supply. They also unpack the latest noise around negative gearing and capital gains tax, and what reforms might change — versus what just adds uncertainty — as the market shifts into a clear two speed cycle.

Together, they discuss:

Inflation risks returning as global instability pushes up energy costs, with fuel jumping quickly in parts of Australia 

Why the RBA may prefer waiting for quarterly data

Evidence of a two speed housing market

The on the ground reality for first home buyers at the lower end, including competition for scarce houses and buyers being pushed toward poorer assets amid FOMO 

Negative gearing and CGT reform chatter ahead of the budget

The core supply problem getting worse: building approvals down 

Why approvals are still not enough for the national target

Listener Q&A

Resources for this episode

Ask a question (select the Property podcast)

Rask Resources

Pete's Buyers Agency

Alcove mortgage broking

Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne)

All services

Financial Planning

Invest with us

Access Show Notes

Ask a question

We love feedback!

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @rask.invest

TikTok: @rask.invest

DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices