Brick to the Future: Property Investment Show

In this episode, Cam McLellan joins Canna and Michael on the "How Do They Afford That?" Podcast.

The discussion delves into one of Australia's top 10 lenders, Bank of Mum and Dad, exploring the strategies and stigma. With property prices soaring, the amount needed for a deposit has climbed too. And that's left many people with no option but to turn to the Bank of Mum & Dad. Parental assistance to get into the property market has grown, and yet there's a stigma around it - a stigma that doesn't exist for inheritances.

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Cam McLellan & Allister Lewison discuss the pros and cons of buying new versus established properties for investment purposes. The key takeaways include:

Why People Prefer Established Properties

1. Visual Appeal – Buyers are drawn to what they can see, such as a well-maintained house with a nice garden.
2. Emotional Connection – Buyers feel comfortable with the ability to physically inspect and envision themselves in the home.
3. Fear of Construction Issues – Concerns about builder reliability, project delays, and unexpected costs deter some buyers from choosing new builds.

Why New Builds Are a Better Investment

1. Lower Maintenance Costs – New homes require fewer repairs, whereas older homes often have unexpected expenses within months of purchase.
2. Higher Rental Yield – New properties tend to attract tenants faster and command higher rental income.
3. Stamp Duty Savings – Buyers only pay stamp duty on the land value, making upfront costs lower.
4. Depreciation Benefits – Tax advantages from depreciating fixtures and fittings help investors reduce taxable income and offset holding costs.
5. Cash Flow Control – With new builds, costs are more predictable, reducing financial strain on investors.

Avoiding Overcapitalisation

• Investors should avoid building excessively large homes that won’t yield proportional increases in rent or resale value.
• The optimal property size and design for a given area is crucial for maximising returns.
• OpenCorp applies data-driven methods to ensure clients don’t overspend on unnecessary features.

Lessons from Experience

• Cam shares a personal anecdote about a past investment mistake involving a poorly planned development that led to unnecessary expenses.
• Learning from such experiences has allowed OpenCorp to refine their investment strategies, ensuring clients make smarter financial decisions.

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Unlocking Property Investment Secrets: Your Audio Book!

Discover the keys to Australian property investment success in bestseller, My Four-Year-Old, the Property Investor.

With over 120,000 copies sold, this audiobook offers:

• Clear understanding of Aussie property investment
• 3 easy steps to find top-notch investments
• Tools & checklists to reduce risk & boost returns

OpenCorp's Author Cam McLellan, a successful property investor, businessman and father, shares his knowledge that has allowed him the option to retire in his 30s, build a substantial property portfolio and found a number of companies that feature in five BRW fast growth lists.

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OpenCorp Founders, Matt Lewison, Cam McLellan and Allister Lewison unpack the recent rate changes and the impact this will have on the Australian Property Market. 

Interest Rate Cuts and Their Impact: A reduction in interest rates will increase borrowing power, making it easier for individuals to borrow more money. This will lead to increased competition among buyers, especially in the lower end of the property market.

Inflation and Sentiment: Inflation measures the increase in the cost of goods, and the Reserve Bank targets inflation at 2-3%. As inflation comes under control, the likelihood of interest rate cuts increases, boosting market sentiment and consumer confidence.

Property Market Dynamics: The property market is driven by supply and demand, with a long-term undersupply of affordable housing in Australia. As borrowing capacity improves, buyers can afford to pay more, potentially driving prices up.

Borrowing Capacity and Housing Affordability: A 0.25% rate cut could allow someone borrowing $600,000 to save $1,500 annually, or borrow up to $30,000 more. This could make it easier for first-time buyers to enter the market.

Competition and Price Growth: With more people able to afford homes, competition at the entry level of the market will increase, driving up prices. As the auction clearance rate rises, enthusiasm will build, leading to broader price growth.

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Al and Cam unpack the challenges and strategies for couples investing in property together. Key points include:

Unified Approach in Decision-Making:

• Both partners must participate in property investment discussions to align on goals and overcome doubts.
• OpenCorp has a strict policy of not engaging with individuals whose partners are not involved in the process.

Driver vs. Passenger Dynamic:

• In most relationships, one partner drives the decision-making, while the other may be hesitant or skeptical.
• Skepticism arises from internal fears (e.g., perceived risk, affordability) and external challenges (e.g., obtaining finance).

Overcoming Objections:

• Common objections include fear of debt, lack of time, skepticism about property markets, and misconceptions that investing is only for wealthy individuals.
• Education and understanding the process are crucial to dispel fears and build confidence.

Shift in Roles Over Time:

• Initially hesitant partners often become active participants after seeing positive results, even taking the lead on subsequent investments.

Affordability and Accessibility:

• The podcast emphasizes that property investment is accessible to everyday Australians and doesn’t need to significantly impact lifestyle if done strategically.

Call to Action:

• Couples are encouraged to learn, align, and work together to achieve financial goals, with the suggestion to listen to resources like the podcast for motivation and clarity.

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Last year Cam & Al sat down with Danny Kennedy on The Fitness & Lifestyle Podcast. Just like a personal trainer helps you achieve your health goals with a tailored plan, OpenCorp guides clients through their financial fitness journey. 

Whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned pro, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you take the next step in building wealth:

When’s the Best Time to Get in the Market?
This discussion sheds light on why waiting for the "perfect moment" may actually cost you. Cam and Al share their thoughts on market cycles, economic conditions, and the power of taking action now to leverage long-term growth.

How to Identify a GREAT Property Investment
Finding the right property is more than just choosing a good location. 
Breaking down the key characteristics of high-performing investment properties, including cash flow, growth potential, and market demand. They also discuss avoiding common pitfalls and costly mistakes when selecting an investment.

Why You SHOULD Be Investing in Property
From building generational wealth to gaining control of your financial future. Cam and Al tackle common hesitations, explain why property remains one of the safest and most lucrative investment strategies, and share examples of how others have transformed their lives through it.

Should You Rent Where You Live?
The idea of "rentvesting" is explored as a strategic option for those wanting to live in high-cost areas while investing in more affordable, high-growth markets. Cam and Al explain how this approach allows flexibility while still building wealth through property ownership.

How Cam and Al Have Managed to Innovate in Nearly 20 Years of Business
Reflecting on OpenCorp's two decades of success, Cam and Al share how they've adapted to market changes, embraced innovation, and stayed ahead of the curve to continually deliver value to their clients. Their journey is filled with lessons on resilience, vision, and staying true to their mission.

How Duplicating Your Investment Can Change Your Life
OpenCorp's strategy emphasises scalability. They discuss how starting with one property and systematically reinvesting equity can snowball into a portfolio that provides financial security and freedom, offering actionable steps for building a scalable investment strategy.

The Importance of Identifying Limiting Beliefs Around Money and Property
Fear and self-doubt often hold people back from pursuing their financial goals. Cam and Al unpack common limiting beliefs about money, debt, and property investment, offering advice on overcoming these mental blocks and adopting a growth mindset.

Putting a Spotlight on the Alternative to Property Investment (Can You Afford Not To?)
The cost of doing nothing is rarely discussed but can have a lasting impact. Cam and Al explore the consequences of inaction, including missed opportunities, rising property prices, and long-term financial insecurity. They make a compelling case for why choosing not to invest may not be an option for those seeking financial freedom.

What Does OpenCorp Do for Their Clients?
OpenCorp's client-focused approach. From strategic advice and property selection to portfolio management and financial coaching, Cam and Al explain how their services are designed to simplify property investment and set clients up for long-term success.

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Most New Year resolutions fail because they lack actionable steps. Goal setting, coupled with planning, is a more effective approach.

With a focus on property investing. Key points include:

The Life Quadrants Method:
Cam explains his framework for goal setting:

• Lifestyle: Desired vacations and leisure time.
• Relationships: Quality time with loved ones.
• Health: Dedicated time for fitness and well-being.
• These goals are quantified into a required annual passive income, which guides investment strategies.

Personal Experiences with Goal Setting

• Cam started with a goal of $200,000 in passive income at 19, using property investing as a tool to achieve it.
• Al used visualisation techniques, like placing reminders around the house, to stay focused.

Encouragement for Setting Financial Goals:

• Clients are encouraged to work backwards from their desired passive income to set a clear investment roadmap.
• Achieving financial independence requires a combination of a vision, action plan, and commitment to the process.

Inspiration Through Hard Work:

• Cam shares his journey of working multiple jobs to save his first deposit, emphasising that determination and strategic planning make property investment accessible.
• Listeners are encouraged to set clear goals and take action for financial freedom.

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Sharon's property investment journey with OpenCorp began when a friend shared the book My Four-Year-Old the Property Investor. Inspired by its simple, actionable insights, she reached out to OpenCorp to explore property investing. Since then, Sharon has built a portfolio of three properties through OpenCorp, achieving $448,000 in capital growth since 2018.

Key milestones include leveraging equity instead of savings, overcoming the challenge of investing in properties sight unseen, and setting up a self-managed super fund to maximise her returns. She highlights the importance of trusting the process, staying engaged through regular six-monthly reviews, and following OpenCorp’s proven strategies.

For Sharon, the ultimate goal is financial independence—living the lifestyle she desires, retiring on her terms, and creating wealth to support her children. Her success has even inspired friends and family to begin their own property journeys.

This story is a testament to taking action, trusting expert advice, and staying committed to long-term goals.

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Cam McLellan and Allister Lewison share their insights and predictions for the Australian property market in 2025, highlighting key drivers, emerging trends, and practical advice to help property investors kickstart the New Year with confidence.

Market Trends:

• Supply and Demand: A housing shortage and rising immigration are driving prices upward.
• Interest Rates: Predictions suggest a potential decline in interest rates, which could lead to significant property price growth (1% rate drop = 10% price increase).
• Affordability Challenges: While inflation eases, high interest rates still limit borrowing capacity. However, property prices continue to rise, even under these constraints.

Capital City Analysis:

• Melbourne: Despite being undervalued compared to Sydney, Melbourne's market is poised for a rebound as investor equity from other cities flows in. Land tax concerns are viewed as minor compared to potential capital gains. Sydney: Serves as a lead indicator for market trends, with strong business-driven growth. Brisbane: Experiencing record buyer activity, indicating a hot market. Perth: Previously avoided by investors but now showing high growth potential due to rental increases and undersupply in specific pockets.
• Buyer Sentiment:
• Confidence in property as a long-term investment is rising, driven by positive media narratives and shifting perceptions.
• Consumer sentiment is at its highest in three years, indicating growing optimism.

Predictions for 2025:

• Strong price growth across all major markets, particularly in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
• Investors who act now are likely to benefit significantly, avoiding the regret of missing opportunities.

Actionable Advice:

• The year-end holiday period is an ideal time to plan and prepare for investments.
• Understand the tangible benefits of property gains (e.g., leveraging equity for further investments or life goals).

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Ross and his family, including his wife Jen and their three children, recently transitioned from their old home to a new upgraded property while also investing in a Brisbane property. This discussion explores their journey, motivations, and experiences with property investment.

Transition to a New Home and Investment Property:

• Ross and Jen decided to upgrade their family home for a better lifestyle while investing in Brisbane.
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• Their investment property, valued in the mid-to-high $500,000s, has appreciated significantly due to strategic location choices and developing infrastructure.

Remote Property Purchase Process:

• The couple purchased their investment property sight unseen, a growing trend (93% of clients) facilitated by OpenCorp’s remote services during COVID-19.
• They trusted OpenCorp’s team despite not meeting face-to-face, citing smooth communication and a strong reputation as key factors.

Motivations for Investing:

• Their goals included securing financial stability for their family and leveraging property as a long-term investment strategy.
• Ross highlighted the importance of unemotional decision-making, focusing on market growth potential rather than personal attachment to the property.

Challenges and Process Management:

• Initial challenges included navigating the volume of paperwork, contracts, and communication during the build process.OpenCorp’s team, including finance brokers, property strategists, and portfolio managers, provided comprehensive support, simplifying the process and ensuring confidence in decision-making.

Positive Investment Outcomes:

• Strategic location choices in Brisbane, near infrastructure development, led to significant property value growth shortly after completion.
• Ross appreciated OpenCorp’s guidance in identifying areas with high growth potential before infrastructure was fully established.

Future Goals:

• Ross and Jen are focused on balancing debt repayment for their home and expanding their investment portfolio.
• They feel more confident about their financial future thanks to their investment strategy.

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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
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