Defence Property Podcast

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Zach Plath, co-founder of VetComp and former Australian Army infantry soldier, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the Defence community — DVA claims and veteran compensation.

Zach shares his journey from serving in the Army to building one of Australia’s fastest-growing veteran advocacy businesses, helping thousands of current and former Defence members navigate the DVA claims process.

We discuss the common myths that stop people from claiming, why waiting can cost veterans both time and money and how compensation, medical support, and long-term benefits can play a significant role in a veteran’s financial future.

For serving members, this episode provides valuable insight into the importance of documenting injuries early, understanding your entitlements, and avoiding the misinformation that can circulate within Defence.

Topics covered:

• Zach’s journey from infantry soldier to VetComp co-founder
• What VetComp does and how it supports veterans
• Why many Defence members delay DVA claims (and why they shouldn’t)
• Common myths around compensation and medical discharge
• The importance of reporting injuries while serving
• How the DVA claims process actually works
• Current serving members vs veterans: who can claim?
• Age-adjusted compensation and why timing matters
• Understanding White Cards and Gold Cards
• Mental health support available through DVA
• Long-term medical and financial benefits veterans may be entitled to
• How veterans are using compensation payments to improve their future
• Practical advice for Defence members preparing to separate

Whether you're currently serving, transitioning out of Defence or have been out for years, this episode provides important information that could help you better understand your entitlements and make more informed decisions about your future.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we explore a topic we’ve never covered before: how military discipline, planning and decision-making frameworks can be applied to building a successful property portfolio.

Host Kane Dury sits down to discuss the lessons learned from nearly 13 years in the Australian Army, building a multi-property portfolio and helping Defence members navigate the often-complex world of property investing.

With market sentiment shifting, interest rates remaining a hot topic and headlines dominated by uncertainty, this episode focuses on the fundamentals that matter most: strategy, patience, process and execution.

We also discuss some of the biggest mistakes investors make, why time on the sidelines can be incredibly costly and how Defence members can use their unique experience and mindset to create long-term financial success.

Topics covered:

• Applying military planning and discipline to property investing
• Why strategy should come before market selection
• Building and scaling a property portfolio over time
• Supply, demand and the real drivers of Australian property prices
• Why market sentiment often creates opportunity
• The dangers of constantly changing your investment strategy
• Time in the market vs timing the market
• Lessons learned from buying, holding and selling property over 20 years
• Common investor mistakes that can cost hundreds of thousands of $
• The true cost of waiting on the sidelines
• Using Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) as a strategic tool
• How Defence members can leverage their unique advantages
• Why patience is one of the most valuable investing skills

Whether you're buying your first investment property or working towards a larger portfolio, this episode will help you think more strategically about your property journey and avoid many of the mistakes investors often make along the way.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Kacy, a 22-year-old serving infantry soldier in the Australian Army, to unpack how he purchased his first investment property and built over $100,000 in equity in less than a year.

Kacy shares how growing up around business and property sparked his interest in investing, why he chose the rentvesting strategy instead of buying a home in Brisbane and how getting clear guidance helped him move from “thinking about it” to actually taking action.

We also discuss buying with a 10% deposit, using Lenders' Mortgage Insurance (LMI) as a tool to enter the market sooner and balancing property investing with the realities of Defence life, including field exercises, courses and deployments.

If you’re currently serving and waiting for the “perfect time” to buy, Kacy’s story is a powerful reminder of how costly delays can be when opportunity is right in front of you.

Topics covered:

• Kacy’s journey from school leaver to serving infantry soldier
• Growing up around business and property investing
• Why he chose rentvesting over buying in Brisbane
• The importance of having a clear property strategy
• Buying his first investment property with a 10% deposit
• Using LMI to get into the market sooner
• Managing the buying process while in the field
• Purchase price, rental income and early performance
• Building more than $100K in equity in under 12 months
• Opportunity cost and why waiting can be expensive
• Leveraging equity for future property purchases
• Kacy’s advice for young Defence members wanting to invest

Whether you're a new recruit, a junior soldier or someone who has been putting off buying a property for years, this episode offers practical lessons on taking action and building long-term wealth while serving.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency  

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Terry Ryder from Hotspotting to unpack what’s really happening across the Australian property market: from interest rates and inflation to supply shortages and the next growth regions investors should be watching.

We discuss the impact of rising rates, government policy, migration, and global instability on Australian real estate, and why local supply and demand fundamentals still matter far more than media headlines.

Terry also shares his thoughts on where investor activity is shifting around the country, why some previously “hot” markets may be cooling, and which regions are beginning to show early signs of recovery and opportunity.

This episode is packed with insights for investors trying to cut through the noise and make smarter long-term decisions in a changing market.

Topics covered:

• Why global events rarely impact Australian property the way headlines suggest
• Interest rates, inflation, and the Reserve Bank outlook
• The real driver behind Australia’s housing crisis
• Supply shortages vs growing population demand
• Why first-home buyer incentives may be worsening affordability
• Construction costs, red tape, and land banking explained
• Proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing
• Why lower-priced markets are becoming more competitive
• Perth, Brisbane & regional Queensland market updates
• Melbourne, regional Victoria & Canberra recovery signs
• Darwin market risks and “artificial demand” concerns
• Newcastle & the Hunter region long-term outlook
• Why research and quality advice matter more than ever

Whether you’re buying your first property or building a portfolio, this episode will help you better understand the forces shaping Australia’s property market in 2026.

Want help building your own property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down again with Chris Tipper from Ainslie Wealth to unpack the rapidly changing global economic landscape and what it could mean for property, inflation, interest rates, and the future of investing.

We dive into the macroeconomic forces shaping Australia and the world right now, including global conflict, rising debt levels, money printing, inflation, and the growing impact of AI on jobs and productivity.

This conversation explores why governments may have no choice but to continue debasing currency, why hard assets matter more than ever, and how artificial intelligence could dramatically reshape employment, investing, and wealth creation over the next decade.

If you want to better understand the bigger picture behind property prices, inflation, and the future economy, this episode is packed with insights and thought-provoking discussion.

Topics covered:

• The global macro environment and current economic risks
• War, oil supply disruptions, and inflation pressures
• Why governments keep “turning the money printer back on”
• Could a global recession still be coming?
• Why debt levels limit future interest rate rises
• The long-term impact of currency debasement
• Why hard assets outperform during inflationary periods
• Property, Bitcoin, gold & silver as inflation hedges
• The real inflation rate vs official CPI numbers
• AI’s impact on productivity, jobs, and the economy
• How AI could reshape white-collar employment
• The risks and opportunities AI creates for investors
• Why adaptability and education matter more than ever

This episode is less about headlines and more about understanding the systems driving the economy underneath them.

Want help building a strategy in changing market conditions?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency   

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Chris Tipper, Chief Economist at Ainslie Wealth, to break down one of the most debated topics in investing right now: Bitcoin vs property.

This conversation dives into the pros, risks, and realities of both asset classes, and how they can (and arguably should) work together in a modern investment portfolio. From volatility and leverage to long-term wealth building and financial security, we explore what each asset offers and where they fall short.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode will challenge your thinking around diversification, strategy, and how to position yourself for the future.

Topics covered:

• What Bitcoin actually is (simple explanation)
• Why Bitcoin has been the best-performing asset in recent years
• Fixed supply vs property supply and why it matters
• Volatility: risk vs opportunity in Bitcoin
• Why property still provides long-term stability
• Leveraging property vs liquidity in crypto
• Can you use Bitcoin to enter the property market?
• Borrowing against Bitcoin vs selling (tax implications)
• The role of diversification (and when it doesn’t work)
• Why market selection matters more than the asset class
• Real-world examples of getting property right vs wrong
• The future of lending using crypto-backed assets

This episode isn’t about choosing one over the other — it’s about understanding how both can play a role in building long-term wealth.

Want help building your own strategy?
Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we break down five common property decisions that quietly cost investors hundreds of thousands of dollars over time without them even realising it.

Most people don’t lose money in property through dramatic mistakes. Instead, it’s the small, everyday decisions — waiting too long, listening to the wrong advice, or choosing the wrong asset — that create massive gaps in long-term outcomes.

We unpack how opportunity cost works in real estate, and why two investors with the same budget can end up in completely different financial positions based on a handful of decisions made early on.

If you’re serious about building a portfolio, this episode will help you avoid the hidden traps that hold most investors back.

Topics covered:

• The “waiting game” and why timing the market often backfires
• Bigger deposit vs getting in sooner (LMI explained)
• Why free advice can be the most expensive advice
• The impact of choosing the wrong property market
• Supply, demand, and why some markets outperform others
• Buying the wrong asset (and how it limits long-term growth)
• House vs land value and why it matters
• The risks of off-the-plan and house & land packages
• Overpaying and not understanding true market value
• Emotional buying and how agents use it against you
• How small decisions compound into $100K+ outcomes

Whether you’re buying your first property or scaling a portfolio, understanding these mistakes can save you years of lost growth and missed opportunity.

Want help building a smarter property strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, Kane breaks down the latest Australian property market data and what’s actually happening beneath the headlines.

With Australia’s residential market now valued at $12.6 trillion, property continues to dominate household wealth but the conditions in 2026 are shifting. While annual growth has been strong, the market is beginning to slow, creating very different opportunities depending on where and what you buy.

We unpack the latest numbers from CoreLogic and explain what they mean for investors, including where the market is still running hot, where it’s cooling, and where the real opportunities are emerging.

This episode is essential listening if you’re trying to understand how to navigate a changing market and make smarter buying decisions in 2026.

Topics covered:
• Australia’s $12.6 trillion property market explained
• Annual growth vs slowing quarterly momentum
• The shift from a boom market to a stabilising one
• “Two-speed” markets: where prices are still rising fast
• Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide vs Sydney & Melbourne trends
• Why Melbourne may present a window of opportunity
• Entry-level properties outperforming higher-end markets
• Supply shortages and why prices remain elevated
• Auction clearance rates and what they signal for buyers
• Why negotiation strategy matters more in 2026
• Regional vs capital city performance
• How to adapt your strategy based on market conditions

Whether you’re actively investing or still on the sidelines, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in the market and how to position yourself moving forward.

Want help building or adjusting your property strategy?
Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

 In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Callan — a 27-year-old serving infantry soldier — to unpack how he built a three-property portfolio worth approximately $1.6M while still actively serving.

From saving his first $65K deposit during COVID deployments to buying interstate while posted across Australia (and even settling a deal from a Navy ship), Callan shares the real, behind-the-scenes journey of getting started early and staying consistent.

We break down his first purchase in Perth, how that property nearly doubled and unlocked future opportunities, and how he continued to scale into Townsville and regional Victoria. We also dive into how he manages three properties, builds buffers, and balances investing with the unpredictable Defence lifestyle.

If you’re currently serving and think postings, courses, or deployments are holding you back, this episode will challenge that mindset and show what’s possible with the right approach.

Topics covered:
• Callan’s background in property growing up
• Saving $65K and buying his first property at 22
• First purchase: Perth property and strong early growth
• Buying interstate while posted in different locations
• Building a 3-property portfolio while serving full-time
• Using savings vs equity across multiple purchases
• Managing cash flow, tenants, and multiple offsets
• Why Defence life can actually accelerate investing
• The importance of buffers and planning for maintenance
• Overcoming fear and taking action (even on deployment)
• Callan’s long-term goal: $80–100K passive income

Whether you’re just starting out or already own a property, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience from someone doing it right now.

Want help building your own strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency 

 In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we break down one of the most important financial decisions a Defence member can make early in their career, whether to buy their first property before 25.

Using real-world scenarios, we compare two paths: starting early vs waiting until later. Through the “Jake vs Sam” example, we show how time, compound growth, and leverage can create a massive difference in long-term wealth, even when both people earn similar incomes.

We also dive into why Defence members are uniquely positioned to build a property portfolio faster than most Australians, thanks to stable income, entitlements, and lifestyle advantages if they use them correctly.

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone at their first posting (or even those starting later) who wants to take control of their financial future and avoid the common mistakes that hold most investors back.

Topics covered:

• Why buying before 25 can dramatically change your financial future
• The power of compound growth (Jake vs Sam breakdown)
• How starting late impacts deposits, debt, and portfolio growth
• Why most investors never move beyond 1–2 properties
• Defence advantages: DHOAS, rent assistance, stable income
• How to save faster using base living and allowances
• The biggest excuses holding Defence members back (and how to overcome them)
• Why your first property doesn’t need to be your dream home
• Capital growth vs yield and what actually builds wealth
• Simple strategies to scale a portfolio without overcomplicating it

If you’re early in your career — or even if you feel like you’ve started late — this episode will give you the clarity and direction to move forward.

Want help building your own strategy?

Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury 
Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency