Down to Finance Australia

Hosted by Director Amie Tennant, with senior brokers Sarah and Brendon, this episode unpacks how negative gearing and lending changes are affecting what investors can actually borrow right now.

• What's changed with negative gearing and servicing calculators
• Why new builds currently have a borrowing capacity advantage
• How lenders are treating investor applications differently
• Options if you're not eligible yet, and how long it can take to get there

If you're unsure what these changes mean for your own borrowing power, this episode will help.

Hosted by Director Amie Tennant and broker Sarah, this episode is a raw, honest conversation with client turned friend Kristy, who bought her first home at 25, built a property portfolio, survived a relationship that cost her almost everything financially, and now runs a thriving business.• Buying her first home at 25 through an off market opportunity in Langwarrin• The financial betrayal that took years to recover from• Rebuilding wealth and confidence after starting again• Running Air Locker Training in Cranbourne while raising two kids• The financial habits that changed everythingThis one is for anyone who's ever thought their situation was too hard to come back from.Future Finance Group | futurefinancegroup.com.au

Hosted by Director Amie Tennant, with brokers Sarah and Brendon, this episode breaks down why first home buyers have more opportunity right now than they have in years.

• Current stamp duty exemptions and who qualifies
• The 95% no LMI scheme and how it works
• Why agents are prioritising first home buyers right now
• A real client story on the impact of timing

If you've been putting off buying your first home, this episode explains why now might be the right time.

A fast-moving Q&A covering the questions most first-time property investors are thinking, but not always asking out loud.

This panel discussion tackles common decision points around budgeting, strategy, yield vs growth, market trends, depreciation basics, and the practical steps to take before applying for your first investment loan.

Key takeaways:

• Why planning and budgeting come before property selection

• How to think about yield vs growth based on where you are in the journey

• Staying informed without getting swept up in hype

• Why pre-approval and borrowing clarity matter early

• The value of building a support team around you

• Depreciation as a factor to consider, especially for newer homes

Guests: Panel featuring seminar speakers and Future Finance Group team.

If you’re a first-time property investor, your next best move might be getting clarity on the bigger plan first.

Ricky Jewell explains how property fits into long-term wealth strategy, why structure and tax matter over time, and how risk planning protects the progress you’re trying to make.

Key takeaways:

• Setting goals that guide every investment decision

• Why structure and tax shape long-term outcomes

• Superannuation considerations as a wealth vehicle

• The importance of tailored advice over “mate’s rates” decisions

• Risk planning: key insurance types and why they matter

• Reviewing strategy as life changes

Guest: Ricky Jewell - Partner and Specialist Financial Planner, Index Wealth.

First-time investors often ask “where should I buy?” - but the better question is “what’s my strategy?”

Patricia Zurrer explains how to define goals, use Australia-wide research, and understand property cycles so you’re not buying at the wrong time based on headlines.

Key takeaways:

• Why strategy should lead the buying process

• How to think about cycles, timing, and growth drivers

• Why infrastructure only matters if timelines stack up

• Balancing low risk, low vacancy, and long-term outcomes

• The role of research and support teams

• Case studies and what they reveal about compounding results

Guest: Patricia Zurrer - Owner and Managing Director, Property Consulting Australia.

Depreciation is one of the most misunderstood parts of property investing - and one of the most useful for cash flow.

Daniel Ward explains what depreciation is, how schedules work, and the key differences between new and older properties when it comes to deductions.

Key takeaways:

• Depreciation basics and why it matters

• What quantity surveyors do and why compliance matters

• Capital works vs plant and equipment (and what changes with second-hand)

• How depreciation can reduce the cost of holding a property

• Renovations and scrapping considerations

• When it’s “too late” - and what can still be claimed

Guest: Daniel Ward - BMT Tax Depreciation.

Finding the right property is only half the job - the buying process and rental reality matter too.

Ash Marton shares how first-time investors can get closer to real opportunities and negotiate with more confidence. Kevin Ljungberg follows with a practical leasing view: what renters want, what to budget for, and how compliance affects costs.

Key takeaways:

• How to stay “across the deal” before it becomes obvious value

• Negotiation questions that protect your position

• Features that widen your tenant pool (and lift rent potential)

• Budgeting for vacancy and setup costs

• Why compliance checks can protect you long term

• The practical mindset shift from buyer to landlord

Guest: Ash Marton - Principal and Director, Ash Marton Realty.
Guest: Kevin Ljungberg - Business Development Manager, Leasing.

Structure is one of the biggest early decisions a first-time property investor makes.

Adam Pasquill unpacks the basics of negative gearing, CGT, and the high-level differences between common ownership structures, plus the considerations that should guide the decision.

Key takeaways:

• What negative gearing means and how deductions work

• How CGT treatment differs from regular income

• How goals (growth vs income) influence structure

• Individual vs trust vs SMSF - core pros and trade-offs

• Why costs, flexibility, and state factors matter

• Why early advice can prevent painful unwind later

Guest: Adam Pasquill - Associate Partner, Highview Accounting.

Borrowing power is the real starting line for first-time property investors.

Amie Tennant shares the lending foundations that help investors move from “someday” to a real plan - including what lenders look at, how to prepare early, and why pre-approval can change your buying position.

Key takeaways:

• How brokers compare lenders and guide you through approval to settlement

• Deposit, costs, and building a buffer

• Using equity (where relevant) to support an investment purchase

• Cleaning up consumer credit before applying

• Why pre-approval matters and why timing matters

• Why personalised strategy beats generic online advice

Guest: Amie Tennant - Director and Senior Mortgage Broker, Future Finance Group.