In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emile Lauer dives deep with Paul Mollica, principal property strategist at Wealthkey Property, to uncover the practical realities, strategies, and pitfalls that first-time Australian investors face when stepping onto the property ladder.

Mollica shares his own journey, beginning in the late 1990s when property prices and building costs were far lower, highlighting the role of family support and compromise in getting started.

He stresses that first-time buyers must view property ownership as a journey, often requiring trade-offs on location or property type. Understanding the full financial picture – including rates, maintenance, insurance, and borrowing limits – is essential for sustainable investing.

Mollica also discusses strategies like rentvesting and the responsibilities of being a landlord, such as ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

When choosing property, he advises considering areas with limited new supply and favourable demographics to enhance long-term value.

Working with a competent property manager is crucial, especially for investors dealing with multiple locations and regulatory variations.

He encourages aspiring investors to approach property with careful planning, knowledge, and patience, showing that with the right strategy, property investment can be a rewarding path to growth and financial security.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with buyer's agent Brady Yoshia from Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory to explore the critical role that preparation and negotiation play in securing the right property.

The discussion begins with Yoshia reflecting on her first property purchase in Greenwich, a three-bedroom apartment bought for $590,000 back in 2000 that would now be worth over $2 million, highlighting the long-term value of making informed early decisions.

The duo then unpack the importance of research, stressing the need to explore suburbs at different times of the day and remain open to a variety of options to make strategic choices rather than impulsive ones.

Yoshia emphasises that buyers should run their own race, advising them to have their finances in order, understand vendor motivations, and act quickly when the right opportunity arises, while avoiding fear-driven decisions.

Negotiation is a key focus, with Yoshia explaining that understanding the vendor's needs – such as settlement flexibility – can give buyers an advantage without increasing their offer price.

The conversation also addresses the pitfalls of emotional attachment, urging buyers to assess true property value through recent sales data and comparable listings, maintaining detachment to stay within budget.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with buyer's agent James Nelis to explore the crucial role that mindset plays in property buying.

The discussion begins with Nelis reflecting on his first property purchase in Kallangur, Queensland, admitting that it was driven more by the desire to enter the market than by a strategic plan, yet it has performed well over time.

The duo then unpack the common mistake of buying due to societal pressure and fear of missing out, stressing the importance of having a clear strategy aligned with long-term goals.

Nelis emphasises resilience and discipline, warning that success in property is a long-haul game and advising buyers to define their 'why' to guide decision-making, and to be prepared to miss out on properties when making competitive offers.

The episode addresses challenges for casual or variable-income earners, underscoring the importance of expert guidance to navigate lenders' policies and secure favourable terms.

Reflecting on his semi-professional Australian Football League (AFL) career, Nelis draws parallels between sports and property buying, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, a high-performance mindset, and surrounding oneself with the right people to succeed in the property market.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with property expert Kev Tran to unpack common myths and strategies shaping the journey of first-time buyers.

The discussion opens with the sense of urgency many feel to purchase property, with Tran warning that rushing into the wrong investment can lead to financial strain.

He highlights the strategic balance between buying owner-occupier homes and investment properties, suggesting that regional purchases can help build capital for pricier metropolitan markets.

The conversation also debunks a major myth: Investors no longer need at least 10 properties to retire, especially as lending restrictions have tightened since 2018.

Instead, Tran notes that a portfolio of three to five quality properties can be more sustainable, achievable, and aligned with lifestyle goals.

Building such a portfolio requires understanding borrowing capacity, managing equity wisely, and avoiding overcapitalisation.

Due diligence remains critical, with investors urged to assess risks like flood zones, bushfire areas, and unapproved structures using resources such as council websites and title insurance.

On the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Mortgage Choice broker Richard Brown to unpack the role brokers play in guiding first-time homebuyers through Australia's complex property market.

Brown shares his personal journey of purchasing his first home in his mid-20s, highlighting strategies for saving for a deposit and leveraging government grants.

A key focus was the 5 per cent deposit scheme, which allows buyers to enter the market with a smaller deposit but comes with the responsibility of a 95 per cent mortgage.

Brown emphasises the importance of having a financial buffer and a long-term plan, rather than relying solely on the scheme to enter the market.

The role of mortgage brokers is also discussed in detail, with Brown explaining how brokers guide buyers through loan options and provide tailored advice without charging clients directly.

The duo encourages prospective buyers to speak with multiple brokers to find someone who understands their goals.

They also explore strategies for overcoming deposit challenges, from leveraging lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers to considering rentvesting as a pathway into property ownership.

In a recent episode of the First Property Buyer Show, hosts Emilie Lauer and Liam Garman explore the challenges and opportunities facing first-time Australian property buyers amid a rapidly changing market.

First-time buyers are entering a highly active market driven by fluctuating prices and the new First Home Guarantee Scheme, which has sparked urgency and FOMO among buyers.

The hosts note that growth was not uniform across Australia, highlighting affordable options in certain cities and regions.

They emphasise the importance of strategic buying, cautioning against overextending financially and paying above market value, and discuss strategies like rentvesting, which allow buyers to enter the market without compromising lifestyle.

The hosts also stress maintaining a financial buffer for unexpected costs, such as repairs or strata levies, even when benefiting from government schemes.

Recent market trends show strong price growth across major cities, with apartments becoming increasingly popular due to affordability and lifestyle considerations, though buyers must account for additional costs like strata fees and GST.

In this special crossover episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with The Adviser's What's Making Headlines team to discuss the expanded First Home Guarantee scheme and its impact on the Australian property market.

The revamped scheme allows first home buyers to purchase a property with just a 5 per cent deposit, removes previous income limits, and increases property value caps, making home ownership more accessible without requiring lender's mortgage insurance.

Despite its benefits, about 31 per cent of Australians remain unaware of the scheme, and 24 per cent hold misconceptions, including the false belief that it eliminates stamp duty.

The scheme is expected to increase competition for properties, particularly in the sub-$1 million range, which will contribute to rising prices as buyers accelerate their purchase plans.

National property prices have also seen the highest monthly rise since October 2023, driven in part by limited stock and heightened demand.

With the Reserve Bank holding the cash rate at 3.6 per cent, first home buyers face both opportunities and challenges, requiring careful financial planning amid competitive market conditions.

Overall, the expanded Home Guarantee scheme is reshaping buyer behaviour, influencing property prices, and presenting significant implications for buyers and the broader housing market.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with Nick Voegt from Smash Property Investing to explore how first-time buyers can navigate the market through understanding key data.

Nick starts by sharing his experience in buying his first off-the-plan property in Schofields, north-west Sydney, at the market peak in 2017, which he held onto despite early dips.

He reflects on experiencing "analysis paralysis," a common hurdle for first-time buyers overwhelmed by information, emphasising the need for decisiveness.

According to Nick, first-time buyers can gain an edge in a competitive market by focusing on sales volumes, days on market, and overall market momentum rather than just historical growth.

He also explains the buying the "worst house on the best street" strategy to add value through renovations and "rentvesting", which allows buyers to invest while renting their primary residence.

He also highlights promising investment regions across Australia, including Melbourne, Victoria, and Brisbane, Queensland, for different budgets.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with finance broker Rob Shanley from Propple to explore how first-time buyers can enter the market by co-investing with friends or family.

With property prices continuing to rise, many young Australians are turning to this strategy as a more attainable path to home ownership.

Rob says that pooling resources allows buyers to share deposits, loan repayments, and renovation costs, making it easier to buy sooner, with lenders adapting to the trend by offering products designed to match it.

Beyond financial benefits, co-investment also offers accountability and shared support, helping co-investors stay on track during major life events.

However, trust and clear agreements are essential, with Rob stressing the need for well-drafted co-ownership contracts that outline responsibilities, expenses, and exit strategies.

Unlike spousal ownership, most co-investment arrangements employ a "tenants in common" structure, which grants each party control over their portion while safeguarding individual interests.

As affordability challenges grow, Rob says that co-investing is becoming an increasingly popular pathway for first home buyers to build wealth together.

In this special episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with real estate managing editor Liam Garman to share her personal journey as a first-time buyer, reflecting on the insights she gained from the podcast guests.

From launching the First Property Buyer Show to becoming a first-time home owner, Emilie, the host, turned her property reporting into a personal experience.

Her journey began six months ago when she set out to understand the first home buying process, providing practical tips and lessons for buyers navigating Australia's competitive market.

Interviewing experts from buyer's agents to property investors, Emilie gained insights that guided her through Sydney's competitive market.

She and her fiancé, Chris, searched for a two-bedroom home, initially hoping for two bathrooms, and explored suburbs like Rosebery and Zetland. However, like many first-time home buyers, they had to compromise.

Financial preparedness proved crucial, with mortgage pre-approval and a clear budget allowing them to act quickly when they found their ideal property in Drummoyne.

Strata reports, inspections, and negotiation skills learnt across the previous podcast episodes also helped the couple win the property.

Settling in, they were thankful to have kept a financial buffer as they began tackling renovations and managing unexpected costs, including a hot water tank replacement.