Home Building Podcast

Thinking about adding skylights to your home but not sure where to start? 
In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, we break down everything you need to know about skylights. From design and placement to cost, performance, and long-term value. 

Joining us is Ryan Lucev from Clearview Skylights, who shares real-world insight from years in the building industry. We cover why skylights have exploded in popularity, the difference between Velux, tubular, and solar skylights, and the design mistakes that can cost you thousands if you get them wrong. 

This episode is essential listening if you’re: 

• Designing a new home 

• Renovating or extending 

• Considering skylights but worried about heat, leaks, or maintenance 

• Wanting more natural light without sacrificing energy efficiency 

What you’ll learn: 

• The three main types of skylights and where each works best 

• Why orientation (north, west, east, south) matters more than size 

• How skylight placement affects cost, light quality, and wow factor 

• The biggest design mistakes builders and homeowners make 

• Why Velux skylights dominate high-end residential design 

• How skylights impact ventilation, energy efficiency, and resale value 

If you want a home that feels brighter, more open, and genuinely special, this episode will help you make smarter design decisions from day one. 

Chapters: 

01:00 – Ryan’s Background in Building & Skylights 
04:05 – Why Skylights Transform a Home 
06:02 – What to Consider Before Choosing a Skylight 
10:41 – The 3 Types of Skylights Explained 
13:02 – Why Sun Direction Matters (North vs South) 
15:04 – Skylight Placement Mistakes to Avoid 
16:32 – Why Skylights Should Sit Near External Walls 
18:41 – Flat Roof vs Pitched Roof Skylights 
20:20 – Designing Skylights Around Lighting & Services 
22:17 – Why Velux Skylights Are Different 
24:17 – Heat, Glare & Energy Efficiency Explained 
25:55 – Fixed vs Opening Skylights 
28:08 – Rain Sensors, Ventilation & Automation 
30:19 – Are Skylights Fragile or Unsafe? 
32:03 – Common Installation Errors & DIY Issues 
33:38 – Designing Skylights for Kitchens & Living Areas 
35:45 – Choosing the Right Skylight Size 
38:27 – Multiple Skylights vs One Large Feature 
41:22 – Skylights Near Roof Ridges Explained 
42:52 – Retrofitting Skylights into Existing Homes 
45:37 – Trusses vs Stick Roofs 
48:07 – Cleaning & Maintenance Reality 
51:26 – New Build vs Retrofit Cost Differences 
54:14 – When to Visit a Skylight Showroom 
55:56 – The $10,000 Question  

About Our Guest:  

Ryan Lucev is a registered builder and the founder of Clearview Skylights, one of Australia’s leading specialists in residential skylight design and installation. 

With a background spanning roof plumbing, carpentry, site supervision, and construction management for major volume builders, Ryan brings a rare end-to-end understanding of how skylights should be designed, detailed, and installed properly.

Ryan and his team operate Australia’s largest dedicated skylight showroom in Perth, allowing homeowners, designers, and builders to see full-scale skylight installations before committing to a design. This hands-on approach helps clients avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions around light, ventilation, energy efficiency, and long-term performance. 

Clearview Skylights 

Website: https://clearviewskylights.com.au/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearviewskylights/ 
Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/clearviewskylightsperth/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clearviewskylights 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clearviewskylights/ 

Found the episode useful? 
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Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

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What truly makes a great kitchen to live in? 

We sit down with Don Hancey, one of Australia’s most respected chefs and food ambassadors, to explore kitchen design from a professional chef’s perspective. 

With over 40 years in hospitality, Don has cooked for world-famous artists, led major international events, and built a career around food that works in the real world, not just on paper.

We cover everything from bench layouts and workflow to natural light, herb gardens, and why the kitchen should be designed as a social space first and a showpiece second. Don also shares behind-the-scenes stories from catering for global music acts, his passion for Western Australian produce, and the small design decisions that make a huge difference to how a home actually functions day to day. 

If you’re planning a new build, renovation, or simply want a kitchen that works better for everyday life, this episode will completely change how you think about kitchen design. 

In the episode: 
00:00 Why kitchen design matters beyond looks 
01:20 Introducing chef Don Hancey 
03:40 Don’s 40+ year career in hospitality 
06:55 Falling into cooking after school struggles 
10:30 Training in Perth and early kitchen discipline 
13:40 Life lessons from hospitality and long hours 
16:20 Catering for global music acts and major events 
18:45 Cooking for Coldplay, Harry Styles & touring crews 
22:10 Why artists care so much about food quality 
24:55 Promoting Western Australian produce on tour 
27:10 Real food vs hotel and airline catering 
29:40 Why chefs value simplicity and freshness 

31:30 The importance of herbs in home kitchens 
34:20 Designing kitchens connected to the outdoors 
37:00 Natural light, skylights & kitchen wellbeing 
39:55 The biggest mistake in modern kitchen layouts 
42:30 Bench space, flow & cooking while entertaining 
45:10 Designing kitchens for conversation, not clutter 
47:40 How Don’s professional cooking influences home design 
50:30 Final advice for homeowners planning a kitchen 

About our guest: 

Don Hancey is one of Australia’s most respected chefs and a passionate advocate for local, sustainable produce. 

With a career spanning more than 40 years, Don has opened award-winning restaurants, led high-end catering operations, and cooked for some of the world’s biggest music artists and international touring crews when they’ve performed in Perth. His work has taken him across Australia and around the world, including showcasing Western Australian seafood at the James Beard Foundation in New York and at major culinary events throughout Europe and Asia. 

Don is known not only for his technical skill, but for his deep belief in food that is honest, local, and designed to bring people together. He is a tireless supporter of Western Australian producers, particularly in the seafood industry, and has played a key role in promoting clean, sustainable fishing practices. 

Today, Don continues to mentor the next generation of chefs through his commercial kitchen and training facilities, while sharing his knowledge with homeowners, designers, and builders on how kitchens should truly function in everyday life. His perspective bridges the gap between professional kitchens and family homes, focusing on flow, simplicity, and connection rather than trends alone. 

Don’s website: www.donhancey.com.au 

Don’s Kitchen Hire: www.kitchenhireperth.com.au 

Follow Don’s Socials 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donhancey/?hl=en 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donhanceyWA/ 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/don-hancey-45789b10/ 

Found the episode useful? 
Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Welcome back to The Home Building Podcast for our first episode of 2026. 

In this episode, we break down what the home building industry is really shaping up to look like in 2026 and whether it actually makes sense to build, renovate, or extend your home this year. 

With record low housing supply in Perth, rising construction demand, and ongoing pressure on builders and trades, many homeowners are unsure what the right move is. We talk through what is happening on the ground, how builders are pricing work, and the real risks buyers need to understand before signing a contract. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• Why Perth’s housing supply is driving more people to build 

• What rising construction demand means for pricing and timeframes 

• Fixed price vs cost plus contracts and why the difference matters in 2026 

• How trade shortages affect build quality and builder stability 

• When renovating or extending can make more sense than buying established 

• Why building can still be a smart move if done correctly 

If you are planning to build, renovate, or knock down and rebuild in Perth, this episode will help you make clearer, more confident decisions in 2026. 

If you find this episode helpful, please follow the podcast, leave a review, or share it with someone currently planning their home. 

Chapters 
00:22 Kicking off 2026 and what this year’s focus will be 
01:06 Why long form conversations matter for homeowners 
02:00 What’s coming up on the podcast this year (guests & topics) 
03:37 The big question: should you build in 2026? 
04:00 Perth housing supply explained and why prices are rising 
05:07 Why low stock pushes more people toward building 
06:05 How government incentives impact construction demand 
06:48 Trade shortages and how they affect build quality 
08:36 Fixed price contracts and why builders are under pressure 
10:31 Cost plus contracts explained and why they’re risky for clients 
11:43 How Independent Building Advice approaches fixed pricing 
12:00 How builders should realistically price homes in 2026 
13:31 Why complex builds cost more in the current market 
14:56 Renovations and extensions: hidden complexity and cost 
15:49 The upside: Perth property growth and building for equity 
16:41 When renovating can make more sense than selling 
17:32 Why many people end up building even if they didn’t plan to 
18:36 Final verdict: is 2026 still a good time to build? 
18:55 What this podcast is here to help you with 
19:11 Closing thoughts and what’s coming next 

Found the episode useful? 
Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

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Christmas is when your home gets put under real pressure. 

In this special Christmas edition of The Home Building Podcast, we talk through how to design a home that genuinely works when it is full of people, food, noise, heat, and movement. From entertaining family and friends to managing indoor outdoor flow in an Australian summer, this episode breaks down the design decisions that matter most when your home is at its busiest. 

We explore how thinking about Christmas early in the design process can help you avoid common layout mistakes and create a home that feels effortless, not chaotic, when it counts. 

In this episode, we cover: 
• How to design your home for entertaining and large gatherings 
• Where the Christmas tree actually works best in a living space 
• Smart storage ideas for decorations, presents, and seasonal items 
• Kitchen layouts that reduce crowding and keep guests out of the cooking zone 
• Indoor outdoor flow for summer entertaining and barbecues 
• Power points, lighting, and electrical planning for Christmas lights 
• Alfresco design, airflow, and cooling considerations 
• Bathroom and toilet access for guests and kids coming in from outside 
• Zoning your home for noise control and efficient air conditioning 
• Designing for peak moments so everyday living feels easier 

Whether you are planning a custom home, renovating, or simply thinking about how your house could function better during busy times, this episode will help you design with real life in mind. 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!! 

Found the episode useful? 
Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

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In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, we sit down with Mick Hart from Hart & Co, part of the iconic Rick Hart family - a group that has shaped Western Australia’s appliance industry for more than 50 years. 

We explore the world of kitchen appliances, induction technology, steam ovens, downdraft rangehoods, alfresco setups, laundry tech, and how to make smart appliance decisions when building or renovating. 

If you're planning a new home or updating your kitchen, this episode is a masterclass on what matters. From real performance to brand selection to products that genuinely make daily life easier. 

Chapters 
3:40 – Why appliances matter when building or renovating 
03:54 – Introducing Mick Hart & the Rick Hart legacy 
04:27 – Celebrating 50 years in the appliance industry 
05:07 – Family business dynamics & the marketing debates 
06:03 – Rick Hart’s influence & Perth appliance reputation 
06:44 – Working with family and long-term partners 
08:20 – New kitchen trends: induction dominating WA 
09:16 – Why gas is becoming rare in new home designs 
09:56 – Benefits of induction: speed, safety, easy cleaning 
10:17 – Boiling, chilled & sparkling taps explained 
11:17 – Price ranges & all-in-one tap options 
11:52 – Beverage centres becoming standard in new homes 
12:28 – Alfresco trends: Gozney ovens & outdoor cooking 
13:28 – Laundry innovations: steaming cabinets & garment care 
14:05 – High-end luxury appliances (Lacanche, handmade ranges) 
15:19 – How Hart & Co helps people choose appliances correctly 
16:13 – The Hart & Co consultation approach 
18:05 – Complimentary cooking demos & steam oven classes 
20:14 – Why physical showrooms still matter today 
21:19 – How kitchen design shapes social interaction 
21:37 – Downdraft extraction vs traditional rangehoods 
23:12 – Do downdraft systems actually work? Mick explains 
24:38 – Island benches, splatter considerations & real expectations 
25:15 – Household names vs unfamiliar brands 
26:19 – How Hart & Co selects the brands they stand behind 
27:26 – Growing number of appliance brands entering Australia 
28:00 – Why expert advice matters more than ever 
30:31 – Why people want to touch, see, and compare appliances 
31:12 – The risk of comparing online without expert context 
32:07 – Buying appliances online: what Hart & Co offers 
34:01 – Why combi ovens are perfect for busy families 
35:03 – Oven stack vs 900mm oven: the renovation debate 
36:11 – Legacy thinking in appliances: what’s changed? 
38:15 – Appliance buying process for new builds 
39:55 – The $10k question
41:05 – Why steam ovens are game-changing 
43:17 – Why the kitchen is always worth investing in 
45:13 – How Mick entered the family business (childhood story) 

About Our Guest 

Mick Hart -  
“My role at Hart & Co. is to support and champion our Trade Partners and our Trade Partnerships team. I’m passionate about being a trusted custodian of their brand and ensuring their clients experience an appliance journey like no other. Through immersive in-store experiences, a team of truly exceptional people - our “Hartians” (rhymes with Martians… not because they’re from another planet, but because their service is out of this world) - and the right balance of guidance and education, we empower clients to make confident, well-informed decisions for their homes.” 

Find more Hart & Co:  

Hart & Co. Website: https://hartandcoappliances.com.au/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hartandco.appliances/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hartandco.appliances/ 

Found the episode useful? 
Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

In this episode, we sit down with Linda and Jay from Noble Avenue, two of Perth’s top coastal-suburb real estate experts, to break down what’s actually happening in the property market right now. 

We cover buyer psychology, suburb price shifts, why people are paying record highs, and how to prepare yourself so you don’t get priced out. We dig into selling strategies, presentation tips that add real value, and why some homes are coming back onto the market within months of being purchased. 

If you’re buying, selling, or just trying to understand the madness of the current market... this is a must-listen. 

Chapters: 

00:23 Meet Linda & Jay (Noble Avenue) 
01:13 How they joined forces in real estate 
02:27 Dominating specific suburbs 
03:11 Why buyers’ suburb expectations shift 
04:07 What’s happening in outer-suburb growth 
05:05 Current price ranges in Hillarys & surrounds 
06:13 Buyers stretching budgets + school catchment pressure 
07:01 Buyer FOMO and record street prices 
08:04 Why people are buying the wrong homes 
09:01 How to prepare mentally as a buyer 
10:07 The rise of “regret sellers” reselling fast 
11:34 Quick flips, renovating, and market timing 
12:24 Presentation tips that add real value 
13:29 Styling, staging, and why “coastal” sells 
14:56 Emotional connection – selling the lifestyle 
15:31 Landscaping and first impressions 
16:14 Smell, warmth, lighting, sensory selling 
17:46 Buyers looking for what’s wrong 
18:35 Importance of floor plans and info upfront 
19:46 Young tradies transforming homes 
20:44 How to plan your budget + expectations 
21:15 Why you’ll never get a “perfect 10/10” home 
22:07 Why ranges like “Mandurah to Alkimos” don’t work 
23:05 Buyers waiting too long and losing the market 
24:09 Selling strategies: price vs no-price 
25:12 Why auctions may return 
26:01 Agents leaving money on the table 
27:07 Properties selling “too fast” 
28:10 Overpricing vs waiting for the market 
29:15 How price ranges actually work 
30:00 Real-world example: 105 groups through 
31:31 Pros and cons of online negotiation platforms 
33:00 Buyers wanting transparency 
34:21 Why blind bidding frustrates buyers 
35:43 Where auctions shine and where they don’t 
37:26 Older buyers preferring human agents 
38:00 FIFO buyers and timing issues 
39:19 Why letting everyone through matters 
40:16 Value before price 
41:00 Agents being proven wrong on price 
42:06 Predicting where the Perth market is heading 
43:21 Selling in the same market you’re buying in 
44:07 Why sellers rush into imperfect homes 
45:03 Getting more house instead of extending 
45:56 The rise of granny flats + multi-gen living 
46:34 The 10K question... 
 

About our guests 

Linda Noble and Jay Dass from Noble Avenue. Two of Perth’s leading coastal-suburb real estate specialists. Linda brings over 20 years of top-tier experience, known as Hillarys’ most trusted agent with a flair for creative marketing and standout results. Jay, a REIWA Grandmaster with a psychology background, blends data-driven strategy, modern marketing, and sharp negotiation to deliver exceptional outcomes. Together, they offer unmatched insight into buying, selling, and navigating Perth’s competitive property market. 

Find out more about Noble Avenue 

Website: https://nobleavenue.com.au/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nobleavenuerealestate/ 

Found the episode useful? 
Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Painting feels simple... until you’re halfway through and it’s felt like forever. Most homeowners underestimate just how much technique, prep work and product knowledge goes into getting a clean, long-lasting finish. 

In this episode, we sit down with Tracie & Peter Barrass, married couple running an amazing painting company, with more than 47 years of experience, to unpack everything you should know before picking up a roller or hiring someone who will actually do it right. 

Chapters: 

00:23 – Why painting isn’t as simple as it looks 
01:11 – DIY mistakes painters always notice 
03:25 – Oil vs acrylic (and why your doors turn yellow) 
05:02 – Choosing paints for longevity vs appearance 
07:04 – Why colour consultants matter more than you think 
09:52 – Paint names, myths and industry stories 
11:14 – Dulux Accredited explained 
12:04 – Environmentally safe paint disposal (Paintback) 
13:26 – Lead paint, old houses and changing standards 
14:34 – Gyprock vs plaster: what painters see 
17:18 – How moisture affects new builds and paint adhesion 
21:09 – Why builders avoid painting (and what clients miss) 
23:07 – Paint sheens: flat, low sheen, semi & gloss 
25:14 – Why you shouldn’t use flat on walls 
27:00 – Doors, trims and the right sheen choice 
28:03 – Feature walls and modern trends 
31:01 – The difference between premium and trade paint 
32:05 – How many coats your home actually needs 
33:57 – Why not sealing walls ruins them long-term 
34:44 – Prepping existing walls properly 
35:18 – Dealing with bathroom mould the right way 
36:23 – Ventilation, energy ratings and mould issues 
37:20 – Kids’ rooms, marks and repainting 
38:11 – Do painters move furniture? (How it works) 
39:17 – How long it really takes to paint a whole home 
40:57 – Dry time, curing time and when to clean walls 
41:34 – Why builder painting costs vary so much 
42:24 – The impact of colour choices on overall design 
43:37 – Blackboard paint, whiteboard walls & specialty finishes 
44:09 – Suede, metallic & textured paints 
46:26 – Feature walls today: trends & what’s changed 
47:01 – Painting over dark colours (and why it takes more coats) 
47:35 – The $10k question: what they’d upgrade in their own homes 

About Our Guest 

P & T Barras Painting is an owner-operated company established in 1994 with the view to setting a high standard in painting across the Perth area.  Theyoffer a vast range of services such as residential and small commercial repaints, interior and exterior projects such as heritage homes, new homes, single and multi storey properties, strata properties, shopping centres and office fitouts.  They also carry out painting on large facilities and warehouses. 

They are dedicated to meeting client expectations by delivering excellent service and quality craftmanship and by making our clients makeover a hassle free and positive experience. 

They are a member of the Master Painters Association and the Dulux Accredited Programme all of which helps when a client is looking for a reputable painter. As a member of the Dulux Accredited programme  theycan offer the services of a Dulux colour consultant free of charge to the client on acceptance of our quotation. 

 
Get in touch with P&T Barras Painting 

Website: https://barraspainting.com.au/ 

Follow them on Socials:  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barraspainting 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/p-t-barras-painting 

Found the episode useful? 
Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

If you're designing, drafting, or planning a new home, this episode will give you the clarity you need to avoid costly copyright disputes and protect your investment. 

Design copyright is one of the most widely misunderstood parts of the home building process. 

Who owns your plans? Can you take your design to another builder? Does changing ten percent actually protect you? And what happens if your builder goes under? 

In this episode, we sit down with David Wilson from Stratocumulus Legal to break down the real rules around design copyright, plan ownership, implied licenses, moral rights, and the common myths repeated in the building industry. 

Chapters: 

00:23 Why design copyright matters in home building 
01:03 Meet David Wilson 
01:35 What design copyright protects 
02:48 Why people misunderstand ownership 
04:07 The ten percent change myth 
05:52 What counts as infringement 
09:15 Who actually owns house plans 
14:10 Implied licenses and how they trap homeowners 
18:04 Copying vs independent design 
22:04 Shopping plans to different builders 
25:00 Real industry examples and legal outcomes 
27:10 Builder-supplied free plans and hidden copyright issues 
29:26 When a builder collapses: who owns the plans 
32:00 Removing logos and moral rights 
34:17 How to protect yourself upfront 
45:06 Final thoughts 

51:30 The 10K Question 

About Our Guest 

David Wilson is the founder and principal of Stratocumulus Legal, a consultancy specialising in intellectual property, technology, and commercial advisory work. Before launching his practice in 2020, David spent more than twenty years at international law firms as an IP and technology lawyer, commercial disputes practitioner, and general commercial advisor. He also served as in-house counsel on secondment to a major Japanese corporation in Tokyo. 

Throughout his career, David has advised on every aspect of intellectual property — from ownership, licensing, and assignments to infringement, moral rights, trade secrets, and design protection. His experience spans industries including building and construction, creative fields, startups, and emerging technology. 

David has a particular interest in how copyright and other IP laws apply to new technologies such as generative AI, automation, and 3D-printing — making him a highly relevant and forward-thinking voice in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. 

Get in touch with David:  

Visit website: Stratocumulus: https://www.stratocumulus.legal/ 

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StratocumulusLegal 

Found the episode useful? 
Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Legal Disclaimer: This discussion is not legal advice. Please obtain advice from a Legal professional about your specific situation. Liability limited under a scheme approved by Professional Standards Legislation. 

Boston Cable, buyer’s agent and property strategist, unpacks the realities of Perth’s wild property market record-low stock levels, bidding wars, and why so many people are overpaying for average homes. 

We cover: 

• Why Perth’s vacancy rates are driving massive price growth 

• How to know whether it’s smarter to buy, build, or renovate 

• The right time to strike (and when to wait) 

• How to structure offers that win, without overpaying 

• The pros and cons of rentvesting 

• The emotional traps that cost buyers hundreds of thousands 

If you’re planning to buy, build or invest in WA this one’s essential listening. 

Chapters: 

00:23 — Meet Boston Cable: Buyer’s Agent & Property Strategist 
01:19 — Why Perth’s Market is So Challenging Right Now 
02:32 — Record-Low Stock Levels Explained 
03:35 — What Vacancy Rates Really Mean for Property Prices 
05:13 — Are We Still in a Boom or Is It Cooling Off? 
06:27 — How Buyers Are Competing with 50+ Offers per Home 
07:40 — Timing the Market vs Time in the Market 
08:49 — The Emotional Trap: Overpaying for the Wrong Property 
10:09 — How to Buy Without Letting Emotions Control You 
11:12 — The “Forever Home” vs “Investment Property” Mindset 
13:13 — Building vs Buying Established: Which Makes Sense Now 
15:20 — The IBA “Reno or Demo” Quiz  
16:22 — Compromise, Location, and Why Perfect Homes Don’t Exist 
17:38 — Crazy Client Stories & Unrealistic Expectations 
18:47 — Why You Should Never Choose the House Before the Block 
19:39 — Orientation, Sunlight & Design Fit Explained 
21:00 — How to Know if a Renovation or Extension is Worth It 
21:49 — Fear of Costs: Why People Miss Great Opportunities 
22:49 — When Your Budget Doesn’t Match Your Suburb 
24:16 — The “Rentvesting” Strategy Explained 
25:31 — The Smarter Way to Get Into Desirable Suburbs 
27:26 — Real Client Example: Choosing Long-Term Wealth Over Lifestyle 
29:04 — Rentvesting Math: Why It Often Wins Financially 
31:02 — Using Equity, Subdivisions & Cashflow to Build Wealth 
33:02 — Personal Story: Selling Too Fast & Running Out of Options 
35:24 — The Case for Renting With Friends (and Doing It Legally) 
36:09 — How to Save Money While Upgrading Lifestyle 
38:01 — Why You Don’t Need to Own to Build Wealth 
39:26 — Investor Psychology: Stop Buying for Yourself 
40:39 — What Makes a Good Investment Property 
42:22 — Apartments, Strata & Common Mistakes to Avoid 
43:13 — How to Win in Multiple-Offer Situations 
46:09 — How Settlement Conditions Can Beat Higher Offers 
48:16 — The Seller’s Mindset: Why Simplicity Wins 
49:44 — The Importance of Having the Right People in Your Corner 
50:35 — How Negotiation Has Changed in Today’s Market 
52:33 — Why “You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know” in Property 
54:56 — The Danger of Emotional Buying 
56:06 — Final Thoughts: Get Expert Help Before You Buy 
56:23 — $10K Question  

About Our guests 

Boston Cable is a Perth-based Buyer’s Agent at Verve Buyers Agency, who helps clients purchase smarter, avoid overpaying, and build long-term wealth through strategic acquisitions. 

Boston represents clients ranging from first-time buyers to high-net-worth investors guiding them through sourcing, negotiating, and securing the right property for their goals. 

His focus is on data-backed decisions, not guesswork helping clients buy with confidence in one of the toughest markets WA has ever seen. 

Get in touch with Boston   

Website: https://www.vervebuyersagency.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bostoncable.verve/# 

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/boston-cable-31ab942b7 

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Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

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Ever wondered what all those property terms actually mean green title, strata, survey strata, tenants in common, or joint tenants? In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, Behan sits down with Kealeigh Barker, property and leasing lawyer at Lavan , to unpack the legal side of property ownership in Western Australia. 

From understanding titles and strata schemes to knowing when to use a settlement agent vs. a lawyer, Kealeigh breaks down complex topics into plain English. You’ll also learn how to avoid common pitfalls like double stamp duty, poorly written contracts, and bylaw confusion. 

If you’re planning to buy, subdivide, or develop in WA this episode will help you protect your biggest investment.  

Chapters

1:00 – Meet Kealeigh Barker from Lavan 

3:00 – Explaining Titles: Green Title vs. Survey Strata vs. Strata 

8:00 – When to Use a Lawyer vs. Settlement Agent 

11:00 – Stamp Duty, Trusts & Common Legal Pitfalls 

15:00 – First Homeowner Grant & Eligibility Rules 

20:00 – Tenants in Common vs. Joint Tenants Explained 

23:00 – Estate Planning, Wills & Power of Attorney 

27:00 – Contract Conditions & Settlement Periods 

30:00 – Structural Reports & Due Diligence Clauses 

33:00 – Subdivisions & Hidden Costs 

36:00 – Strata Bylaws & Common Disputes 

39:00 – Legal Issues in Strata Schemes (EV chargers, exclusive use areas) 

43:00 – AI and Legal Advice... Proceed with Caution 

46:00 – The $10,000 Question 

About our guest 

Kealeigh Barker, from Lavan senior associate at Lavan, one of Perth’s leading law firms. With over a decade of experience in conveyancing, commercial law, and property settlements, Kealeigh is known for her ability to simplify complex legal matters and ensure clients are protected through every stage of property ownership and development. 

Get in touch with Kaeleigh - https://au.linkedin.com/in/kealeigh

Lavan’s websites - https://www.lavan.com.au/ 

Found the episode useful? 
Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need building advice? 
Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Every property and situation is different, so always seek independent legal advice before acting on anything discussed. Opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Independent Building Advice or Lavan.