IN THIS EPISODE

CHAPTERS

00:21 — Welcome & Introduction 

ABOUT CHRIS BATES

Chris Bates is the founder and CEO of Alcove, a specialist lending advisory helping Australians structure debt safely and intentionally to support long-term wealth creation. He is one of Australia's most respected mortgage and lending strategists, known for translating complex credit policy, APRA guidance, and real-world bank behaviour into clear, practical strategy.

🎙 Listen to Chris on the Elephant in the Room podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=121e9b6f3ca54865 

CONNECT WITH JULIAN

🌐 Website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ 

📅 Book a personalised property strategy session with Julian: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

DISCLAIMER

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Julian Khursigara, CEO of Search Party Property and award-winning buyers agent, reveals his complete 2026 Australian Property Market Outlook in this comprehensive state-by-state analysis. With over 750 properties purchased since 2018 delivering returns averaging 200% higher than the broader market, Julian walks through exactly where investors should focus in what he calls "a transition year"—not a boom, not a crash, but a strategic inflection point where the right decisions compound and the wrong ones cost fortunes.

Discover why Sydney is the 2026 standout market with a forecast $1.92M median already up $90K since January, the critical H1 timing window before APRA's February debt-to-income caps bite, and hidden Regional NSW opportunities offering yields impossible to find in the capitals. Learn whether Brisbane's run is over as Julian tackles the wide 4-15% forecast range and reveals why Brisbane units at 7% growth are the best performing unit market nationally. Understand Melbourne's comeback story with units expected to surge 7.1% outpacing almost all capitals, why Adelaide's H1 window captures remaining FOMO before H2 affordability constraints, and how Tasmania offers 10-14% house growth with 4-5% yields.

Julian also reveals Search Party Property's Three Pillar Investment Framework—the exact methodology separating strategic investors from the crowd: Structural Soundness (affordability, employment drivers, supply risk), Growth Momentum (buyer demand, rental pressure, market signals), and Cycle Positioning (entering before sentiment peaks, the step most investors miss). Plus, he tackles the most common objections including "Should I wait for more rate cuts?" and "What about interest rates?" explaining why the cost of waiting is real.

00:00 Introduction

00:20 Is 2026 the right time to buy?

01:12 What is the biggest risk in 2026?

02:11 Why aren't we forecasting double digit growth everywhere like we saw in 2021?

03:20 Brisbane has had and incredible run, is it too late?

04:37 What is the biggest opportunity in Brisbane right now?

05:41 Should I be keeping an eye on Melbourne?

06:58 What's your number one recommendation for Melbourne with lower budgets in 2026?

08:07 Is regional Victoria worth investigating?

09:08 Canberra is starting to look interesting, what's your take?

10:30 Specific opportunities in Canberra

11:47 What's not being talking about in the mainstream? 

13:02 What does Tasmania look like for investors?

14:18 The Three Pillar Framework

15:45 Why do most property investors under perform?

17:03 What's the risk of waiting and seeing?

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Michael Emerzidis, founder of Hardnox Association, shares his journey from 18-year-old builder's laborer to business coach mentoring construction, engineering, and trades professionals. With 23 years managing multimillion-dollar projects across demolition, civil infrastructure, and luxury builds, he's built an ecosystem where real-world experience beats corporate theory. Discover why 80% of small businesses fail in their first year, how curiosity scientifically drives 63% more business growth, and why energy—not just accountability—separates burnout from breakthrough. Michael reveals his unconventional approach to retention, delegation, and communication breakdowns that cost thousands in liquidated damages daily. Learn how he built a pizza oven using an exercise ball mechanism, why young tradies feel entitled, and how Hard Knocks masterclasses sell out by bringing experts together to exhaust their intellectual property for the next generation.

(02:00) Four-year-old dismantling remote control car sparking lifelong problem-solving mentality and builder's journey

(16:00) Communication breakdowns costing $5000 daily in liquidated damages and compliance failures

(24:00) Hard Knocks Association growth groups launching every six weeks with boutique member cohorts

(30:00) Building dome brick oven using speed ball mechanism demonstrating resourceful tradesman mindset

(34:00) Why 80% coaches burn out clients and energy-focused accountability transforms business growth

About Michael:

Michael Emerzidis is a business coach, mentor, and the founder of the Hardnox Association, a growing ecosystem built for builders, tradies, and industry-aligned professionals who learn by doing. With over 20 years in construction, remediation, civil infrastructure, operations, and high-risk demolition, he’s managed multimillion-dollar projects, scaled multiple businesses, and helped owners turn chaos into clarity. 

Through Hardnox, he now runs growth advisory groups, masterclasses, and a community driven by real experience not theory helping business owners strengthen systems, reduce risk, and build foundations that last. .

To attend our masterclasses, join a business growth group, and grow your network alongside driven business professionals, visit www.hardnox.com.au

Follow Michael on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-emerzidis-0b638692/

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Mark Robinson, CEO and co-founder of International Academy of Wealth, shares his 30-year journey from broke Kiwi immigrant to helping hundreds of families achieve financial independence in under 10 years. After building six successful companies, losing $2 million to fraud, and spending another million fixing accounting mistakes, Mark walked away from his financial planning license to speak the truth about wealth building. Discover why Australia's Big Four banks are among the world's most profitable, how to negotiate credit card debt without damaging your credit rating, and why Mark believes financial literacy beats institutional advice every time. He reveals his controversial "no dickhead policy" for members, explains the wealth pyramid strategy focusing 80% on foundational assets, and drops the bombshell that he's now taking on Australian banks with his own banking platform.

(04:00) Losing $2 million to fraud and million-dollar accounting disaster lessons learned

(16:00) Why Australian Big Four banks rank top 10 globally and de-banking strategies

(26:00) Cash flow strategies beyond property including 8% monthly return opportunities

(36:00) Government grants artificially inflating property prices by exact grant amounts overnight

(44:00) Taking on Australian banking system and building sovereign wealth platform launch

About Mark:

Mark Robinson has spent over 30 years helping everyday Australians and New Zealanders take control of their financial future. He is the CEO and co-founder of the International Academy of Wealth, is dedicated to teaching simple, practical strategies that empower people to build real independence. 

After launching multiple businesses and working as a financial adviser, Mark saw firsthand how the system is built to serve institutions, not everyday families. So, he stepped away and built something different, a clear path to financial freedom that anyone can follow. 

Through the Academy, Mark and his wife Billie have helped hundreds of families create passive income and achieve financial independence in under 10 years. 

Connect with Mark:

Visit the website: www.theinternationalacademyofwealth.com

Follow Mark on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrobinsonwealthacademy/
 

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Professor Angel Zhong, RMIT's award-winning finance professor and LinkedIn Top Voice, reveals what her groundbreaking research on investor behaviour tells us about making smarter financial decisions. From tracking the "Corona generation" of 500,000 new Australian investors during COVID to exposing how fin-fluencers exploit psychological biases, Angel breaks down the gap between what investors should do and what they actually do. She shares her own Melbourne property portfolio strategy, explains why ASIC banned unlicensed financial advice in 2022, and warns about the dangerous overlap between gambling behaviour and stock market speculation. Learn why discipline trumps education, how to cut through market noise with data, and why treating investments like research projects—not emotional decisions—is the key to long-term wealth building.

(00:02:00) Growing up in China's intense education system and family finance influence

(00:08:00) COVID's 500,000 new investors and the gambler substitution effect in Australian markets

(00:16:00) How fin-fluencers exploit behavioural biases and ASIC's 2022 regulatory crackdown

(00:26:00) The prop-fluencer problem: unlicensed tax advice in property marketing

(00:36:00) Data-driven investing framework: treating property purchases like research projects

About Angel:

Professor Angel Zhong is one of Australia’s most respected finance academics and thought leaders. Someone who has dedicated her career to helping investors better understand financial markets and make smarter decisions. She’s an award-winning Professor of Finance and Director of Research at RMIT University’s Regenerative Futures `Institute, specialising in empirical asset pricing, digital finance, and investor behaviour. Her research has been featured widely from ABC and Bloomberg to the Australian Financial Review and Yahoo Finance and she’s recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice and finalist for Thought Leader of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards. 

Through her work, she’s made complex financial concepts accessible to everyday investors, helping bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications. 

Connect with Angel:

Visit the website: https://academics.rmit.edu.au/angel-zhong

Follow Angel on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-zhong-4085a397?originalSubdomain=au

 

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Rex Afrasiabi arrived in Australia at seven unable to speak English, fleeing a war-torn country. Today, he's principal of New Chapter Legal and founding principal of Bond Property Lawyers, pursuing 10-20% of Australia's $2.2 billion conveyancing market.

Rex shares his journey from working with BRW Rich 100 entrepreneurs to starting his law firm 19 years ago. He reveals Bond's crowdfunding strategy making employees and partners shareholders, plus exclusive eight-year contracts with aggregators like AFG's 4,000 mortgage brokers.

He explains how technology brings transparency to conveyancing with automated responses and free 24-hour contract reviews. Rex covers critical advice on independent legal reviews, trust structures for investors, partnership agreements preventing disputes, and why "free" project marketers earn $25-60K per sale. He discusses buyer's advocacy potentially growing from 7% to 85% market penetration, why technology should enhance rather than replace human connection, and his 2026 consolidation vision.

(0:00) War-torn childhood, three high schools, and becoming Australia's property lawyer

(8:00) Starting New Chapter Legal and marrying into the real estate industry

(14:00) Bond Property Lawyers: crowdfunding, transparency tech, and the IPO vision

(22:00) Independent contract reviews, trust structures, and the 50% CGT discount

(32:00) Buyer's advocacy growth and the hidden costs of project marketers

(40:00) Partnership agreements: the rulebook that prevents family disputes

(46:00) Technology enhancing human touch and the 2026 expansion vision

 

About Rex:

Rex Afrasiabi is the Principal of New Chapter Legal and Founding Principal and Executive Director of Bond Property Lawyers - two firms dedicated to helping clients succeed through strategic, commercially-savvy, and people-focused legal guidance. Rex’s career spans diverse legal and business roles, including serving as General Manager and Legal Counsel for a major manufacturing company, Senior Solicitor for high-profile entrepreneurs on the BRW 1000 list, and counsel for government bodies and charitable organizations. 

He is widely recognised for his expertise in property and commercial law, assisting real estate agencies, investors, and business owners with everything from structuring and partnerships to buying, selling, developing, and managing property transactions. His insights have been featured in Forbes, GQ, Times, Yahoo, and Entrepreneur Magazine, and he also co-hosts the business advisory show “Real Estate Renovators.” 

Rex has a unique perspective on what it takes to build and grow successful businesses in the property sector, and his approach combines practical legal advice with strategic thinking to help clients achieve their goals while staying compliant and protected. 

Connect with Rex:

Visit the website: https://www.newchapterlegal.com.au/

Follow Rex on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexafra?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Follow Rex on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/rex_afrasiabi_lawyer?igsh=MWVsNGwydWlxMnk3ag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Romesh's journey from NAB customer service phones to becoming a 2024 MPA Top 40 Under 35 broker reveals why finance strategy matters more than interest rates. Growing up watching his mum work 24/7 without financial literacy shaped his mission to ensure no one faces retirement unprepared.

From mastering mortgage retention to navigating complaints, Romesh built expertise that helps clients avoid over-leveraging across multiple lenders. He shares the brutal $50K lesson from a family development deal, why he sold his home in winter against conventional wisdom, and how timing Melbourne's market secured his upgrade.

Romesh reveals why interest rate focus kills strategies, how 73% of investors get stuck after one property, and why stepping stones need growth potential. His approach combines technical bank knowledge with genuine care shaped by watching his mum's financial challenges.

(0:00) The early lessons

(5:00) From customer service phones to NAB mortgage retention

(12:00) Why leverage is the key to building wealth

(18:00) First home buyers: stepping stones vs smart investments

(25:00) Why interest rates shouldn't be your main focus

(30:00) The $50K lesson: family development deal gone wrong

(35:00) Selling in winter to buy the upgrade property

(40:00) Balancing high performance with family priorities

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Tom's journey from NAB debt collections at 19 to founding ALBA reveals the future of property investment advisory. With 16 years across major banks, he's seen how inefficiency costs investors thousands.

Alba solves the broker problem by applying Royal Commission-level standards to buyer's agent selection, matching investors with vetted experts in under 24 hours. Tom explains why 75% of Australians trust their mortgage broker for property advice, yet brokers can't vet the hundreds of buyer's agent pitches flooding their inbox.

From the Channel Nine primetime moment that brought 50 people's worth of leads with only three staff, to why buyer's agent fees keep rising while broker commissions drop, Tom shares startup realities. He reveals the $54,000 opportunity cost of waiting in today's market and why technology will amplify but never replace human investment conversations.

With buyer's agents growing from 7% to potentially 80% market penetration, understanding how to access quality advice without the legwork has never been more critical.

(0:00) Growing up in Melbourne's northwest

(10:00) From banking to buyer's advocacy: the Alba vision

(32:00) Why broker commissions drop while buyer's agent fees rise

(48:00) The Channel Nine refinance war story that created chaos

 

About Tom:

Thomas Mifsud has built his career at the intersection of property, finance, and innovation with a mission to make the property buying process smarter, faster, and more transparent for Australians. 

With over 16 years of experience across major banks and private lending including leadership roles at NAB, Bendigo Bank, ANZ’s 1835i, and Wingate - he’s seen firsthand how both investors and professionals can get caught in inefficiencies, misinformation, and missed opportunities. 

As the Founder of ALBA - Australian Leading Buyers Agents, Tom is pioneering a new model: a national aggregation of trusted, ethical, and vetted buyer’s agents that connect investors to the right expert in less than 24 hours. His focus is simple: protect leverage, build long-term wealth, and raise the bar across the buyer’s agent industry.

Connect with Tom

Visit the website: ALBA Australian Leading Buyers Agents

Follow Tom on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasmifsud/

Follow ALBA on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/albaprop_/

Follow ALBA on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BMGwsBPdw/

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Axel's journey from Paris housing commission to owning a multi-million dollar Australian property portfolio is proof that background doesn't determine destiny. Arriving in 2014 with no English and $5,000, he started a landscaping business with borrowed equipment and built it into Sydney's premier garden service with Australia's first subscription model.

But this isn't just a business success story. In five years, Axel went from pushing a mower to owning three Australian investment properties plus a Spanish apartment for his mum - all while working 80-hour weeks in the garden industry, where cash is king and property investing seems impossible.

In this conversation, Axel reveals why he rejected cash jobs to show bank-worthy numbers, how he used 10% deposits and LMI strategically when everyone said don't, and why he bought properties he's never inspected while flying to Spain to sign papers in person. From listening to audiobooks while mowing lawns to understanding equity release and compounding growth, his self-education transformed a tradesman's income into a portfolio heading toward $100 million.

Axel shares the brutal mortgage broker rejection after year one, the tax mistake that delayed his second purchase, and why cutting expenses and eating hot dogs on footpaths was his secret to rapid portfolio growth. His goal isn't just wealth - it's giving back to young people trapped in environments like the one he escaped.

(11:00) Arriving in Australia with no English and three "whats"

(21:00) The crushing mortgage broker rejection after year one

(29:00) The 10% deposit LMI strategy most investors avoid

(33:00) First property: $520k to $900k in three years

(47:00) Hot dogs on footpaths: the real cost of wealth building

About Axel:

Axel Verite is an entrepreneur and innovator with a remarkable journey. He is the founder of Gardenlust, Sydney’s number one landscape company specialising in horticulture. In 2019, he not only launched and scaled the business quickly but also pioneered the industry’s first subscription model, securing over $1 million in subscribed customers in less than a year. 

Beyond business, Axel is also a multi-property investor across Europe. His story of building a thriving company while growing a property portfolio is a powerful example of how vision, determination, and smart investing can create long-term wealth. What makes Axel’s journey so inspiring is that he’s achieved success across very different industries, showing that the principles of discipline and innovation apply everywhere. 

Today, we’ll unpack not just his business journey, but also his property journey, and the lessons listeners can take away for their own investing path. 

Connect with Axel:

Visit the website: https://www.gardenlust.com.au/

Follow Axel on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/axel.verite/

Follow Gardenlust on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/gardenlust.au/

Follow Axel on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-v%C3%A9rit%C3%A9-7046a9aa/

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Manpreet Singh's journey from Indian migrant to founding one of Australia's most trusted accounting firms reveals the financial foundations every investor and business owner gets wrong. After seven years climbing the accounting ladder, he made a bold one-week decision that changed everything.

In this conversation, Manpreet exposes the critical mistakes that destroy businesses and investment portfolios. He reveals why a simple 1% price increase can double your profit, how "micro improvements" transform cashflow, and why most people set up trust structures at exactly the wrong time.

From his unique SIS framework (Situation, Intention, Structure) to busting dangerous SMSF myths, Manpreet shares the strategies big firms use for major clients that small businesses and property investors never hear about. He explains why "turnover is ego but cashflow is existence," the hidden costs of credit cards on borrowing capacity, and how parents can help their children without risking everything.

Whether you're a first-time property investor or scaling a business empire, Manpreet's insights on systems, discipline, and strategic thinking could save you thousands in mistakes and multiply your wealth through smarter structures.

This episode cuts through the barbecue talk and DIY disasters to reveal what actually works in Australian property investment and business growth.

(2:00) The one-week decision to quit and start Ace Biz

(4:00) Key learnings from small vs large firms: strategy and technology gaps

(7:00) The two foundations every business needs: systems and discipline

(10:00) Why having systems is like bringing a gun to a knife fight

(14:00) How a 1% price increase can double your profit

(16:00) Turnover is ego, cashflow is existence - focus on survival first

(17:00) Property investor basics: record keeping and expense reviews

(19:00) Think like a business owner, not just an investor

(20:00) SMSF surge: why investors are moving to self-managed super

(21:00) The SIS analysis: Situation, Intention, Structure framework

(23:00) SMSF myths busted: what you can't do with super property

(25:00) Single contract rule and renovation restrictions in SMSF

(28:00) Why setting up structures too late costs you everything

(33:00) Land tax thresholds and why trusts aren't always right

(35:00) Bank of mum and dad: helping kids without losing everything

(37:00) Co-guarantor risks and relationship protection strategies

(40:00) Two essential tips for first-time property investors

(42:00) Offset accounts vs savings: the negative gearing advantage

About Manpreet:

Manpreet Singh is the Founder and Managing Director of Ace Biz. Manpreet is a confident and highly skilled accounting professional with a track record of working across both commerce and practice, supporting organisations from small businesses to multimillion-dollar companies. 

Since establishing Ace Biz in 2012, Manpreet and his team have redefined excellence in accounting by combining precision with innovation. With global expertise, experience in Big Four firms, and recognition such as the Local Business Award for Outstanding Professional Services and finalist in the Sydney Young Entrepreneur Awards 2023, Ace Biz has grown into one of Australia’s most trusted financial partners. 

Manpreet specialises in SMSF accounting and audit, tax planning, business structuring, and financial advisory with a strong focus on leveraging technology to streamline efficiency and empower business growth. He believes every business deserves more than standard accounting, that means delivering solutions that save time, cut costs, and reduce stress while helping clients scale with confidence. 

Connect with Manpreet:

Visit the website: Leading Accounting Firm in Sydney - Ace Biz

Follow Manpreet on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manpreet-singh-08a46b1b/

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.