In this episode, Terry Ryder, founder of Hotspotting, joins us to cut through the noise and talk about what actually drives property growth in Australia. With decades of data-backed insight, Terry explains why local economies, not national headlines, shape the real estate market. We unpack why interest rates are overrated, how infrastructure projects signal future hotspots, and why some of the best opportunities right now are outside the major capitals. Terry also shares why apartments are outperforming in key markets and how first-time investors can make smart moves, without waiting for the “perfect” time.

We also dive into high-growth regions, overlooked suburbs, and why investors need to stop chasing trends and start looking forward.

Episode Takeaways:
✅ Interest rates are overrated. The media overplays interest rates. Most property movements are driven by supply, demand, and economic activity, not RBA decisions.
✅ Never sell too early. Terry’s personal regret: selling great properties too soon. Long-term hold strategies build serious wealth.
✅ Ignore the headlines. Media commentary is often sensational and contradictory. Real research beats clickbait.
✅Western Sydney is booming. The new airport and surrounding economic zone are creating long-term opportunities in once-overlooked suburbs.
✅Timing beats hype. The best growth often happens in markets that currently look flat but have strong fundamentals.

Meet Terry Ryder
Terry Ryder is one of Australia’s leading independent property commentators and the founder of Hotspotting, a research platform helping investors identify high-growth locations before they boom. With a background in journalism, including roles at the Australian Financial Review and Courier Mail, Terry has spent over three decades analysing property trends and exposing market myths. His data-backed insights are regularly featured across major media outlets, and his work empowers everyday investors to make informed, forward-focused decisions. Through Hotspotting, Terry continues to guide thousands of Australians in building successful portfolios based on local economies, infrastructure growth, and real-world fundamentals.

Meet The Property Twins
The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage broking and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

Shane Oliver is one of the most respected voices in Australia when it comes to the economy and financial markets. As the Chief Economist at AMP, he’s spent over four decades analysing interest rates, market cycles, and housing trends, earning a reputation for cutting through the noise with clarity and precision.
In this episode, Shane breaks down exactly where we are in the current rate cycle, why affordability in Australia has become worse than ever, and how cities like Melbourne might be poised for a quiet comeback. 

We also unpack the growing divide between generations, superannuation changes, the unintended consequences of government policy, and the critical supply issues fueling the housing crisis.

Episode Takeaways:
✅ Rate cuts are here, but relief will be slow
✅ Supply, not demand, is driving the affordability crisis
✅ Melbourne may be the best value market right now
✅ Politics and policy are widening the wealth gap
✅ The RBA doesn’t set interest rates for homebuyers
✅ Property and shares both have a place in your portfolio

Meet Shane Oliver
Shane Oliver is Chief Economist and Head of Investment Strategy at AMP, where he oversees diversified investment funds and provides expert analysis on economic trends and market cycles. With over 35 years of experience, Shane is widely regarded for his clear insights on interest rates, inflation, property, and global markets. He is a sought-after media commentator and a trusted voice in Australian finance, regularly contributing to publications, broadcasts, and investor forums. Shane holds a PhD in economics and brings a deep, research-driven approach to understanding the forces that shape investment outcomes.

Meet The Property Twins
The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage broking and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

Margaret Lomas is one of the most respected and influential voices in Australian property investing. As the bestselling author of nine books and founder of Destiny Financial Solutions, she’s spent over two decades educating everyday investors and challenging industry spruikers.

In this episode, Margaret shares how she built a property portfolio from the ground up starting at nearly 40 and why beginners need to ignore the noise and focus on strategy. We dive into how to find and balance cash flow and capital growth, why market timing matters more than people admit, and how to spot red flags in flashy property deals and “free” advice.

Episode Takeaways:

✅You don’t need to choose between cash flow and capital growth
✅Margaret’s “20 Must-Ask Questions” framework for better investing
✅Emotional decisions destroy good investments
✅Regional areas can work but require timing & skill
✅Spruikers are everywhere giving “free” advice
✅Passive income comes later

Meet Margaret Lomas

Margaret Lomas is one of Australia’s most respected property investment experts, with over three decades of experience and a portfolio of more than 35 investment properties. She is the founder of Destiny Financial Solutions and the bestselling author of nine property investment books. Margaret is a passionate advocate for ethical advice in the industry, having co-founded the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA). A sought-after speaker and media commentator, she has also hosted several property-focused TV shows and podcasts. Margaret is dedicated to educating investors and empowering them with the tools to make informed, independent property decisions.

Meet The Property Twins

The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage broking and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

Depreciation might not sound exciting until you realise how much money it’s leaving on the table for everyday investors. In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Brunsdon, co-founder of Depreciator and one of the first in Australia to specialise solely in tax depreciation schedules.

We dive into what depreciation actually is, why so many investors and even accountants overlook it, and how one schedule can mean thousands in extra cash flow year after year. Scott breaks down how to claim on renovations, when a schedule is worth doing, and why not all providers are created equal.

Whether you own one property or ten, this episode is packed with simple, actionable insights that could seriously improve your return.

Episode Takeaways:

✅ Depreciation isn’t just for new builds. Renovations, even those done by previous owners, can unlock thousands in tax savings.
✅ Most investors are leaving money on the table. A simple depreciation schedule could improve cash flow by $2,000 or more each year.
✅ Cheap isn’t always smart. Using an experienced provider matters because if your schedule is wrong, you’re the one the ATO holds accountable.

Meet Scott Brunsdon

Scott Brunsdon is the General Manager of Depreciator, a leading Australian firm specialising in tax depreciation schedules for property investors. With a background in marketing and firsthand experience as a property investor, he has been instrumental in transforming Depreciator into a client-focused depreciation specialist. Brunsdon is passionate about simplifying the depreciation process and educating investors on maximising tax benefits, often speaking at seminars and contributing to industry discussions.

Meet The Property Twins

The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage broking and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

“Property investment is not just about data—it’s about building a narrative that makes sense for your goals. There’s a difference between just looking at numbers and actually understanding what they mean in the context of market cycles. Too many investors chase growth without understanding the fundamentals behind it.” - Mat Djolic

Episode Takeaways:

✅Data plays a crucial role in eliminating opportunity costs by helping investors make informed decisions based on growth patterns and market cycles.
✅Understanding property investment requires more than just looking at numbers; interpreting trends and aligning them with investor goals is key.
✅AI and analytics tools are transforming property investing, but they cannot replace human expertise in execution and decision-making.

Meet Mat Djolic

Matija (Mat) Djolic is a Co-Founder of HTAG Analytics, one of Australia's leading proptech platforms. As an accomplished author and seasoned data analytics coach, Mat has empowered over 2,000 investors and buyer agents with his insights and strategies over the past five years of running HTAG. Holding a PhD in Organisational Psychology, Mat possesses a deep expertise in the collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data, making him a sought-after authority in the field of data-driven property investing.

Meet The Property Twins

The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage broking and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

“Investing in real estate isn’t about finding the next hotspot, it’s about playing the long game.” - John Comino, Bridge to Bricks

Episode Takeaways:

✅Sydney remains a solid investment due to infrastructure growth, scarcity, and high demand, but affordability remains a challenge.
✅Investors should prioritise areas with government investment, such as Badgerys Creek and the Sydenham-Bankstown corridor, rather than chasing short-term trends.
✅Strata properties in Sydney can be a great starting point for investors, but due diligence on strata reports is crucial to avoid costly mistakes.

Meet John Comino

John Comino is the CEO of Bridge to Bricks Buyers Agents, a licensed and independent buyer’s agency helping investors and homebuyers make informed property decisions. With a background in finance and accounting, he spent over 20 years working across Europe and Asia before pivoting into real estate to follow his passion for property investing. Now a long-term investor specializing in the Sydney market, John combines data-driven analysis with deep industry experience to guide clients through successful property purchases.

Meet The Property Twins

The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage broking and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

“Property isn’t an entirely passive investment. You need to engage with it, understand its cycles, and leverage its advantages.” - John Comino

Episode Takeaways:

✅Leverage is the game-changer. Real estate may grow slower than shares, but leveraging with loans makes property a powerful wealth-building tool.
✅Sydney real estate isn’t overpriced. When measured against inflation and gold, Sydney property is actually undervalued.
✅The 18.5-year property cycle matters. John predicts a strong market for the next two years before a possible downturn around 2027.

Meet John Comino

John Comino is the CEO of Bridge to Bricks Buyers Agents, a licensed and independent buyer’s agency helping investors and homebuyers make informed property decisions. With a background in finance and accounting, he spent over 20 years working across Europe and Asia before pivoting into real estate to follow his passion for property investing. Now a long-term investor specialising in the Sydney market, John combines data-driven analysis with deep industry experience to guide clients through successful property purchases.

Meet The Property Twins

The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage broking and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

"It's better to be in the market than to wait for the perfect property that may never come."

Episode Takeaways:
✅ First-time buyers should evaluate their goals and financial situation before deciding between a first home or investment property.
✅ Rentvesting offers flexibility but may not always provide the same long-term advantages as home ownership.
✅Thorough research and understanding market cycles are essential for choosing the right property.

Meet The Property Twins

The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage broking and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

DISCLAIMER: No Legal, Financial & Taxation Advice

Property Twins channel contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The projections are for illustrative purposes only and are not an estimate of the investment returns you will receive or fees and costs you will incur. 

“Think long-term. Correct loan structuring from the start gives you an unfair advantage to grow your investments.”

Episode Takeaways:

✅ Correctly structuring loans, such as separating owner-occupied and investment debts, can significantly reduce tax liabilities and enhance financial growth.
✅ Common mistakes like cross-collateralisation and using basic loan products without offset accounts can hinder your ability to expand your property portfolio.
✅ Standalone loan setups for each property ensure flexibility for refinancing, equity release, and future investment opportunities.

Meet The Property Twins

The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage brokerage and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

DISCLAIMER: No Legal, Financial & Taxation Advice

Property Twins channel contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The projections are for illustrative purposes only and are not an estimate of the investment returns you will receive or fees and costs you will incur.

“Looking at various lenders and how they might value your investment property or owner-occupied property is critical. It's not just about finding a lender that gives the best rate; it's about finding one that allows maximum flexibility to release equity when you need it.”

Episode Takeaways:

✅ Maximising equity through valuation shopping is essential for unlocking long-term growth and expanding your property portfolio.

✅ Choosing the right lender and understanding valuation types can significantly impact your borrowing capacity and investment opportunities.

✅ Planning for future goals rather than focusing solely on immediate costs like interest rates ensures sustained portfolio success.

Meet The Property Twins

The Property Twins, Sana and Mona Ali, are identical twins from Sydney who began investing in real estate at 24, building a $5 million portfolio before turning 30. Driven by a lifelong passion for property, they left corporate roles in 2017 to establish Property Twins, a mortgage brokerage and buyers agency. Their mission is to help Australian professionals achieve home ownership and build wealth through property investments.

DISCLAIMER: No Legal, Financial & Taxation Advice

Property Twins channel contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The projections are for illustrative purposes only and are not an estimate of the investment returns you will receive or fees and costs you will incur.