Over the past year we've been told affordability would cap prices, that demand would fade, that higher costs of living would finally slow housing down. And yet, here we are – national home prices finishing the year almost 10 per cent higher, with some capital cities recording extraordinary double-digit growth.

So what really happened?

In today's episode, we're stepping away from opinions and into the evidence as Dr Andrew Wilson unpacks his end-of-December House Price Report, and it reveals not just where prices moved in 2025, but why they moved, and what that means as we head into 2026.

We'll talk about the cities that surged, the markets that quietly turned the corner, why units are suddenly back in favour, and why the next phase of this property cycle is likely to look very different from the last one.

If you want clarity instead of noise, and data instead of doom-and-gloom, this is an episode you'll want to stay with.

Takeaways

· House prices have surged nearly 10% over the past year.

· Patience is crucial in property investment; rushing leads to poor decisions.

· 2025 saw the strongest growth in property prices in three years.

· Interest rates have significantly influenced buyer and seller confidence.

· The market is expected to stabilize, with steady growth in 2026.

· Long-term investment strategies are essential for success in real estate.

· Understanding economic cycles is key to making informed investment decisions.

· The current property growth is based on fundamentals, not speculation.

· Chronic under-supply and population growth are driving market demand.

· Investors should not make decisions based on short-term news.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio In Your Spare Time. Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report

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Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

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Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

The world's changing faster than ever, isn't it?

Technology, AI, shifting markets, changing values – sometimes it feels like we can't keep up.

But in a world that never stops changing… there are still some things that never change.

And when it comes to building wealth through property, understanding what doesn't change might be even more important than trying to predict what will.

In today's episode, I explore what really stands the test of time — the principles, habits, and fundamentals that never go out of fashion, even when everything else does.

Hopefully, by the end of today's show, you'll come out with some ideas about how to get some more certainty in these uncertain times.

Takeaways

· Strategic property investors think in 10-year timeframes.

· Optimism leads to better outcomes in life and business.

· Understanding market cycles is crucial for investors.

· Timeless principles of property investment remain unchanged.

· Human behavior drives market trends, influenced by emotions.

· Quality assets in desirable locations outperform others.

· Scarcity and limited supply are key fundamentals.

· Patience and long-term planning are essential for wealth building.

· Strategies over shortcuts are vital for successful investing.

· Having experienced advisors can guide better investment decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Why timeless principles matter more than predictions.

01:42 Long-term thinking beats short-term noise in investing.

04:20 Optimism and mindset shape financial outcomes.

07:10 Major disruptions appear each decade—yet life moves on.

09:40 Bad news is rarely as bad as headlines suggest.

11:20 Market cycles pass, but long-term growth persists.

13:10 Human behaviour drives markets more than data.

14:40 Property fundamentals—location, scarcity, quality—never change.

16:00 Strategy, patience and discipline outperform shortcuts.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of How to grow a multi-million dollar property in your spare time.

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Michael Yardney

Get the team at Metropole to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us.

Join us at Australia's Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Business Investors and Business People on the Gold Coast on May 30th. Find out all about Wealth Retreat here. https://wealthretreat.com.au/

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/

Most property investors dream of financial freedom… but how do you actually live off your portfolio when the time comes?

In today's show, Brett Warren, national Director of Property at Metropole and I reveal the 'end game' of property investment – the steps to turn bricks and mortar into a lifestyle, how to transition from growth to cash flow, and why living off equity could be the smartest strategy of all.

Our conversation highlights that property investment is not just about acquiring properties but creating a portfolio that provides financial freedom and choices in retirement.

Takeaways

· Property investment requires a clear end game.

· The strategy for property investment changes over time.

· Education is a continuous journey in property investment.

· Quality properties are more important than quantity.

· Transitioning to cash flow requires careful planning.

· Living off equity is challenging but possible with the right strategy.

· Diversification is key to a resilient portfolio.

· Protect your income-earning capacity with insurance.

· Planning for the future starts today.

Chapters

01:13 – Why You Need to Plan Your Property End Game

03:33 – The Four Stages of a Property Investor's Journey

06:17 – Transitioning from Growth to Cash Flow

09:10 – Living Off Equity and the Role of Diversification

13:21 – Protecting Yourself, Buffers, and Asset Structures

16:44 – Building Wealth That Gives You Choices

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - http://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing Successfully

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

https://propertyupdate.com.au/podcast-bonus/

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here.

Brett Warren - National Director of Property at Metropole

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/

If you've been watching property prices over the past few years, you've probably noticed some strange trends – massive price rises, unpredictable shifts between cities and regions, and what feels like an endless debate about affordability.

But what if I told you that the last five years of price data might be leading investors astray?

Today, I'm joined by Stuart Wemyss, financial strategist and founder of ProSolution Private Clients, who has written a confronting article explaining why the last five years of data are the least reliable in decades.

Together, we'll unpack what's distorted the numbers – from COVID lockdowns and construction cost blowouts to volatile borrowing power and migration swings – and how smart investors can cut through the noise to focus on long-term fundamentals.

Our conversation highlights the significance of local knowledge in making informed investment decisions and the need for a strategic approach to property investment, rather than relying solely on short-term data.

Takeaways

· The property market is influenced by various factors, including lending volumes.

· Rising construction costs have a significant impact on property values.

· Borrowing capacity has fluctuated due to regulatory changes and interest rates.

· Migration trends can create pressure on rental markets and property prices.

· Data analysis in property investment requires both science and art.

· Local knowledge is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

· Investors should focus on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term data.

· Understanding the reasons behind market movements is essential for smart investing.

· Population growth alone does not guarantee property price increases.

Chapters

01:32 – Why the Last 5 Years of Property Data Can Mislead Investors

04:45 – How Surging Construction Costs Distorted Market Values

09:34 – Borrowing Capacity Shocks and Their Impact on Growth

17:07 – Migration Waves, Rentals and Why Sydney & Melbourne Lagged

23:55 – Work-From-Home, Regions and the Return to Big City Demand

27:26 – Cheap Money, Lending Volumes and Why Long-Term Data Matters

Links and Resources:

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Stuart Wemyss – Prosolution Private Clients

Read Stuart's article here: https://prosolution.com.au/why-property-investors-shouldnt-trust-the-last-5-years-of-price-data/

Stuart's Book – Rules of the Lending Game & Investopoly

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/

Most people spend their lives working for money… but what if your money could work for you instead?

In today's show, Brett Warren, national Director of Property at Metropole, and I break down the 10 key lessons from Robert Kiyosaki's book Rich Dad Poor Dad—the book that changed the way millions of people think about wealth.

From the difference between assets and liabilities, to why paying yourself first is the golden rule of financial freedom—we show you how to apply these timeless lessons in today's world.

Our conversation highlights some timeless principles that could guide you towards financial independence and success.

Takeaways

· Financial literacy is essential for wealth retention.

· Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities is crucial.

· Emotional intelligence plays a key role in investment decisions.

· Learning from failure is a pathway to success.

· Mentorship can accelerate your financial journey.

· Defining your 'why' helps in making investment decisions.

· Paying yourself first is a fundamental principle of wealth building.

· Investing requires a disciplined approach and a strategic plan.

· Successful investors surround themselves with knowledgeable teams.

Chapters

02:10 – How 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' Changed the Way We Think About Money

05:36 – Assets, Liabilities, and the Power of Financial Literacy

08:31 – Emotions, Risk and Why Most Investors Fail

11:40 – Learning from Mistakes and Building Real Wealth

15:14 – Mindset, Mentorship and the Business of Investing

18:49 – Finding Your Why and Paying Yourself First

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - http://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing Successfully

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here.

Brett Warren - National Director of Property at Metropole

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/

At this time every year we get flooded with predictions about what's next for Australia's housing markets. Some of them are useful… a lot of them are noise.

But every so often, a report comes along that genuinely moves the needle and helps us see the bigger picture.

Domain's Forecast Report 2026 is one of those.

It paints a pretty fascinating story: record prices in every capital city, rents still on the rise, and perhaps the most powerful first-home buyer surge we've seen in decades.

And it's not just more of the same – the data suggests our markets are shifting into a whole new gear, driven by policies, sentiment changes, and the slow rebalancing of supply.

And there are some interesting twists as to how Domain sees the housing markets play out over the next 12 months.

So today I chat with Dr Nicola Powell, Domain's Chief of Research and Economics, to help us unpack what's really coming in 2026, why this cycle is so different, and what the winners and losers might be.

Takeaways

· 2026 is expected to be a year of two halves in the property market.

· First home buyers are returning, aided by government schemes.

· Investors are also increasing their market share.

· Interest rates will significantly influence property prices.

· Sydney is forecasted to lead in house price growth.

· Affordability remains a critical challenge for buyers.

· Rental markets are expected to see modest growth.

· Regional differences in property performance are notable.

· The cash rate is a key factor in market dynamics.

· Sustainable growth is preferred over rapid price increases.

Chapters

00:00 Domain's 2026 forecast signals record prices and shifting market forces.

02:01 Key drivers behind the synchronized upswing across all capitals.

03:03 Momentum builds as confidence rises and supply tightens.

05:55 Investors and first-home buyers return, intensifying competition.

07:46 The expanded guarantee scheme reshapes borrowing and demand.

09:38 Rate expectations and affordability caps guide market behaviour.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of How to grow a multi-million dollar property portfolio in your spare time.

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Dr Nicola Powell, Chief of Research and Economics at Domain.

Domain Property Forecast Report: https://propertyupdate.com.au/?p=192486&

Join us at Australia's Premier Wealth Retreat for Elite Business Investors and Business People on the Gold Coast on May 30th. Find out all about Wealth Retreat here. https://wealthretreat.com.au/

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

You know how every summer Australians wander down to the beach, breathe in the salty air, have a few too many wines, and suddenly convince themselves that owning a holiday home is a brilliant investment strategy?

Well… it isn't. In fact, it's one of the biggest financial traps I see Aussies fall into.

And today, I'm joined by Brett Warren, National Director of Property at Metropole, to unpack all the reasons why holiday homes almost always underperform, why the numbers never stack up, and what smarter investors are doing instead.

Our discussion highlights the risks associated with holiday properties, the necessity of prioritising long-term financial goals, and the current market trends that could impact property investment decisions in the coming years.

Takeaways

· Holiday homes often come with hidden costs and risks.

· Successful investors prioritize essential investments over lifestyle choices.

· Understanding market trends is crucial for long-term investment success.

· Emotional decisions can lead to poor investment choices.

· It's important to evaluate the true costs of owning a holiday home.

· Investing in high-demand areas can yield better returns.

· The property market is cyclical, and timing is essential.

· Strategic planning can help achieve financial goals more effectively.

· Investors should focus on data-driven decisions rather than emotions.

· Wealth building requires a long-term vision and strategy.

Chapters

00:10 Why holiday moods lead to bad investment decisions.

05:05 Why holiday towns underperform long-term despite recent spikes.

10:05 Airbnb myths, hidden costs and tax pitfalls investors ignore.

15:05 Volatility, low land value and why holiday homes drag wealth.

20:00 Strategic investing vs lifestyle buying as 2026 market shifts.

24:55 Wealth principles: build assets first, enjoy holidays later.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio In Your Spare Time. Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Get the team at Metropole to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us

Brett Warren - National Director of Property at Metropole

Michael Yardney

Join Brett Warren and Michael Yardney, plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

In this month's Big Picture Podcast, we step back from the headlines and look at what's really going on beneath the surface in our economy, our property markets, and the world of wealth creation Ken Raiss and I discuss a range of topics of importance to property investors .

Lenders are changing their rules. Rates are sending mixed signals. Tax policy is tightening. The ATO is sharpening its pencils. And to top it off, the ABS has released disturbing new data showing that people with disability are far more likely to be victims of fraud.

None of these issues live in a vacuum. Together, they paint a very different picture of the environment in which investors and affluent families are operating today.

Takeaways

· The economic landscape for property investors is shifting rapidly.

· Lending restrictions are becoming more selective, impacting borrowing capacity.

· Interest rates are unlikely to decrease in the near future.

· The ATO is tightening regulations around tax deductions for holiday homes.

· Land tax changes in New South Wales could increase financial burdens on property owners.

· Investors should view land tax as a cost of doing business, not a deterrent.

· Vulnerable populations, especially those with disabilities, are at higher risk of financial fraud.

· Proper estate planning is crucial for protecting assets and ensuring financial security.

· Using trusts can be beneficial, but they must be set up correctly to avoid complications.

· Strategic planning is essential for successful property investment.

Chapters

00:00 Key shifts in lending rules, tax changes and new fraud data.

01:38 Lenders restrict trusts and SMSF borrowing as risk tightens.

03:20 Why misguided "trust stacking" advice caused today's clampdown.

08:12 Fixed rates rise early as markets signal no cuts ahead.

12:40 ATO targets holiday-home deductions and tightens compliance.

17:56 NSW freezes land-tax thresholds, increasing investor exposure.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of What Every Property Investor Needs To Know About Finance, Tax And The Law.

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Michael Yardney

Get the team at Metropole Wealth Advisory to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us

Ken Raiss, Director of Metropole Wealth Advisory

Join Ken Raiss and Michael Yardney, plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

Have you noticed how the Australian property market keeps defying the pessimists? Every time someone says prices have to fall, the market seems to tap them on the shoulder and say, "Not so fast."

Well, the latest November home price report is out, and it paints a very clear picture: Australia's housing markets are still running hot - and in some cities, they're running very hot.

According to the latest data from My Housing Market, national house prices have risen for nine consecutive months, with the November quarter alone delivering another solid 1.3 percent jump.

But averages never tell the full story.

I'm joined today by Dr Andrew Wilson to discuss his November report which doesn't just highlight what's happening now - it hints at what's coming next. And his view is that 2025 could deliver even stronger price growth than 2023 and 2024.

Takeaways

· 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for property investors.

· Despite affordability challenges, the housing market continues to thrive.

· First home buyer schemes are expected to significantly impact the market.

· Brisbane has seen substantial price increases, outperforming other regions.

· The national home price has shown consistent growth across capital cities.

· Imposter syndrome is common among successful investors and entrepreneurs.

· Strategic investment is crucial in navigating the property market.

· Market predictions can often be misleading; long-term fundamentals matter.

· The unit market is experiencing a resurgence, particularly in Melbourne.

· 2026 is expected to bring steady growth, but not as strong as 2025.

Chapters

00:00 Prices rise for the ninth month as housing markets outperform the pessimists.

02:08 Capital cities log another strong month despite affordability pressures.

03:20 Quarterly method shows November softer than October but still robust.

05:18 Near-10% annual growth and first-home-buyer surge set to push prices higher.

07:20 Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin dominate with standout annual gains.

12:53 Outlook: momentum continues into 2026, though growth should moderate.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au

· Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's How to Grow a Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio in Your Spare Time. Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/

Negotiating is a part of living; we do it all the time.

When you walk down a crowded street, you negotiate the path you take.

A couple negotiates their relationship before and during marriage. Although you may not realise what's happening, for example, you take out the garbage tonight and I will do the dishes.

And of course of the negotiation is one of the skills developed by all savvy property investors and business people.

Over the years I've noticed that some people are very good at getting terrific deals. Most others simply get what the other party is willing to give.

What's the difference? In my mind, it's that the first group knows how to negotiate.

It's actually more than that, they know how to influence and persuade others to do what they would like them to do.

So today I'd like to discuss the topic of negotiation, influence and persuasion with Brett Warren, National Director of Property at Metropole.

In this conversation, we discuss the essential skills of negotiation, influence, and persuasion, emphasizing that life itself is a series of negotiations.

We explore the psychological aspects of negotiation, the importance of emotional detachment, and the power dynamics at play.

We also debunk common myths about negotiation, highlights common mistakes, and shares practical tips for becoming a better negotiator.

Takeaways

· Life is a negotiation, whether in property or personal matters.

· Emotional control is key in negotiations.

· Building rapport creates trust and facilitates negotiation.

· The first offer can set the tone for negotiations.

· Many people make the mistake of being too emotional during negotiations.

· Preparation is crucial for successful negotiation.

· Listening is more important than talking in negotiations.

· Understanding psychological biases can improve negotiation outcomes.

· Success in negotiation often comes down to mindset and resilience.

Chapters

02:16 – Why Life Is One Big Negotiation

05:12 – The Power of Time, Information and Options

08:14 – Emotional Control and Reading People

10:37 – Rapport, Trust and Ethical Influence

13:07 – Myths, Mistakes and Smarter Strategies

16:17 – Anchoring, Biases and Winning the Right Deal

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - http://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

· Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing Successfully. Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us

Brett Warren - National Director of Property at Metropole

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here.

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/