In this boots-on-the-ground episode, we get a first-hand look at the Queensland residential housing market through the eyes of a highly experienced builder, Corey Welling from Fortitude Homes. From sluggish land approvals to shifting buyer expectations, we unpack the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping the future of homebuilding in the Sunshine State.

Whether you're a property investor, first-home buyer, or industry professional, this episode delivers valuable insights into what’s really happening behind the scenes—and how to navigate it.

Key Topics Covered:

🏗️ Slow Land Approvals from Councils
We discuss the mounting delays in land development approvals and the knock-on effects on housing supply, pricing, and project timelines. Why is it taking so long, and what can buyers and developers realistically expect?

📏 Land Sizes and Pricing Trends
As blocks shrink and prices rise, what does this mean for home designs, liveability, and long-term value? We examine how land trends are impacting both buyer expectations and builder strategies.

🔍 Choosing the Right Builder: What to Look For
Full turnkey. Fixed price. Site costs. We break down the critical questions to ask and the red flags to avoid when selecting a builder. Learn how to protect yourself from surprise costs and ensure you're truly getting a 'move-in ready' product.

💸 Construction Cost Increases & Energy Efficiency Requirements
From supply chain issues to new regulatory standards, building costs are climbing. We explore:

• The impact of the new 7-Star Energy Rating requirements on design and pricing.
• How builders are adapting (or struggling) to deliver compliant homes without blowing budgets.

🏟️ Looking Ahead: 2032 Olympics and Housing Challenges
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, what does the future hold for Queensland's residential construction market? We dive into expected pressures on labour, materials, and infrastructure—and what that means for everyday homebuyers and builders.

Why Listen:
This episode brings together practical knowledge, industry trends, and forward-thinking strategies to help you make informed decisions in a rapidly changing housing market. Whether you're building, buying, or investing, get the builder’s perspective—from the ground up.

From Finance to Fortune: Inside the Strategy of Australia's Savviest Property Investors

Host: David Chehade - CEO REIF 

Guests: 

Jake Sewell – General Manager of REIF

Jason Bush – Leader of REIF Finance

📝 Episode Summary

Ready to level up your property investing game in under 20 minutes? In this high-impact episode, we sit down with Jake Sewell and Jason Bush from REIF to unpack the strategies used by some of Australia’s most successful property investors.

Whether you’re just getting started or stuck at the four-property mark, this conversation covers exactly what you need to move forward. You’ll learn:

• How to take your first steps into property investing with clarity and confidence
• Proven strategies to push past acquisition roadblocks and scale from four to nine properties
• Why working with the right broker can help you break free from the big bank myths
• How to tap into flexible lending options to maximise your borrowing power
• Smart, sustainable approaches to master the long game in property wealth-building

👉 Tune in — it’s under 20 minutes and packed with real-world value. This episode could be the blueprint for your next big property move.

The Numbers Behind Property Success in Australia: Maximise Returns, Minimise Risk – with Chris Smith

📢 Episode Synopsis
 In this insightful episode of the Real Estate Investment podcast, host David Chehade, CEO of REIF, is joined by Chris Smith, founder of Future Growth Tax—one of Australia’s leading property-focused accountancy firms. Together, they unpack the crucial accounting strategies every Australian property investor needs to know in 2025 and beyond.

🧾 What you’ll learn in this episode

• How to maximise your tax benefits through strategic tax depreciation
• The smartest ways to structure your property loans for flexibility and long-term growth
• Choosing the right repayment strategy—interest-only vs principal & interest, and when to switch
• The latest ATO updates that could impact your cash flow, deductions, and compliance in the new financial year

Whether you're a first-time investor or scaling your portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build wealth smarter, not harder.

🎧 Tune in now and make accounting your secret weapon in property success.

*Offer: Two months free property management in Queensland for new clients at Real Estate Investment Property Management. Take advantage of the offer by emailing [email protected]. *Criteria applies, limited time offer expires Monday 30 June 2025.   

In this must-listen mid-year market pulse check, David Chehade sits down with multi-award-winning broker and seasoned property investor Reece McGill to unpack the biggest trends shaping the Australian property landscape in 2025.

With interest rate speculation building, David quizzes Reece on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s anticipated cash rate decreases and what that means for property investors looking to leverage the next six months. They also spotlight high-performing suburbs, digging into which locations are showing strong yield potential and capital growth despite market volatility.

The conversation then turns to government housing policies, where Reece shares his candid take on the boosting housing supply. Finally, David and Reece explore the rising trend of eco-conscious home builds — from solar incentives to green materials — and whether sustainable homes are the future of investment.

Whether you’re an active investor or watching from the sidelines, this episode will leave you with actionable insights to finish 2025 strong.

Key Topics Covered

• 📉 Expected RBA cash rate cuts – timing, impact, and investor response
• 📍 Hot investment suburbs to watch 
• 🏗️ Government policy on housing supply and affordability
• 🌱 The rise of green homes: smart investment or passing trend?
• 💼 Reece’s mid-year playbook for smart property moves

Featured Guest

 Reece McGill – Multi-award-winning mortgage broker and property investor at REIF with a proven track record of building wealth through strategic residential property acquisition. Reece shares real-world tactics and data-backed perspectives. 

Offer
Book online now for an-obligation free property strategy call. 

*This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes. Any advice is general advice only, and has not taken into account your specific personal financial circumstances, needs or objectives. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs and if you are unsure, please speak to a financial professional. Visit the REIF website for more details.