By Veronica Morgan & Chris Bates
5
22 ratings
The podcast currently has 363 episodes available.
Are you ready to find out where property investors are putting their money and what trends are shaping the market right now? In this episode, we dive deep into the latest suburb trends report and explore the surprising insights revealed by the latest property investment data.
From unexpected investment hotspots in Sydney and Melbourne to some major shifts in regional markets like Perth and Adelaide, this conversation will give you a fresh look at where investors are heading—and why.
We're joined by Kent Lardner, our resident property geek and we break down the numbers behind the rising trends in investor activity. We discuss how investor lending has been on the rise, why houses are dominating the market, and where clusters of activity are emerging across the country.
If you’ve been wondering where the smart money is flowing, this episode will give you the answers. Tune in for an in-depth look at what the data is saying and what it means for investors right now. This is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the latest movements in the property space!
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Analysis of the top 25 SA4 regions shows surge in house purchases in Sydney & Melbourne
03:11 - Detailed analysis of the top 25 SA4 regions
08:11 - Abundance of properties in & around Beverly Hill influenced by the new metro in Sydney
09:36 - Why are Sydney and Melbourne seeing increased interest in different property types?
16:13 - Could property investors buying apartments in Melbourne be influenced by land tax?
17:31 - What factors are influencing suburb choices in Perth right now?
19:02 - What are the major rental surge figures across Australia’s states?
23:53 - Is the surge in investor activity due to first time home buyers or new market areas?
27:13 - Comparing investment markets: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane
39:29 - Has there been a notable rise in inventory, and how might this affect market prices?
45:06 - How are construction shortages and low approvals influencing the property market?
46:29 - Kent talks about his newly launched partnership with Faith Housing Australia
About Kent Lardner:
Kent Lardner is an expert data science and business leader with 30+ years of experience at leading companies like JLL, CoreLogic, and General Electric. He has led teams of 5 to 200 people across Australia and China, driven by his passion for high-growth digital businesses. Kent is also the founder of Suburb Trends, a leading property research firm trusted by major names in Australian property and featured in mainstream media.
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Why is it so tough to ramp up housing supply when it seems like everyone’s talking about it? In this episode, we’re joined by Jill Garner, the Victorian Government Architect, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at why boosting supply isn’t as simple as just setting targets. Jill brings her extensive experience to the table, sharing insights into the realities of urban planning and design from both government and industry perspectives.
Jill helps us understand the challenges that come with trying to increase housing supply discussing the struggles that state and local governments face in balancing the need for more homes with the importance of good design and quality construction. She explains why meeting housing targets isn’t just about making plans—it’s about dealing with real-world obstacles like costs, time, and planning rules.
Our conversation also touches on the “Future Homes” initiative, which aims to provide more housing options in Melbourne’s suburbs without sacrificing livability and explore why simply rezoning areas for higher density doesn’t automatically result in new homes and what’s really holding back development.
This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to understand the real reasons behind the housing shortage and what needs to happen to make more homes available. The insights presented in this episode offer a clear look at the challenges and possibilities in solving this complex issue. So let's dive right into it!
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:06 - Who is Jill Garner?
02:38 - What is a government architect and their role in the Victorian government
05:04 - How does each level of government address housing supply and affordability issues?
08:02 - How does the state government coordinate with local councils in Victoria?
10:48 - Is Melbourne seeing similar government rhetoric on housing density as other places?
12:59 - Where is the disconnect between housing targets and actual construction?
15:33 - Can pre-designed homes compete with custom builds?
22:45 - Can rezoning truly improve housing affordability, or is something missing?
25:18 - Is the pushback on future homes driven by consumer resistance or developer concerns?
28:55 - How are Victoria's ongoing projects impacting developers' building costs and decisions?
33:28 - Is Melbourne better equipped for density with its transport system?
38:52 - How can Melbourne address city-level needs and past high-density apartment mistakes?
43:37 - Should other states follow Melbourne’s lead on sustainability and passive design?
48:24 - How are government plans for Melbourne adapting to the rise in remote work?
52:58 - Jill Garner’s property dumbo
About Our Guest:
Jill Garner, the first woman to serve as Victorian Government Architect, was appointed in 2015 and brings 40 years of experience in both practice and government. She leads a team promoting integrated design and collaboration within the state government. Jill continues her architectural practice through Garner Davis Architects, which has earned numerous awards. An RMIT Masters by Design alumnus, she has taught at RMIT and Melbourne Universities and served on several industry boards. Jill chaired the Australian Committee for the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale and became a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, receiving the President’s Prize in 2022. In 2023, she was appointed Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to architecture, education, and professional associations.
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How does the UK property market compare to ours here in Australia? In this episode, we sit down with Martin North from Digital Finance Analytics to really break it down. We’re diving into what makes the UK property market tick and how it stacks up against what we see in Australia. What are the key drivers over there? And how do they align—or differ—from what’s happening on our home turf?
Martin’s got a ton of insights on property trends across the globe, and in our conversation, we dig into the unique factors shaping the UK market, from economic policies to how buyers behave. Are there things we can take away from the UK’s approach, or are we carving out our own distinct path here in Australia?
We also get into how history and culture influence the property scene in each country. Are there common threads, or are the differences too big to ignore? Most importantly, what can Australian investors learn from the UK’s journey in the property market?
If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of global property markets or just want a fresh perspective on what’s happening here in Australia, this conversation with Martin North is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in as we explore the dynamics of the UK and Australian property markets, and discover valuable insights that could impact your next investment decision.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
00:57 - Who is Martin North?
03:48 - Can Australia gain confidence from the UK's inflation decline?
07:35 - How does the UK's property investment culture compare to that of Australia’s?
11:04 - Proportion of owner-occupier vs rented property in UK
13:51 - Has borrowing capacity in the UK stayed steady despite rate hikes?
18:55 - How does city migration in the UK compare to Australia?
21:30 - Is there a trend of early wealth transfer in the UK for earlier housing market entry?
26:40 - How do UK and Australian rental issues compare?
28:16 - Despite the UK investing more in social housing, why is there still a shortage?
32:51 - Has the existence of inheritance tax impacted entry into the housing market?
33:50 - Over 5 years of hosting "Walk the World", how have your views and insights evolved?
40:00 - How should one approach property investment after missed chances?
45:55 - How does Martin feel about the property market’s outcome?
49:58 - Can the UK manage the demand for millions of new homes?
51:51 - Martin North’s property dumbo
About Our Guest:
Martin North is a prominent researcher who specialises in the mortgage lending, savings payments, and superannuation sectors. He is the founder of Digital Finance Analytics — a boutique research, analysis, and consulting firm. He has a long history of research in mortgage stress in Australia and publishes relevant indices on defaults, mortgage stress, and consumer confidence. In addition to his work in finance, he curates the YouTube channel "Walk the World," where he covers finance and property news with a distinctively Australian flavour and invites controversial guests. He is also a founding director of Asbestos Awareness Australia, a registered charity he established with his late wife, Jill, in 2021.
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Strata management—it’s one of those areas in property where things can get tricky if you’re not in the know. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Teys, who’s been in the trenches of strata for years, tackling some of the biggest issues that come up in this space. If you’re involved in a strata scheme—whether as an owner, investor, or part of a committee—this is a conversation you just can’t afford to miss.
Today, we dive into the real problems that strata communities face every day. From dealing with disputes that can turn neighbors into enemies to sorting out financial messes that can sink a scheme, he’s got the inside scoop on what works and what doesn’t.
We also chat about the legal side of things—what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how it all impacts you.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. We also talk about how to keep the peace in a strata setup and why being proactive can save you a world of headaches. And as for the future? We touch on where strata management is heading and what that means for everyone involved.
This is your chance to get a handle on the biggest issues in strata management today, straight from someone who’s seen it all. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and get ready to learn from one of the best in the business. Let's get started!
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:03 - Who is Michael Teys?
02:22 - What did the ABC Four Corners exposé reveal about controversial strata practices?
10:23 - How strata managers started charging like real estate agents, and how they can regain trust
16:50 - Are strata companies or owners to blame for management issues?
21:36 - What are the challenges in keeping good strata professionals?
30:11 - What are the obstacles to reforming strata management?
36:06 - Does unpaid service affect local government and strata roles?
40:01 - Are builders learning from past strata mistakes? Will quality improve?
44:17 - Given the current leadership vacuum, where might we see effective leadership emerge?
50:27 - Michael shares a lesson/humorous story in property that we can all learn from
About Our Guest:
Michael Teys is one of Australia’s leading strata experts. He works for corporate owners of strata property, property professionals and strata managers providing advisory, research and training on complex strata issues. With over 30 years’ experience in strata titled property issues, Michael is now an advisor to corporate and institutional owners of strata property. He is a member of the City Futures Research Centre at UNSW and provides training to strata managers and allied property professionals.
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Australia's housing market is in turmoil, but can it be fixed? In this episode, we sit down with respected financial journalist Alan Kohler to delve into the roots of this ongoing crisis and explore potential solutions.
Alan shares his insights on why first-time home buyers today face far greater challenges than those in previous generations and how the housing sector has become a critical pillar of Australia's economy, unlike in many other nations.
We also dive into Alan's provocative assertion that housing wealth is both “meaningless and destructive.” What does he mean by this? How can something that seems so vital to our financial security be harmful in the long run? Alan unpacks a fresh perspective on the true cost of our housing obsession.
His unique take on the interplay between housing and the economy provides valuable insights for anyone concerned about the future of homeownership and economic stability in Australia. This episode is essential listening for those looking to understand the broader implications of our housing policies and what changes are needed to secure a more equitable future. So tune in now!
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:05 - Who is Alan Kohler
01:35 - Has alan shifted his stance on the housing affordability issue?
04:32 - The societal impact of high house prices on the market
14:11 - How are zoning changes impacting the marginal buyer in real estate?
18:18 - Will setting development targets & rezoning lands be enough to address housing needs
24:17 - Is the current housing allocation system inefficient?
26:47 - Is it easier for politicians to pass policies for investors rather than homeowners?
30:56 - Do recent tenancy reforms fail to balance support for tenants and landlord flexibility?
35:40 - Is investing in property part of the Australian national psyche?
38:51 - How Alan's research impacted his perspective on future growth or risks
43:18 - Why encourage build-to-rent over build-to-sell?
47:24 - Is there a relationship between the lack of a recession and house price growth?
53:37 - Housing wealth is both “meaningless and destructive”
55:32 - Alan Kohler’s property dumbo
About Our Guest:
Alan Kohler is one of Australia's most experienced commentators and journalists, a television personality, and a former newspaper editor. He is the former editor of The Australian Financial Review and The Age, and was business and economics editor of The 7.30 Report. In addition to being CEO of Eureka Report and Business Spectator, Alan is the finance presenter on ABC News and host of Inside Business on ABC TV.
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Are short-term rental platforms like Airbnb contributing to the worsening of the housing affordability crisis by reducing the availability of long-term rental properties?
This shift towards short-term rentals makes it increasingly difficult for people to find affordable homes, driving up rental prices and increasing housing instability for vulnerable populations.
Join us as Karl Fitzgerald, founder and director of Grounded, brings his extensive research to the table. Karl talks about how Airbnb and similar platforms impact housing markets, particularly in regional areas, and offer insightful solutions based on his findings.
Tune in to explore the intersection of short-term rentals and housing policy, and discover innovative community-driven solutions that could help address the housing crisis while balancing the needs of both tourists and residents.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:12 - Who is our guest for today?
06:04 - How Karl responded to the shift in rental proportions
07:50 - Is it possible to measure long-term rentals converted to short-term?
11:08 - Do short-term rental limits create property scarcity unintentionally?
17:37 - How does car-based and/or public transport influence short-term rental markets?
22:19 - How are communities still functioning when core workers can’t find housing?
23:31 - Is the housing shortage phenomenon unique to Australia?
26:44 - Has the report's media attention resulted in any significant change?
28:39 - How does a community land trust work?
35:28 - Are community land trusts already operational in Australia?
44:18 - Karl Fitzgerald’s property dumbo
About Our Guest:
Karl Fitzgerald, founder and Director of Grounded, is an economist with a distinguished background as the former Director of Research at Prosper Australia. Over 18 years, he led research on speculative investment and housing affordability, including directing the Speculative Vacancy reports that contributed to the Victorian Vacancy Tax. Karl also championed Victoria’s Rezoning Windfall Gains Tax to reinvest rezoning profits into community infrastructure. His 2022 report challenged the belief that increasing housing supply alone improves affordability. Karl advocates for Community Land Trusts as a community-led alternative to current housing models, emphasizing equity and justice.
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Are you grappling with decisions about your investment property? In this episode, we dive into a range of listener questions to provide the insights you need. We’ll explore the impact of land tax variations across different states and discuss the pros and cons of buying in A-grade versus B-grade suburbs. Our discussion also touches on the reasons behind the surge in properties for sale in lifestyle areas post-COVID, shedding light on the market dynamics at play.
We tackle the tough decision of whether to sell an investment property to upgrade your primary home, providing practical advice to help you weigh your options. Additionally, we answer a listener’s question about how land tax changes affect traditional holiday destinations, offering a fresh perspective on generational property sales and their social impacts.
To round out the episode, we share a “listener Dumbo” segment, highlighting lessons learned from real-life property decisions. Tune in for a comprehensive yet concise discussion that will help you navigate the complexities of property investment with confidence.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:20 - Why are so many properties for sale in holiday destination markets?
07:23 - What negative gearing reforms could balance investor interests and housing affordability?
17:56 - Fact check regarding the heritage status and development in Edgecliff
22:50 - Should I invest in property outside Victoria due to land tax?
31:04 - Which is wiser: A-grade home in a B-grade area or vice versa?
50:00 - Listener dumbo
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Resources:
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Are you curious about how demographic changes will shape the property market in the coming decade? In this episode, we chat with Simon Kuestenmacher from The Demographic Group to dive into the evolving trends in wealth transfer and their impact on housing.
Simon gives us some great insights into the demographic factors affecting today’s wealth transfer, exploring how predictable these shifts are and how major events like COVID-19 change market dynamics. We talk about how baby boomers handle inheritance differently based on their experiences and how this intergenerational wealth transfer impacts the property market over the next decade.
We also touch on the broader economic effects of demographic trends, like their impact on interest rates and wage demands in a tight labor market. Simon shares his take on the government’s ambitious goal of creating 1.2 million dwellings in five years and how that’s going. Plus, we explore how elderly home preferences influence property challenges and the ongoing debate about different work arrangements in Australia.
Join us for this engaging chat that unpacks the future of property demographics and gives you a solid understanding of the factors that shape the market in the years to come.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Who is Simon Kuestenmacher?
02:09 - What are the demographic insights on today's wealth transfer and its predictability?
03:55 - Are demographic trends and major events like COVID-19 influencing market dynamics?
06:12 - Have baby boomers started giving inheritance sooner due to their own experiences?
15:45 - The impact of demographic trends on interest rates in Australia
18:32 - How does inflation influence wage demands when labor is scarce?
21:41 - How intergenerational wealth transfer is likely to impact the property market
26:40 - Current state & future trajectory of the debate surrounding different work arrangements
31:52 - How can Australia address the workforce shortage linked to its aging demographic?
39:31 - Simon's stand on the bold policies being implemented in New South Wales
46:10 - How is the government’s target of 1.2 million dwellings in 5 years tracking?
53:04 - What impact does elderly home preference have on property challenges?
About Our Guest:
Simon Kuestenmacher is a Co-Founder of The Demographics Group together with Bernard Salt. The group provides specialist advice on demographic, consumer, and social trends.
Simon writes a weekly column for The New Daily and a monthly column for The Australian newspaper. He is a thought after media commentator on demographic matters.
In his spare time Simon has authored three books on maps and runs what is by now the world’s largest Twitter account dedicated to maps and data. His social media posts reach over 25 million people every month. Simon ranks as one of the world’s top 10 influencers in data.
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Have you ever wondered if there’s a need for vendor advocates or if it’s just another money grab by some players in the real estate industry?
Vendor advocacy is a term you may not have heard before, but it’s a service that’s gaining popularity. A vendor’s advocate is an advisor engaged by a person selling their property to help them choose a selling agent to make the selling process easier. Think of them as an agent whisperer.
In today's episode, we explore how vendors might benefit the most from engaging a vendor’s advocate and discuss the skills and experience these advocates should possess to ensure they’re qualified for the job. We also dive into the necessity of vendor advocates, weighing the genuine need against potential profit motives within the industry.
If you’re considering selling your property, this episode is a must-listen to ensure you have the right support to achieve the best outcome. Tune in now and let’s get started!
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:41 - What is a vendor’s advocate and how do they work?
09:09 - Do you pay a fee for the vendor’s advocate?
16:32 - After selecting an agent, what else does a vendor’s advocate do?
20:00 - What do vendor’s advocates deem as major deal breakers when looking for an agent?
25:54 - Are there any potential drawbacks or challenges in picking a vendor’s advocate?
29:10 - Real life story of how a vendor's advocate rescued a mismanaged property sale
34:47 - Why should property buyers and sellers seek a trustworthy vendor's advocate?
44:07 - Why is it important to seek professional advice when selling property?
50:12 - Why should potential sellers reach out for vendor advisory advice?
Resources:
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How can integrity be restored in an industry often criticised for its ethical shortcomings? In this episode, we sit down with John Minns, the NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, to delve into the measures being taken by the Office of Fair Trading to regulate and improve the real estate sector’s reputation. With an industry plagued by issues ranging from underquoting by sales agents to property managers grappling with rental shortages, and strata managers caught in conflicts of interest, John Minns has a formidable task ahead.
John shares his motivations for stepping into the commissioner role and the surprises he encounters along the way. He discusses how he balances managing immediate crises with long-term strategic planning and tackles significant resistance from various stakeholders, particularly focusing on the pervasive problem of underquoting. We also explore the potential opportunities he sees in the PropTech space and his updates on the Strata Hub system in New South Wales.
The episode covers critical issues such as the licensing loophole allowing new buyer’s agents to practice in NSW via Queensland and the potential benefits of a national licensing system. John addresses frustrations and pricing tactics that often leave consumers disillusioned, sharing his vision for a more transparent and ethical real estate industry. Don’t miss his candid recounting of property blunders that offer a humorous yet insightful perspective on the challenges within the field.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
01:23 - Who is John Minns?
02:29 - What is John’s motivation to make a difference as commissioner
04:10 - What surprised John most about the role?
07:12 - How John manages both short-term crises and long-term planning
08:57 - Among the key stakeholders, which group is the biggest resistance?
11:38 - Tackling the issue of underquoting
16:54 - John’s strategies for effecting change in a slow moving industry
25:03 - Does John see any real opportunities in the PropTech space?
29:19 - What are the plans for improving the Strata Hub system in New South Wales?
35:23 - What’s motivating the government to take action NOW?
38:17 - The issue of new buyer’s agents getting licensed in NSW via Queensland
44:51 - Would national licensing be a good thing?
47:50 - John Minns’ property dumbo #1
50:45 - Addressing frustrations and pricing tactics in property transactions
55:25 - John Minn’s property dumbo #2
About Our Guest:
John Minns, a prominent figure in the Australian residential property sector for over 30 years, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Strata and Property Services Commissioner. His career spans diverse areas including residential sales, project marketing, property management, and franchising, alongside leadership in digital innovation and professional development. John is committed to enhancing consumer experience and protection by promoting transparency and accountability within the industry, advocating for innovation-driven opportunities to foster a trusted and empowered sector.
Connect with John Minns:
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Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The podcast currently has 363 episodes available.
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