What’s really driving property investors in 2025? The latest PIPA Investor Sentiment Survey lays it bare — and the results matter for every investor, renter, and policymaker in Australia.

In this episode, we’re joined by Lachlan Vidler, Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA), to unpack the top findings. The survey shows investors are selling under pressure—with debt reduction, compliance costs, and land tax topping the list of reasons. But here’s the kicker: when those properties are sold, only 42% stay in the rental pool, shrinking rental supply and pushing rents higher.

Policy risk looms large too. More than half of investors said they’d exit if negative gearing was altered, while others flagged land tax, compliance, and rental caps as breaking points. Yet in the same breath, nearly 60% of investors still believe it’s a good time to buy. That fragile optimism is keeping the market alive even as costs bite.

Finally, the survey reveals who investors actually turn to for advice—mostly mortgage brokers and accountants, not property specialists. Why does that matter? Because it explains why investor behaviour often swings between optimism and panic, shaping rental markets and property prices in ways that affect us all.

This episode is packed with insights every property investor needs to hear—because the decisions you and your peers make today are reshaping Australia’s housing market for tomorrow.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

02:04 – Why the Rental Market Is Being Reshaped

03:11 – Top Reasons Investors Are Selling Properties

04:39 – How Rising Costs Erode Investor Confidence

07:08 – Pain in Melbourne, Gains in Brisbane

08:15 – Federal Reforms Driving Investor Uncertainty

12:02 – The Rental Pool Is Shrinking—What It Means

14:29 – Supply, Demand, and Speculative Investment

22:34 – Why Industry and Government Clash on Reform

26:17 – How Politics Shapes Investor Outcomes

28:40 – Lobbying, Legislation, and Investor Reaction

31:06 – Who Investors Really Trust for Property Advice

34:15 – Why Investors Need Holistic Property Guidance

38:29 – Fragile Optimism: 60% Still Say It’s Time to Buy

47:39 – Property Dumbo: Signing Contracts Too Soon

50:01 – Wrap-Up and Where to Find PIPA Resources

Mentions

• Rental crisis worsens as more investors exit the market – 2025 PIPA Investor Survey

About the Guest

Lachlan Vidler is the Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA), the peak body advocating for higher standards and transparency across the property industry. With deep experience as a property advisor and investor, Lachlan brings unique insight into the data and psychology behind investor behaviour.

At PIPA, he works to raise professional standards, educate investors, and shape better policy outcomes for the housing sector. His leadership positions him at the centre of Australia’s most pressing conversations on affordability, rental supply, and the future of property investment.

Connect with Lachlan

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Resources

• Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:
• The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.au
• Work with Chris: [email protected] 

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See you on the inside,

Veronica & Chris