At its first meeting for 2026, the Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate to 3.85%, as most economists expected.

That move officially ends the shortest and most modest rate-cutting cycle since the RBA began inflation targeting back in 1993.

So what does this really mean for property investors, home buyers, and Australia's housing markets?

That's what I'm going to unpack, along with Dr Andrew Wilson's latest housing market data for January.

Now, let me give you a quick spoiler alert.

Yes, this rate rise will take some heat out of buyer demand in the short term. But in my view, it's also creating a genuine window of opportunity for those who are finance-ready.

Despite what the headlines will tell you, I believe housing markets are going to keep rising through 2026, just as they did last year when interest rates were at similar levels. And that's because the real drivers of property prices aren't interest rates alone – they're the underlying structural forces, which I'll explain shortly.

Takeaways

• RBA reverses course to regain control over inflation, but a single hike is unlikely to alter the housing market balance. This marks the end of the shortest and most modest rate cutting cycle since the RBA started inflation targeting in 1993.
• The outlook for the cash rate remains somewhat clouded. Given the underlying supply and demand pressures in the Australian housing sector, it is unlikely that a single rate hike will substantially alter the market balance.
• January is typically a quiet month for property sales.
• Perth's housing market is showing strong growth compared to other regions.
• Unit prices in Brisbane have seen substantial increases over the past two years.
• The local economy plays a crucial role in housing market performance.
• There is a persistent low supply of properties in the market.
• First home buyer incentives are influencing market dynamics.
• Capital growth remains a key factor for homeowners and investors.
• Market predictions indicate potential interest rate cuts in the future.
• Understanding regional differences is essential for property investment strategies.

Links and Resources:

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

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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.

Today's show is going to hit close to home for a lot of Australians.

Because despite living in one of the richest countries on the planet, the vast majority of Aussies are quietly battling something uncomfortable – the inability to actually build their wealth.

We're working harder than ever. We're earning more than ever. But most households still feel like they're running on a treadmill.

Why is that? Well, it's rarely about income. It's rarely about intelligence. It's rarely about effort.

Today I'm joined by Australia's leading property tax strategist, Ken Raiss, to help you understand why Australians struggle to accumulate wealth and what the wealthy do differently.

Takeaways

· Most Australians feel financially insecure despite living in a wealthy country.

· Mindset plays a crucial role in determining financial success.

· Wealth creation requires strategic planning and a clear roadmap.

· Investors often limit their potential due to outdated beliefs.

· The importance of having a strong 'why' behind financial goals.

· Asset ownership and structuring can significantly impact wealth accumulation.

· A holistic approach to wealth creation is essential for long-term success.

· Inheritance and estate planning require careful consideration and strategy.

· Successful investors think long-term, often planning decades ahead.

· Collaboration with a wealth strategist can enhance financial outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Why Australians struggle to build wealth despite high incomes. 04:50 Planning, education and the missing roadmap to wealth. 09:00 Wealth stages: growth, consolidation and preservation differ. 12:40 Using peak earning years to accelerate long-term outcomes. 16:10 Ownership structures, trusts and protecting accumulated wealth. 20:00 Why successful investors think long-term and work with strategists.

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.

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

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

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 ever looked at today's property prices and wondered, How is this even possible?

How can values keep climbing when interest rates are still high, affordability is stretched to breaking point, and so many Australians feel locked out of the market?

You're not alone. It feels counterintuitive. It feels unfair.

And for many, it feels completely unsustainable. But here's the uncomfortable truth about our housing market - and it's the part most people don't want to hear.

Property prices don't rise because the average Australian can afford them. They rise because the marginal buyer – the person actually able to transact today – can.

And right now, that marginal buyer looks very different from the one we had even a decade ago.

Takeaways

· Property prices are rising due to the marginal buyer's ability to transact.

· Wealthy buyers are dominating the market, driving prices up.

· Downsizers are reshaping the market by purchasing debt-free properties.

· Government incentives are pushing more buyers into the market.

· Buyers are adapting by compromising on location and property type.

· Structural under supply is a significant factor in rising prices.

· Affordability issues are sidelining some buyers but not all.

· The Bank of Mum and Dad is a major influence in property transactions.

· Investors need to focus on quality assets in gentrifying suburbs.

· Long-term market predictions indicate continued price growth despite challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Why prices keep rising despite poor affordability.

04:30 Who the real marginal buyers are today.

08:20 Downsizers, cash buyers and the Bank of Mum & Dad reshape demand.

12:30 First-home-buyer incentives push prices, not affordability.

16:00 Behaviour shifts: units, townhouses, rent-vesting.

19:30 Structural undersupply ensures ongoing price growth in 2026.

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.

Michael Yardney

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

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Join Michael Yardney and 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.

If you could see one number that reliably predicts where property prices are heading next, would you want to know what it is?

Well, today, you're about to find out — and it's not what you think.

You see…most investors think population growth drives property prices… but today I'm joined by Stuart Wemyss, financial strategist and founder of ProSolution Private Clients, who's done some fascinating analysis showing that the real driver of housing price growth is lending volumes — not population growth or money supply.

Our conversation highlights the need for long-term strategies and a focus on fundamentals to achieve sustainable growth in property investments.

Takeaways

· Property price growth is influenced by various factors, not just population growth.

· Lending volumes can be a better predictor of property price movements than population growth.

· Investors should be cautious of markets driven primarily by speculation.

· Consumer sentiment plays a crucial role in lending and property prices.

· Economic factors like interest rates significantly impact lending volumes.

· A high proportion of investors in a market can signal potential risks.

· Understanding market cycles is essential for long-term property investment success.

· Focus on long-term fundamentals rather than short-term trends.

· Successful property investment requires a coordinated strategy across financial services.

Chapters

01:46 – Why the Last Five Years of Property Data Can Mislead Investors

04:40 – Lending Volumes vs Population Growth: What Really Drives Prices

08:20 – Cash Buyers, Investor Ratios and Market Stability

11:38 – Sentiment, Employment and the Factors Behind Borrowing Power

15:23 – State-by-State Differences and Why Markets Move Out of Sync

17:55 – How Lending Trends Predict Cycles and Help Time Your Entry

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/

Everywhere you look, people are talking about the Brisbane property market.

The Olympics are coming, property prices have surged, and there's this growing belief that Brisbane is the place to be for investors right now.

In fact, it's not just Brisbane, but a whole swag of new and let me call them inexperienced buyers agents are suggesting buying in regional areas of northern Queensland.

But history tells us something interesting - when everyone's talking about a market, it's often already too late.

So, is Brisbane still a smart investment play, or has the boat already sailed?

To help unpack that, I'm joined by my business partner and National Director at Metropole, Brett Warren, who's based in Brisbane and has been studying this market for decades.

Despite being a proud Brisbanite, Brett's going to share why he believes now might not be the best time to be chasing growth in Brisbane, and he's here to tell us why.

In this conversation, we discuss the current state of the Brisbane property market, the implications of the upcoming Olympics, and the importance of strategic investment.

The discussion also highlights Melbourne's potential as a new investment opportunity, contrasting it with Brisbane's current market dynamics.

The conversation concludes with practical takeaways for investors looking to navigate the property landscape effectively.

Takeaways

· Brisbane's property market has seen significant growth but may be reaching its peak.

· Understanding property cycles is crucial for making informed investment decisions.

· The upcoming Olympics may not significantly impact the property market as expected.

· Investors should look beyond Brisbane for opportunities, particularly in Melbourne.

· Melbourne is currently undervalued compared to other major cities in Australia.

· Quality locations with proven demand are essential for long-term investment success.

· Investing strategically and based on data is more effective than following trends.

· The local economy and job growth are key drivers of property demand.

· Investors should be cautious of inexperienced agents pushing regional properties without solid economic foundations.

Chapters

01:47 – Why the Brisbane Boom May Be Peaking

03:59 – Olympics Hype vs Real Property Cycles

06:43 – The Risks of Chasing Regional Queensland

09:03 – Affordability Ceilings and Slowing Momentum

13:11 – Why Crowd-Chasing Fails and What to Do Instead

15:48 – Melbourne's Rebound and Sydney Apartment Opportunities

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/

What if the biggest lessons that will shape property investing in 2026 have already happened, and we just need to stop long enough to notice them?

Every year leaves clues. Some are obvious in hindsight, others quietly shape the next cycle without anyone paying attention.

And 2025 was packed with more of these clues than most years.

So today, Brett Warren and I unpack the 25 lessons from 2025 that smart property investors should carry into 2026 – the insights that help you cut through the noise, stay focused, and position yourself to thrive regardless of what the economy throws at us.

Takeaways

· Every fence in your life has a purpose; understand it before removing it.

· Media headlines can mislead; focus on long-term strategies instead.

· Investing is about finance, not just property; have a solid financial plan.

· Don't follow the crowd; the majority often makes poor investment choices.

· Diversification is key; don't rely on a single income stream.

· AI can assist in property research, but human insight is irreplaceable.

· Demand for property is outstripping supply, creating opportunities.

· The wealth gap is widening; those who invest will benefit more.

· Plan for the unexpected; have buffers in place for market fluctuations.

· 2026 is a year of opportunity for strategic investors.

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 Wealth Advisory 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.

Whether you're just starting out, deep in your wealth-building years, or nearing retirement, it's only natural to wonder: "How do I stack up compared to others?"

In today's show, Simon Kuestenmacher and I look into the fascinating – and sometimes uncomfortable world of generational wealth.

We discuss the current financial landscape, highlighting the wealth distribution among baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z.

Our conversation delves into the challenges faced by each generation, the impact of intergenerational wealth transfer, and the importance of strategic financial planning.

So if you're interested in whether you're on the right track financially – whether you're ahead of the average, or still catching up – stay tuned. This conversation might be the benchmark you've been looking for.

Takeaways

· Money only solves money problems, not all life problems.

· Wealth is built over decades, not overnight.

· Averages can be misleading; individual circumstances vary widely.

· Property remains a key asset for wealth accumulation in Australia.

· Generational wealth transfer is significant, especially from baby boomers to millennials.

· Millennials face unique challenges in the current economic landscape.

· Gen Z is just starting their financial journey with high debt levels.

· Financial strategies should be deliberate and well-planned.

· Relationships and health are crucial components of true wealth.

· Understanding demographic trends can inform better financial decisions.

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.

· Every entry receives a copy of a fully updated Michael Yardney Property Report.

Join Simon Kuestenmacher 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.

Michael Yardney

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

Simon Kuestenmacher: Australia's leading demographer and partner in the Demographics Group

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.

At the end of 2025, Australian property investors were hearing two very different stories.

On the one hand, we've seen strong price growth across most capital cities; rents were still painfully high for tenants, and auction clearance rates were holding up surprisingly well.

On the other hand, we were being warned about rising unemployment, sticky inflation, higher building costs, and plenty of noise about what could go wrong in 2026.

So what's really happening beneath the headlines? And more importantly, what does it mean for investors, home buyers and property markets next year?

Today, I'm joined by Dr Andrew Wilson to unpack his annual review of our housing markets for 2025 and his forecasts for 2026.

Andrew doesn't deal in hype. He deals in data, long-term trends, and the realities of how our housing markets actually work.

If you want clarity instead of clickbait, and perspective instead of panic, you'll want to stay with us.

Takeaways

· 2025 saw strong property price growth despite economic challenges.

· Interest rates and economic factors significantly influence housing markets.

· Building approvals for units increased, but house approvals faced challenges.

· Rental market showing signs of growth with low vacancies.

· Auction clearance rates are a positive indicator for future prices.

· House prices in major cities saw significant increases in 2025.

· Economic growth and job market stability support housing demand.

· Rising building costs may constrain new housing supply.

· 2026 is expected to continue the trend of property price growth.

· Affordability remains a concern, but lending practices ensure market stability.

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 Wealth Advisory to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us.

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Join 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.

Today Ken Raiss and I zoom out from the noise, unpack what's really going on beneath the surface, and help you make sense of the shifting forces shaping our economy, our property markets, and your long-term wealth.

The RBA wrapped up the year with a steady hand, but the tone behind that decision has raised more than a few eyebrows. Sure inflation is easing… except where it's not. Growth is soft… except where it matters. And the Board is hinting that some of these price pressures may be more persistent than we hoped.

So the narrative of "rate cuts in 2026" suddenly looks a lot less convincing than some commentators would have us believe.

At the same time, the property markets are setting up for another fascinating year. Prices continue to rise despite all the affordability hand-wringing, and that's because the market is being driven not by those who can't afford to buy, but by those who can.

And that creates very different conditions for investors, upgraders, downsizers, and the bank of Mum and Dad.

Plus, there's a fresh wave of questions about mortgage strategy. Should you fix now? Should you stay variable? Is waiting a mistake? With mixed signals from lenders - some even lifting fixed rates - this decision is far from straightforward.

Takeaways

· The Reserve Bank is navigating a complex economic landscape.

· Interest rates are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.

· Inflation continues to be a significant concern for the economy.

· The property market is influenced by those with financial capacity.

· Intergenerational wealth transfer is becoming increasingly important.

· Mortgage strategies should be tailored to individual circumstances.

· The bank of mum and dad plays a crucial role in property purchases.

· Understanding market dynamics is essential for investors.

· Financial planning should align with long-term goals.

· A holistic approach to wealth management is necessary.

Chapters

00:00 Why inflation risks keep rate cuts further away than expected. 04:00 The RBA's inflation dilemma as growth stays soft. 08:10 Per-capita recession pressures and who rates really hurt. 10:40 Why property prices rise despite affordability stress. 13:40 Equity, downsizers and the Bank of Mum & Dad drive demand. 16:40 Fix or variable: certainty, affordability and smart loan strategy.

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.

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.

https://www.wealthretreat.com.au/

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

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

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/

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

· 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 Wealth Advisory to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Join 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.