The Property Couch

Using a simple estimate based on a steady $800,000 mortgage balance, a 1.25 percentage point rate rise adds $10,000 a year in interest. 

That’s a big hit to the household budget.  

It can also put bigger decisions on the table, like whether to sell an investment property or extend a loan term.

🛋️ In Episode 623 of The Property Couch, Ben is joined by Couch Crew members Luke Oxenham and Ben Thompson to discuss the numbers they’d look at before making those life-changing calls.

Together, we cover household expenses, cash buffers, offset accounts and the trade-off between lower minimum repayments today and more interest over time.

Plus, Luke shares how he’s thinking about his own mortgage while preparing for a home upgrade.

🎧 If your savings buffer is shrinking or you’re wondering whether your home loan still fits your plans, listen now!

FREE STUFF MENTIONED

• 🎥 Free Webinar Replays
  Where does your money go each month? Watch How to Make Your Money Work Harder for practical ways to find more breathing room in your budget.
  👉 Watch the free replay and grab the slides 

Moorr Features:  

• 🏦 Open Banking
  Ever opened three banking apps just to see where your money went? Open Banking brings all your transactions together inside Moorr.
  👉 Join the Open Banking waitlist 
• 🎯 Dynamic MyGoals
  A home upgrade, a holiday or a bigger cash buffer. Which could you afford first? See how moving one goal forward changes the timing of the others.
  👉 See which goals you can afford in Moorr 
• 💸 Money Stretch
  If your income dropped tomorrow, how many months would your savings cover? Money Stretch helps you put a number on it.
  👉 Test how long your cash buffer could last 
• 📘 Make Money Simple Again
  Curious about the seven-day float Ben Thompson swears by? The free Money SMARTS ebook shows you how to set up a weekly spending allowance you can keep track of.
  👉 Get the free ebook in Moorr’s Knowledge Centre 

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

If property markets are softer and buyers have more negotiating power, why are so many people still sitting on the sidelines?

In this week’s FUNdamental Friday, Ben T and mortgage broker Luke Oxenham unpack one of the biggest questions facing buyers today:

Where have all the buyers gone?

Despite demand remaining strong, uncertainty around interest rates, borrowing capacity, employment security and property prices is causing many buyers to hesitate.

They discuss:
✅ Why buyers are delaying decisions
✅ Interest rates and borrowing power
✅ Job security and confidence
✅ Why people struggle to buy in uncertain markets
✅ Understanding local market conditions
✅ The danger of trying to time the market
✅ Why preparation creates confidence
✅ The opportunity hidden inside today’s hesitation

Because the very things making buyers nervous may also be creating the opportunities they’re looking for.

🏡 Thinking About Buying A Home?

Watch PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series designed to help Australians Prepare, Research and Execute their next property purchase with confidence.

🎥 thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase

⏱️Timestamps

00:00 Why buyers are hesitating
00:21 Why this topic is personal
00:37 Where have all the buyers gone?
00:50 The mortgage question buyers are asking
01:22 Stress testing future repayments
01:56 Why clearance rates are falling
02:17 Demand is still there
02:30 What’s causing buyer hesitation?
02:55 Employment uncertainty and borrowing power
03:17 The three biggest buyer fears
03:44 Why people try to time the bottom
04:08 Understanding your local market
04:35 Why headlines can be misleading
04:53 What auction activity is revealing
05:14 Making the invisible visible
05:41 The downside versus upside question
06:10 What value do you place on lifestyle?
6:23 Avoiding analysis paralysis
06:55 Why having a plan matters
07:18 Opportunity and uncertainty go hand-in-hand
07:30 Building confidence as a buyer
07:59 What buyers can control
08:26 The takeaway

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Helpful resources for you in these tough times:

🏡 Sell, Hold or Buy? Webinar: Know your options before making your next property move. https://thepropertycouch.com.au/webinar-sell-or-buy/

💰 Money & Mortgage Webinar: Make your money work harder and find more breathing room in your budget. https://thepropertycouch.com.au/webinar

💸 Moorr Cashflow Breakdown: See exactly where your money goes. https://www.moorr.com.au/household-cash-flow-diagram/

🎯 Moorr Dynamic MyGOALS: Prioritise your goals and see what's achievable. https://www.moorr.com.au/mygoals 

🏠 Moorr Property Value Estimate: Find out what your property could be worth today. https://www.moorr.com.au/property-value-estimate/ 

Moorr Open Banking Waitlist: https://www.moorr.com.au/openbanking

---

Interest rates are rising. Property prices are under pressure. And for some investors, the fear of missing out (FOMO) is quickly becoming the fear of NOT getting out (FUNGO). 😬 

But before you panic, sell your property or make your next big move, Ben Kingsley has an important message: Tough times call for clear thinking, not knee-jerk decisions. 

In this week’s Tuesday episode, Ben gets a few things off his chest. From property spruikers and misleading market predictions to the importance of quality assets and long-term thinking, he unpacks what's happening in Australia's property market and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

You'll discover:

• Why good advice and a convincing sales pitch are NOT the same thing.
• How to assess whether your investment property is worth holding.
• Why reviewing your household spending could be more important than ever.
• Where opportunities could emerge for patient, long-term investors.
• Practical ways to strengthen your cash flow and financial resilience.

Because while you can't control interest rates or property prices, you CAN control your spending, your decisions and how prepared you are for what comes next.

🎧 Tune in for some perspective, practical insights and a timely reminder to stay focused on the bigger picture.

 ---

 ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Ben Gets on His Soapbox!

00:17 – The Fifth Rate Rise: What Now?

00:51 – What Fuelled the Property FOMO?

01:25 – From FOMO to FUNGO

01:49 – Good Advice or a Sales Pitch?

02:38 – Predictions vs Prophecies

04:33 – 3 Questions Every Investor Should Ask

05:03 – Confidence ≠ Credibility

06:43 – The Risk of Poor Locations

07:07 – Could Interest Rates Rise Again?

08:29 – Should You Sell or Hold?

10:36 – Buying Quality in a Downturn

12:00 – Where Could Opportunities Emerge?

12:30 – Why Melbourne Might Be Different

13:05 – Take Control of Your Cash Flow

13:30 – NEW: Moorr Cashflow Breakdown

14:46 – NEW: Dynamic MyGOALS

15:52 – NEW: Property Value Estimate

16:29 – What's Next?

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Do young, healthy Australians actually need insurance?

Many people assume insurance is something to think about later in life.

But according to financial adviser Chemere Brown, the majority of insurance claims occur between the ages of 25 and 45.

In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Shane and Chemere unpack some of the biggest insurance myths and explain why many Australians may be underinsured during the years they have the most financial commitments.

They discuss:

✅ Why most claims happen between 25 and 45
✅ Why being healthy may actually be the best reason to get insured
✅ Income protection explained
✅ Common misconceptions about insurance through super
✅ Why your future income may be your biggest asset
✅ Waiting periods and affordability options
✅ Whether savings alone are enough protection
✅ Why property investors should review their insurance strategy

Because your biggest financial risk often isn't what you think it is.

🏡 Thinking About Buying A Home?

Watch PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series designed to help Australians Prepare, Research and Execute their next property purchase with confidence.

🎥 thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 I'm young and healthy. Why do I need insurance?
00:25 Meet Chemere Brown
00:56 Insurance myth #1
01:26 Why most claims happen between 25 and 45
01:54 The most common insurance claims
02:35 Why healthy people should get insured
03:11 Why risk is often highest between 25 and 45
03:39 Is insurance inside super enough?
04:24 The insurance gap most people miss
04:45 Why your income is your biggest asset
05:15 If you can only afford one type of cover
05:59 Tax deductions and insurance
06:54 Is insurance only for death?
07:10 Where most claims actually occur
07:41 Waiting periods explained
08:40 How waiting periods can reduce premiums
09:08 Can you just rely on savings?
09:21 The average Australian savings balance
09:54 How much emergency savings should households hold?
10:19 Insurance for property investors
10:51 Why financial advice matters
11:13 PRE-Purchase series

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Would you trust AI with your home loan? 🤖🏡 

It might find a cheap rate, but will it ask the questions that could change your next property move?

In this topical episode, Ben is joined by investment-savvy mortgage brokers and Couch Crew members Luke Oxenham and Brad Fraser to unpack: 

🔒 Mortgage prison: why a cheaper loan can still be out of reach 
⚖️ Fixed vs variable: certainty, flexibility and the trade-offs 
🧮 Borrowing calculators: will the bank agree with your estimate? 
🤖 AI and mortgages: accuracy, accountability and keeping a human in the loop 
💸 “It’s cost me hundreds of thousands”: the questions Ben wishes his first broker had asked 

Plus, a real client story where sequencing made the difference, and how AI could reshape property finance. 

Buying, refinancing or investing? Find out what matters beyond the rate.

FREE STUFF MENTIONED

• WOULD YOU LET AI APPLY FOR YOUR LOAN? 🤖 
  Explore the Experian research that sparked this week’s discussion: AI in Risk: The Rise of Agentic Commerce, conducted by Forrester Consulting.
  👉 Read the research findings >>  
• OPEN BANKING: GOODBYE, MANUAL INPUTS? 🏦
  Find out how open banking could simplify bringing your financial information into Moorr—and keep an eye on what’s coming.
  👉 Learn more about open banking >> 
• LOOK BEYOND THE LISTING 🔎
  Researching your next purchase? Explore Moorr’s property research tools to dig deeper into potential opportunities.
  👉 Explore the property research tools >> 
• IS YOUR HOME LOAN READY FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE? 🤝 
  A competitive rate is just the beginning. Speak with Empower Wealth’s investment-savvy mortgage broking team about a loan that supports your bigger picture.
  👉 Explore your lending options >> 

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Halloween might be over, but the scary stuff isn’t. 

Inflation is back on the rise, unemployment is creeping up, and the property market is working through what could be its biggest correction in 40 years.  

Ben Kingsley and economist Evan Lucas unpack the RBA’s November decision, why Australia’s inflation problem is increasingly homegrown, why rents aren’t coming down, and why productivity is the problem interest rates can’t fix. 

💡 When was the last time you reviewed your loan? Let our team assess your mortgage and help you find a better deal. 

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Is Australia's property market really performing the way the headlines suggest?

In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Thompson sits down with independent property economist Cameron Kusher to unpack what's actually happening beneath the surface of today's housing market.

From interest rates and buyer confidence through to property data, sales volumes and long-term housing fundamentals, Cameron explains why the widely reported numbers don't always reflect what's happening on the ground.

They discuss:

✅ Why major property indices can lag reality
✅ Why some markets may be down more than reported
✅ The importance of stock levels, listings and days on market
✅ Why sales volumes matter more than many people realise
✅ The impact of higher interest rates across the broader economy
✅ Whether waiting for prices to recover is a good strategy
✅ Australia's housing shortage and migration trends
✅ Why asset selection will matter more in the years ahead

Because understanding what's really happening in the market is often more valuable than following the headlines.

🏡 Thinking about buying a home?

Watch PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series that helps Australians Prepare, Research and Execute their next property purchase with confidence.

🎥 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase

⏰Timestamps
00:00 Should you wait for property prices to recover?
00:19 Meet Cameron Kusher
01:35 What's driving today's housing market?
02:00 Interest rates, tax changes and buyer confidence
02:48 Why property data may be understating declines
03:40 The market says 5%. Reality says 8-9%
03:59 Why falling sales volumes matter more
04:32 Why buyers behave differently to share investors
04:49 How housing impacts the broader economy
05:08 More rate rises ahead?
05:32 Why Cameron expects future rate cuts
06:04 How to get a real-time read on the market
06:23 The key indicators Cameron watches
06:59 Why buyers may have more opportunity today
07:19 Upgrading in a falling market
07:42 Should you wait for prices to recover?
08:12 Cameron's three key market indicators
08:23 Property, confidence and human behaviour
09:09 The long-term housing fundamentals
09:49 Housing shortages and migration
10:13 Why asset selection matters more than ever
10:47 Final takeaways

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

What happens when property prices stop going up? 🏠 

For buyers, it might feel like an opportunity. For homeowners and investors, it can raise a very different question: what does this mean for my wealth? 

But the impact of a property slowdown can reach much further than the Aussies simply buying and selling. 

In this week’s episode, Ben is joined by independent property economist Cameron Kusher and economic futurist Evan Lucas to discuss the changing property market, the pressures on Australian households and the economic decisions we can no longer avoid. 

They explore why Cameron thinks the next 30 years could look different for property investors, whether Australians are working harder just to stay afloat, and why Evan is watching for a potential “spending cliff” after Christmas. 

So, is Australia heading for a property market reckoning? 

Let the debate begin…

FREE STUFF MENTIONED

• 📊 HOW MUCH IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH?
  Explore Moorr’s property research tools, including property value estimates, to better understand your property and the market.
  👉 Explore the new features >> 
• 💰 COULD YOU FREE UP MORE HOUSEHOLD CASH FLOW?
  Watch Ben’s Money & Mortgage Management webinar for practical ways to manage your money and create more breathing room.
  👉 Watch the replay >>
• 📱 SEE WHERE YOUR MONEY’S REALLY GOING
  Discover Moorr’s new cash flow breakdown and expense dashboard to compare your budget with actual spending. 
  👉 See what’s new in Moorr >>
  🏘️ CONNECT WITH CAMERON KUSHER
  Looking for deeper property market insights? Explore Kusher Consulting’s property research, analysis and commentary. 
  👉 Find out more about Kusher Consulting >> 
• Guests & Episodes Mentioned:  
  • 324 | Property Market Outlook 2021 – Chat With Cameron Kusher 

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Think back to your very first interaction with money. Not your first job or bank account, but the first time it was physically in your hands.

For most of us, it probably went something like this: you were a toddler, you found a coin, and you put it straight in your mouth. An adult pulled it out and said: Don’t do that. Money is dirty.

Obviously, they were talking about germs. But it’s a fascinating example of how early the language around money begins. 

In this week’s Throwback Tuesday snippet, entrepreneur and author Denise Duffield-Thomas explores the money messages we absorb growing up and how these beliefs can sit underneath our decisions for years.

📖 The Money Beliefs You Didn’t Know You Had
🎧 Listen to the original episode

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Most people don't avoid insurance because they think it's bad. They avoid it because they'll "get around to it later."

In this episode of Friday Fundamentals, Shane sits down with insurance specialist Don Glendinning to bust some of the biggest myths surrounding life insurance, income protection and personal cover.

They unpack why so many Australians delay getting insurance, what can happen when unexpected events strike, and why even basic cover can be better than having none at all.

Whether you're buying a home, starting a family, building wealth, or simply trying to protect your future, this conversation will help you understand why insurance is a key part of any financial plan.

In this episode:

✅ Why people keep delaying insurance decisions
✅ The risks of relying on luck and good health
✅ What income protection actually does
✅ Insurance through super vs personal cover
✅ Why financial advisers play a critical role
✅ Common misconceptions about insurance costs
✅ The importance of reviewing your cover before major life events

If you've ever thought "I'll sort that out later", this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

🏡 Thinking About Buying A Home?

Check out PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series designed to help Australians buy property with greater confidence.

From creating a property brief through to auctions, negotiations and settlement, each episode tackles a key stage of the buying journey.

🎥 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase

⌛Timestamps

00:00 Why insurance can't always wait
00:25 Introduction to the insurance myth
00:58 The "I'll get around to it later" mindset
01:31 Real stories of insurance regrets
02:25 What happens when income suddenly stops?
02:56 Understanding income protection
03:41 The backup plan most people overlook
03:49 Why you should review your cover today
04:51 Major life events and insurance timing
05:05 Is insurance really too expensive?
06:23 Insurance through advisers, super and direct providers
07:10 Why super insurance may not be enough
08:24 Australia's underinsurance problem
09:08 Industry changes and fewer advisers
09:55 Why professional advice matters
10:04 Pre-Purchase podcast update

#Insurance #LifeInsurance #IncomeProtection #FinancialPlanning #PersonalFinance #MoneyTips #FinancialAdvice #FridayFundamentals #WealthBuilding #PropertyCouch

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube