In this episode of The Property Trio Podcast, Dave hosts the annual Predictions episode. Part one of a two-part series, the Trio share their predictions on growth, markets, rents, investor numbers and more. It's one episode that is not to be missed!

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/01/05/2026-predictions-part-1/

And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC. 

You can access tickets here.

In this episode of The Property Trio Podcast, Cate hosts a listener questions episode featuring the mortgage questions borrowers ask most often. Inspired by a listener question from Callum, the Trio open the vault on borrowing capacity, rental income treatment, interest-only strategies, and the tax traps that can quietly cost property owners hundreds of thousands over time.

Wishing our listeners a happy and prosperous 2026!

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/29/mortgage-strategy-questions-answered/

In this episode, The Trio explore how to identify serious competitors, read buyer behaviour, understand market forces, and apply smart tactics to gain an edge in both auctions and private sales.

Wishing our loyal listeners a safe and joyous festive season!

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:

https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/22/determining-genuine-buyer-competition/

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Mike, Cate, and Dave unpack the latest November market figures.

Perth continues to surge, gaining pace this month with a 2.4% lift, and investor lending hits record highs, prompting APRA to potentially apply changes. National prices rise more than one per cent for the third month running, and the Trio talk about the uplift in rental growth that has struck in recent months.

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/15/ep-340-november-2025-market-update/

This episode busts the biggest mortgage myths costing borrowers money. Mike, Cate and Dave unpack why the lowest rate isn’t always best, how repayment strategy affects future tax deductions, why borrowing capacity varies by lender, the truth about maternity-leave lending, and why bank loyalty rarely pays.

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/08/mortgage-myths-exposed/

This episode unpacks the adoption of AI for use in property analysis, due diligence, and decision-making.
AI is transforming property research, but the Trio reveal its limits. AI can be great for summaries, but is often poor with data accuracy. It can be useful for ideas, yet dangerous for decisions. Cate, Dave and Mike recommend that AI users always verify numbers and rely on expert judgement when it comes to making property decisions.

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/24/unlimited-borrowing-myth/

This episode unpacks the myth of “unlimited borrowing” through multiple trust structures. Cate, Dave, and Mike explain why lenders look through trusts to the borrower, meaning all debts are still counted. They cover higher costs, tougher lending policies, and land tax pitfalls. Trusts offer asset protection, not extra borrowing capacity....So investors must seek proper legal, tax, and lending advice.

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/01/ai-and-property/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

🎧In this month’s Property Trio market update, Mike, Cate, and Dave unpack the latest October market figures... and there are some interesting stats to discuss 📊 

💥 Nationally, growth is still positive for every single capital city. Perth has topped the charts at 1.9% monthly growth, while Darwin, Adelaide and Brisbane remain close with 1.6%, 1.4% and 1.8% respectively. Melbourne and Sydney may not have growth to match the others, but for Melbourne in particular at 0.9%, this monthly growth is the strongest that the southern city has delivered all year. The sheer weighting of both of the largest capital cities have a bearing on national growth also. 

"The pace of growth in Australian home values accelerated in October, rising by 1.1%; the fastest monthly gain since June 2023." (Cotality) 

💬 The Trio discuss the spread of value growth in each capital city. The middle and lower quartiles continue to perform strongly, even as the top end remains subdued. Could the 5% deposit guarantee, combined with stronger investor interest be the cause of this? 

📈 And for the first time in a while, the combined capitals are out-starting the combined regionals. Regional WA shines with 1.8% growth for the month, some 0.7% stronger than the next, (regional QLD). Like the capitals, every single combined state/territory region exhibited positive growth for October.

🏠 Meanwhile, rents continue to show strength, with Darwin and Hobart continuing to demonstrate the strongest change in rents. 

"Unit rents are rising faster than house rents across most cities." 

Pressure on rental yields is a hallmark of rising capital values, and the gross rental yields chart illustrates this well.

Vacancy rates remain low — with the tightest city at just 0.4% in Hobart and the highest vacancy rate still being a low 1.8% in Melbourne — signalling an ongoing rental crisis driven by housing shortages and a struggling construction sector.

Listing numbers are interesting - while the new listing numbers within just 3% of previous year (and 0.4% from the past five year average), it's all listings that tell the true story. Nationally, our listing numbers are down 14.3% compared to last year, and 18.3% down compared to the past five year average. It's easy to see why values are surging in some markets where the supply and demand imbalance has struck. 

💰 Consumer sentiment tells a few surprising stories, with "a markedly more confident assessment of prospects for the economy" apparent. Several measures in the indices exhibited a strong increase in sentiment, with both the expectations of economic conditions in the next twelve months, and interest rate expectations index jumps recorded in early November.

The Trio look forward to the monthly reporting of CPI going forward, and in particular, what this will do for visibility within the Reserve Bank Board's dashboard.

Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/17/ep-336-october-2025-market-update/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM


In this week’s episode, the Trio tackle a serious issue..... Underquoting. It frustrates buyers, skews listing information, and undermines trust. In this fiery episode, Dave, Cate, and Mike unpack what underquoting really is, how to recognise it, and why buyers need stronger protection.

What Underquoting Actually Is 🔍

Dave kicks off with a clear definition: underquoting occurs when an agent knowingly markets a property below their genuine selling expectation to lure buyer competition. Cate calls out the emotional and financial cost; wasted weekends, building reports, and heartbreak. While Mike reminds listeners that intent matters. “Markets can throw us some surprises, but habitual low quoting is a deliberate strategy,” he says. 

Why It Happens 😤

Cate dives into the psychology: “Quote it low and watch it go.” Buyers believe they’ve found a bargain, then get emotionally invested and bid beyond budget. Dave and Mike agree; the system often rewards this behaviour. With penalties so small, some would consider them a marketing cost, so there’s minimal deterrent. 

Spotting the Red Flags 🚩

The Trio share tell-tale signs: 

• Unrealistic price guides versus recent sales
• Poorly chosen “comparable” properties
• Agents pushing back on receiving early offers, or step-quoting higher near auction
• Vendors’ reserves far above quoted ranges

If a particular agency always sells far above their guide, it’s not coincidence, it’s culture.

How Buyers Can Protect Themselves 🧠

Cate and Mike share empowering tools: track sold results, not quotes; ask direct questions about comparable sales; and never let emotions set your ceiling. Dave adds, “Budget for due diligence, and apply it with strategy, not sentiment.” 

Fixing the System ⚖️

The Trio turn their attention to reform. Cate explains Victoria’s “Statement of Information” system and its limits, noting regulators lack resources to enforce it. Together, the team propose meaningful changes: 

• Larger, tiered penalties tied to property value to truly deter misconduct
• Mandatory digital audit trails tracking buyer feedback and agent communications
• Public access to initial listing appraisals shared with vendors
• Automatic public guide adjustments when vendor expectations shift

“Buyers deserve trust and transparency, and tech makes it achievable,” says Mike.

And our gold nuggets!..... 

Cate Bakos's gold nugget: Cate advises against relying on CMA's (Comparative Market Analysis). While they can be useful for looking at the comparable sales, the algorithms themselves aren't reliable.

Mike Mortlock's gold nugget:"If you're not going to spend more time researching your property purchase than what you'd spend on your holiday, you should consider using a buyer's agent". 

Dave Johnston's gold nugget: Dave talks about the responsibility that rests on the buyer when it comes to understanding the right price to pay. "Control the controllables!" 

Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/10/underquoting-2/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

In this week’s episode, the Trio unpack one of the most impactful housing policy changes we’ve seen in years: the expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme. As of 1 October, eligible first home buyers can now enter the market with just a 5% deposit and without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. And the ripple effects are already being felt across the country.

🏡 What’s Changed & Why It Matters 
Mike kicks things off with the big picture: income caps are gone, price caps are up, and the government is backing loans to get first-timers into their homes sooner. Dave explains how removing income limits and lifting price ceilings, (in some cities by hundreds of thousands) effectively signals both first home buyers and investors to jump in before prices move. Cate highlights that even extremely high-income buyers now qualify; a huge shift from the previous capped system.  This policy isn’t subtle. Median-value homes in major cities are suddenly on the table with just a 5% deposit, and the Trio discuss how this is set to turbocharge demand in tightly-contested price brackets.

🔍 Lived Reality & Market Signals 
Cate shares what she’s seeing on the ground. First home buyer confidence is up and brokers are reporting a surge in FHB pre-approvals. Dave breaks down the lender variations too because even though there are 33 participating lenders, each has its own rules on how much savings buyers must contribute. 

💰 The Numbers That Matter 
Using an $800k purchase example, Cate shows just how game-changing this is: requiring only $40k instead of $160k saves years of waiting, plus buyers avoid tens of thousands in Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). But beware...stamp duty can still bite hard, especially in VIC and NSW, and in some cases can even exceed the deposit. That means a 5% deposit isn’t the whole story. Buyers still need buffers and strategy. 

📈 Will This Push Prices Up? 
Short answer: yes. Treasury forecasts a modest 0.5% uplift, but independent modelling suggests growth from 3.5–6.5% in key price brackets is more likely, especially where demand is already hot. Over time, supply could catch up, but in the short term, the Trio expect competition to rise.  The scheme creates opportunity, but strategy, buffers, and smart lending advice remain essential. This initiative is great for the right buyers, not a cure-all for affordability, and definitely a market-mover.

And our gold nuggets!.....

Cate Bakos's gold nugget: Cate reflects on the policy, and what she'd do differently. "I do like the policy, but I don't like price caps. They segment markets". Cate proposes an uncapped offering.

Dave Johnston's gold nugget: Dave feels the policy makers could have spent more time on the scheme to have it more appropriately targeted. He uses singles without parental support as a key example of one of the categories of buyers who really need the help. 

Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/03/fhb-deposit-guarantee/