Episodes

  • #289: Shared Equity Strategies - Making the Most of Government Schemes and Property Planning Strategies as You Transition to Full Ownership
    Dec 23 2024
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    A lovely listener writes in to us with some questions about the Victorian shared equity scheme. Shared equity opportunities aren't restricted to just Victoria though. This ep is relevant to any Australians who are considering a shared equity option with the government.

    How should Luke approach this? Should he pay it down with savings (or debt), sell and upgrade, or convert the home to an investment in time?

    Some background on our listener: Luke is 30 years old, high school teacher, on 120k annual salary, 1 baby, 2 dogs, 0 cats. I like that dog to cat to child ratio! His partner will return back to work in about 6 months on approximately $70k but this timeframe is up in the air to some degree subject to how life with the baby and parenting goes, but when she does go back, this will take their total income up to $190k. Luke bought his home in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne for $670k in 2021 with the Victorian Homebuyer Fund’s help, contributing 5% of the purchase price himself and with the Gov’t Fund covering another 25%. The home’s value has since increased to around $720,000 to $740,000, maybe more.

    Dave talks our listeners through the government's stake, and how the rules determine the equity split as the property appreciates. Luke can repay the government in various ways, but which way is the optimal? Tune in to find out. Luke needs to be aware of the calculations that govern the methodology for government payout.

    Mike lists some of the rules that the government have determined for equity buy-back. From bulk payment minimums to valuation steps, the rules are reasonably structured. Should Luke reduce the government's share gradually, versus saving up to repay the government later? Every situation is unique, but Dave shares some ideas for our listener to consider. One is a bit outside of the square, but it's a great discussion point.

    The Trio canvas the pro's, cons and realities of shared equity. Is a Lender's Mortgage Insurance premium something that a shared equity purchaser should consider? As Mike eludes to, it's really a question of timing, planning and goals.

    Cate challenges Mike.... those who consider shared equity schemes with the government need the help, and she points out the merits of such schemes. Luke has a few options to consider, but a few restrictions to bear in mind also. The Trio wish him the very best of luck with his property journey. .....

    and our gold nuggets!

    Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget: Mike highlights the upside for those who have limited deposits.

    Dave Johnston's gold nugget: Aim to maximise your ownership as soon as possible! Full equity ownership is one benefit, but the options to renovate, improve, extend, invest are exciting too.

    Cate Bakos’s gold nugget: For those who can enter with a small deposit under the First Home Guarantee Scheme or Home Guarantee scheme.... they could also consider these options too.

    Show Notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/12/23/shared-equity/
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    41 mins
  • #288: Market Update Nov 24 – Perth, Brisbane & Adelaide Slow, Listings Surge in Perth & Adelaide, Rate Cut Predictions & Productivity Woes
    Dec 16 2024
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    The Trio are back together in the studio! The Trio comment on some of the interesting indices for the state of the nation in the month of November.

    Cate marvels at regional performance outstripping capital city performance. The big tier, top three cities are showing weaker growth and Melbourne has continued to show modest price falls.

    Dave predicts that 2025 could be the story of Melbourne and Hobart. He shares his rationale... let's see how his prediction lands!

    Mike points to the stratified price figures and notes that the lowest quartiles are outperforming, all but for ACT and Dave touches on the per capita recession we are all currently in. Canberra's public servant population defies this trend.

    Rents are dipping, but they are all still in positive territory, as as Cate mentions, the rental growth is still outstripping CPI.

    "Any other precedent would say that these are huge numbers, but they've come off the boil a long way," says Mike.

    Rental increases now are normalised now though, and as Peter Koulizos has said before, rents had to play catch-up.


    Rental yields have decreased substantially for many regional cities, and Cate considers some of the challenges and changes that have impacted quite a few regional markets since COVID lockdowns.

    Sales and listing activity is a great insight into market supply. Cate doesn't expect listing figures to dramatically increase and she hints that pent up demand could show itself in early January in the larger markets. Could the start of 2025 be a bit different to recent past years? Tune in to find out.

    Contrasting the listing figures from October to November tells an interesting story too. Hobart's decrease in listings when contrasted against this time last year is significant. What is happening in Hobart?

    The Trio chat about the pressure on the RBA to control monetary policy, and they consider the key drivers and data points that our RBA are keeping a close watch on. From productivity to services inflation, unemployment to public sector job growth, (just to name a few) there are plenty of moving parts that remain a challenge.

    The quarterly GDP figures are out for the month of September and the strongest segment leading the charge is Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing at 6.5%.

    Lastly, the Trio share their thoughts on when the next rate movement could be!

    Show Notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/12/16/ep-288-nov-market-update/
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    43 mins
  • #287: How Government Interventions Are Shaping the Property Market – The Real Impact & Side Effects of Property Regulations
    Dec 9 2024
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    Today, Cate and Mike tackle a broad array of government incentives, legislative changes and initiatives. Have they all worked? And what are some of the unintended consequences.

    "Lack of consultation is probably a root cause of some of these negative outcomes."

    The rollout of the recent Victorian rental minimum standards is one key example. As Cate points out, some of the broad brushstroke recommendations weren't all practical. The investor-led sales have also distorted the market somewhat, (for both sales and rentals) particularly when older style houses in need of renovation are concerned.

    From the Pink Batts scheme to cottage industries, the Duo cover off some of the negative news stories from the past.

    Mike dares to touch on land tax. Queensland's repealed land tax legislation is a great case in point, and Mike's company's data supported the fact that the policy was conceived. Over a 98 day period, a 17.8% drop of investment activity in this short period resulted. Data is so valuable.

    Pivoting from sales activity to purchaser activity, Mike and Cate consider stamp duty concessions. Thresholds are important to note, as concessional caps sometimes don't seem to make a lot of sense. Which states have got it right, and which states are missing the mark? How do concessions distort markets?

    Cate cites the Victorian COVID recovery stamp duty stimulus and she discusses the impact that it had on median sale prices and market segmentation.

    Tackling underquoting is an enormous problem for regulators. Legislation on quoting regimes across the states and territories varies greatly, but some measures that have been intended to solve the issue have amplified the issue even further and convoluted the process.

    And how has rent-bidding legislation impacted the industry? Tune in to find out...

    Lastly... what is the lasting legacy of the HomeBuilder grant? Did our government get it right? From trade shortages to untenable deadlines, there were plenty of challenges for homeowners to manage. Market distortion was a key problem, according to Cate. Mike quotes a 33% material input price hike during the COVID period.

    ..... and our gold nuggets!

    Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget: “If you move the needle somewhere, there is going to be a ripple somewhere else.”

    Cate Bakos’s gold nugget: Foreign investor surcharges rattled Melbourne's market a decade ago. Specific areas were impacted and local owners felt the brunt of this.

    Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/12/09/government-intervention/
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    43 mins
  • #286: Is Investing in Property Still Worth It? Navigating the Shifting Property Landscape
    Dec 2 2024
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    Today, Cate and Mike dive headfirst into the findings from the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) Sentiment Survey, taking the opportunity to unpack some pressing questions while Dave is away. A big thank you to all the investors who contributed to the survey—it’s their insights that shape episodes like this!

    Why are more investors selling properties in major cities like Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney? Cate and Mike explore the rising compliance costs, government policies, and economic pressures that are prompting these decisions. They also examine how this trend is reshaping the rental market, leaving renters with fewer options in an already tight landscape.

    Mike highlights a key survey finding: While investor sentiment has cooled, nearly 46% of respondents still believe it’s a good time to invest in property. He delves into why Australia’s long-term housing fundamentals—like leveraging, supply constraints, and resilient demand—continue to appeal to savvy investors.

    Cate reflects on the contrasting approaches states are taking to housing reform, with Victoria’s “hammer of Thor” policies driving investors away, while WA’s incentive-driven approach encourages positive change. Together, they share insights into what reforms are stressing investors most and how policies can better support both tenants and landlords.

    They also tackle the challenges of cash flow shortfalls caused by rising interest rates and costs. While some investors are forced to increase rents, others are reluctant, choosing to keep loyal tenants even if it impacts their bottom line.

    ..... and our gold nuggets!

    Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget: “Participating in surveys like PIPA’s isn’t just about sharing your story; it’s a chance to influence policy and create real change for investors.”

    Cate Bakos’s gold nugget: “This ecosystem thrives when both tenants and landlords feel supported—let’s aim for balance, not division.”

    Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/12/02/is-investing-in-property-still-worth-it/
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    40 mins
  • #285: First-Time Property Investors and Family Planning - A Smart Approach to Wealth-Building
    Nov 25 2024
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    Today the Trio roll up their sleeves and tackle first-time property investors and family planning. A special callout to our lovely listeners, "Sheree" and "Chloe" (not their real names), for prompting this insightful episode.

    Why do first-time investors often consider helping their children onto the property ladder? Cate and Mike discuss Sheree's situation, where family planning meets wealth-building.

    Cate highlights the unique challenges and strategies for investing with a long-term goal of aiding children, even when they're still in primary school.

    Cate dives into key considerations such as the structure of the investment, future financial implications and the need for expert advice. Whether it's about protecting the asset, tax-effective planning or ensuring the investment is a gift and not a burden, the duo unpacks what parents need to know before buying property for their kids.

    Mike emphasises the importance of planning for retirement first before taking steps to support children.

    They explore how defined benefit super funds like Sheree's provide a foundation of financial security and why this can influence property investment decisions.

    Chloe’s question focuses on planning her first property investment. She impresses the team with her detailed groundwork—budgeting, borrowing and cash flow planning.

    Cate underscores the importance of clarity around long-term goals: Is it about building a multi-property portfolio or securing a single growth asset? This distinction guides every next step.

    The team debates whether to go for national versus local expertise when selecting a property, with Cate advocating for local buyer's agents who deeply understand their markets. She also highlights the risks of analysis paralysis and the elusive "perfect property." Instead, they encourage focusing on sound fundamentals and a strategy aligned with future aspirations.

    ..... and our gold nuggets!

    Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: "The more work you do on your strategy, the fewer options—and more clarity—you'll have for making the right decision."
    Cate Bakos's gold nugget: "When you're helping your kids, always ask: Is it a gift or a burden?"

    Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/11/25/first-time-property-investors-family-planning/
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    41 mins
  • #284: Market Update Oct 24 – Sentiment Waxes & Wanes but for Which States? Melbourne Yields Make History! Mid-size Capitals Slow
    Nov 18 2024
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    Cate kicks off this episode with Dave while Mike hikes around New Zealand. The Duo note some of the interesting indices for the state of the nation in the month of October. They marvel at Hobart's quick pivot and wonder what has driven the positive growth. The combined regions outperformed the combined capitals too, and despite the strong monthly performance in Perth, they note that growth has slowed of late.

    Dave and Cate delve into reluctant-seller psychology. After the high's of 2021 for the eastern states, and observing Perth's stellar run over the past couple of years, it's interesting to consider what behaviours are exhibited when locations experience downturns following a strong run.

    Dave notes that consumer sentiment data is suggesting many have a keen eye on Melbourne, and Cate shares some observations about the regional performance in Victoria.

    Segmenting the market into price quartiles tells quite a story. Cate and Dave use some examples in the market and they canvas the reasons why the various price points have performed so differently to each other.

    Rents remain steady, and aside from Hobart, the pace of growth has slowed. However, vacancy rates remain very tight and yields have strengthened. Dave points out that this combination of data is a leading indicator for value growth.

    Perth's downward trajectory over the past few months is quite obvious, but what could be driving Hobart's rent? Could it be an increase in short-stay dwellings? Has domestic travel to the Apple Isle increased? Or could it be related to the weather? The Duo mull it over...

    The correlation between capital growth and listing activity is one of the Trio's favourite discussion points each month. Although Dave makes an important point. "One of the issues with a five year average is that it doesn't factor in population growth." What's driving listing activity around the nation? Tune in to find out....

    New listing activity has pivoted and Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra listing activity has dropped compared to this time, last year. On the flip-side, Perth and Darwin are exhibiting higher numbers of new listings.

    The consumer sentiment index shows a marked increase in the "Time to Buy a Dwelling) measure, and Dave breaks down the data by state. Victoria's measure is now over 100, a 31.5% increase, while Western Australia's measure dropped to 66. Dave points out the potential price signals in combination with listing activity.

    Investors are moving back in to the market at a higher rate and lending has remained steady accross the board. Victoria has underperformed on the investment lending front, unsurprisingly. NSW leads the chase with 44% of new loans secured in September.

    Monthly change of employed people jumped 44,000; a figure that eclipses what many would have expected. Our unemployment rate remains steady despite fears of job-losses as coined by the RBA.

    And... time for our gold nuggets...

    Cate Bakos's gold nugget: The new listing activity for 2024 campaigns is easing and there is only realistically another fortnight to run before campaigns finish and the market goes into hibernation over the Christmas period. For any buyers who wanted to purchase in 2024, now is the time! Get out there!

    David Johnston's gold nugget: Make your own decisions based on your own personal economy!

    Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/11/15/ep-284-oct-market-update/
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    45 mins
  • #283: Your Guide to Regional Property Investing - Critical Strategies and Townsville in the Spotlight
    Nov 11 2024
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    Today the Trio roll up their sleeves and tackle regional investing. A special callout to our lovely listener, Ester for prompting this exciting episode.

    Why do investors choose to invest regionally? Cate shares some of the reasons she started investing in the regions. Cashflow is one key element, but diversification also counts.Cate sheds light on some of the considerations that investors need to apply when selecting one region over another. Distance, demographics, target tenants and the growth drivers are all important considerations.

    Lack of diverse employers is a threat to some of the smaller regional cities, but Townsville is not one of these. It's the 14th largest city in Australia and this glorious, sunny city has a lot on offer. The Trio delve into what makes Townsville special.

    Cate shares some of the common traps and downsides that investors need to be aware of when it comes to regional investing. Picking a cheapie and buying in the Bronx is a risk for those who don't do their homework. Careful selection of a good investment area is critical.Keeping trade services in mind is really important in the regions.

    Cate also sheds light on some of the difficulties associated with harnessing tradespeople in some of the regional cities.Let's talk about Townsville! There are some significant projects underway and the Trio list some of these. The strategic location and port access count for a lot also, and the Trio also chat about the economic and industrial drivers in the area. Townsville is made up of more than forty suburbs, and it's bigger than Darwin when it comes to population count. It's the largest urban centre in northern Queensland, and surprisingly, health is the number one employer in the city.

    Townsville's involvement in defence is significant and the Trio share some of the insights they've gathered. Job growth is the big item for discussion, though. The fundamentals sound very strong and sustainable. Tune in to find out more......

    .. and our gold nuggets!

    Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: "Firstly, make sure Townsville, (or any other region) fits within your strategy. But... is the word already out about Townsville?"

    Cate Bakos's gold nugget: You really need to understand the growth drivers, the vulnerabilities of the area, the good streets, the tenant demands and the flavour of the region. Buy and hold, long term is a great fit for regional cities.

    Special mention to our industry friend, Simon Pressley from Propertyology, for his generosity with his research and information.

    Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/11/11/regional_investing/
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    39 mins
  • #282: The Ultimate Guide to Property Depreciation - Maximise Your Investment Returns with Expert Advice on Tax Deductions
    Nov 4 2024
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM


    Today's episode is all about depreciation; Mike's wheelhouse! Dave opens the conversation with a question for Mike, "How often should I update or review my depreciation schedule to maximise my tax benefits?" Reports last an owner as long as they hold the property. Mike delves into the role of the quantity surveyor when it comes to estimating construction costs.

    One of Cate's investing mistakes gets aired; after having completed a significant renovation on an investment property, Cate overlooked the chance to arrange a depreciation schedule at the onset. Mike unlocks the magnitude of unclaimed deductions in our nation.

    How easy is it to arrange a depreciation schedule, and what documentation is required? And how do self managed superannuation fund property assets differ when it comes to deprecation?

    Mike explains the challenges of high depreciation versus high capital growth. He is often asked the question by investors, and his Southbank high-rise, one bedroom apartment example illustrates the inverse relationship between the two measures.

    If a property is over forty years old, is there any point looking at arranging a depreciation report? Tune in to hear the answer!

    Mike explains the importance of physical inspections when a tax depreciation specialist is formulating the depreciation schedule, and he also sheds light on the circumstances that allow for a physical inspection not to be conducted. Mike's service station story is a warning to investors who engage professionals who cut corners.

    What is the difference between a repair you claim through your accountant and a depreciable item on your schedule? Mike shares the nuts and bolts for our listeners.

    ..... and our gold nuggets!

    Cate Bakos's gold nugget: Well-meaning advice from accountants to maximise tax deductions isn't always great property advice. If in doubt, get a second opinion.

    Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: Don't assume that it's not worth getting a depreciation schedule. Always check!

    Show Notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/11/04/depreciation/
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    43 mins