Building Australia's Most Advanced Property Analytics Platform with Mat Djolic

Mat's story is one of the most compelling migrant success stories in Australian property. Arriving from Serbia at 17 without speaking English, he went from construction sites to building one of Australia's most sophisticated property analytics platforms.In this conversation, Mat reveals how he and co-founder Alex created HTag Analytics - a platform that analyses over 80 metrics and 2 billion data points to predict property growth before the market catches on. We explore the crucial difference between "hotspots" (already expensive) and "warm spots" (where smart money goes), and why 80% of property returns come from location choice, not the property itself.Mat shares the mistakes that nearly killed their business, why most property courses fail investors, and how AI is revolutionising property analysis. Plus, he gives his current buying recommendations for different budgets.This episode is packed with insights on data-driven property investing, building a tech business, and why community beats competition every time.Mat's migration story and early struggles (0:00)From construction worker to estimating director in 6 months (8:00)Meeting co-founder Alex through Russian language classes (13:00)The problem with property seminars and spruikers (15:00)Building HTag Analytics for themselves first (18:00)How the RCS predictive algorithm actually works (20:00)Why hotspots vs warm spots thinking is crucial (24:00)The Melbourne prediction that everyone laughed at (24:00)Why property has enduring trends unlike shares or crypto (31:00)The biggest business building mistakes they made (32:00)Why community and partnerships beat going solo (34:00)Can everyday investors use data without professionals? (38:00)The $7 million portfolio built using HTag only (44:00)Three biggest mistakes property investors make (45:00)How AI is transforming property analysis (48:00)Why ChatGPT fails at property investing advice (50:00)Building custom AI agents with 5 decades of property data (51:00)Current buying recommendations for different budgets (56:00)Why Melbourne is the top pick right now (56:00)The ACT opportunity no one's talking about (57:00)About Mat: Matija Djolic is someone who’s been on a mission to change the way Australians invest in property. In 2018, alongside his co-founder Alex, Mat set out with a bold vision: to help investors cut through the hype, avoid costly mistakes, and make smarter property decisions based on facts, not fads. Together, they founded HtAG Analytics, a platform that’s like having a data analyst in your pocket, giving everyday investors and property professionals the tools they need to find locations with higher-than-average growth potential. By 2020, the HtAG team had spent two years building a treasure trove of reliable property data from historical prices and market trends to economic indicators and demographic shifts all with a commitment to data integrity. Their work led to the creation of RCS™, a predictive model that analyses over 80 metrics and nearly 2 billion data points using advanced machine learning. This was a game-changer for identifying profitable suburbs before the market caught on. Fast forward to today, HtAG is more than just a platform; it’s a thriving community of investors and professionals who share knowledge, collaborate on strategies, and stay ahead of the market together. Matija’s mission remains crystal clear: to democratise property research, empower investors with trustworthy insights, and help them invest with confidence. Access exclusive 3-step prediction method, get coaching form industry experts and leverage AI-powered research applications to build high performing portfolios here: https://mastermind.htag.com.au/Unlock the full power of HtAG today. Compare plans and check out their products, features and services here: https://www.htag.com.au/services/  About Julian:Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.  Connect with Julian:Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ Follow Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ Follow Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ Follow Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ Follow Julian on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min DisclaimerInvest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.