The Best Way To Structure Your Property Portfolio In 2026

Buying property without the right structure can quietly cost you hundreds of thousands.Before you buy your first or next investment property in Australia, this is the conversation you must hear.In this episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, we’re joined by Peter Bembrick, one of Australia’s most respected tax and structuring experts, to unpack how smart investors think before they sign a contract. From negative gearing myths to trusts, companies, and SMSFs, Peter explains how structure, tax, and long-term strategy should guide every property decision. This isn’t about loopholes. It’s about clarity, intention, and avoiding painful mistakes later.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to buy your first investment property in Australia the right wayWhether to buy property in your own name, a trust, company, or SMSFWhy negative gearing isn’t always a winHow property structure impacts tax, cash flow, and borrowing powerThe biggest mistakes investors make before buying👉 Subscribe for weekly property insights and comment on your biggest question about property structure.Key Moments:00:00 Why negative gearing still loses money06:14 Buy & hold vs flip vs develop12:47 When company structures actually work15:47 Buying in the wrong entity costs later18:14 Buying property in your own name22:12 What happens to property when you die?25:24 How income streaming really works31:03 Corporate trustee vs individual trustee35:23 When investment companies beat personal ownership42:01 Why super is so tax-effective45:20 High income but not rich yet (HENRYs)53:44 Structuring decisions you’ll regret later👉 Whether you're a first home buyer or expanding your portfolio, Atelier Wealth can help. Book a discovery session with a mortgage broker here: https://calendly.com/atelier-wealth-discovery-team👉 For everything you need to know about getting a loan approved and buying a property, read the Happy Home Loan Handbook by Aaron Christie-David. Get a FREE chapter here: https://atelierwealth.com.au/the-happy-home-loan-handbook/Connect with Peter Bembrick:http://www.hlb.com.au/About Aaron:Aaron-Christie David founded Atelier Wealth, a Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) approved Mortgage Broker. Aaron’s focus is clear – supporting property investors to make confident decisions to build their property portfolio. He has been recognised in the MPA Top 100 Broker rankings for the last three years.With over 10 years of financial services experience, with a career spanning Wizard Home Loans and Commonwealth Bank, Aaron's decision to become a broker was to help more Australians fearlessly buy investment properties to achieve intergenerational wealth.Connect with Aaron:Visit the website: https://atelierwealth.com.au/   Follow the Australian Investment Property Podcast’s Official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/aupropertyinvestmentpodcast/Follow Aaron on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronchristiedavidFollow Aaron on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronchristiedavid/Subscribe to Atelier Wealth’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@atelierwealth_au