Property Soup

In this episode of Property Soup:Allan and Travis are back for 2026—and they’re tackling the big question every investor is asking right now:What’s going to happen to the property market?With rising interest rates, global uncertainty, job insecurity, and increasing living costs, it’s easy to think a market crash is coming… but is it really?They break down what’s actually happening behind the headlines—and what it means for you as an investor.Here’s what we cover:📉 Will Property Prices Crash? – Why a true “crash” is extremely unlikely (and what actually happens instead)📊 Supply vs Demand Reality – How low stock levels and a growing population are keeping pressure on prices ⛽ Global Events & Inflation – How interest rates, inflation, and even petrol prices impact property🏘️ The ‘Foundation’ Market Explained – Why entry-level properties under ~$700k are still insanely competitive 🔥 Real Buyer Competition – What’s actually happening on the ground right now (hint: multiple offers everywhere)📈 3 Market Scenarios for 2026 – Crash, flat, or boom… and which one is most likely🎯 Takeaway:Waiting for the “perfect time” could cost you years. The data shows demand isn’t going anywhere—and the longer you sit on the sidelines, the harder it gets to enter the market.

Underquoting. It’s sneaky. It’s frustrating. And if you’ve been house hunting, you’ve probably been stung by it.In this episode of Property Soup, Allan and Travis go full steam on one of the most maddening practices in real estate—underquoting. From fake price guides to misleading “comparables,” they break down what underquoting is, why agents do it, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from wasting weekends and blowing your budget.• ⚠️ What is Underquoting?: How agents list low to bait buyers—and why it’s so hard to police.• 😤 Why It Matters: The emotional and financial toll underquoting takes on everyday buyers.• 🔍 Real Case Studies: Allan and Travis break down multiple real examples (with price guides vs. sale prices).• 🧠 How to Spot It: Learn the tricks agents use—outdated comps, wrong property types, old sales.• ✅ How to Protect Yourself: Tools, tactics, and mindset shifts to stay sane and strategic.🎯 Takeaway: If you’ve been wasting time on properties you never had a chance of getting—this episode is your reset. Learn how to read between the lines and stay one step ahead.

In this episode of Property Soup, Allan and Travis tackle one of the most common investor questions: should you prioritise cash flow or capital growth in your property strategy? With rising rates and tighter lending conditions, the answer might not be as simple as it used to be.💵 Cash Flow 101: Understand the difference between gross vs net cash flow, and why positive cash flow properties are rare in today’s market.📈 Capital Growth Power: Learn how growth-focused properties can build equity fast—and how that equity can fuel your next purchase.⚖️ Pros & Cons of Both: Discover the trade-offs of each approach—like serviceability vs long-term wealth creation—and why some high-yield areas come with hidden risks.🤯 The $500/week Mistake: Allan and Travis break down how a negative cash flow of $25K a year can eat into your capital growth—and why it’s not always worth it.🔀 The Hybrid Model: Not ready to go all-in on either side? Learn how to find balanced properties with strong growth and manageable holding costs.🎯 Takeaway: Whether you’re chasing equity, income, or a mix of both—make sure your strategy matches your financial position and goals. The best investment is the one you can actually hold long-term without losing sleep.

In this episode of Property Soup, Allan is joined by mortgage strategist Lionel from Mortgage Works to unpack everything you really need to know about buying property through your super — without falling into the common traps. From setup to lending strategy, this one’s packed with gold for investors curious about using an SMSF.🏗️ SMSF Setup Basics: Discover why getting the structure right before shopping for a property is crucial — and what mistakes could derail your plans.💸 Minimum Balance & Borrowing Power: Lionel shares what most lenders require in super and how to legally boost your fund’s borrowing capacity.📊 Lending Rules & Buffers: Understand the liquidity rules, contribution requirements, and post-settlement buffers lenders look for in SMSF loans.📈 Interest Rates & Extra Costs: SMSF loans are pricier than personal ones — learn what to expect and how to prepare for setup, compliance, and legal fees.🤝 Building the Right Team: From accountants to buyer’s agents, learn why SMSF investing is a team sport — and who you really need in your corner.🎯 Takeaway: Don’t just set up an SMSF because your mate at the BBQ did. Set yourself up with the right strategy, structure, and team to invest with confidence through your super.

In this spicy episode of Property Soup, Allan from Foundation Property is joined once again by Travis from Genesis Wealth to unpack the real reason why so many would-be investors still haven’t taken the plunge. If you’ve been “thinking about it” for months (or even years), this episode is your wake-up call.What you’ll learn:• 😬 Fear of Making a Mistake: Why fear is natural—but also the #1 reason people stay stuck on the sidelines.• 📊 Overthinking & Information Overload: You’ve watched the YouTube videos, joined the forums, read the blogs… and you’re still not moving forward.• 🕒 Time is Slipping Away: Lack of time and analysis paralysis might be costing you more than you think—especially in high-growth markets.• 💰 The Real Cost of Inaction: How missing one year could cost you 6-figures in growth and delay your entire retirement timeline.• ✅ How to Know You’re Actually Ready: What to look for financially and emotionally—and how to stop waiting and start taking small, confident steps forward.🎯 Takeaway: If you’ve been stuck, this episode will help you break through the fear, stop waiting for perfection, and start building a better future—one step at a time.

Off-market properties sound exclusive… but are they actually better deals? 🤔 In this episode of Property Soup, Allan and Travis pull back the curtain on off-markets—what they are, when they’re useful, and when they’re just plain overpriced.If you’ve ever asked a buyer’s agent, “Can you get me off-markets?”, this one’s for you.• 🏷️ Off-Market ≠ Under Market: Just because a property is off-market doesn’t mean it’s a bargain. In fact, most are overpriced or not even really for sale.• 🧠 Understanding Seller Motivation: Learn why many off-market sellers aren’t truly motivated—and how that impacts price.• 🔍 How to Spot a Bad Off-Market Deal: Red flags to watch for, like missing comparables, overpricing, or poor locations.• 💥 When Off-Markets Actually Work: Discover the rare 1 in 10 deals where off-markets are gold—and how to act fast when they appear.• 🤝 Why Relationships Matter: Find out how the best off-market opportunities come from agent relationships, not just luck.🎯 Takeaway: Off-markets are just a marketing strategy—not a magic solution. The real value comes from doing your due diligence and acting fast only when the deal stacks up.

In this episode of Property Soup, Allan and Travis break down the five essential questions every property investor should ask to make smarter, data-driven decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, these insights will help you build a more resilient and profitable portfolio. • 💰 True Cash Flow: Learn why focusing on net cash flow—factoring in maintenance, management fees, and vacancies—is crucial for sustainable investing. • 📈 Sustainable Growth Market: Discover how to assess economic drivers and demographics to identify areas with long-term capital growth potential. • 🏡 Ideal Tenant Profile: Attracting quality tenants starts with understanding local demographics and amenities—find out how to minimize vacancy risks. • 🎯 Long-Term Strategy: Investing without a clear goal can lead to mistakes. Allan and Travis explain how to tailor your strategy for capital growth or cash flow. • 📉 Market Downturn Performance: Can your investments weather a downturn? Learn why diversification and risk assessment are key to long-term success.🎯 Takeaway: These five questions can make or break your property investment journey. Get clear on your strategy, leverage data, and invest with confidence!

In this episode of Property Soup, Allan and Travis highlight four common mistakes property investors often make and share actionable strategies to avoid them in 2025. Learn how to set yourself up for success by making smarter decisions and avoiding costly pitfalls in your property investment journey. • 🌐 Skipping Due Diligence: The hosts discuss the importance of researching vacancy rates, job growth, and infrastructure projects before investing in a property. • 💰 Overleveraging Finances: Allan and Travis emphasize the need for buffers to weather rising interest rates and unexpected expenses. • 🚫 Following the Herd: Discover why chasing “hot markets” can lead to poor returns and how data-driven strategies can help you identify growth areas early. • 🛠️ Not Having the Right Team: Property investing is a team sport! Learn why working with buyers’ agents, brokers, and accountants who align with your strategy is critical to scaling your portfolio.🎯 Takeaway: Avoid these common mistakes, and set yourself up for long-term success in property investing.

In this episode, the discussion revolves around specific scenarios where hiring a buyer’s agent may not be the best choice for homebuyers. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the real estate market and suggests that some buyers may benefit from a more direct approach to purchasing a property. The video aims to empower buyers with the knowledge to make informed decisions, highlighting both the advantages and potential downsides of engaging a buyer’s agent. 📈 Understanding Market Dynamics: Knowledge of the local real estate market can empower buyers to make more informed decisions. 💪 Negotiation Skills Matter: Strong negotiation skills are crucial in real estate transactions. 💸 Financial Implications of Representation: Engaging a buyer’s agent typically involves commission fees, which can add to the overall cost of purchasing a home. 🏠 Understanding Property Types: The choice of property can influence the necessity of a buyer’s agent. ⏱️ Assessing Time Commitments: Utilizing a buyer’s agent can sometimes prolong the home-buying process due to additional meetings and discussions. 🔍 Personal Circumstances: Each buyer’s situation is unique, influencing their decision to hire an agent. 🎯 Empowerment Through Knowledge: Ultimately, the episode advocates for buyers to educate themselves about the home-buying process.

In this episode of Property Soup, Allan and Travis discuss strategies for negotiating in cooler property markets, contrasting them with the dynamics of hot markets. They explore the benefits of investing in cooler markets, emphasizing the potential for long-term growth and less competition. 🌊 Market Dynamics: The discussion revolves around how property markets function like waves, where timing can significantly impact investment success. 🏡 Cool vs. Hot Markets: Cooler markets may provide better opportunities for investors who prefer patience and less competition. 📈 Investment Strategies: Investors in cooler markets can buy properties at lower prices before potential growth, contrasting with the high competition in hot markets. 🔍 Current Trends: Victoria is identified as a currently cooler market with strong long-term growth potential. 💰 Yield Considerations: The hosts highlight the importance of rental yields and how they affect investment decisions. 🏙️ Regional Insights: Major regional centers in Victoria, such as Bendigo and Ballarat, are mentioned for their potential for capital growth. ⏳ Long-Term Outlook: The conversation emphasizes the value of patience and strategic timing in property investment.

This episode discusses the importance of negotiating property deals in a hot market. It highlights the significance of understanding different types of markets and the need for transparency and respect in negotiations. 💰 Negotiating in a hot market is crucial for property investors. 📊 Understanding different market types (lukewarm, hot, cool) is essential. 🔑 Simplifying offers and being transparent can increase chances of acceptance. 🏡 The role of real estate agents in negotiations is crucial. 🛠 Pride and humility play a significant role in successful negotiations in a hot market.

In this episode, Allan and Travis discuss the importance of exploring the benefits of using property in a self-managed super fund, including leveraging to maximize returns and secure a comfortable retirement. 💡 Travis discusses the advantages of buying property in a self-managed super fund, highlighting the potential for higher returns and financial growth. 💡 Leveraging $200k from a super fund to buy a $600k property, showing how this strategy can double assets in 10-15 years. 💡 Importance of seeking advice and setting up a team to navigate the process of investing in property through a self-managed super fund. 💡 Real-life example of purchasing a property in Bendigo through a super fund, showcasing the potential for substantial asset growth and income. 💡 Discussing the long-term benefits of leveraging property in a self-managed super fund, leading to financial security and increased retirement income.

Melbourne has been overlooked in the property market due to the shiny object syndrome and the focus on other hot markets. However, it offers great fundamentals for long-term investment. Melbourne has been underrated due to the focus on other markets with short-term gains. The property growth cycles in Melbourne often have bursts followed by periods of stability. Other markets like Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane have seen explosive growth, leading to less attention on Melbourne. Rental yields in Melbourne are not as favorable compared to other markets, but this is due to the already grown prices. Despite this, Melbourne is currently undervalued and offers opportunities for bargain deals with less competition. 👀 Melbourne has been overlooked in the property market. 📈 Property growth cycles in Melbourne have bursts followed by stability. 💼 Other markets like Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane have seen explosive growth, leading to less attention on Melbourne. 💰 Rental yields in Melbourne are not as favorable compared to other markets due to already grown prices. 💎 Melbourne is currently undervalued, offering opportunities for bargain deals with less competition.

In this episode, Allan and John discuss whether investors should wait for interest rates to drop further before investing. They emphasize that there is never a perfect time to invest and that market sentiment should not dictate investment decisions. 🏢 Property investing is often driven by fear and the desire to avoid potential risks. 📉 12 months ago, there was fear in the market about interest rates going up and property prices crashing, but this did not happen. 💰 There is a constant fear of losing money, but many investors who jumped into the market last year have seen significant gains. 📈 Regardless of interest rate fluctuations, supply and demand factors play a more significant role in property prices. 🌍 Australia is experiencing a housing supply shortage, which contributes to property price growth. 💡 Whether interest rates stay the same, go up, or come down, there will never be an ideal scenario to invest. The key is to focus on the need to invest and finding the right approach.

In this episode, Allan interviews David Klingberg, a town planner, to discuss the influence of town planning on property investments. They explore the different roles of town planners and the importance of strategic planning in creating a vision for a place. David shares how he became a town planner and his passion for designing cities. Town planners can be divided into two types: development approvals planners and strategic planners. Development approvals planners assess applications against planning schemes, while strategic planners create the vision and rules for a place. David explains the value of town planning expertise in helping investors with subdivision projects and smaller developments. He emphasizes the importance of understanding potential growth areas and changes in the planning system to identify investment opportunities. David provides an example of how knowing about planning changes early on can lead to significant value appreciation for a property.

In this episode, Allan and John discuss how to reduce your tax through property investing. They highlight the significance of paying close to a million dollars in taxes over a career and emphasize the importance of understanding the potential tax benefits of property investing. 💰 Paying close to a million dollars in taxes over a career is a significant amount of money. 💼 Couples working together could potentially pay over $2 million in taxes over their careers. 🏠 Property investing can help you get a significant portion of that money back through tax benefits. 💸 Even getting back 20% or 10% of the taxes paid can result in substantial savings. 📊 The example discussed in the episode shows the potential negative cash flow of a property investment. 🏦 However, tax deductions, including depreciation, can significantly reduce the net cost of holding the property. 🧮 Understanding the tax benefits of property investing is crucial for maximizing returns.

This episode discusses the five key people you need to surround yourself with in order to build a successful property portfolio. These include an acquisition specialist, a finance broker, a property manager, a tax strategist, and a financial planner. 🏢 An acquisition specialist is crucial for acquiring good assets and avoiding blind spots in your investment strategy. 💰 A finance broker is essential as finance is the oxygen of property investment. A good broker can make a huge difference in securing the right financing and getting the best deals. 🏠 A property manager is important for effectively managing your properties, ensuring they are well-maintained and bringing in steady rental income. 💼 A tax strategist can help you optimize your tax position, ensuring you take advantage of all available deductions and incentives. 💡 A financial planner can help you develop a long-term investment strategy, set financial goals, and ensure you have a solid plan for your property portfolio.

This episode discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with a team of experts when it comes to property investing. John and Allan share conversations they’ve had with investors who made costly mistakes due to not having the right advisors. One example is setting up a self-managed super fund incorrectly, which can result in financial losses. 💡 Investing requires the expertise of professionals for success. 💡 The Dunning Kruger effect leads to overconfidence in investing. 💡 Surrounding oneself with knowledgeable advisors is crucial for success. 💡 Not having the right advisors can cost investors a significant amount of money. 💡 Setting up a self-managed super fund incorrectly can lead to financial losses. 💡 State-specific purchasing procedures must be followed when investing in property. 💡 Saving money upfront by not hiring experts can result in more costly mistakes later on.

In this episode of Property Soup, Allan and John discuss the concept of rent vesting, which is the strategy of renting where you live and investing in properties that are not your primary residence. They debunk the conventional wisdom that buying a home first is the only logical choice and explain the benefits of rent vesting, such as increased cash flow, tax efficiency, and the ability to build wealth faster. 💡 Rent vesting is the strategy of renting where you live and investing in properties that are not your primary residence. 💡 The conventional wisdom of buying a home first is being challenged as people realize the drawbacks of being tied to a mortgage for many years. 💡 Rent vesting offers increased cash flow, tax deductions, and the ability to build wealth faster. 💡 Expenses on your primary residence are not tax deductible, while expenses on an investment property are fully deductible. 💡 Rent vesting allows for greater tax efficiency and the possibility of significant tax refunds. 💡 The gap between median income and median house prices has increased, making it harder for people to save for a 20% deposit on a home. 💡 Rent vesting offers a more flexible and adaptable approach to property investing.

John and Allan discuss the question of whether it’s better to invest a million dollars in one property or to spread it across two or three properties. They explore the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, including factors such as rental yield, capital growth, cash flow, and risk mitigation. Highlights 💰 Investing a million dollars in one property in a desirable area can potentially yield above-average capital growth. 🏠 However, the negative cash flow from such a property can eat into the capital growth and create financial stress for the investor. 💸 Investing in two properties worth half the price each can provide a higher rental yield and make it easier to cover costs. 🌍 Spreading investments across different markets allows for diversification and reduces the risk of loss. 💼 The flexibility of owning multiple properties allows for potential solutions if financial difficulties arise. 📉 Holding costs for two properties can be significantly less than holding one high-value property. 🔄 Selling only one property instead of both allows for capital gains tax mitigation.

In this episode, Allan and John discuss what happened in the property market in 2023 and what to expect in 2024. They highlight the fear and uncertainty experienced by many due to shifting market conditions. They also discuss the lack of supply in the market, rising interest rates, and the rental crisis. They emphasize that now is a good time to invest in property and that timing the market perfectly is impossible. Highlights 📈 Interest rates increased, causing fear and uncertainty in the market. 📊 Lack of supply and high demand led to a rental crisis. 🔒 Property prices stabilized after some corrections in Sydney and Melbourne. 🏡 Not enough new homes being built due to material shortages and labor costs. 🌍 Migration and population growth further increased demand for property. 💼 Remote work became more prevalent, impacting the property market in various locations. 💰 The average percentage of household income required to service a home loan in Sydney is 58%.

Episode Summary In this episode of Property Soup, John and Allan interview William Tong, a commercial buyers agent and property strategist with 21 years of experience in the industry. They discuss the benefits of investing in commercial property and the role of a buyers agent. Highlights 🏢 Commercial property offers higher returns compared to residential property. ⏰ A buyers agent saves time and provides access to off-market opportunities. 📚 Investing in commercial property requires expertise in research, analysis, and negotiation. 🤝 Buyers agents and property strategists mitigate risk and offer valuable insights for investors.

Summary In this episode John and Allan discuss specific strategies to pay off a mortgage in 10 years or less. They explore the concept of leveraging more properties to achieve financial freedom and address the fear of taking on more debt. Highlights The previous episode covered simple steps to shorten a mortgage, such as optimizing finance and utilizing an offset account. Leveraging more properties can help pay off a mortgage in 10 to 15 years, creating financial freedom. Good debt, like investing in property, can be more tax efficient and lead to better gains. Bad debt, like car loans, depreciates and does not contribute to wealth creation. The concept of home ownership as good debt is challenged, as the principal home does not generate income. 🔑 Bad debt includes loans on depreciating assets like cars.🔑 Leveraging more properties can lead to financial freedom and getting debt-free on your home mortgage faster.🔑 Good debt, such as investing in property, can be tax efficient and create wealth.🔑 Principal homes are considered bad debt as they do not generate income.

This episode of Property Soup dives into the mortgage trap, where people find themselves paying mostly interest and barely any principal on their mortgage for the first 10-15 years. Allan and John discuss the frustration of home owners in this situation and explore the concept of the mortgage treadmill. Highlights - 💡 Many people are shocked to discover that the majority of their mortgage payments go towards interest rather than paying down the principal. - 💡 Banks make money by charging interest, and homeowners often end up paying almost double the property value due to interest payments. - 💡 There are options to avoid being stuck in the mortgage trap and paying off a home well into retirement. - 💰 The mortgage trap occurs when homeowners pay mostly interest and little principal on their mortgage for the first 10-15 years. - 🏠 Upsizing or renovating homes can lead to a cycle of refinancing and extending the mortgage, keeping homeowners in a cycle of debt. - 📈 The mortgage trap can be avoided by staying on the original mortgage and resisting the temptation to continually upgrade homes. - 💡 Understanding the concept of a mortgage and how interest payments work is crucial to avoiding the mortgage trap. - 🤔 Many people feel frustrated and overwhelmed when they realize how long it will take to pay off their mortgage. - 💼 Exploring alternative strategies and options can help homeowners pay off their mortgage sooner and avoid being stuck in the mortgage trap.

In this episode, Allan and John discuss the lessons learned from the previous conversation with veteran property investor Morry. They highlight the importance of overcoming fear, having a clear vision, and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. Highlights💡 Success is not based on luck, but on hard work and planning. 💡 It's never too late to start investing in property. 💡 Overcoming fear is the first step towards success. 💡 Failure is a valuable learning opportunity. 💡 Having a clear vision and writing down goals is crucial for success. 💡 Believing in your own worthiness is essential for achieving your goals. Believe that you CAN do it and you CAN be successful!

In this podcast episode, the Allan interviews his neighbour, Morry, who successfully built a property portfolio of seven properties over a 14-year journey. Moryy shares his wisdom and insights about life, property investment, and the importance of overcoming fear and having the right mindset. Highlights - 🏠 Moryy acquired seven investment properties that allowed him to enter the share market during a low point. - 🧠 Overcoming fear and adopting the right mindset is crucial for success in property investment. - 💡 Morry's childhood experiences and role models drove his ambition to improve his life. - 💇 Morry transitioned from hairdressing to owning and managing multiple salons with around 40 staff. - 📝 Setting and working towards goals played a significant role in Morry's achievements. - 🤝 Morry emphasizes the importance of helping others and finding happiness through the success of others. - 💰 Managing finances, staying within budgets, and enjoying life responsibly contributed to Morry's success.

In this episode, Allan and John discuss the importance of macro and microeconomic data when investing in property. They emphasize the significance of looking at the big picture (macro) and then zooming in (micro) to find the right investment opportunities. Highlights 🌐 Macro data involves assessing national and state-level factors, such as population growth and infrastructure investment, to determine the overall market condition. 💼 Micro data focuses on specific city, local government areas, and suburbs to identify potential investment properties within a chosen market. 💰 Affordability plays a crucial role in property investment, considering both median household incomes and property prices. 📈 Population growth is a key macro indicator, indicating demand for property in a region. 🏗️ Infrastructure development is essential for ensuring future demand and desirability of an area. 🌆 A diverse local economy reduces risk and enhances the long-term sustainability of property investments. ⚠️ Caution is necessary when considering investments in areas with a single industry or economy to avoid potential downturns.

In this episode of Property Soup, hosts John and Allan tackle the widespread myths about pinpointing the perfect moment to invest in real estate. They take a deep dive into the psychological hurdles that often hold investors back, emphasizing the critical role of financial readiness. They also explore how market conditions can impact investment decisions, providing insights into navigating these factors effectively. This episode will equip listeners with a more realistic and informed approach to property investment. Key Points 🏡 Myth Busting: There's no perfect time to invest. Waiting for the right moment is often just an excuse not to start. 💡 Mental Hurdles: Common fears, like needing more money or a better economy, are usually just worries, not real obstacles. 📊 Property vs. Stocks: Real estate investment needs patience. Unlike stocks or cryptocurrencies, it's about long-term gains. 💼 Money Matters: Make sure you have enough savings and a safety net before diving into property investment. 📈 Be Prepared: Expect ups and downs in the market. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. 📝 Plan Ahead: Do your homework. Check if your investment can stand the test of time. ⏳ Slow and Steady: Property values might grow slowly, but that's still progress.

This episode features a really insightful conversation with 20-year industry veteran Mark Sing.  Over the course of the conversation, Allan and John talk with Mark about the reasons Self Managed Super Funds are consistently becoming more utilized by numerous investors who want to take charge of their financial future and specifically talk about how that relates to the option of investing in property. This is an open and honest conversation about investing where we acknowledge that there are no silver bullets, only trade-offs… but also explore the opportunity that’s on the table for everyday Australians to substantially improve their retirement outcomes when done correctly. This includes a case study where a couple with four children was able to 6X their retirement assets in 15 years (on very conservative projections).This is essential listening if getting your future right is important to you. 

So now that we're aware of the fundamentals, where do things go wrong for most first-timers? Allan and John explore both sides of the coin... There are two kinds of mistakes that most first-time investors are prone to falling into. The first kind is to try and make a new, uncomfortable process (investing) as comfortable as possible. The way many people will attempt to do this is to limit the options of what they'll consider based on their feelings rather than logic. To paraphrase Layne Norton... In finance, just like in science... DATA > FEELINGS  They also explore the trap of "Accidental Investing" that upsizers will often fall into without thinking it through... and why this first move into property investing often becomes someone's last move.  Following that, they explore the extreme end of rookie errors, the kamikaze novice who decides to go balls out and start out as a property developer for their first investment. Throughout the episode, Allan and John relate some cautionary tales from client experiences to help you avoid the pitfalls of uninformed optimism and the false security of "Comfortable" decision-making.

In this episode, Allan and John cover the fundamentals for becoming financially literate as a property investor - getting a clear understanding of capital growth, leverage, rental yield, and cash flow. But let's be clear, this episode is about a hell of a lot more than getting some textbook definitions.  More than that, they share their own experiences of feeling overwhelmed as novices from not having a clear understanding of these concepts before they were educated by mentors and how that knowledge has helped them immensely both personally and professionally.  In addition, what you'll learn by the end of the episode is how it would be difficult (if not impossible) to make a clear investment decision without having a clear picture of what influences each one of these metrics and how each ingredient needs to come together in the right proportion to make a delicious Property Soup.  Even if you hold a good understanding of these concepts, we're confident this episode will give you a firmer grasp of how they work together in a successful portfolio-building strategy. 

Welcome to our first guests! This is a great roundtable discussion involving sheep sh*t, valuers, hairy moles, crystal balls, Lucky Uncles, Dance Dance Revolution, poker tournaments…. Oh, and we uncover some great things about property and finance too!!! In this episode Allan and John interview Gabe and Hung from Strategic Brokers, discussing their background in finance and what they’ve learned from running a boutique service assisting property investors with their financing needs. This episode is both incredibly informative and fun for a lot of reasons, one of the big ones being that much like Allan and John, Gabe and Hung are both incredibly passionate about getting ahead and helping their clients do the same. Digging into their personal stories and experiences, we get a really clear picture of the power of portfolio building and how it can change your life, how finance is the oxygen of property investing, and how talking to a genuine investment lending specialist can supercharge your wealth-building journey. Just as importantly, we review how talking to a subject matter expert can help you avoid multiple risks and mistakes that a novice broker or banker simply wouldn’t have the perspective or knowledge to help you avoid. If you’re serious about creating wealth for yourself and your family, this episode is essential viewing. Important Sections [00:50] How Gabriel and Hung got started in finance [03:44] The type of people that strategic brokers work with [05:42] The drive behind early aggressive property investment by Gabriel and Hung [08:05] The immigrant mentalities regarding financial choices  [13:21] The significance of leverage and the compounding effect on property investment [14:23] Benefits of having a knowledgeable team when it comes to property investment [19:08] Significance of property valuation estimates and their impact on financial decisions [21:36] Benefits of working with a mortgage broker rather than going directly to a bank [23:43] Why investors should not solely focus on getting the lowest interest rate [26:20] Prioritizing the client's best interest, getting the best valuation, and finding the best interest rate [27:30] Factors influencing interest rates in Australia [32:09] What homeowners can do in the current market Notable quotes Just buy property and make sure you buy houses if you can, but if you can't afford a house, buy a really good unit. The worst thing you can do is make a mistake on that first one. Yeah. That mistake on that first one is just going to leave you scarred. Yeah. And your appetite would, you know, you might not want to buy another property. Fixed rates are starting to present lower than the variable rates again. Yeah. This indicates that, eventually, they will be dropping those rates at some point. If you've got debt, the first step is to call your bank. They won't proactively call you to try to get a better rate. It's all, it, sometimes it's a free-step process. You have to call them first. So you can raise a case and say, oh, this guy's called, it's then call them again. Yeah. But, but usually come, I guess, ready with ammunition. You've got to prepare months beforehand, you know, don't, don't wait till the last minute, and it will start swallowing you.

Why Invest?  In this episode, Allan and John break down some of the nuts and bolts of why investing is so important… and why drawing a line in the sand setting a target that's true to your needs before you run out and just start buying some sh*t is so crucial. This isn’t about mental masturbation and setting superficially sexy goals…let's be clear. This episode isn't for waxing lyrical about living an Instagram lifestyle, starting a Rolex collection, or having a fleet of Lamborghini’s in your garage being polished by bikini models… This is the boring, unsexy, poached chicken and broccoli of investing  - being certain that you at least have the absolute minimum amount of money required to retire comfortably while you're not too old to enjoy it, still capable of doing the things you want, and living out your life according to a reasonable level of comfort with the people you love.  Using the ASFA Retirement Standard as a guide, Allan and John highlight the real costs of a comfortable retirement and the importance of envisioning and planning out a fulfilling life. They also discuss the impact of inflation and the risks of solely relying on your working income or the equity you have in your home… or worse… ending up on the age pension.

GREAT SCOTT!!! It’s time to go BACK… to the Future? In this episode, take a trip with Allan and John in the Podcast Delorean. We review market cycles going all the way back to the 1960s and examine how history has this funny little knack of repeating itself.  More importantly, for today's investors who are understandably concerned about moving forward in a market of rising interest rates, they examine multiple periods over the last few decades where similar (or worse) conditions have occurred to get a sense of what might happen to us in our current environment. They also discuss the impact of inflation on the cost of living and the importance of making informed investment decisions. They ask the question, “Is waiting for residential property prices to drop due to rising interest rates actually a sound strategy for most investors?” SPOILER ALERT: It is not. You probably knew that would be the answer, though... This episode is here to give you sound evidence and reasoning as to why that’s the case, help you pick apart the fears and concerns you might have... and then crank up the flux capacitor and take you on a hell of a ride.

In this episode, John and Allan talk about something deeply personal… the reality of retirement poverty that most Australians are facing if they don’t take action and why this is a particular risk for migrant families. The big picture statistics are scary enough: two-thirds of Australians retire on some form of pension and Australia currently holds the 2nd highest levels of retirement poverty of OECD nations. When we zoom in from the numbers and take a look at the personal stories of people who are affected, however, the reality is a lot uglier. Sharing stories from their own families and clients they’ve been privileged enough to help, this episode is all about emphasizing the need for awareness and education about money management and investing to avoid the grim reality of retirement poverty. They stress the importance of taking action early and dispel the misconception that a good job alone can guarantee financial security.  They further discuss the various investment options available and focus on property as a stable and relatively passive way to build wealth. They emphasize the importance of understanding one's financial situation, along with taking stock of your beliefs and long-term goals. Drawing from their experiences as kids from migrant families, they encourage listeners to empower themselves with knowledge and take the necessary steps to secure their financial well-being.  This episode is here to help you take charge of your financial future, be aware, act early, and take the steps to build your wealth for a comfortable and secure retirement!

In this episode, John and Allan dive down the rabbit hole that is the ongoing rental crisis affecting the Australian property market. This episode takes a comprehensive view of the question, “How did we get here?” Get ready to take a deep dive down the rabbit hole to look at population growth, migration patterns, planning, the current market conditions... and more importantly, this episode uncovers the exceptional opportunity that exists within the rental crisis for savvy investors.    If you’re looking to get a clearer picture of how we got into this situation and how to be smart about your options if you're looking to get ahead, or just want a better idea of what’s going on so you can make better decisions about where you live, this episode is for you.

Welcome to Episode One! For their first episode, you’d think a couple of Property Nerds would be talking about property, right? Of course not! Before that, we start with the most important part of investment decision-making... your mind. In this episode, Allan and John dive into the first thing any investor needs to tackle before they can even begin to review assets or potential opportunities - getting clear on the deep-rooted fears you may be completely unaware of that will sabotage your decision-making. They discuss how human brains are wired to protect against threats (both rational and irrational) and the biases that arise as a consequence of these hard-wired defense mechanisms. John and Allan discuss the importance of understanding and challenging these beliefs to make informed decisions about investing in property. Drawing from personal experiences with clients, they discuss how certain belief systems, often rooted in past experiences or inherited beliefs, can lead to inaction and missed opportunities. They emphasize the need to quantify risks and opportunities and seek outside perspectives and expert advice to help overcome your fears and move forward confidently.   Are you ready to get out of your own way and start making better financial decisions?