Property Investment Podcast Network

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, managing editor Liam Garman and deputy editor Emilie Lauer break down the year that was in Australian property, examining which markets surged, where momentum stalled, and why demand-side policy is setting the scene for further growth into 2026. The conversation explores interest rate predictions, refinancing options, and the economic forces driving inflation, highlighting why expert advice has become critical in an increasingly complex market. Garman and Lauer also unpack regional performance across the country, shifting buyer priorities, and the rise of the "compromise or miss out" mindset reshaping purchasing decisions, particularly among younger buyers. Looking ahead, they discuss why strategy will be central to navigating the next phase of the property cycle and tease part two of the series, focused on building sustainable, long-term property outcomes in 2026. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email [email protected] for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, Arjun Paliwal, Jack Fouracre, and Adrian Lee explore the evolving landscape of property investment, focusing on regulatory changes, lending policies, and market dynamics shaping investor strategies. The discussion highlights the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA's) new policy limiting high-risk investor lending to 20 per cent of banks' portfolios, potentially shifting opportunities toward brokers and non-bank lenders. The trio emphasises the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, as life changes and cash flow constraints can affect borrowing capacity despite debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. Strategies such as rentvesting are discussed as ways to maintain a DTI under six while building a property portfolio. Lender Mortgage Insurance (LMI) waivers and extended 40-year loan terms are highlighted as tools that can reduce upfront costs and increase borrowing flexibility. Additionally, the discussion addresses the nuances of shading rental income in DTI calculations, helping investors understand their true borrowing capacity. The co-hosts stress that professional guidance is critical for navigating regulatory shifts and optimising investment decisions.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant is joined by Lachlan Vidler from Atlas Property Group to challenge the myth that successful investors need massive property portfolios. They discuss how the idea of building $10 million portfolios is often driven by vanity rather than sound financial strategy. Drawing on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, Tarrant notes that most Australian property investors own just one or two properties, not sprawling portfolios. Vidler explains that managing multiple properties brings similar complexity regardless of value, often increasing stress without improving outcomes. The conversation highlights how tighter lending conditions, elevated prices, and regulatory changes have made large-scale portfolio building far more difficult than it was decades ago. Instead, the duo argues that fewer, higher-quality assets can deliver stronger long-term results with fewer headaches. A practical example shows how acquiring a small number of properties over time and strategically selling can lead to a debt-free portfolio generating meaningful passive income. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that realistic goals, patience, and quality investments matter far more than the number of properties owned. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email [email protected] for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In a recent episode of How I Met My Broker, SPI host Liam Garman and director of Strategic Brokers Hung Chuy are joined by director of Australian Property Scout (APS) Sam Gordon to discuss the challenges and opportunities in commercial property investment. Chuy highlights the busy end-of-year lending period, noting that clients are seeking guidance amidst changing market conditions. Gordon reflects on APS's strong growth in 2025, including recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year and inclusion in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Fast 100, setting the stage for a strategic 2026. The conversation explores the complexities of commercial property, including understanding yields, tax benefits, vacancies, and asset selection, emphasising that insufficient knowledge can lead to costly mistakes. Both Chuy and Gordon stress the importance of building a solid residential portfolio before transitioning into commercial investments to establish equity and minimise risk. Differences between residential and commercial lending were explained, including typical loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) and the potential pitfalls of cross-collateralisation. The trio also highlights the income potential of commercial properties, noting that passing most outgoings to tenants can offer higher net yields than residential assets.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant sits down with Jonathan Bell, founder of Housemark, to discuss the evolving role of property management in Australia. According to Bell, property managers often form the longest-lasting relationship an investor will have in their journey, making their role critical to portfolio success. Since founding Housemark in 2019, Bell has grown the company to manage 3,500 properties across Queensland and Victoria, focusing exclusively on property management rather than sales. He stresses that investing in people, training, and processes allows agencies to retain top talent and deliver superior service to landlords and tenants. Technology and economies of scale are key to Housemark's efficiency, enabling innovative solutions like roaming property managers and dedicated investment services. Bell also emphasises the importance of treating investment properties like a business, balancing rental yields with tenant satisfaction to maximise returns. Looking ahead, Housemark aims to manage 10,000 properties across five locations while elevating industry standards and promoting property management as a respected profession. For investors, this duo underlines that a proactive, knowledgeable property manager can directly impact portfolio performance, yields, and long-term success. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email [email protected] for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.