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The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate

Veronica Morgan & Chris Bates
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
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  • NIMBY vs YIMBY: Can We Balance Progress and Preservation?
    NIMBY vs YIMBY? Is saying “no” to change protecting community character — or blocking the homes our cities desperately need? In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan O’Brien, lead organizer of YIMBY Melbourne, to unpack what’s at stake when communities resist — or embrace — change. We dig into whether opposing development is simply selfish or a legitimate defense of lifestyle and character, and whether YIMBY optimism sometimes overlooks practical realities. From heritage streetscapes and leafy suburbs to missing-middle density and downsizer demand, this is a frank look at the trade-offs that come with growth. Jonathan also explores the politics of planning: why local councils resist, why states override, and why those locked out of housing are the most under-represented stakeholders in the debate. We tackle sensitive questions about fairness: who pays when new homes aren’t built, and who loses when change does come? If you’ve ever wondered why housing reform feels so stuck, and why both sides of the NIMBY/YIMBY divide can be right and wrong at the same time, this episode will challenge assumptions and reframe the conversation. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome 01:14 – Jonathan O'Brien's and YIMBY Melbourne 01:48 – Progress and Challenges in Melbourne's Housing Policy 03:21 – Success Stories and Comparisons with Sydney 04:44 – Docklands: A Controversial Development 07:39 – The Missing Middle and Medium Density Housing 22:06 – Balancing Heritage and Development 28:39 – Planning Regulation Challenges 30:01 – Developer Strategies and Urban Planning 31:39 – Heritage and Housing Density 32:47 – Quality Concerns in New Developments 35:07 – Zoning and Urban Planning Dynamics 38:27 – Economic and Social Impacts of Rezoning 41:53 – Balancing Development and Community Needs 50:13 – State vs. Local Control in Urban Planning 52:05 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts About the Guest Jonathan O’Brien is the lead organizer of YIMBY Melbourne, an advocate for smarter housing policy, and an award-winning writer and publisher. A passionate voice for effective altruism and urban reform, he works to shift the conversation around density, planning, and affordability toward more equitable outcomes. With a background in community organizing and a commitment to evidence-based change, Jonathan brings both sharp analysis and lived experience to the often polarizing debate between NIMBYs and YIMBYs. His mission: to help shape cities that are inclusive, adaptable, and built for the next generation. Connect with Jonathan Website: https://jonobri.com/ YIMBY Melbourne website: https://www.yimby.melbourne/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonobridotcom/ X: https://x.com/jonobri LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonobri/ Resources Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - [email protected] Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected] Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey! See you on the inside, Veronica & ChrisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Commercial Property 101: The Rules, Risks & Rewards
    Commercial property isn’t just “resi with higher yields” — it’s a whole different game with its own language, rules, and risks. In this episode, we sit down with Helen Tarrant, founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, to unpack what investors really need to know before making the leap. Helen reveals why mindset is the first hurdle when moving from residential to commercial, and why too many investors skip the education that could save them from costly mistakes. We explore the key levers that drive a property’s value — lease term, location, tenant quality, and asset type — and why small changes in these can mean big shifts in price and yield. She also shares hard truths on price points, explaining where the “rats and mice” risks live, and why under $1.5 million can be a danger zone for serious investors. From syndicates that give smaller investors access to multimillion-dollar assets, to practical strategies for tenant risk management and value uplift, Helen covers the nuts and bolts of building what she calls a “unicorn portfolio” — one that balances cashflow, growth, and uplift potential. She doesn’t shy away from the mistakes she’s seen (and fixed), giving listeners a forthright look at what can go wrong and how to protect yourself. Whether you’re an experienced property buyer ready to diversify, or a first-time commercial investor keen to start smart, this conversation will equip you with the insights, questions, and strategies to play the commercial game — and win. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome 01:07 – Meet Helen Tarrant: Commercial Property Expert 01:44 – Differences Between Residential and Commercial Investing 02:21 – Understanding Commercial Property Fundamentals 04:50 – Evaluating Commercial Property Investments 08:23 – Common Mistakes and Misconceptions 12:30 – Identifying the Right Commercial Property 16:47 – Navigating the Commercial Property Market 25:09 – Price Points and Investment Strategies 28:36 – Understanding Syndication in Real Estate 29:16 – Securing High-Value Properties 30:10 – Mechanics of Shareholding in Syndicates 31:42 – Common Mistakes in Commercial Property Investment 34:22 – Strategies for Flipping Commercial Properties 38:00 – Identifying and Fixing Problematic Properties 41:24 – The Importance of Due Diligence 45:32 – Case Study: Rescuing a Client's Investment 50:51 – Final Thoughts and Advice About the Guest Helen Tarrant is the Founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, a specialist buyer’s agency helping everyday Australians access and succeed in the commercial property market. With a background in commerce and law, and over a decade of firsthand experience as both an investor and advisor, Helen has built a reputation for turning complex deals into strategic, high-performing investments. Known for her candid, straight-talking approach, she has educated thousands through free webinars, content, and in-person events, demystifying an asset class often seen as too risky or opaque. Her expertise spans portfolio strategy, tenant risk assessment, syndicate structures, and value-add opportunities, with a focus on creating balanced portfolios that deliver both income and growth. Passionate about investor education, Helen is committed to helping clients avoid the costly mistakes she’s seen too often in the industry, and to empowering them to think — and act — like seasoned commercial players. Connect with Helen Website: https://unikorn.com.au/ Website: https://helentarrant.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helentarrantcommercial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty/ Resources Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - [email protected] Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected] Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey! See you on the inside, Veronica & Chris See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • Strata at a Crossroads: Why the System Needs Urgent Change
    Australia’s strata sector is under pressure — and it's no longer a niche issue. Following high-profile investigations by Four Corners and 7.30 Report, strata governance failures, building defects, and financial blowouts are now front and centre. With more Australians living in apartments and townhouses than ever before, what happens next in this space will impact millions. In this episode, Kate McHugh, co-founder of the Strata Futures Stakeholder Engagement and Roundtable, joins us to unpack what’s driving the crisis—and what needs to change. Drawing from her work on the Strata Futures Report, Kate outlines the six key reform pillars that emerged from cross-sector collaboration, covering everything from governance and professional standards to owner advocacy and sustainability. We explore how opaque commissions, underfunded capital works, power imbalances, and a fragmented regulatory system are eroding trust in strata—and why many apartment owners are left feeling blindsided by defects and skyrocketing levies. Kate also shares what it would take for the sector to turn itself around—before government intervention does it for them. Whether you're a strata owner, buyer, investor, or professional, this episode offers critical insight into the future of high-density living in Australia. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome 02:09 – The Strata Sector's Challenges 04:14 – Governance and Regulation Issues 05:08 – The Round Table Initiative 11:54 – Sustainability in Strata 17:13 – The Six Pillars of Reform 26:07 – Understanding Strata Obligations 27:19 – The Importance of Maintenance and Governance Data 28:30 – Investing in the Strata Sector 29:08 – Personal Mission to Improve Property Decisions 30:18 – Challenges in Strata Education and Awareness 31:29 – Public Awareness and Training Initiatives 33:32 – Strata Management and Building Maintenance 37:00 – The Future of Strata Development 40:30 – Sector Collaboration and Task Force 44:14 – Final Thoughts and Call to Action Mentions Strata Futures - https://www.katemchugh.net/strata-futures About the Guest Kate McHugh is the co-founder of the Strata Futures Stakeholder Engagement and Roundtable and co-author of the Strata Futures Report. With a background in governance, policy, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement, Kate works at the intersection of lived experience and systemic reform in Australia’s strata sector. Partnering with former NSW Strata Commissioner John Minns and a wide network of industry and consumer leaders, Kate helped convene a cross-sector discussion to explore what’s broken—and what could be rebuilt. The outcome: a collaborative report outlining six key reform areas designed to make strata more equitable, transparent, and functional. Her work is helping push the conversation forward at a time when strata’s role in housing affordability, sustainability, and urban planning has never been more critical. Connect with Kate Website: https://www.katemchugh.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemchughh/ Resources Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - [email protected] Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected] Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey! See you on the inside, Veronica & ChrisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • What Data-Driven Investors Get Wrong (And Right)
    With property data becoming increasingly available, investors face a growing challenge: accurately interpreting the numbers. In this episode, Veronica and Chris speak with Matija Djolic, co-founder of HtAG Analytics, to discuss how investors can effectively use property data and avoid common mistakes. Matija outlines four essential questions investors need to address before making decisions, emphasizing the importance of clearly understanding risk profiles, investment timeframes, and personal objectives. He highlights frequent pitfalls, including chasing short-term gains, misunderstanding suburb-level data, and misinterpreting market "hotspots." This conversation equips investors with practical insights on responsible data use, clarifying when data can help… and when it might mislead. Whether you're an experienced investor or a first-time buyer, you'll gain valuable strategies for making smarter property decisions in today's data-rich environment. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome 01:42 – The Origin of HtAG Analytics 03:35 – Key Questions for Property Investment 04:56 – Understanding Risk in Property Investment 12:35 – The Role of Data in Property Markets 15:30 – Challenges of Data Interpretation 17:57 – The Impact of Data Accessibility 24:37 – Strategies for Property Investment 34:11 – Navigating Tricky Real Estate Decisions 34:28 – Connecting with Veronica Morgan's Resources 35:12 – Understanding Property Scarcity and Sales Volume 36:01 – The Role of Data Accuracy in Real Estate 38:04 – Tech and Human Expertise in Real Estate 40:21 – Challenges with Real Estate Transparency 41:55 – The Importance of Personal Touch in Real Estate 43:10 – Buy and Hold vs Transacting Property 44:53 – Key Metrics for Long-Term Property Investment 46:11 – Affordability and Shifting Demographics 51:42 – Compounding Good Decision Making 55:32 – Common Myths in Real Estate 58:04 – Property Dumbo: A Cautionary Tale About the Guest Matija Djolic is the co-founder of HtAG Analytics and a leading data analytics coach specializing in the property investment sector. With a PhD in Organizational Psychology, Matija brings over seven years of experience guiding thousands of investors and buyer's agents through the complex maze of market analytics. Known for his expertise in both qualitative and quantitative pattern recognition, Matija empowers investors to make smarter, data-driven decisions that align with their long-term goals and risk profiles. His practical, no-nonsense approach challenges traditional investment assumptions, encouraging a more nuanced and informed understanding of property analytics. Connect with Matija Website: https://www.htag.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matija-djolic-386475152/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matijadjolic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matija.djolic.14/ Resources Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - [email protected] Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.alcove.au Work with Chris: [email protected] Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey! See you on the inside, Veronica & ChrisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • The Truth About Property Negotiation: Why Most Buyers Get It Wrong
    Today, we sit down with Scott Aggett, founder of Hello Haus, a negotiation service shaking up Australia’s property buying landscape. Scott pulls back the curtain on the high-stakes game of real estate negotiation and reveals why most buyers are unknowingly walking into traps laid by experienced selling agents. If you’ve ever felt outmatched or overwhelmed in the home-buying process, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s going on behind the scenes. Listeners will gain deep insights into the psychological tactics agents use to push buyers into emotional decisions, often costing them tens of thousands more than necessary. Scott explains why traditional buyer’s agents may not be equipped to negotiate effectively, and how negotiation as a service provides a smarter, leaner alternative for buyers who want to retain control without losing leverage. He shares examples of real-world mistakes and outlines how simple behavioural cues—like revisiting a property too many times or discussing price too early—can weaken your position. Whether you're a first-home buyer or a seasoned investor, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you think more strategically and negotiate with confidence. We also explore how market dynamics are changing, what smart buyers are doing differently in 2025, and why negotiation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you're serious about buying better, this is one you don't want to miss. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome 03:10 – Why Most Buyers Are Outmatched by Selling Agents 05:47 – The Buyer’s Agent Problem: Sourcing ≠ Negotiating 18:10 – Emotional Buying: How It Undermines Your Leverage 25:32 – What to Say (and Not Say) When Dealing with Agents 37:42 – Auction Theatre: How FOMO is Engineered 42:10 – Negotiation as a Service: A Smarter Model for Modern Buyers 50:50 – The Future of Property Negotiation in Australia About the Guest Scott Aggett is one of Australia’s leading property negotiation experts, with over 30 years of experience and more than 4,000 successful real estate deals across Australia, the UK, and Asia. Beginning his career as a sales agent before launching multiple Belle Property franchises in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Scott is renowned for his innovative "Negotiation as a Service" approach, which he pioneered through his company, Hello Haus. His negotiation-focused model has empowered countless Australian buyers to secure top-performing investments and dream homes with less stress and below-market prices. After Hello Haus was acquired by major industry players in 2024, Scott continues to advocate for transparent, client-focused property negotiations, regularly sharing market insights across major media and industry platforms. Connect with Scott Website: https://www.scottaggett.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottaggett Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottaggett Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.aggett/ Resources Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - [email protected] Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.alcove.au Work with Chris: [email protected] Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey! See you on the inside, Veronica & ChrisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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About The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate

Who's really in control when you buy a property? The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about. Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate. Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property. In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session. The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!
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