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

Legislative changes are shaking up property management across Australia, and the impact reaches much further than we might expect. In this episode, we sit down with Cathie Crampton, National Head of Property Management Growth at Belle Property Corporate, to break down how these new laws are reshaping the roles of landlords, property managers, and tenants alike. With two decades of experience across the country, Cathie has insights from every corner of the industry, making her the perfect guide to help us understand what these shifts really mean for all of us. We explore how property managers are caught between tenant demands and landlord responsibilities, often feeling the pressure as compliance requirements and expectations grow. We also dig into the impact on property management businesses, where rising costs and tighter rules are forcing agency owners to rethink their approach. From adopting tech solutions to adjusting rent rolls, property managers are finding creative ways to handle these changing landscapes to keep operations sustainable. As we wrap up, we look ahead at where the industry might be headed. With regulation on the rise, the role of property managers could shift toward a more professional, advisory focus—but it’s a challenging road ahead. This episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to understand how these policies are reshaping the property market and what lies ahead for all of us. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:09 - Who is Cathie Crampton? 01:54 - How tough has it been for property managers over the last few years? 05:11 - Latest legislation and compliance requirements affecting property owners in Victoria 09:07 - What’s the real impact of first home buyers competing with tenants for rental stock? 12:09 - How has the turnover rate of investment properties changed since COVID? 14:31 - How are property management businesses coping with rising expenses? 18:52 - Key changes property managers are making to serve consumers better 23:00 - What are the implications of the no grounds eviction law on property management? 26:38 - The impact of the two-week holding deposit rule on renters who can't provide references 29:22 - Which areas are facing rental market challenges due to investors selling? 34:40 - Have proptech platforms failed to disrupt the property management industry? 38:56 - Cathie’s thoughts on reorganising the way property management is done 43:00 - Should property managers be offering investment advice without proper expertise? 47:13 - Cathie Crampton’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Cathie Crampton is the National Head of PM Growth & Performance at Belle Property Corporate, bringing 20 years of success in property management across Australian markets. Her vast real estate experience, combined with strong empathy and business acumen, makes her a valuable asset in optimising PM business returns with principals at the business level. Known for her leadership, mentoring abilities, and passion for real estate, Cathie supports business owners in enhancing their performance while fostering a positive work environment. A respected industry figure and frequent speaker, she embodies Belle Property’s people-focused excellence, contributing significantly to the team. Connect with Cathie Crampton: LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/cathie-crampton Website https://www.belleproperty.com/ 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.flintgroup.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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Underquoting, auction tactics, and market sentiment—some of real estate’s most controversial topics. These are exactly what we’re diving into today with Thomas McGlynn, CEO of BresicWhitney. There's no holding back as we talk about the realities behind underquoting, why it’s so hard to avoid in a competitive market, and the fine line agents walk when trying to attract buyers without misleading them. As Thomas puts it, even with laws in place, agents are often forced into tough positions: when one agent quotes low, others often have to adjust their guides just to compete. It’s a tightrope that often leaves buyers frustrated and sellers with high expectations. We also dig into the auction room itself and the psychology at play there. We take a unique look at how auctioneers manage to draw more from buyers than they initially intend to spend, all without crossing ethical lines. We discuss the difference between registered and active bidders, noting how this insight gives us a real-time view of market confidence—a far more useful indicator than auction clearance rates alone. Finally, we share our thoughts on the current market and where we think it’s headed. With interest rates soaring high, buyers are naturally hesitant, but we believe those who buy now could see the rewards by late 2025, especially in sentiment-driven markets like Sydney. Once rates eventually ease, buyer confidence is expected to surge, and we’ll see a market shift. It’s an honest, in-depth conversation about the realities of today’s market, what buyers can expect, and why timing and strategy are everything. Tune in and let's get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:06 - Who is Thomas McGlynn? 02:09 - Unique insights Thomas has gained from years in auctioneering 03:25 - How Thomas gauges the market’s direction beyond bidder numbers at auctions 06:47 - Thomas McGlynn's thoughts on agents facing underquoting challenges 15:54 - How do master auctioneers convince bidders to go beyond their budget? 18:47 - Observation on the new breed of buyers agents in recent years 21:00 - The current market phase and its impact on buyers through 2025 26:44 - How do agents manage open databases while complying with privacy legislation? 31:56 - How does business adapt to lower turnover rates while identifying potential sellers? 37:55 - What does it take for an agent to get to the top of the game and just stay on top? 49:32 - Thomas McGlynn’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Thomas McGlynn is the CEO of BresicWhitney, a Sydney-based property group, and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading thought leaders, mentors, and real estate coaches. With over two decades of experience, he has built and led high-performing teams and held leadership roles within national real estate groups in Queensland and Sydney. Known as the ‘voice of Sydney property,’ Thomas has a strong media presence and is an authority on current and emerging market trends, utilizing his extensive auctioneering expertise to educate and inform both state and national audiences about the dynamics of the Sydney property industry. Connect with Thomas McGlynn: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thomasmcglynn/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcglynn-96604464/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tmcglynn/ Website https://bresicwhitney.com.au/ 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.flintgroup.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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is putting property into your SMSF a good idea, or could it be too risky? SMSF advisor Liam Shorte from Sonas Wealth joins us today to explore this hot topic, giving practical insights on the benefits of more control, tax advantages, and the hidden costs and risks that SMSF investors often miss. We explore the appeal of property investment within an SMSF for those aiming to diversify their retirement strategies, with Liam highlighting both the potential benefits and risks involved. While property can offer control and growth, Liam has seen many investors fall prey to unqualified advice and costly mistakes. The key, he says, is understanding the rules and avoiding schemes marketed as “one-stop-shops”—these setups often come with high risks and may not align with an investor’s long-term goals. We also emphasise the importance of maintaining balance within an SMSF portfolio, ensuring that there’s adequate liquidity to support flexibility as life stages and retirement plans evolve. Compliance is another major factor, as SMSFs face strict ATO oversight. From penalties to complex reporting, there’s no margin for error, and Liam illustrates this with examples from clients who have successfully coursed through these requirements by investing thoughtfully, like buying commercial property to lease back to a family business. Throughout the episode, Liam shares insights on managing SMSF property investment with smart, tailored strategies. His practical advice provides a framework for building an SMSF that fits your financial goals without overloading on risks or overlooking critical tax and compliance obligations. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:02 - Who is Liam Shorte? 01:49 - What is a fellow SMSF specialist advisor? 02:43 - What is an SMSF? 04:52 - Biggest risks in handling SMSF funds for different retirement stages 06:14 - How to manage trustee disagreements in SMSF strategy setting 08:33 - Has competition shifted SMSF drivers from fee savings to investment options? 12:24 - Key compliance and cost factors to think about when starting an SMSF 16:11 - Are people finally realising the full potential of super contributions? 19:31 - The implications of investing in property through super for younger investors 24:04 - Is an SMSF right for you? Who should consider it? 27:24 - Are women better investors than men? 33:21 - The dangers of focusing solely on residential property in an SMSF 35:36 - Mitigating the risks of having an unbalanced SMSF portfolio heavily focused on property 42:11 - Common mistakes investors make with residential property in their super 51:36 - Liam Shorte’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Liam Shorte, a Fellow SMSF Specialist Advisor™ and Financial Planner with Sonas Wealth, brings 30 years of experience across Australia, Ireland, the UK, and the Middle East. Liam specialises in superannuation, retirement, estate planning, investment, and tax strategies, with a strong focus on Self-Managed Super Funds and Family Trusts. His blog, The SMSF Coach, demystifies industry jargon for SMSF trustees. He advises clients across NSW, QLD, and Victoria, and has earned accolades, including SMSF Adviser of the Year (2021) and a place in Barron’s Top 50 Financial Advisers in Australia. Liam holds a Bachelor of Business, Advanced Diploma in Financial Services, and multiple industry certifications, and in 2024, was appointed to ASIC’s Financial Advisers Consultative Panel. Connect with Liam Shorte: LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/liamshorte Website https://smsfcoach.com.au/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/smsfcoach/ Sonas Wealth Website https://www.sonaswealth.com.au/ 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.flintgroup.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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re all familiar with energy ratings on appliances and cars, but what if your home came with one too? Could this be where the housing market is headed? Today, we sit down with Cecille Weldon, Australia’s top expert in residential energy efficiency, to explore what this could mean for the future of housing. Could energy ratings become the next game-changer in real estate? Cecille breaks it down for us — how homes might be rated, who will cover the costs, and whether property buyers and tenants are really willing to pay more for energy-efficient living. With rising energy costs and climate change in the spotlight, this couldn’t be a more timely discussion. We also talk about the big moves happening behind the scenes with Cecille giving us the scoop on her work with the NSW Government’s Sustainable Homes team, which is pushing for energy ratings to become a standard at the point of sale or rent. It’s all about making homes healthier, more comfortable, and cheaper to run in the long term. Tune in to understand how these upcoming changes could reshape the property landscape — and what it potentially means for your next move. Let's get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:12 - Who is Cecile Weldon? 02:29 - How has livability and sustainability evolved in the property industry since? 05:27 - What role does energy efficiency play in property value beyond just purchase price? 09:05 - How are rising energy costs affecting buyers' decisions in the property market? 13:03 - The complexities of property value and buyer behaviour in the property market 19:35 - Are homeowners choosing kitchen upgrades over energy efficiency improvements? 21:31 - Will energy efficiency standards for properties be mandatory or voluntary in Australia? 25:51 - Will energy efficiency improvements be viewed as non-essential expenses? 30:10 - How properties are going to be assessed for energy efficiency plus potential costs 32:56 - Will living in a home for 10-15 years drive the adoption of energy-efficient solutions? 38:34 - How homeowners can make energy-efficient changes without big expenses 43:13 - Are investors in Victoria required to upgrade to new energy standards? 47:10 - Challenges in the real estate sector regarding energy efficiency upgrades 50:45 - What challenges exist for upgrading energy efficiency in strata buildings? 53:00 - How to encourage strata owners to prioritise cladding safety upgrades? 58:07 - Cecille Weldon’s property dumbo About Our Guest:   Cecille Weldon is the founder of Future Agent Academy and director of Weldonco Advisory, recognised as one of Australia's leading experts in residential energy efficiency, property value, and the property marketing sector. An accomplished Proptech entrepreneur with a background in real estate, franchising, research, communications, and education, Cecille provides insights on consumer demands, the impact of climate change, and new regulations in the property industry. With qualifications including a BA, DipEd, and GradDipLing, she has developed courses for real estate agents and serves on various boards, including the Proptech Association and the REEDI Forum. Cecille's passion lies in enhancing property capabilities, emphasising the importance of energy efficiency in boosting property value, and addressing the need for healthier, more affordable homes. Connect with Cecille Weldon: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecille-weldon-56100a13/ Weldonco's Website https://www.weldonco.com.au/ Future Agent's Website https://www.futureagent.com.au/ 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.flintgroup.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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.