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

Chris Bates
The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
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  • Kolmeo vs. the Old Model: Can Tech Fix the Property Management Space?
    Property management in Australia has been facing challenges for years — tenants feel ignored, landlords are frustrated, and managers are burning out. The question is: is the entire model broken beyond repair?In this episode, we sit down with Scott Bateman, strategist, innovator, and founder of property management platform Kolmeo, to unpack what’s gone wrong and what the future could look like. Scott brings unique insights from running Australia’s largest property management business, where outdated systems, legislative overload, and high staff turnover made clear that incremental fixes weren’t enough.We explore why property management has long been treated as a poor cousin to sales, why one in three managers leave the industry within 11 months, and how fragmented tech solutions have created more problems than they solve. Scott also explains how AI and structured processes could standardise quality, reduce burnout, and make renting a dignified experience rather than a second-class one.Along the way, we tackle the unintended consequences of well-meaning legislation, why institutional investment won’t solve the rental crisis, and whether property managers could evolve into strategic advisors rather than administrators. This conversation isn’t just about real estate — it’s about reimagining an industry at a crossroads.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction: Is Property Management Broken?01:41 – Why the Current Property Management Model Fails05:25 – Tech: Part of the Problem or the Solution?15:52 – Why the Industry Struggles to Embrace Change17:20 – Market Shifts Reshaping Property Management19:52 – How Tenant Behavior Is Changing the Market21:36 – The Future of Property Management Technology22:22 – Shifting Perspectives on Offshoring and Technology23:20 – AI and the Promise of Radical Efficiency25:08 – Challenges in Property Management Compliance25:59 – Tenant Data, Bias, and the Rental Dilemma31:26 – Can Property Managers Become Advisors?36:26 – Balancing the Landlord-Tenant-Manager Triangle41:42 – Why Scaling Property Management Is So Hard42:19 – Lessons Learned: Rethinking the IndustryAbout the GuestScott Bateman has firmly cemented himself as one of Australian real estate’s most influential voices on organisational strategy, technology, and innovation. With a career spanning banking, insurance, and property, Scott spent more than a decade at Westpac and IAG before leading the growth and transformation of Australia’s largest property management business.In 2020, he launched Kolmeo, a game-changing property management platform now embraced by some of the country’s most innovative agencies, including Nelson Alexander, Xceed, Melbourne Real Estate, and Marshall White. Educated at Harvard Business School, Scott blends rigorous academic research with real-world practice, offering a unique perspective on how strategy and technology can reshape industries.Connect with ScottWebsite (Kolmeo): https://kolmeo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/batemanscott/X: https://x.com/batemanscottResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast -
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  • LongView’s Fund: Turning Home Equity Into Investor Opportunity
    Australia’s housing market has been facing growing pressures in recent years.Homeowners often sit on millions in equity but can’t easily access it, while aspiring buyers without the “Bank of Mum and Dad” struggle to get into the market. At the same time, investors chase capital growth but face the costly, stressful reality of being landlords.In this episode, we sit down with Evan Thornley, CEO of LongView, to explore a smarter alternative: a residential property fund that unlocks equity for homeowners and delivers strong returns for investors. Through products like HomeFlex and Buying Boost, LongView’s fund allows existing owners to access cash without selling, while helping buyers bridge the deposit gap. For investors, the fund offers exposure to capital growth across a diversified pool of quality homes — without the headaches of tenants, maintenance, or leverage.Evan explains how LongView uses data science and on-the-ground expertise to identify “RODWELLs” (Robust Older Dwellings on Well Located Land), ensuring the fund consistently outperforms the market. We also hear real-world stories: families who avoided selling during divorce, homeowners funding life-changing renovations, and younger buyers who gained a foothold in the market sooner.If you’re a homeowner looking to unlock equity, or an investor seeking a lower-risk, higher-return alternative to landlordism, this conversation reveals why LongView’s fund might be the future of property investing in Australia.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction01:37 – Innovative Property Ownership Models04:02 – HomeFlex: Unlocking Home Equity06:26 – Predicting Capital Growth in Property13:44 – Investment Strategies and Market Insights17:09 – Client and Investor Perspectives26:36 – Diversification and Risk Management28:26 – Portfolio Distribution Across Cities28:46 – Future Fund Plans and Social Purpose30:18 – Challenges in Setting Up Funds31:23 – Clarifying Equity vs. Growth33:23 – Investor Appeal and Market Potential36:07 – Buying Boost and Shared Equity38:03 – Client Success Stories44:26 – Final Thoughts and ConclusionAbout the GuestEvan Thornley is the co-founder and CEO of LongView, a recognised leader in residential property buying and management that is pioneering funds management in Australia’s existing dwelling asset class. A technology and social entrepreneur, Evan has been a property investor for more than 30 years across Australia and the US.Before turning his focus to housing, Evan co-founded LookSmart Ltd, one of the first Australian tech companies to list on NASDAQ, reaching a peak market value of AUD $14.2 billion and returning its investors 100x. He also co-founded GoodStart, Australia’s largest social venture and the world’s largest early childhood education provider. His career has spanned entrepreneurship, social impact, and public policy — including serving as Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation under Premier Steve Bracks, co-founding the think tank Per Capita, and helping launch activist network GetUp!For the past eight years, Evan has been consumed with finding solutions to Australia’s housing challenges. Through LongView, he has built a platform that blends data science, deep property expertise, and innovative financial structures. His mission: to unlock housing wealth in ways that deliver both strong investor returns and better outcomes for Australian homeowners and buyers.Connect with EvanWebsite: https://LongView.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evan.thornley/LinkedIn:
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  • Innovation, Investment & Infrastructure: The Three Keys to Solving Housing in Australia
    Australia’s housing crisis isn’t just a social problem — it’s an economic one.In this episode, Robert Pradolin, founder of Housing All Australians, argues that secure, affordable housing must be treated as essential infrastructure for the nation’s prosperity. With over 40 years in residential development, Robert brings both insider knowledge and bold solutions to a system that has been failing for decades.We dig into how the private sector can mobilise unused buildings as “pop-up shelters,” why compassionate capitalism is redefining the role of developers, and how innovative construction methods like lightweight timber can cut costs and carbon emissions. Robert also lays out the staggering numbers behind the crisis: a $290 billion shortfall in social and affordable housing, and the economic risks of inaction — including the threat of civil unrest.The conversation challenges the myth that profit and purpose are mutually exclusive, showing instead how private capital, community land, and government policy could combine to unlock large-scale solutions. We also explore global models like inclusionary zoning, what Australia can learn from them, and the need for a national pipeline of prefabricated housing.If you’ve ever wondered why governments keep stalling, what’s holding back institutional investment, and what it will really take to solve this crisis, this episode is essential listening. The message is clear: housing for all isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of a stable, productive, and fair society.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction01:51 – The Journey and Motivation Behind Housing All Australians03:04 – Compassionate Capitalism and Private Sector Involvement04:10 – Strategies and Initiatives for Affordable Housing05:52 – Success Stories and Case Studies09:51 – Challenges and Economic Imperatives21:23 – Comparing Global Approaches to Affordable Housing26:21 – Innovative Construction Techniques and The Green Project27:57 – The Cost of Urban Growth and Housing Diversity28:51 – Timber Construction and Its Benefits30:43 – Innovations in Construction Techniques33:15 – The Role of Government and Private Sector in Housing35:18 – Addressing Homelessness and Housing Affordability37:30 – Unlocking Empty Bedrooms for Key Workers43:11 – Final Thoughts and RecommendationsAbout the GuestRobert Pradolin is the founder of Housing All Australians, a national for-purpose organisation working to harness the resources of the private sector to deliver housing solutions for vulnerable Australians. With a 40-year career spanning greenfield subdivisions to high-rise towers, Robert has held senior roles in some of the country’s largest property companies.His journey from mainstream development to housing advocacy was sparked by a confronting realisation: while the industry was serving those who could afford it, government had abandoned its responsibility to house society’s most vulnerable. Since then, Robert has become one of the most vocal advocates for treating housing as essential economic infrastructure, not just social welfare.Through Housing All Australians, he has spearheaded projects repurposing vacant buildings into temporary shelter, advanced economic research on the cost-benefit of social housing, and promoted innovative construction methods to reduce costs and emissions. His vision of “compassionate capitalism” challenges the perception of developers as greedy profiteers and instead calls for a business-led response to one of Australia’s most urgent crises.Connect with RobertWebsite:
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  • 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
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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:
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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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