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

• What’s Really Causing the Housing Crisis in Australia? Peter Mares Breaks It Down

  Is housing really unaffordable because we’re not building enough? Or is that just one part of a much bigger, more complicated story? In this episode, we sit down with Peter Mares, journalist, researcher, and author of No Place Like Home – to break down the real reasons why housing is unaffordable in Australia today. Peter walks us through how decades of policy decisions, from tax incentives to the withdrawal of public housing investment, have created a system that prioritises wealth-building over stability. We talk about the deeper issues at play; like how negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions have distorted the market, and why treating housing as infrastructure could be a game-changer. We also get into the cultural side of the problem. The obsession with homeownership, the underuse of housing stock, and the lack of medium-density options in the suburbs all play a role in keeping people locked out. And Peter doesn’t just point out what’s wrong, he offers grounded, practical ideas on what can actually shift. If you’ve ever wondered why housing is unaffordable in Australia, beyond the headlines and hot takes, this conversation pulls back the curtain. It’s honest, insightful, and packed with the kind of context that’s so often missing from the national debate. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 04:14 - Should home ownership be the goal of housing policy? 06:09 - How has financialisation distorted our housing system? 10:39 - What are the key structural issues we keep avoiding? 14:18 - Can we even build enough housing with current capacity limits? 16:54 - What does it mean to treat housing as infrastructure? 19:03 - Can Singapore’s housing model teach Australia something? 21:23 - Should we rethink what the “ideal” Australian home looks like? 25:00 - Why aren’t people downsizing even when it makes sense? 27:04 - How does tax shape housing decisions? 32:51 - What’s changing behind the scenes at Treasury? 35:07 - Could new superannuation taxes push more money into housing? 39:06 - Is Labor too scared to touch housing tax reform again? 46:01 - Would a land tax instead of stamp duty really work? 50:35 - What got you interested in housing policy in the first place? 52:12 - What’s your take on current housing journalism? 54:53 - Peter Mares’ property dumbo About Our Guest: Peter Mares is an independent journalist, researcher, and public commentator best known for his book No Place Like Home: Repairing Australia’s Housing Crisis. He spent 25 years at the ABC—first as a foreign correspondent and later hosting national radio programs—before moving into urban policy and social issues. He held roles as an adjunct senior research fellow at Monash University, a Cities Fellow at the Grattan Institute, contributing editor for Inside Story, and lead moderator of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. Connect with Peter Mares: Website https://petermares.com.au/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mares-a3211617b 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  1:03:09
• Could the Property Boom Be Built on Illusion? Martin North Has a Warning

  Is all this property wealth we talk about actually real—or is it just theoretical? That’s what we unpack in this episode with our guest Martin North, founder of Digital Finance Analytics and someone who’s been watching the numbers and the story behind them for years. We ask him: is Australia’s $11 trillion property market built on something solid, or are we clinging to an illusion that’s quietly reshaping the country? Martin walks us through what he calls a “Python swallowing an elephant” moment; the massive bulge of intergenerational wealth that’s moving slowly through the system. We get into what’s really happening with downsizing, why reverse mortgages might not be the win they’re often sold as, and what happens when kids start relying too heavily on the Bank of Mum and Dad. Spoiler: it’s not as simple or as safe as people think. We also look at what governments are doing, policies around death tax fears, proposed taxes on unrealized gains in super, and the broader impact of kicking the can down the road. Martin doesn’t hold back when it comes to calling out flawed thinking or dangerous policy decisions, and it makes for a really thoughtful, at times surprising, conversation. If you’re trying to make sense of where the market’s heading or what might be brewing beneath all this apparent prosperity, you’ll want to sit with this one. It’s not about panic—it’s about facing the bigger picture and asking the harder questions most people still avoid. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:26 - Who is Martin North? 02:20 - Why is intergenerational wealth transfer such a big issue today? 07:38 - Are we double counting superannuation totals when comparing asset classes? 11:29 - Why can’t many older Australians downsize, even if they want to? 13:04 - Financial traps hidden in retirement villages and reverse mortgages 18:31 - How wealth and mortgage debt are distributed across generations, and why it matters 23:21 - Cultural shift in how families are handling financial support across generations? 28:05 - Are younger generations developing a sense of entitlement toward parental financial support? 33:52 - Martin's thoughts on the proposed policy to tax unrealized gains in superannuation 39:01 - Did tax reforms under Howard trigger Australia’s property boom? 41:57 - Why has Australia’s property market outpaced the UK since 2000? 45:00 - Will Australia’s $11 trillion in property wealth ever truly change hands? 48:48 - What happens when the property wealth wave finally hits the end of the line? 52:56 - Are Australians starting to see the deeper layers behind the housing crisis? 57:19 - Martin North’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Martin North is the founder of Digital Finance Analytics, a boutique research and analytics firm focused on the intersection of finance, property, and consumer behavior in Australia. With a background in banking, data science, and strategic consulting, Martin is known for his in-depth housing market surveys and independent commentary on financial systems. He regularly appears in media and podcasts to share insights grounded in data, particularly on topics like intergenerational wealth, mortgage stress, and housing affordability. His work combines macroeconomic analysis with real-world household data, making him a respected voice in Australian property and finance conversations. Connect with Martin North: LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/martin-north-6a799182 Website https://www.digitalfinanceanalytics.com/ X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/DFA_Analyst 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  1:01:21
• Australia’s Biggest Home Builder Opens Up About Survival

  The building industry in Australia 2025 is still feeling the ripple effects of COVID, supply chain chaos, and builder collapses, and we wanted to know what it actually looks like to survive all that. So we brought in Brad Duggan, CEO of Metricon, to pull back the curtain on what went wrong, what they got right, and what others need to understand if they’re going to build homes (and stay afloat) in this market. Brad doesn’t hold back. He talks about the grind; the fixed-price contracts, the cost blowouts, the tough calls they had to make just to finish the work they promised. We got into what shifted for buyers too: smaller homes, simpler choices, and a stronger demand for turnkey builds. There’s a reason Metricon pivoted in that direction, and it’s not just about profit, it’s about stability. We also talked through some of the bigger picture issues shaping the building industry in Australia 2025. Delays in planning, lack of trades, materials tied up in tunnels and infrastructure jobs, councils dragging their feet. Brad’s got strong views on all of it, and some practical thoughts on what actually needs to change. If you’re buying, building, or even just trying to wrap your head around the future of housing in Australia, this chat cuts through the noise. So let's dive in and get started. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - Who is Brad Duggan? 01:33 - How bad has it really been for builders in the last few years? 04:14 - The toughest truths Brad had to face in stepping in as CEO 05:56 - How much building capacity did the industry lose due to insolvencies? 07:26 - If builders went under, why is there still a skilled labor shortage? 09:05 - What’s driving the increase in home building costs today? 11:45 - How much of the 50% cost increase is due to materials vs labour? 14:48 - Is outsourcing builds to China a practical solution to supply shortages? 16:05 - What makes modular construction so expensive and hard to scale? 18:29 - Are Australians too picky about customisation for mass-market housing to work? 20:31 - Why aren’t apartments a good entry point for young buyers? 21:21 - What types of builds make up Metricon’s current portfolio? 22:41 - What are the cost and risk differences between custom builds and volume builders? 25:19 - The risk of cookie-cutter suburbs in affordable housing 29:38 - Has construction productivity actually improved in Australia or not? 32:43 - Should buyers focus more on land content for better capital growth? 36:38 - Have all affected customers from collapsed builders been helped? 37:45 - What role should regulators play in builder accountability? 39:05 - Are investors finally returning to the market? 40:07 - What’s wrong with how some investment properties are sold? 47:14 - Does protecting the ‘neighbourhood feel’ stall progress? 51:39 - Brad Duggan’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Brad Duggan is the Chief Executive Officer of Metricon, Australia’s largest home builder. He stepped into the CEO role in July 2023 after serving as the company’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer. With over two decades of experience in finance and construction, Brad has held senior leadership positions at Probuild, WBHO Infrastructure, Australian Unity, and PwC. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from the University of Tasmania and is a Chartered Accountant. Brad is known for his pragmatic leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the construction industry, guiding Metricon through a successful financial turnaround while maintaining its position as the country’s top residential builder. Connect with Brad Duggan: LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/brad-duggan-96160818 Website https://www.metricon.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.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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  55:27
• Property Q&A: Zoning Shakeups, Rentvesting Moves & $600K Investment Myths Debunked

  What do zoning shakeups mean for your suburb, your street, and your property’s value? In this Q&A episode, we answer real questions from listeners and unpack the property market trends that are shaping the way people buy, build, and invest right now. We talk about what makes a home “A-grade” beyond land size and location, how to avoid overcapitalising, and why things like natural light and flexible layouts matter more than fancy finishes. We also break down the reality of rentvesting with a family and whether that under-$600K “positively geared” investment still exists. Here’s what we break down in this episode: Zoning changes are reshaping Sydney’s character suburbs—some areas will win, others could lose. Future-proofing your build matters: think layout, street appeal, and long-term resale. High rental yield doesn’t always mean better—capital growth still does the heavy lifting. Rentvesting only works if it fits your long-term goals and lifestyle. Don’t chase trends. Understand why the property market is shifting before you buy. If these are the questions keeping you up at night, or at least making you pause, this episode’s worth a listen. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:49 - How will zoning and development changes affect Sydney’s heritage suburbs? 11:44 - What should I consider when building a home to maximise resale or rental value? 18:50 - Are three-bedroom apartments really being bought by first home buyers? 22:41 - Should I focus on capital growth or rental yield while building my portfolio? 34:03 - Is it still possible to buy a positively geared property under $600K? 43:56 - Should we rentvest or try to buy in an area we’ve been priced out of? 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  50:51
• Inside Australia’s Housing Crisis: Broken Policy, Supply Myths & Market Limits

  What if everything we’re told about fixing Australia’s housing crisis is just scratching the surface? That’s the starting point for our conversation with Michele Adair, Managing Director of the Housing Trust and a long-time advocate for meaningful housing reform. Michele brings decades of experience and doesn’t hold back when talking about what’s really broken in the system. Throughout the episode, we cover key issues that are often ignored or oversimplified in the national conversation around Australia’s housing crisis, including: Why political promises rarely translate into real, on-the-ground housing outcomes The limitations of the private market and why it can’t deliver genuinely affordable homes How capital gains tax discounts cost the federal budget $23 billion a year – funds that could support social housing The gap between housing policy and delivery, and how that disconnect keeps communities in crisis Why the Housing Australia Future Fund is a step in the right direction, but severely underfunded and politically vulnerable The urgent need for a 20-year national housing strategy that includes all levels of government and addresses workforce shortages How community housing providers are being stretched to the limit, despite being more efficient and regulated than many think Why defining “affordable housing” matters, and how that definition has been lost at a federal level If you care about what’s happening in housing, or you’re just tired of hearing the same old solutions that clearly aren’t working, this one’s worth a listen. Let's get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:21 - Who is Michele Adair? 01:59 - Could the election results have an impact on the ongoing rental crisis? 04:36 - What Michele believes the Labor Party still needs to address beyond supporting HAAF 07:06 - How Michele views the investment fund approach vs direct housing build 09:56 - What’s currently preventing good affordable housing proposals from moving forward 11:02 - Why Michele believes political messaging around “supply” misses the real issue 13:48 - Why housing affordability can’t be fixed by doing the same thing over and over 16:07 - Why housing policy shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all 27:17 - What’s changed, or hasn’t, in the rental crisis since the last conversation 29:49 - How having three levels of government makes fixing housing more difficult 36:50 - Michele’s views on how tax structures and hidden costs affect affordability 38:44 - How community housing is currently financed, and why it’s becoming harder 49:21 - How poorly designed rental laws are putting pressure on both renters and landlords 52:22 - Will regional oversupply outpace urban rental demand? 58:06 - Michele Adair’s property dumbo 59:34 - Thoughts on the 3D printed house About Our Guest: After seven years as CEO at Housing Trust, Michele Adair has now moved into the role of Managing Director to focus on portfolio growth. A courageous and pragmatic driving force in housing policy and advocacy, she was named one of the five most powerful people in property by the AFR in 2023 and won the UDIA’s national award for leadership excellence the same year. Michele was the inaugural Chair of Homes Tasmania and joined the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network as their housing industry expert in 2024. Connect with Michele Adair: Website https://www.housingtrust.org.au/ LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/michele-adair 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  1:01:28

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