The Property Couch

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben and Polly unpack one of the most important investing skills you can build:
Critical Thinking.
The conversation centres on the growing number of “guaranteed return” propositions showing up in property investing — and why those promises should always be challenged.
From guaranteed rent to guaranteed growth, they break down why the real issue isn’t just the headline offer, but the downside risk that often gets ignored.
If a property underperforms, loses value, or leaves you with reduced flexibility, a small guarantee may not come close to covering the real cost.
This episode explores the questions every investor should ask, the red flags to watch for, and why thinking critically before you sign anything is one of the most important habits you can build.
Got a question or a something you wish you knew earlier?
Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/
LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
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You found the property. You've secured finance. You've survived inspections...
Now comes the paperwork that can make (or break) the deal.
In Part 3 of our Buying a Home series, Ben is joined by Nicole Faid and Kirsty “KD” Dunphey to unpack the legal side of buying property, and reveal the hidden risks buyers often don't discover until it's too late.
Inside: 
✔️ Why "submitting an offer" may already legally bind you
✔️ The clauses Nicole NEVER buys without
✔️ Subject-to-finance and building & pest traps explained
✔️ Why cheap contract reviews can cost you later
✔️ Settlement surprises most buyers never budget for
✔️ The red flags hidden inside contracts and apartments
This wraps up our Buying a Home mini-series:
🏠 593 | Borrowing, Deposits & Pre-Approval (Buying a Home | Part 1)
🔎 595 | Building Inspections, Hidden Defects & A Risky Govt Proposal (Buying a Home | Part 2) – Chat with Paul Baker & Myles Clark

Free Stuff Mentioned
📊 Free Property & Suburb Reports
Want to see what tax reforms and market shifts could mean for demand in your area? Access free suburb reports, including demand and supply insights through Moorr.
 👉 Get the latest insights now 
🌐 Explore The New Property Couch Website
We've launched a brand-new website designed to help you cut through 600+ episodes and find the content most relevant to your property journey.
 👉 Complete the quiz and tailor your experience 
📅 Book A Free Tax Planning Chat
Before 30 June rolls around, now's the time to think tax planning, especially if you own investment properties.
 👉 Book a free 15-minute chat with the team.
Find out more about Nicole & Accord Conveyancing, or listen to her other TPC episodes here. 
LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Building new often gets a bad rap when we’re talking about property. 
But what if you’re not building purely for investment?
In this Throwback Tuesday episode, Bryce and Ben unpack when building new actually makes sense and what to consider before choosing land, location and design for your future family home.
For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 259 | Q&A: A Tax-Saving Hack For An Offset Account, The Simplest Way to Keep Track of Your Properties and How To Distinguish “Emotional Value” from “Property Value”.

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben is joined by building inspector Paul Baker to unpack one of the most common causes of property damage:
Water.
It comes from everywhere — leaking gutters, under-slab plumbing issues, failed waterproofing, cracked grout, balconies, bathrooms, and more.
And according to Paul, it’s behind the vast majority of the issues he sees in homes.
This conversation breaks down why water causes so much damage, what warning signs buyers and owners should look out for, and why some “small” issues can turn into very expensive repairs if they’re ignored.
If you’re buying, selling, renovating, or maintaining a property, this is a practical episode with real value.
Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/
LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Negative gearing reforms. Capital gains tax changes. Trust adjustments. Housing affordability measures. Productivity promises. 
Beyond the latest Federal Budget headlines… what are the real consequences? 
This week, Ben is joined by David Robertson, Chief Economist, Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, and Evan Lucas, Market Commentator, to unpack one of the most ambitious (and controversial) budgets in decades. 
Together they explore: 
💰 What tax reform could mean for investors 
📉 Will borrowing power and investor behaviour change? 
📊 Could this create a two-tier property market? 
🤖 Why AI and productivity may become Australia's next growth story 
Plus: the unintended consequences nobody seems to be talking about... 
It’s a sharp look into where Australia’s economy is heading with these tsunami reforms.  Tune in now! 
 
FREE STUFF MENTIONED
(FREE WEBINAR) Property Prices After Tax Reform: Fact vs Fiction
With major changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax now on the table, what does this mean for property prices, investors, first-home buyers and renters?
Join Ben LIVE as he cuts through the headlines to unpack the potential winners, losers and unintended consequences shaping Australia’s property market.
🗓 Tuesday, 26th May
⏰ 7:30pm AEST
👉 Register Free Here 
Mortgage Hacks Video Series
Cashflow feeling tight? Ben’s got 6 short videos packed with practical mortgage hacks that could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket every month. 
👉 Listen now! 
Listen Evan’s Podcast: Exchanges with Evan Lucas 
Missed our thoughts on the 2026 Federal Budget? Listen to 597 | Federal Budget 2026: Are YOU a Winner or Loser? (Property Edition) 
LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube