The Property Couch

Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series where members of the Property Couch crew share bold property and money opinions they’re willing to stand behind. 
This week, tax expert Julia Hartman joins Ben Kingsley to tackle a controversial topic: 
Blaming landlords for the housing crisis. 
Julia argues that increasing taxes, regulations, and costs for investors may actually reduce rental supply — which can drive rents even higher. 
In this episode, she unpacks the unintended consequences of policy decisions, the role of market forces, and why some widely accepted solutions may not be solving the problem. 
It’s a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the current narrative around housing in Australia. 
Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ 
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 
00:39 – Meet Julia Hartman: Tax Expert 
00:54 – The Hill: Stop Blaming Landlords 
01:14 – Why Punishing Investors Reduces Supply 
02:22 – Rising Costs for Property Investors 
03:03 – Are Investors Really “Greedy Hoarders”? 
04:02 – What Happens When Rental Supply Drops 
05:22 – The Unexpected Idea to Increase Housing Supply 
06:12 – Why Tax Settings Discourage Solutions 
07:11 – Government Policy vs Market Forces 
08:17 – Free Market vs Intervention Debate 
10:41 – Final Thoughts: What Needs to Change 
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

🏡 What happens when you’re pre-approved… but still not ready to buy?
In Episode 591, Ben is joined by Kirsty, and Couch Crew member, Kirsty “KD” Dunphey, who shares her incredibly honest first-home buyer journey.
Her story is one many buyers will recognise:
Four years pre-approved before purchasing
Endless inspections and auction losses
Information overload from friends and advisors
Navigating buyer’s agents, brokers and market noise
Along the way, the conversation unpacks some powerful lessons about risk aversion, decision-making, and why buying property is as much psychological as it is financial.
Plus, Kirsty shares the one thing she’d do differently if she could start again. If you’re a first-home buyer stuck in analysis paralysis, this episode is for you. 
 
FREE STUFF MENTIONED
📊 Moorr Platform (Free Money Management Tool)
Take control of your money, track your spending and uncover your surplus: all in one place.
👉 Join the Moorr Surplus Challenge
📱 Download Moorr (iOS & Android)
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

“Would I be crazy to buy a freestanding home in a street full of units and townhouses?” 
 
In this throwback episode, Bryce & Ben answer this question from a first home buyer and explore why the answer isn't a simple yes or no.
For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 305 | Chalk & Cheese: The Difference Between The Art & Science of Investing.

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

Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series inside The Property Couch where members of the Couch Crew share bold money and property opinions they’re willing to stand behind.

In this episode, buyer’s advocate Shane Pope joins Ben Kingsley to unpack a powerful truth most sellers and buyers overlook:

👉 The real estate agent is the most important part of your property transaction.

It’s not just about price.
It’s not just about marketing.

Shane explains why even the best property on the best street can fail to sell if the wrong agent is running the campaign, and how great agents create momentum, communication, and ultimately… results.

You’ll also hear real examples of how agent quality can influence outcomes, how strong operators manage buyers and vendors, and what separates top performers from the rest.

If you’re buying or selling, this episode will change how you think about choosing the right agent.

Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/

👍 Like this video if it helped
🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on property, finance & money management
📲 Start your money journey with Moorr: https://moorr.com.au

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:46 – Meet Shane Pope: Buyer’s Advocate
01:36 – The Hill: Why the Agent Matters Most
02:08 – The Risk of Inexperienced Agents
03:29 – Real Case Study: Buying Below Market Value
04:47 – What Great Agents Do Differently
06:03 – Can You Overpay for the Right Home?
07:30 – Buyer Trade-Offs: Price vs Location vs Property
08:50 – What Separates Top Agents from Average Ones
11:06 – Marketing vs Pricing: What Really Matters
12:55 – Negotiation Tactics That Win Deals
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

The property market is facing a perfect storm…
Global conflict is driving supply shocks.
Inflation is creeping back in.
Interest rates are rising again.
And now… tax reform is back on the table.
In this groundbreaking episode, Ben is joined by Ray White Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee and Behavioural Economist Evan Lucas to unpack how these forces are colliding and exactly what it could mean for property prices, investors, and the broader economy.
From shifting buyer sentiment to construction cost pressures and the potential changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, this is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the future of Australia’s housing market.
Free Stuff Mentioned
FREE Masterclass: How to Retire on $3K a Week
Breaking News Episodes: Are New Capital Gain Tax Reforms Coming?
 Negative Gearing Changes in May 2026 Federal Budget

Learn more about the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA)
Resources mentioned: ABC News: Home building industry facing COVID-like price spikes due to Middle East war
Australian Financial Review (AFR): Chalmers pledges substantial savings, Treasury predicts 5pc inflation
Ben’s Interview in the AFR: Melbourne homes rate long-term for investors, just not right now
REIA's: Joint Statement – Independent economic modelling cautions against more tax on housing in the federal budget

Guests & Episodes Mentioned: See the full catalogue of Nerida Consibee’s episodes >> 

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