The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)

The latest research from the Reserve Bank of Australia offers a fascinating snapshot of who really owns Australia's investment properties, and it challenges many common assumptions.

Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the data, revealing that most investors own just one property, while only a small minority build large portfolios. They explore what an ageing investor population, borrowing capacity, leverage and proposed tax changes could mean for the future of housing and rental supply.

This episode offers a balanced, evidence-based discussion that cuts through the headlines to explain what the numbers really tell us about Australia's property investors and the housing market.

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/29/what-the-rba-data-reveals-about-australias-rental-market/

This week, The Trio answer a fascinating listener question from Tom, who has built a $12 million property portfolio and is now facing a different challenge: where should future capital go?

Cate and Mike discuss the shift from accumulation to optimisation, comparing property, shares and superannuation as wealth-building tools. They explore the role of leverage, debt reduction and how age and working horizons influence risk. The episode also examines the hidden costs of large interstate portfolios, the increasing workload that comes with mature assets, and why simplicity becomes more valuable as retirement approaches.

Plus, Cate reveals what she'd analyse first before making the next move.

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/22/wealth-building-balancing-act/

May's property market delivered a fascinating mix of results, with Melbourne and Sydney recording price declines while Perth and Darwin continued their remarkable growth.

In this month's market update, Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the latest data and discuss what's really happening beneath the headlines.They explore the impact of proposed investor tax changes, shifting buyer sentiment, rental growth, housing supply challenges and the implications for investors, homeowners and first-home buyers.

The episode also examines listings activity, gross rental yields, interest rate expectations and broader economic indicators influencing property markets around the country. Join The Property Trio as they cut through the noise, analyse the trends and share their insights on what buyers and investors should be watching in the months ahead.

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

Shownotes:
https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/15/ep-366-may-2026-market-update/

With interest rates rising and household budgets under pressure, many borrowers are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their home loans. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explore practical strategies to improve cash flow, including negotiating with lenders, refinancing, reviewing loan structures and making better use of offset accounts.

The Trio explain why advertised rates don't always tell the full story and highlights the value of working with a strategic mortgage broker. Whether you're an owner-occupier or investor, this episode offers actionable insights to help ensure your lending is working as hard as possible.

Download your free copy of Dave’s Money Management Principles – the 7 Steps to Success: https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/money-management-principles

Read David's Blog - How to Save Money on Your Home Loan - https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/post/how-to-save-money-on-your-home-loan

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

Shownotes are here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/08/reviewing-your-home-loan/

Dave, Cate and Mike unpack the post-budget landscape through a listener question from Liam, highlighting the uncertainty facing investors.

With proposed changes to negative gearing and CGT not yet legislated, many buyers are pausing, while owner-occupiers are benefiting from reduced competition. The Trio explores whether a surge in listings could create buying opportunities, but notes that property markets adjust slowly despite rapid sentiment shifts. With less reliance on tax incentives, the focus turns to cash flow, borrowing capacity and strategy. This is a market recalibrating, and for well-prepared buyers, changing conditions may present opportunity rather than risk.

The Property Trio is: 

David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  

Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  

Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  

📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  

Shownotes are here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/01/listener-question-budget-2026/