The Truth About Holiday Homes as a Property Investment: Brett Warren Exposes the Real Numbers

You know how every summer Australians wander down to the beach, breathe in the salty air, have a few too many wines, and suddenly convince themselves that owning a holiday home is a brilliant investment strategy?

Well… it isn't. In fact, it's one of the biggest financial traps I see Aussies fall into.

And today, I'm joined by Brett Warren, National Director of Property at Metropole, to unpack all the reasons why holiday homes almost always underperform, why the numbers never stack up, and what smarter investors are doing instead.

Our discussion highlights the risks associated with holiday properties, the necessity of prioritising long-term financial goals, and the current market trends that could impact property investment decisions in the coming years.

Takeaways

· Holiday homes often come with hidden costs and risks.

· Successful investors prioritize essential investments over lifestyle choices.

· Understanding market trends is crucial for long-term investment success.

· Emotional decisions can lead to poor investment choices.

· It's important to evaluate the true costs of owning a holiday home.

· Investing in high-demand areas can yield better returns.

· The property market is cyclical, and timing is essential.

· Strategic planning can help achieve financial goals more effectively.

· Investors should focus on data-driven decisions rather than emotions.

· Wealth building requires a long-term vision and strategy.

Chapters

00:10 Why holiday moods lead to bad investment decisions.

05:05 Why holiday towns underperform long-term despite recent spikes.

10:05 Airbnb myths, hidden costs and tax pitfalls investors ignore.

15:05 Volatility, low land value and why holiday homes drag wealth.

20:00 Strategic investing vs lifestyle buying as 2026 market shifts.

24:55 Wealth principles: build assets first, enjoy holidays later.

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/

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Brett Warren - National Director of Property at Metropole

Michael Yardney

Join Brett Warren and Michael Yardney, plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.