Property Investment Podcast Network

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Emilie Lauer is joined by Knight Frank's chief economist Ben Burston to explore what 2026 holds for Australia's commercial property market. Reflecting on 2025, Burston notes a year of recovery across sectors, with retail bouncing back, industrial continuing strong growth, and offices stabilising. Over the last 12 months, investor behaviour shifted, with private buyers diversifying into commercial sectors like childcare, quick-service restaurants, and data centres. Looking ahead, Burston expects steady growth, tempered by interest rate fluctuations, with opportunities for investors to acquire quality assets at attractive yields. State-specific insights highlight Melbourne's long-term potential, while Sydney and Brisbane are set for quicker gains, and construction costs and "high economic rent" dynamics are likely to drive rent growth and stabilise values. Burston sector-specific analysis points to prime offices and industrial infill locations as particularly promising, while dominant shopping centres benefit from tightening supply and population growth. Overall, the duo underscores that strategic, diversified investing and careful due diligence will be key for successful investment in the evolving 2026 commercial property market. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of The Property Nerds podcast, hosts Arjun Paliwal, Jack Fouracre, and Adrian Lee sit down with Kit Gunasekara from InvestorKit to explore why investors shouldn't wait for the "perfect opportunity" and take action to drive momentum. The conversation centres on the idea that taking imperfect action delivers progress, a mindset Gunasekara credits with helping him build a $5 million portfolio by his early 30s. Gunasekara shares how the discomfort of advising others before fully committing himself pushed him to start investing and think long-term about scalability. He reflects on early mistakes, including a poorly timed purchase of a Melbourne apartment, and explains how those setbacks became critical learning points rather than failures. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding land value, market cycles, and fundamentals instead of chasing hype. Gunasekara also outlines how a data-led approach in Queensland delivered strong growth by aligning strategy with market conditions. Now a portfolio strategist at InvestorKit, he draws on his own journey to help hundreds of clients build equity and confidence. The hosts reinforce that informed action, adaptability, and learning from mistakes drive long-term success in property investing.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Finni Mortgages principal Eva Loisance, along with brokers Costa Arvanitopoulos and Rebecca Carlson, to unpack standout property deals from 2025 and the strategies behind them. The discussion highlights how transparency, strategic planning, and creative financing can transform client outcomes, from first home buyers using the 5 per cent deposit scheme to investors leveraging self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to expand their portfolios. Loisance emphasises the importance of trust, warning against "financial infidelity" where undisclosed debts or hidden expenses can derail applications. Carlson shares examples of clients achieving ambitious property goals, while Arvanitopoulos illustrates how innovative solutions, such as debt consolidation and lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers, can improve cash flow and unlock additional investment opportunities. The brokers stress the value of aligning with a knowledgeable professional who can navigate complex lending landscapes and maintain pre-approvals, particularly during high-opportunity periods like the holidays. The team demonstrates how brokers do more than facilitate loans; they provide strategic guidance, uncover opportunities, and help investors achieve meaningful, long-term success in the property market. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, host Phil Tarrant sits down with Scott O'Neill, CEO of Rethink Group, to review the performance of the Australian commercial property market in 2025 and unpack what investors should be preparing for as the market moves into 2026. This in-depth discussion revisits early-year predictions and holds them to account, analysing how interest rate cuts, supply shortages, lending conditions and investor sentiment shaped outcomes across key asset classes, including retail property, industrial property, and office assets. Drawing on insights from hundreds of transactions completed throughout the year, Scott provides a ground-level view of how capital has actually been deployed in the commercial market. Key commercial property trends from 2025 The episode explores why large format retail and neighbourhood shopping centres emerged as some of the strongest-performing commercial asset classes, supported by yield appeal, limited new supply, and resilient tenant demand. Scott also explains how secondary industrial assets continued to outperform prime industrial stock, driven by higher yields, owner-occupier demand, and replacement cost pressures. Office markets are also assessed, with commentary on stabilising conditions in select suburban and freehold office assets, contrasted against ongoing challenges in secondary CBD office stock. The conversation extends to regional and residential property markets, highlighting which capital cities delivered the strongest growth and how government incentives influenced late-year momentum. Listeners will gain practical insight into: Beyond market performance, this episode dives into commercial property investment strategy, focusing on how experienced investors are: Consolidating portfolios rather than accumulating smaller assets. Prioritising cash flow resilience over speculative growth. Diversifying across asset classes and geographies, including New Zealand commercial property. Actively refinancing to improve servicing and capital efficiency. Scott also shares practical lessons from 2025 around asset management, due diligence, development feasibility, tenant risk, and knowing when to exit underperforming properties – reinforcing why commercial portfolios must be managed like businesses, not passive investments. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to understand where commercial property sits in the current cycle, how professional investors are positioning capital, and what disciplined commercial property investing looks like in a maturing market. What to expect in episode 69 In Episode 69, listeners will gain clarity on which asset classes are expected to deliver the strongest risk-adjusted returns, how interest rate cuts and lending competition are reshaping opportunities, and the strategic considerations disciplined investors should be making as they optimise portfolios and protect downside risk heading into 2026.

In the second part of their discussion on The Smart Property Investment Show, managing editor Liam Garman and deputy editor Emilie Lauer explore how investors can position their portfolios for 2026 as market conditions shift. The conversation focuses on rising demand driven by government schemes, constrained housing supply, and the need for more disciplined, price-sensitive strategies. The pair urge investors to use the slower summer period to review cash flow, equity, rental performance, and portfolio structure, rather than chasing outdated hotspots. Additionally, they warn that widely publicised postcodes and AI-driven research tools can inflate demand and erode opportunity, reinforcing the importance of on-the-ground research and experienced advice. Looking ahead, diversification, particularly into commercial property, is emerging as a key theme for 2026. Garman and Lauer also stress the need for emotional discipline, cautioning against rushed end-of-year decisions, and highlight goal-setting and investor wellbeing as essential foundations for long-term success.

In this episode of Inside Residential Property, host Liam Garman is joined by Rethink Residential senior buyer's agent James Thompson and investor Daniel to break down the realities of the buy-and-renovate property strategy – including when it works, when it doesn't, and why many investors underestimate the risks involved. Using Daniel's real investment journey as a case study, the episode explores how manufacturing equity through renovations and granny flats can accelerate portfolio growth – but also why rising construction costs, time commitments, cash flow pressure, and life-stage changes often force investors to reassess their strategy. Daniel shares how he began investing at a young age, purchasing uninhabitable properties, completing hands-on renovations, and adding significant equity through disciplined budgeting, suburb research and targeted upgrades. The conversation details how equity releases were used to fund granny flat construction and further property acquisitions, before examining how consecutive interest rate rises reshaped cash flow and borrowing capacity. The episode also addresses common investor mistakes, including overcapitalising on renovations, misunderstanding opportunity cost, and following rigid property plans that fail to adapt to changing markets and personal circumstances. What you'll learn in this episode: When a buy-and-renovate property strategy makes sense – and when it doesn't. How to assess renovation opportunities using comparable sales and buyer demand. Why time, labour, and opportunity cost matter as much as renovation budgets. How equity releases and granny flats can support portfolio growth. The impact of interest rate rises on renovation-heavy investment strategies. When selling property can accelerate progress rather than stall it. Why property strategies must evolve with life stages and market conditions. The risks behind house and land packages and commission-driven advice. This episode is essential listening for residential property investors considering renovation or value-add strategies, offering a practical, experience-led perspective on how to build equity responsibly, manage risk, and keep portfolios moving forward without getting stuck in outdated plans.

In a special summer episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, Phil Tarrant is joined by Eva Loisance, principal at Finni Mortgages, to reflect on the property deals that made a difference in 2025. The episode highlights the pivotal role mortgage brokers play in guiding Australians through complex investment finance decisions. Loisance shares real-world examples, including refinancing a neighbour's high-interest loan to save over $2,500 per month and dramatically reduce the mortgage term. Another case explores a client leveraging equity and strategic refinancing to grow a substantial property portfolio. The discussion also covers innovative strategies such as family pledges, which enable younger investors to enter the market without large deposits. Tarrant and Loisance emphasise the importance of ethical practices and informed decision-making in the broking industry. The conversation touches on challenges faced by self-employed investors and self-managed super fund (SMSF) users, underscoring the need for professional guidance. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In a special December episode of Property Investing Insights with Right Property Group, Phil Tarrant, co-host Victor Kumar, and guest Melissa Matheson wrap up the Design Your Decade series, reflecting on key lessons from property investment over 2025. The episode reviews insights from the series, sharing practical strategies, case studies, and real-world examples of building and optimising investment portfolios. Matheson illustrates how disciplined planning, strategic sell-downs, and professional guidance can streamline a portfolio for better long-term outcomes. With support from Kumar and the Right Property Group, she refined her holdings to a 10-property portfolio valued at nearly $10 million, with manageable debt. The conversation covers common challenges investors face, including refinancing, cash flow management, and navigating lending and tenant issues. Kumar emphasises that goal-setting, patience, and adaptability are key traits for successful investors. Matheson's story reinforces that property investment is a long-term, strategic process rather than a quick path to wealth.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, managing editor Liam Garman and deputy editor Emilie Lauer break down the year that was in Australian property, examining which markets surged, where momentum stalled, and why demand-side policy is setting the scene for further growth into 2026. The conversation explores interest rate predictions, refinancing options, and the economic forces driving inflation, highlighting why expert advice has become critical in an increasingly complex market. Garman and Lauer also unpack regional performance across the country, shifting buyer priorities, and the rise of the "compromise or miss out" mindset reshaping purchasing decisions, particularly among younger buyers. Looking ahead, they discuss why strategy will be central to navigating the next phase of the property cycle and tease part two of the series, focused on building sustainable, long-term property outcomes in 2026. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, Arjun Paliwal, Jack Fouracre, and Adrian Lee explore the evolving landscape of property investment, focusing on regulatory changes, lending policies, and market dynamics shaping investor strategies. The discussion highlights the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA's) new policy limiting high-risk investor lending to 20 per cent of banks' portfolios, potentially shifting opportunities toward brokers and non-bank lenders. The trio emphasises the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, as life changes and cash flow constraints can affect borrowing capacity despite debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. Strategies such as rentvesting are discussed as ways to maintain a DTI under six while building a property portfolio. Lender Mortgage Insurance (LMI) waivers and extended 40-year loan terms are highlighted as tools that can reduce upfront costs and increase borrowing flexibility. Additionally, the discussion addresses the nuances of shading rental income in DTI calculations, helping investors understand their true borrowing capacity. The co-hosts stress that professional guidance is critical for navigating regulatory shifts and optimising investment decisions.