The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate

Most people assume long-term thinking is the key to success in property—but what if it’s actually holding you back? In this episode, we break down whether having a long-term property strategy is always the smartest move—or if it could actually be working against you. We take you through how we each approach property strategy, why some plans are set up to fail from the start, and how to tell if the advice you’re getting is truly in your best interest or just a well-packaged sales pitch. Chris shares how his strategy sessions with clients unfold, the key questions that reveal what really matters, and why understanding your next move—not just the one in front of you—is so critical. Veronica talks through the biggest mistakes she sees people make, why so many investors end up stuck with properties that don’t serve them, and how to avoid locking yourself into a plan that doesn’t adapt to real life. We also get into the risks of relying too much on spreadsheets and formulas, why property strategy isn’t just about numbers, and how the best decisions come from asking the right questions. If you’re thinking about your next property move, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how to approach it. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - How Chris initiates and conducts property strategy discussions with clients 04:05 - Do property strategy sessions ever change a buyer’s mind? 08:59 - Does Chris charge for his strategy sessions? 12:18 - Does Chris encounter recurring or common property strategy scenarios? 16:37 - The different types of clients who seek strategy sessions and the key issues they face 22:04 - Are property strategy plans too focused on numbers instead of real-life goals? 27:04 - Explaining the power of compounding in real estate through the lily pad analogy 31:51 - What happens when couples have conflicting property goals? 37:09 - How to realistically assess the right timing for property decisions 39:44 - Taking a holistic approach to property strategy sessions 49:13 - The role of data and/or local knowledge in helping investors pick good properties Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.alcove.com.au/ Work with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tax planning in property isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a game changer. In this episode, we explore why getting the right advice early can be the difference between wealth creation and costly mistakes. From uncovering myths about negative gearing to breaking down the hidden ways investors lose money, our conversation with Catherine Simons talks about what really matters when it comes to structuring your investments wisely. We discuss common traps, like rushing into property trusts or ignoring the impact of selling in unfavourable tax years. Catherine shares practical advice on pre-purchase consultations, highlighting why your accountant’s input is crucial long before signing on the dotted line. And for those navigating property inside super funds, she doesn’t hold back on the risks and benefits, making sure you know what to avoid. This episode is packed with actionable insights on structuring, tax strategies, and long-term planning. So don't miss it! Let's get started. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Who is Catherine Simons? 02:07 - What came first—Catherine's profession or her love of property? 03:34 - Key lessons or myths Catherine has debunked when working with property investors 05:23 - Common ways people can lose money on property investments 07:04 - What are the most common tax rules or misconceptions committed by most people? 10:47 - Deciding the best ownership structure for a property investor (from an accountant) 12:06 - At what point should a property investor engage an accountant? 15:32 - What are some common tax-related mistakes property investors make 22:32 - Common misconceptions people have about negative gearing and positive cash flow 25:26 - What makes a great property asset based on Catherine's client experience 27:52 - Insights Catherine gained from clients engaged in flipping or property development 31:20 - Foundational tax principles evolving, and key trends for 2025 and beyond 34:47 - What’s the impact of tax and super changes on company vs. trust structures? 36;35 - What makes liquidity a common issue when buying property within an SMSF? 44:54 - Where owner-occupiers go wrong with tax when renting out their home short term 48:39 - Catherine Simons’ property dumbo About Our Guest: Catherine Simons is the Managing Director of WSC Group, bringing over 19 years of expertise in public practice accounting. Specialising in rental property investment and advising small to medium-sized businesses, Catherine is dedicated to helping clients build wealth and achieve financial growth through strategic business advisory and taxation services. She also oversees continuous improvement initiatives within WSC Group, ensuring operational excellence. A sought-after speaker and expert, Catherine shares insights on key financial topics and enjoys balancing her professional life with family time and personal interests in podcasts focused on finance, pop culture, and health. Connect with Catherine Simons: WSC Group https://wscgroup.com.au/ LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/catherine-simons-59766b89 Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered if energy-efficient homes are the next big thing in real estate? Or is the industry still lagging on this? In this episode, we're diving into how sustainability is shaking up the property game, and we've got Jacob Caine, president of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, to give us the inside scoop. Jacob was at the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference, representing Australian real estate, so he knows what's up. We're talking about how climate change – from crazy weather events to skyrocketing energy bills – is changing what buyers want and how much homes are worth. Will houses with bad energy ratings become impossible to sell or get a loan for? We're also looking at how banks are getting involved, new rating systems, and how energy-efficient features are becoming more than just a nice-to-have – they're protecting your investment. But there's also the practical stuff: what can homeowners and investors do right now to stay ahead of the curve? Jacob's got tips on everything from solar panels to minimum rental standards, and how these changes will affect everyday decisions about property. So, if you're curious about how property, climate, and money all fit together, this episode is packed with info you won't want to miss. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - Who is Jacob Caine? 02:04 - What motivated Jacob's attendance at COP 29, and what were his key goals? 03:33 - How important is Australia’s contribution to the global sustainability movement? 08:21 - How reliable is CoreLogic’s analysis without a rating system for existing homes? 14:18 - How soon will energy ratings become a key factor in property markets? 21:05 - Will banks require property upgrades to approve financing? 25:11 - What does resilience mean in the context of property? 27:41 - Do home builders have a valid point about energy efficiency standards raising costs? 36:53 - How quickly can we transition to renewable energy according to the model? 41:58 - Energy ratings or home renovations: which one is responsible for price increases? 48:46 - Do you agree that property managers are getting overwhelmed by new requirements? 52:54 - Should energy efficiency efforts prioritise apartments over individual houses? 59:03 - Jacob Caine’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Jacob Caine is the CEO of Ray White CRE and is serving his second term as President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, with directorship roles at the Real Estate Institute of Australia and View.com.au. A licensed estate agent with extensive leadership experience, he has an impressive academic background, holding a Bachelor’s degree from Melbourne University, an MBA from Monash, and a Master’s in International Relations from Harvard, where he graduated on the Dean’s List. Currently pursuing a PhD at the National Security College (ANU), Jacob’s research focuses on the evolution of cyberattacks. His professional credentials include certificates in leadership, negotiation, and international security from Harvard, among others. Connect with Jacob Caine:  Ray White CRE https://raywhitecre.com.au/ Website https://view.com.au/ LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/jacob-caine-30195647 Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is hotspotting, really? In this episode, we sit down with Terry Ryder, the founder of Hotspotting, to explore what the term means and what it should mean for property investors. Terry has spent over four decades researching and writing about Australian residential property, and he’s here to share why chasing short-term predictions is not the way to go. Terry walks us through his approach to identifying true hotspots—places with economic diversity, infrastructure investment, and long-term growth potential. He’s upfront about how the name “hotspotting” can sometimes create misconceptions, with people thinking it’s about quick, short-term wins. As Terry explains, that’s the opposite of his philosophy. For him, it’s all about looking ahead and finding what he calls “second wind markets”—those overlooked locations that are set to thrive over time. We also dive into the challenges of going against the herd mentality. Terry believes most investors make mistakes by following the crowd or reacting to media noise instead of having a solid, long-term strategy. He even shares personal stories about lessons learned from his own investments, including the times he wishes he hadn’t sold too soon. This conversation is packed with Terry’s trademark honesty, practical insights, and a refreshing take on property investing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune your strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - Who is Terry Ryder? 01:52 - Terry’s thoughts on the popularity of the term “hotspotting” among buyers’ agents 03:42 - How frequently Terry addresses the misbelief that ‘hotspotting’ is about quick returns 05:07 - Determining time frames and benchmarks for market outperformance 14:30 - What Terry would do if he had to rebuild his portfolio from scratch 16:52 - The role of sales activity in Terry's investment methodology 19:40 - Can fair value outweigh location quality in long-term property investments? 22:06 - Is location more important than property details in your analysis? 28:45 - Are we seeing a shift toward apartments in high-growth locations? 31:03 - Do Terry’s previous hotspots align with market performance? 34:43 - Reports that get the most clicks on Hotspotting 36:19 - What Terry thinks about the rise of data-driven buyers’ agencies 37:39 - What happens after buyers get Terry's top suburb recommendations 44:04 - Terry Ryder’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Terry Ryder is a seasoned researcher and writer with over four decades of expertise in Australian residential property. He began his career as Property Editor at The Courier Mail in 1982, later holding roles at the Australian Financial Review. For 20 years, he ran Ryder Property Consulting, offering research and writing services to industry professionals, and authored four books on real estate. In 2006, he launched hotspotting.com.au, a platform providing insights for property investors on future high-performing markets. Terry has been a columnist for The Australian, Property Observer, Money Magazine, and Canstar, and is widely recognized for his expert commentary on TV, radio, and at industry events. His content, including broadcasts and podcasts, is followed by tens of thousands across Australia. Connect with Terry Ryder: Website https://www.hotspotting.com.au/ LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/terryryder Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we step into 2025, the property market is abuzz with questions about its trajectory after a challenging 2024. Is the shift towards a buyer's market inevitable, or are we simply seeing seasonal fluctuations? In this episode, Eliza Owen from CoreLogic returns to share her insights on what’s ahead and what it all means for buyers, investors, and renters alike. We start with a discussion on the ripple effects of rising unemployment and how it could influence the rental market and demand particularly in cities like Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, which saw impressive growth last year. Eliza unpacks affordability constraints and how they’re starting to affect buyer and investor activity. With high migration propping up some markets and affordability pulling others back, there’s a lot to consider as we move forward. We also discuss construction challenges, including delays and how they’re affecting housing supply. Eliza gives us the real numbers on where we stand against ambitious government targets for new dwellings and what that means for the property market overall. Finally, Eliza shares her take on intergenerational wealth and how the “bank of mum and dad” is influencing homeownership. With these trends shaping up to play a major role in 2025, this episode is packed with timely insights to help you make sense of what’s happening in property right now. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:13 - Who is Eliza Owen? 02:03 - Eliza's outlook for 2025 04:14 - Have Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane passed their peak? 07:36 - What’s the connection between regional areas and state capitals in real estate? 09:29 - How Eliza interprets claims about increased property listings 12:48 - Insights on future listing trends 17:52 - If rate cuts happen soon, when will their impact be felt in real estate? 22:36 - The role of intergenerational wealth play in skewing market dynamics 28:41 - Is wealth transfer more impactful in Sydney compared to Brisbane? 29:44 - How could unemployment in 2025 affect wealth transfers and home buying? 31:08 - How might political pressures influence housing policies during the election? 35:29 - How does wealth flow from other assets into residential real estate? 38:53 - How is the construction sector responding to housing targets? 46:32 - Eliza Owen’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Eliza Owen is an experienced property data analyst with a background in economics. She has worked for Residex, Domain Group, and CoreLogic, specialising in descriptive and inferential data analysis, data visualisation, and framing data trends with broader economic concepts. Eliza is also a passionate communicator who explains economic concepts to diverse audiences. She has presented on the TEDX stage, written for prominent publications, and been a regular commentator on commercial radio and television. Eliza is a popular keynote speaker, having presented to audiences in real estate, construction, banking and finance, property development, and consumer markets. Connect with Eliza Owen: Follow Eliza on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliza-owen-2554ab65/ Visit their website: https://www.corelogic.com.au/ Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are so many residential investors making the leap into commercial real estate? That’s the big question we unpack in this episode with Vanessa Rader from Ray White Research. With over 25 years of experience across residential, commercial, and niche property markets, Vanessa offers an expert perspective on this growing trend and its implications for investors. One of the standout moments in our chat is how Vanessa highlights the key distinctions between residential and commercial investments. While residential decisions often hinge on emotion, commercial real estate is all about strategy and crunching the numbers. It’s no wonder smaller commercial investments are becoming a go-to option for residential investors seeking higher returns or a more hands-off experience. We also dig into the performance of various commercial sectors. Industrial spaces are leading the charge, fueled by booming demand from logistics and e-commerce. Retail, surprisingly, is holding steady in prime areas, while office spaces continue to grapple with shifting workplace trends. Of course, it’s not without its challenges. We talk about the risks, such as the critical importance of securing reliable tenants and navigating market fluctuations. While the potential returns are tempting, this episode is a reminder that success in commercial property requires knowledge, preparation, and a clear strategy. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - Who is Vanessa Rader? 01:52 - What is it about the commercial real estate sector that lights Vanessa up 03:25 - Overview of the different sectors and price points in commercial real estate 08:11 - Which areas of commercial real estate are particularly strong at the moment? 15:49 - Which areas of commercial real estate are underperforming 17:08 - How is the office space sector evolving, and what’s next? 23:58 - Is there a reimagining or repurposing of office spaces occurring? 28:15 - What was the catalyst for the shift in leasing preferences for office spaces? 30:44 - What trends are emerging in the owner-occupied commercial space? 34:06 - Are investors leaving residential for commercial, or exiting property altogether? 43:32 - Are there emerging sectors in the smaller market we’ve overlooked? 47:08 - Vanessa Rader’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Vanessa Rader, Head of Research at Ray White Group, is a leading Australian property expert with over 25 years of experience across commercial, residential, and niche markets. Known for her in-depth analysis and media commentary, she regularly appears in national and international outlets like Australian Financial Review and Sydney Morning Herald and speaks at industry events. Vanessa is actively involved with the Australian Property Institute and Property Council of Australia and has received multiple awards for her contributions. With expertise in economic and political impacts on real estate, she is a trusted voice in the property sector. Connect with Vanessa Rader: Ray White Research https://www.raywhite.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-rader/ Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What drives us to bid at auctions? In this episode, we throw it back to where it all began, revisiting our very first episode that set the stage for everything we’ve explored since. Behavioural biases—those sneaky little tricks your brain plays—are at the heart of this conversation, and we talk about all 12 of them, plus a few extras that make auctions the fascinating psychological arenas they are. Simon Russell, a behavioural scientist, joins us to break down the surprising ways our subconscious minds react under pressure. From something as simple as a free coffee outside an auction to the auctioneer’s clever use of anchoring, scarcity, and loss aversion, Simon explains how these cues shape our decisions. The reciprocity effect alone—a cup of coffee making you feel like you owe the auctioneer something—might have you rethinking the next time you pick up a bidder’s paddle. We also get into the emotional rollercoaster that happens when the stakes are high. The auctioneer’s job as a kind of circus master becomes clear when Simon talks about their subtle tactics, like smiling and nodding to encourage bids or creating a sense of urgency with phrases like, “First, second, third…” It’s all designed to keep you—and your wallet—engaged. Looking back, this conversation with Simon didn’t just lay the foundation for the podcast; it opened our eyes to how much of our behaviour at auctions (and in life) is guided by things we don’t even notice. And while the episode may be nearly seven years old, these lessons are just as relevant today. So, if you’re a seasoned bidder or just curious about what’s going on in your own head, this is one you’ll want to hear—or hear again. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:43 - How the podcast came about 05:36 - Who is Simon Russell? 06:30 - What behavioural patterns did you observe at the auction? 07:24 - First bias: Reciprocity effect 10:43 - Does awareness of these biases help mitigate their impact? 11:45 - Second bias: Scarcity effect 16:24 - Third bias: Anchoring 24:46 - Fourth bias: Loss aversion 29:22 - Fifth bias: Framing effect 32:22 - Sixth bias: Sunk cost fallacy 33:36 - Seventh bias: Commitment and consistency effect 39:01 - Eighth bias: Social proof: Herd mentality 43:54 - Ninth bias: Recency effect 48:17 - Tenth bias: Mental accounting 51:31 - Eleventh bias: Overconfidence 54:45 - Twelfth bias: Disposition effect About Our Guest: Simon Russell is the founder and Director of Behavioural Finance Australia (BFA). At BFA he provides specialist behavioural finance training & consulting. His services are designed to  improve financial decision-making, communication and engagement. He mostly works with fund managers, major super funds, financial advisers and other financial services professionals. Connect with Simon Russell: Website https://www.behaviouralfinanceaustralia.com.au/ LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/simonrussellaustralia Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we’re taking a look ahead at what might shape the property market in 2025. No, we’re not here to predict the future or pull out a crystal ball, but we are diving into the key factors that could have an impact—things like interest rates, immigration, intergenerational wealth, and stock levels. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, we’ve got some thoughts on what you might want to keep in mind. We kick things off by reflecting on what’s surprised us in 2024. For Veronica, it’s been Sydney’s stability—a balanced market for the first time in over a decade. For Chris, it’s been the sheer scale of intergenerational wealth propping up buyers. We chat about how that’s shaping the market and what it means for affordability, especially as borrowing capacities remain constrained. There’s also a lot to unpack when it comes to investors. Some are still bailing out of the market, while others—especially first-time investors—are jumping in. And with zoning changes, rising rental pressures, and even some quirky local issues like mozzie-prone suburbs, buying property isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. It’s a reminder that doing your homework (or working with someone who really knows the area) is more important than ever. As we look ahead, the upcoming federal election and potential shifts in policy—like APRA changing serviceability buffers—are going to play a huge role. We talk about how these kinds of changes could inject urgency into the market, especially as buyers try to get ahead of the herd. But as always, we caution against trying to time the market and instead focus on making decisions based on your own goals and readiness. And yes, we touch on climate change too, because the landscape there is evolving. New flood maps, shifting risks—these are things we’ll all need to consider going forward. If 2025 brings anything, it’ll be the unexpected, but don’t worry—we’ll be here to help you make sense of it all. So tune in and get a clearer picture of what might be on the horizon. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:04 - What was surprising about the property market in 2024 04:56 - Regional market dynamics 07:46 - Investor behaviour and market inequalities 12:54 - Will interest rates be the biggest driver of prices? 13:55 - Urban planning and zoning issues 20:20 - How market cycles, interest rates & consumer confidence shape investment decisions 26:29 - How regional moves and remote work trends are changing this coming year 33:18 - How rental pressures are evolving, and what they mean for 2025 40:00 - What might the upcoming federal election mean for the property market in 2025? 44:42 - Consumer sentiment 51:07 - What role will climate change and new flood maps play in property decisions? Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive deep into the Perth property market with Damian Collins, who knows the ins and outs of this unique city. Exploring the cycles that define the city’s real estate, the hotspots and danger zones investors should consider, and the key drivers behind its growth. With over three decades of experience, Damian shares invaluable insights, and together, we unpack what’s shaping Perth’s property landscape. We break down Perth’s strong ties to the mining industry, its growing population, and how infrastructure development is influencing property values. Together, we highlight suburbs that might look promising but come with hidden risks, especially in areas with high concentrations of investors. For those thinking long-term, we discuss the potential for gentrification and pinpoint areas where future opportunities could emerge. The conversation also covers strategies for building wealth through property. We examine the pros and cons of commercial investments, how to identify properties with future development potential, and the importance of sticking to solid fundamentals. Plus, we talk about avoiding FOMO and making smarter decisions. If you’re curious about what makes Perth’s property market tick or want a fresh perspective on making the most of this region’s opportunities, this episode is for you. With Damian’s expertise and our shared insights, we deliver a straightforward guide to better property decisions. Don’t miss it! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:05 - Who is Damian Collins? 02:12 - How has the Perth property market changed since 2020, and what’s next? 04:10 - How do locals feel about property prices, and are they facing affordability restraints? 05:56 - Have any parts of Perth surprised you with their growth over the last few years? 09:41 - What areas of Perth would you caution against, and what are some danger zones? 12:53 - Lessons from Perth’s 12-year flat property market that investors should consider now 16:09 - How have rents and yields shifted in response to the changing market dynamics? 22:00 - What dynamics influence homeowners’ decisions to upgrade? 29:13 - Is Perth’s commercial property still locally preferred or attracting outsiders? 32:09 - What risks and opportunities exist for small-scale commercial investors? 35:16 - What’s the best long-term growth asset for Perth property investors? 38:07 - What Perth people value most in their homes and their deal-breakers 41:08 - Is Perth’s population growth driven by interstate or international migration? 42:52 - Is Perth’s economy still vulnerable to mining industry shifts, or has it diversified? 47:01 - What are the best residential investment strategies for Perth right now? 50:06 - Are investors likely to sell underperforming assets if the property market slows? 53:37 - Damian Collins’ property dumbo About Our Guest: Damian Collins is the founder and Managing Director of residential property advisory, Momentum Wealth, and Chairman of Australian property funds management company, Westbridge Funds Management. Damian is the author of the Amazon Number 1 Best Seller, Property Investing Roadmap: How to Build an Income from Property for Life and is a well-known advocate across Australia’s real estate industry. He served as President of the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) from 2018 to 2022 and as a Director of the Real Estate Institute of Australia. Having been an active property investor himself for over 30 years, Damian continues to apply his extensive experience to help fellow investors grow wealth through direct and syndicated property investments. Connect with Damian Collins: Website (Damian Collins) https://damiancollins.com.au/ Website (Momentum Wealth) https://momentumwealth.com.au/ Website (Westbridge Funds Management) https://westbridgefunds.com.au/ LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/audamiancollins Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered if changing jobs or working overseas could throw a wrench in your plans to buy a home? In this episode, we dive into some of the most common questions we hear from homebuyers. How long do you need to stay in a new job before applying for a loan? What’s the deal with borrowing as an expat? And does timing your property purchase around a career change make sense? There’s a lot to unpack here, and the answers might surprise you. We also dig into a tricky one: Should you push your borrowing capacity to get a better-quality property but miss out on the first-home buyer grants? Or is it better to take advantage of those grants and settle for a slightly lower-tier asset? It’s not always an easy decision, but we break down the pros and cons to help you weigh it up. If you’ve ever thought about renting out rooms to help you afford a better property or buying an investment property you plan to live in later, this episode will get you thinking. These ideas can work, but they come with their own set of challenges—like tax headaches and cash flow risks—that you’ll want to understand before jumping in. We also talk about the importance of buffers and why lenders' mortgage insurance can sometimes be a good thing, even if it feels counterintuitive. For first-home buyers especially, having a bit of breathing room in your finances can make all the difference. This episode is packed with real-world advice and examples, so if you’re in the thick of buying your first home or even your next one, you’ll want to tune in for this one. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:57 - How long should I work at my new job to qualify for a first-time home loan? 06:28 - How much of a disadvantage is it to apply for a mortgage as an expat? 11:21 - What’s the smarter choice: higher borrowing power or first-home incentives? 16:39 - Does renting out spare rooms help increase loan capacity? 23:55 - Is it better to buy a house now or after finishing my career change? 37:59 - Chris Bates’ property dumbo Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.flintgroup.au Work with Chris: chrisbates@flintgroup.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.