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

Have you ever wondered if there’s a need for vendor advocates or if it’s just another money grab by some players in the real estate industry? Vendor advocacy is a term you may not have heard before, but it’s a service that’s gaining popularity. A vendor’s advocate is an advisor engaged by a person selling their property to help them choose a selling agent to make the selling process easier. Think of them as an agent whisperer. In today's episode, we explore how vendors might benefit the most from engaging a vendor’s advocate and discuss the skills and experience these advocates should possess to ensure they’re qualified for the job. We also dive into the necessity of vendor advocates, weighing the genuine need against potential profit motives within the industry. If you’re considering selling your property, this episode is a must-listen to ensure you have the right support to achieve the best outcome. Tune in now and let’s get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:41 - What is a vendor’s advocate and how do they work? 09:09 - Do you pay a fee for the vendor’s advocate? 16:32 - After selecting an agent, what else does a vendor’s advocate do? 20:00 - What do vendor’s advocates deem as major deal breakers when looking for an agent? 25:54 - Are there any potential drawbacks or challenges in picking a vendor’s advocate? 29:10 - Real life story of how a vendor's advocate rescued a mismanaged property sale 34:47 - Why should property buyers and sellers seek a trustworthy vendor's advocate? 44:07 - Why is it important to seek professional advice when selling property? 50:12 - Why should potential sellers reach out for vendor advisory advice? 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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.

How can integrity be restored in an industry often criticised for its ethical shortcomings? In this episode, we sit down with John Minns, the NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, to delve into the measures being taken by the Office of Fair Trading to regulate and improve the real estate sector’s reputation. With an industry plagued by issues ranging from underquoting by sales agents to property managers grappling with rental shortages, and strata managers caught in conflicts of interest, John Minns has a formidable task ahead. John shares his motivations for stepping into the commissioner role and the surprises he encounters along the way. He discusses how he balances managing immediate crises with long-term strategic planning and tackles significant resistance from various stakeholders, particularly focusing on the pervasive problem of underquoting. We also explore the potential opportunities he sees in the PropTech space and his updates on the Strata Hub system in New South Wales. The episode covers critical issues such as the licensing loophole allowing new buyer’s agents to practice in NSW via Queensland and the potential benefits of a national licensing system. John addresses frustrations and pricing tactics that often leave consumers disillusioned, sharing his vision for a more transparent and ethical real estate industry. Don’t miss his candid recounting of property blunders that offer a humorous yet insightful perspective on the challenges within the field. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:23 - Who is John Minns? 02:29 - What is John’s motivation to make a difference as commissioner 04:10 - What surprised John most about the role? 07:12 - How John manages both short-term crises and long-term planning 08:57 - Among the key stakeholders, which group is the biggest resistance? 11:38 - Tackling the issue of underquoting 16:54 - John’s strategies for effecting change in a slow moving industry 25:03 - Does John see any real opportunities in the PropTech space? 29:19 - What are the plans for improving the Strata Hub system in New South Wales? 35:23 - What’s motivating the government to take action NOW? 38:17 - The issue of new buyer’s agents getting licensed in NSW via Queensland 44:51 - Would national licensing be a good thing? 47:50 - John Minns’ property dumbo #1 50:45 - Addressing frustrations and pricing tactics in property transactions 55:25 - John Minn’s property dumbo #2 About Our Guest: John Minns, a prominent figure in the Australian residential property sector for over 30 years, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Strata and Property Services Commissioner. His career spans diverse areas including residential sales, project marketing, property management, and franchising, alongside leadership in digital innovation and professional development. John is committed to enhancing consumer experience and protection by promoting transparency and accountability within the industry, advocating for innovation-driven opportunities to foster a trusted and empowered sector. Connect with John Minns: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-minns-40386324/ 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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 found yourself torn between relying on hard data or trusting local insights for your property investments? It’s a tough call many investors struggle with, wondering if the numbers can tell the full story or if boots-on-the-ground knowledge is more reliable. In the Suburb Trends Report for the month of June 2024, we dive into the age-old debate of whether numbers or on-the-ground knowledge holds the key to successful property investments. We weigh the pros and cons of both data and local insights, and explore how the perfect blend of both can give you a real edge in the market. Kent Lardner joins us once again to help us unpack how these two worlds intersect and why both are essential in today's investment landscape. If you're curious to see how combining data and local insights can give you a competitive edge, then don’t miss our latest episode. Click play and get ready to take your property investment strategy to the next level. Tune in now! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:39 - Analysis of 10 aspects where data might be limited and local insights are necessary 02:57 - Aspect #1: Local market sentiment 08:42 - Aspect #2: Neighbourhood trends 12:50 - Aspect #3: Community events 14:54 - Aspect #4: School reputation changes 18:07 - Aspect #5: Local business openings and closures 20:56 - Aspect #6: Traffic pattern changes 29:29 - Aspect #7: Property condition 38:09 - Aspect #8: Neighbourhood aesthetics 40:20 - Aspect #9: Local government policies or zoning changes 46:12 - Aspect #10: Insider transactions About Kent Lardner: Kent Lardner is an expert data science and business leader with 30+ years of experience at leading companies like JLL, CoreLogic, and General Electric. He has led teams of 5 to 200 people across Australia and China, driven by his passion for high-growth digital businesses. Kent is also the founder of Suburb Trends, a leading property research firm trusted by major names in Australian property and featured in mainstream media. Connect with Kent Lardner: Kent Lardner’s LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/kentlardner Kent Lardner’s Website: https://suburbtrends.com/ 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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.

Choosing the wrong broker can lead to higher costs and missed opportunities. It’s crucial to find someone who doesn’t just process loans but also offers solid advice and guidance. With so many options, it’s tough to figure out who’s genuinely good and who’s just looking to close a deal. So in this episode, we break down how to find the perfect mortgage broker for you. We kick off by explaining the differences between a financial planner and a mortgage broker, helping you make the right choice. Then, we discuss what makes a broker "good" – is it their reputation, awards, or payment structure? We also look into how industry awards can be misleading and how to find genuine quality. The mortgage industry is evolving, with online platforms and AI-driven portals challenging traditional brokers. Could these digital solutions replace traditional brokers? We explore current trends, future possibilities, and big bank moves to cut brokers out of deals. We also emphasise the importance of consulting a broker even after a loan rejection to explore other options. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear idea of what makes a good mortgage broker and how to avoid the drawbacks of working with the wrong one. Tune in for tips on spotting red flags, questions to avoid asking your broker, and key considerations for your mortgage discussions. Let’s get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 03:49 - What’s the difference between a financial planner and a mortgage broker? 07:42 - How to define a “good” broker 12:44 - Can awards and badges mislead consumers in the mortgage broking world? 15:43 - How are awards typically awarded in the mortgage broking industry? 18:53 - How are brokers remunerated? 25:25 - Can online solutions and AI render traditional mortgage brokers redundant? 29:34 - The importance of talking to a broker after a loan rejection to explore other options 31:33 - Some red flags to watch out for when dealing with ‘shady’ mortgage brokers 37:51 - What questions should homebuyers avoid asking their mortgage broker? 40:31 - Chris’ take on the “rate lock” from CommBank for mortgage brokers 45:56 - Key considerations borrowers should prioritise in mortgage discussions with a broker 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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.

Wondering how the 2024 property forecasts are stacking up so far? Tune in to our mid-year review as we dive into the real estate predictions that nailed it and the ones that missed the mark. In this episode, we dissect the key trends, market shifts, and unexpected twists that have shaped the housing landscape in the first half of the year. Today, we have Louis Christopher with us again to share his insights from the much-anticipated “Boom or Bust” report. Louis has a knack for making accurate predictions, but he’s also refreshingly honest about where he’s gone astray. We explore his methodology and the factors he weighs when making his forecasts. This episode is a must for anyone keen on understanding property market predictions and figuring out which ones to trust. We also peek into what the rest of the year might hold, including potential surprises and how elements like inflation and geopolitical tensions could sway the market. Tune in to get a better grasp of the 2024 property market trends 'cause whether you're buying, selling, or investing, this episode offers vital insights into the current property market dynamics and what to keep an eye on in the months ahead. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:01 - Who is Louis Christopher? 01:43 - Discussion on the national market performance and overall trends observed in 2024 03:07 - Analysis of the market slowdown and how it compares to previous years 07:32 - Why the lack of major surprises in the property market despite economic uncertainties 12:15 - Discussion on Perth’s growth trajectory and contributing factors 16:53 - Projected rise of unemployment in Perth and its potential effects on property prices 19:00 - Brisbane’s growth and how it compares to other major cities 22:16 - How the number of property listings in Brisbane has changed over recent years 28:43 - Trend of declining property listings and transaction volumes in various locations 30:35 - The influence of stamp duty on property prices and market activity 35:08 - Louis’ analysis on the Australian Capital Territory 37:00 - The potential impact of upcoming elections on housing market forecasts 41:13 - The importance of creating scenarios to anticipate future developments in real estate 42:27 - How does media coverage influence public perception of real estate forecasts? 47:27 - Louis Christopher’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Louis Christopher established SQM Research in 2006. He was Head of Research and General Manager of the property statistics agency, Australian Property Monitors (APM) for six years. During his time at APM, Louis constructed key residential property market indexes published by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Prior to APM Louis spent three years at the Securities Institute of Australia as a Technical Editor. Louis previously spent 18 months at MLC working in the investment services. He is widely respected for the quality and accuracy of his market outlooks, ratings philosophy and forecasts for the Australian residential property market. Connect with Louis Christopher: Connect with Louis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louischristopher/ Visit SQM’s website: https://sqmresearch.com.au/ Connect with Louis on X: https://x.com/LouiChristopher Resources mentioned in this episode: Download Louis Christopher's 2024 Housing Boom and Bust Report here: https://sqmresearch.com.au/boombustreport.php 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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.

How can you distinguish the trustworthy buyer’s agents from the rest in a market flooded with options? With so many buyer’s agents vying for your attention, it's easy to fall prey to misleading promises and hidden agendas. In this episode, we delve deep into the world of buyer’s agents, uncovering the essential red flags every prospective property buyer should be aware of before making that crucial hire. With the real estate market booming and buyer’s agents popping up left and right, it’s more important than ever to discern who can truly save you money and secure the best property assets. If you're looking to buy a property but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of buyer’s agents out there, this episode's for you. Tune in to uncover the red flags every property buyer must know before selecting and hiring a buyer's agent. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 03:49 - Why should clients be more careful in selecting a buyer’s agent today? 06:56 - How regulatory disparities impact the credibility of financial advisors and buyer's agents 13:43 - What challenges arise in managing relationships between clients and buyer's agents? 19:14 - Why you need to be cautious in engaging buyer's agents for property investment 23:40 - Understanding the true value proposition of buyer's agents in property transactions 29:24 - What should clients know before engaging buyer's agents for off-market transactions? 35:31 - Why inexperienced buyer’s agents should be treated like first home buyers 37:48 - What are the crucial factors to consider when choosing a buyer's agent? 40:19 - The importance of local market knowledge in property valuation 42:50 - What's the true cost of being a buyer's agent? 46:00 - The pitfalls of rose-colored glasses when it comes to property investment 49:25 - Qualities to look for in a buyer's agent for an advantageous home purchase 53:18 - Final words of advice for those in search of an effective buyer’s agent 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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.

Are you curious about what Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is and how it actually works? Do you wonder if it's necessary and worth considering when purchasing a property, or do you think it's just an additional cost you can avoid? In this episode, we sit down with Strachan Taylor from Helia, Australia’s leading provider of LMI, to delve into the details. We aim to clarify how often claims are made and why, despite its additional cost, LMI can be a beneficial safeguard rather than something to avoid. By breaking down these aspects, we help you make better decisions about LMI in your home buying journey. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of LMI and discover why it might just be the safety net you need. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:01 - Who is Strachan Taylor? 01:33 - The history and evolution of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) in Australia 05:56 - Who else are the competitors of Helia in the LMI space? 06:27 - How has the federal government's 2019 first homebuyer guarantee impacted Helia? 08:43 - Could future regulatory changes potentially blindside your business operations? 10:06 - Do lenders evaluate the potential for property appreciation or depreciation? 12:14 - Is there industry-wide pressure for insurance companies to offer cheaper prices? 14:39 - Is the bank of relatives another competitor in the LMI space? 18:24 - The role and perception of LMI in the home buying process 21:29 - Strachan’s thoughts on new policies where banks are more willing to self-insure 24:19 - How are the LMI premiums calculated? 27:18 - What’s the riskiest type of property for first home buyers? 30:42 - Thoughts on Fintech, Proptech, and etc… 36:54 - Strategies and initiatives by Helia to address the housing affordability crisis 40:15 - How has Helia's share price evolved from its lows to its current levels? 43:30 - How does Helia view customer behaviour regarding home insurance and refinancing? 45:27 - Do borrowers continue paying LMI after refinancing their mortgages? 46:51 - Considering various options including reusing LMI benefits before refinancing 51:15 - Stop looking at LMI as just and additional cost 56:33 - Strachan Taylor’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Strachan Taylor serves as Helia's Strategic Partnership Leader, where he spearheads a dynamic partnership team dedicated to collaborating closely with lender customers in pursuit of helping more Australians achieve financial security through home ownership, expedited by LMI solutions. With a comprehensive skill set encompassing team leadership, communication, and business development, Strachan brings tertiary-level qualifications and extensive expertise in sales, marketing, distribution, and risk management to the helm, constantly striving to enhance risk and capital management solutions and provide valuable market insights for Helia's customers to bolster their risk-writing capabilities. Connect with Strachan Taylor: Visit their company website: https://helia.com.au/ Follow Strachan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strachantaylor/ 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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.

Are you curious about the hidden forces driving Brisbane’s property boom? What impact is the upcoming Olympics having on the property market, and is the construction for the games draining resources from other sectors? Beyond these questions, what else could be behind this sustained period of rapidly rising property prices, and is there any sign of a slowdown on the horizon? Today, we delve into the dynamics at play with Meighan Wells from Property Pursuit. With over 20 years of experience, Meighan offers unparalleled insights into what’s happening on the ground in the Queensland capital. We explore the impact of the upcoming Olympics on Brisbane’s real estate and ask whether the hype around the games is really pushing property prices up? Meighan sheds light on how these dynamics are shaping the current market and what prospective buyers should be aware of. Beyond the Olympic effect, we examine other factors contributing to Brisbane’s rapid property price growth. Are there deeper, less obvious influences at play? Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of Brisbane’s property landscape and get expert advice from one of the city’s most seasoned professionals. Let's get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:07 - Who is Meighan Wells? 01:48 - What are the latest trends in Brisbane’s real estate market? 05:18 - How has Brisbane’s real estate market changed since 2020 09:32 - What are the reasons behind the shift towards unit living in Brisbane? 13:54 - How is the tightening of borrowing capacity affecting buyer behaviour in Brisbane? 17:33 - Are buyers' desirability of suburbs shifting due to return-to-work changes? 25:45 - What is the current situation regarding rental availability and demand in Brisbane? 30:50 - How does the trend of multi-generational living affect property ownership patterns? 34:38 - What strategies are first-time home buyers employing to enter the market? 36:33 - What differences exist in buyer behaviour in Brisbane? 41:14 - Data on the nature of property transactions in Brisbane, 42:35 - Is the Olympics truly affecting Brisbane’s property market? 47:58 - How does Brisbane's cultural scene stack up against other cities for expatriates? 50:21 - Meighan Wells’ property dumbo About Our Guest: Meighan Wells is the Principal of Property Pursuit, co-founder of the Home Buyer Academy, and co-presenter of Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast. She developed the REIQ course Acting as a Buyer’s Agent and was the Chairman of the REIQ Buyers’ Agent Chapter. In 2010, she was named REIQ Buyers Agent of the Year for the third consecutive year. A recognized expert on the Queensland property market, Meighan is frequently featured in major media outlets like The Financial Review and Realestate.com.au. Connect with Meighan Wells: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/ Property Pursuit Website https://propertypursuit.com.au/ Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MeighanPropertyPursuit/ 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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.

Could increasing housing supply alone effectively address our current affordability challenges, or is the housing crisis more accurately characterised as just a recurring issue with a new label? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cameron Murray, Chief Economist at Fresh Economic Thinking who specialises in property and urban development. We dive into the question of whether the term "crisis" accurately captures the challenges of the housing market, or if it's a situation we've already faced before under different names. Dr. Murray's new book, "The Great Housing Hijack," takes a critical look at the misconceptions driving up prices for both renters and buyers. We discuss whether simply building more houses is the key to solving the problem, or if there are deeper issues at play that need to be addressed. We've included a lot of relevant topics in this conversation including zoning changes and alternative solutions to the housing crisis, so tune in to get a clearer picture of the complex issues surrounding these property market issues. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:14 - Who is Dr. Cameron Murray? 02:03 - What motivated Cameron to write the book “The Great Housing Hijack”? 06:06 - How do market equilibria affect the perception of a housing crisis? 14:32 - Why zoning changes won’t immediately create a development boom 17:14 - Who can assist with funding for housing development? 23:24 - Why Cameron disagrees with those who cite Auckland as proof that rezoning works 28:23 - Analysing the interplay between human behaviour and housing market trends 34:36 - Cameron shares his thoughts around NIMBY-ism 38:52 - Assessing factors that could stall long-term housing trends 46:24 - Why is the assumption that supply alone can solve the housing crisis flawed? 51:13 - Should public housing be considered as a potential solution for affordability issues? 55:57 - The importance of government action in ensuring access to affordable housing for all 59:29 - Potential strategies for government intervention to address housing affordability issues 1:01:13 - Cameron Murray’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Dr. Cameron Murray - Chief Economist at Fresh Economic Thinking who is a leading voice in Australia's housing conversations. He recently authored the book "The Great Housing Hijack." With experience as both a renter, homeowner, and landlord, as well as in property development, Dr. Murray brings a practical understanding to his analysis of housing issues. Connect with Cameron Murray: Website https://www.fresheconomicthinking.com/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-murray-39b63017/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fresheconomicthinking/ Resources mentioned in this episode: The Great Housing Hijack: The Hoaxes and Myths Keeping Prices High for Renters and Buyers in Australia https://www.amazon.com.au/Great-Housing-Hijack-keeping-Australia/dp/176147085X 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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 month's Suburb Trends report for May 2024, we're diving deep into the world of property investment, exploring a critical issue that every investor should be aware of: false positives in property data. With the property market experiencing upward pressure on prices due to low supply, investors risk being misled by appearances, just like the allure of a dimly lit nightclub before the lights come on. Without the ability to distinguish between promising investments and pitfalls, investors may find themselves making pretty costly decisions based on misleading data. To shed light on this topic, Kent Lardner joins us to discuss strategies that will help in discerning between genuine opportunities and false positives. Together, we'll explore strategies for evaluating property data, spotting red flags, and making better investment decisions even in the midst of inflated markets. This is the beer goggles and property episode! Tune in to learn how to spot false positives in property data. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 00:56 - How the "lights-on" moment aims to reveal hidden truths in property investments 03:49 - How can one mitigate the impact of external factors on property market analysis? 05:33 - What core factors should owner-occupiers prioritise when assessing property options? 09:35 - Is the current trend of investors targeting affordable properties sustainable? 14:18 - How can market players anticipate and respond to potential downturn scenarios? 19:01 - What are the real factors behind the increase in housing costs 21:03 - How are affordability ratios and wealth interconnected in suburban markets? 25:01 - The importance of macro and micro-level data when considering property investments 29:24 - Key factors influencing investment decisions in the real estate market 31:57 - Is there a risk of social unrest due to housing inequality? 37:26 - What are the current rental housing challenges in Melbourne and Sydney? 47:34 - What are the implications of the Docklands case study for urban development? About Kent Lardner: Kent Lardner is an expert data science and business leader with 30+ years of experience at leading companies like JLL, CoreLogic, and General Electric. He has led teams of 5 to 200 people across Australia and China, driven by his passion for high-growth digital businesses. Kent is also the founder of Suburbtrends, a leading property research firm trusted by major names in Australian property and featured in mainstream media. Connect with Kent Lardner: Kent Lardner’s LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/kentlardner Kent Lardner’s Website: https://suburbtrends.com/ 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.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.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.