

The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
Veronica Morgan & Chris Bates
Who's really in control when you buy a property?
The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about.
Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate.
Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property.
In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session.
The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!
The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about.
Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate.
Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property.
In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session.
The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2024 • 55min
Investor Alert: Is the Current Surge in Perth a Boom or a Bubble About to Burst?
How reliable is the data behind Perth's property boom, and what does it truly tell us about the future of this market? Is the market genuinely booming, or are we looking at a bubble that's about to pop? Today, we take a look at Perth's bustling real estate scene with Ray Chua, a seasoned buyers agent who's right in the thick of it all in Perth. He brings us the inside scoop by breaking down what's really driving the spike in property values in this vibrant city. Ray's got his finger on the pulse of the market, so he walks us through the trends by putting his years of experience and local know-how to work. He takes a hard look at the data investors usually bank on, hinting that it might not be as solid as we thought. For anyone thinking about jumping into Perth's property market, this episode is for you. Should you jump on the bandwagon and enjoy the surge in values, or is there a danger of getting caught in a slump? Tune in and let's get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Who is Ray Chua? 02:09 - What is a mechatronics engineer? 03:16 - How did Perth's real estate market evolve over 20 years? 05:32 - What were Perth's property market trends from 2006 to 2023? 10:23 - How Perth evolved into a consolidated city from being just a mining town 11:31 - The primary industries driving Perth's economy 14:54 - Ray explains why he believes Corelogic's Perth data is incorrect 17:11 - How do local and external perspectives differ in Perth's property market? 24:22 - What risks do unqualified buyer's agents pose in real estate? 29:15 - Is there a growing buzz around investing in Perth's real estate? 33:58 - How affordability factors are impacting bridesmaid suburb popularity 35:57 - Is a rebound in Perth's property market guaranteed? 40:18 - How accurate is the claim of high vacancy rates in Perth? 43:53 - Are high earners in Perth poised to boost the market with more spending? 45:24 - Ray Chua’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Ray Chua, with 15 years as a Buyer’s Agent in Perth's property market, and a background in Mechatronics Engineering, combines analytical skills and extensive real estate expertise. He's adept in tailored client solutions, leveraging a vast network and a strong commitment to excellence. An active investor, Ray has handled projects from renovations to developments, including a significant triplex project. His experience with market dynamics post the mining boom led him to establish Buyers Advocate Perth, focusing on high-quality investments for clients and aiding in purchasing dream homes. Connect with Ray Chua: Website https://www.buyersadvocateperth.com.au/ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuaray/ Twitter https://twitter.com/ray_chua Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rayyyychua/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BuyersAdvocatePerth/ 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.

Jan 7, 2024 • 46min
Suburb Trends: 2023's City Performances and State Changes – What’s Next in 2024?
Analyzing the performance of each capital city in 2023; Perth's decreasing listings despite price growth; Real estate market trends in different regions; The irony of the EMB movement; Considerations for buyers in high-rise pockets; Shifting expectations and potential impact on the market.

Dec 31, 2023 • 50min
What’s on the Horizon for the 2024 Property Market?
Wondering what the 2024 property market has in store for you? Let's dive into the big trends and changes that might be coming our way. In this episode, we take a close look at what could shape the property market in 2024. We're not making any predictions, but we'll talk about the important stuff like interest rates, how many houses are up for sale, and the impact of people moving into the country. We also talk about how bigger economic trends and government decisions could affect the property market. Plus, we'll look at which areas might become more popular for buying houses and why. This part's really handy whether you're buying your first home, looking to invest, or just curious about what's happening in real estate. So, whether you're planning to buy, sell, or just stay in the loop, tune in to this episode. We're breaking down the 2024 property market to help you make smart moves and stay ahead of the game. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:01 - Reflection on the real estate market of Australia in 2023 02:30 - Analysis of property price trends in Sydney and other Australian cities 04:35 - Australian property market dynamics in relation to interest rates and borrowing capacity 09:04 - Discussion on fixed rate cliffs, borrowing capacity, and resilience in the property market 10:47 - Examination of the rental crisis and its impact on the property market 14:48 - How does the shift from remote to office work impact real estate trends? 20:57 - Emerging trends in real estate due to changing family needs 23:55 - How is intergenerational wealth shaping the Australian property market? 28:15 - Factors driving the recent influx of investors in the property market 31:58 - The effect of rising interest rates on recent refinancing decisions 35:19 - The potential impact of new rezoning policies on the property market 40:45 - What are the implications of global economic uncertainty on property prices? 43:47 - Lessons learned from the unpredictability of the property market 46:41 - What six years of podcasting has taught us about the property market 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.

Dec 24, 2023 • 1h 6min
How Are Aussies Tackling Housing Affordability Amid Interest Rate Hikes and Migration?
Is the dream of owning a home in Australia becoming increasingly difficult amidst rising interest rates and the influx of migration? In today's episode, we delve into the escalating challenges of home ownership in Australia, focusing on the combined impact of rising interest rates and increased migration. We start by examining how these higher interest rates are making it increasingly difficult for people to buy homes. Following this, we explore the influence of recent migration patterns on the property market, analysing how these demographic shifts are affecting housing demand and prices. Martin North, founder of Digital Finance Analytics, joins us to offer his expert insights into the intertwined issues of climbing interest rates, growing migration, and the pursuit of affordable housing. Amidst these challenges, we also highlight the innovative strategies Australians are adopting to tackle the affordability crisis. Tune in for an in-depth exploration of Australia's housing affordability crisis, where we'll discuss both the problems and the creative solutions emerging in response. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:12 - Overview of Martin North's expertise and background in finance and property 02:12 - Similarities and differences in Australia and UK property market 05:34 - Does the UK property market hold similar economic weight as Australia? 12:16 - The impact of recent immigration trends on the Australian property market 16:03 - Comparing UK and local inflation trends post-COVID: What's different? 25:49 - Is the recent market recovery a result of changing immigration and wealth patterns? 33:12 - Why are unit resales in Melbourne facing losses despite market growth? 38:13 - What's the directional outlook for property prices next year? 42:43 - Has the Australian property market become more volatile recently? 49:08 - Key role of residential property in Australia's economy and government stability efforts 56:06 - Veronica shares a property dumbo 59:15 - Martin North’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Martin North is a prominent researcher who specialises in the mortgage lending, savings payments, and superannuation sectors. He is the founder of Digital Finance Analytics — a boutique research, analysis, and consulting firm. He has a long history of research in mortgage stress in Australia and publishes relevant indices on defaults, mortgage stress, and consumer confidence. In addition to his work in finance, he curates the YouTube channel "Walk the World," where he covers finance and property news with a distinctively Australian flavour and invites controversial guests. He is also a founding director of Asbestos Awareness Australia, a registered charity he established with his late wife, Jill, in 2021. Connect with Martin North: Subscribe to Martin’s YT Channel “Walk the World”: https://www.youtube.com/c/walktheworlddfa Connect with Martin North on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-north-6a799182/ Visit Martin North’s website: https://www.digitalfinanceanalytics.com/ Resources mentioned in this episode: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast Episode #218: How Dangerous Is Asbestos Exposure When Renovating? https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/218 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.

Dec 17, 2023 • 52min
Is Your Empty Room a Solution to Australia’s Rental Crisis?
Is your empty room a solution to Australia’s rental crisis? Currently, Australia faces the challenge of a staggering 13.5 million spare bedrooms lying unused. Today, we delve deep into the exploration of whether these neglected spaces could hold the key to alleviating the country's housing crisis. Joining us is Ludwina Dautovic, the visionary behind The Room Xchange, a groundbreaking house-sharing platform. She's here to shed light on the potential impact of harnessing these overlooked resources and how it might reshape the housing landscape. Are we on the cusp of not only witnessing a resurgence in shared housing but an entirely new demographic embracing this alternative lifestyle? It's important to consider, however, that as this idea gains traction, so does a wave of concerns. Is inviting a stranger into your home a risk worth taking? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that delves into whether your vacant room could emerge as the unexpected solution to Australia's rental crisis. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:20 - Who is Ludwina Dautovic? 04:45 - Have there been notable shifts in housing preferences since the pandemic started? 07:46 - How does the rental offset option provide a unique solution? 12:18 - Should the government look at changing tax laws around house sharing? 15:12 - Is renting out rooms seen as a real solution to the housing problem? 18:18 - What are the odds of successful house sharing for someone in their 40s or 50s? 24:00 - House sharing is now considered the third option in real estate 28:01 - Are financial considerations impacting the decision to maintain a dedicated home office? 30:02 - What legal agreements exist to protect both homeowner and house sharer? 33:39 - What is the most common bone of contention in house sharing arrangements? 37:31 - How do changes in interest rates affect inquiries on your house sharing platform? 42:49 - What could be the biggest challenge for homeowners considering house sharing? 47:52 - Ludwina Dautovic’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Ludwina Dautovic is the CEO and Founder of The Room Xchange, Australia's first and only verified house-sharing platform. There are over 13.5m unused spare bedrooms in 10m homes across Australia. It's existing housing stock, that if accessed, could help ease our housing crisis. The Room Xchange provides Digital ID verification, profile matching and rental options so homeowners feel confident in the house-sharing process. With continual interest rate hikes and inflation on the rise, a spare room can yield $10K + a year. It can help relieve mortgage stress and provide affordable rental options for those priced out of the rental market. Connect with Ludwina Dautovic: Connect with Ludwina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ludwinadautovic/ Visit their website: https://www.theroomxchange.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.

Dec 10, 2023 • 40min
Listener Q&A: Pre-auction Tactics, Inflation, Breaks, and Melbourne’s Future
In today's episode, we're turning the spotlight on you as we answer some burning questions that have been flooding our inbox. We'll cover everything from smart ways to buy a house before it goes up for auction, to understanding how inflation affects the value of your property. We'll also talk about when it's okay to take a breather from thinking about investing, and even ponder whether homes in Melbourne will ever hit a whopping $45 million mark. If you're on a tight budget but dreaming of property ownership, we've got practical tips for you as well. From creative financing options to alternative paths to property investment, we're here to show you that your financial situation doesn't have to be a roadblock. So buckle up and get ready for a podcast packed with useful tips, expert advice, and some food for thought. Tune in and boost your property game! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:07 - Can a buyer's agent persuade a seller to avoid auctioning their property? 12:10 - The gap between media-reported price growth and the flat market reality with inflation 17:34 - The most advisable or practical approach for homeowners after acquiring their home? 23:22 - Is there a point where projected property growth becomes absurd or impractical? 31:34 - Strategies for low income Aussies to invest in property amid financial constraints 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.

Dec 3, 2023 • 58min
How Will Upcoming NSW Strata Laws Affect Strata Property Owners?
Ever wondered how the ground beneath your strata property might be shifting? What if we told you there are new laws on the horizon in New South Wales that could reshape the foundation of strata living? In this episode, we’re joined by Amanda Farmer—host of Your Strata Property, and owner of Lawyers Chambers, to help us unpack significant developments that's sending ripples through the strata property landscape in New South Wales. If you own a unit, townhouse, or villa in the region, these changes might have a direct impact on you. But here's the kicker—as we explore the implications for strata owners in NSW, a crucial question is raised: Is this a blueprint that multi-dwelling owners in other states and territories should also be studying closely? Join us as we break down the complexities of these upcoming strata laws and explore whether they could be a game-changer not just for residents in NSW, but for strata owners nationwide. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - Who is Amanda Farmer? 02:04 - What's the latest buzz surrounding strata properties and what's unfolding next? 03:56 - Is there a typical legislative process for implementing new laws in strata? 06:11 - Upcoming laws that address the challenges of pet ownership in strata communities 09:04 - What is a strata levy that is struck and why you need to pay in just 14 days 11:48 - How accurate are the headlines about individuals struggling with levy payments? 14:19 - Are unexpected strata costs affecting potential clients' budget for property purchase? 18:16 - In what way does the insurance industry exacerbate problems faced by strata? 22:42 - What are the upcoming laws regarding notice periods for strata meetings? 26:32 - Why is there a growing emphasis on maintaining electronic records in strata property? 29:54 - Veronica mentions the new strata commissioner and asks about his mandate 32:53 - How does new legislation simplify the removal process of strata committee members? 38:05 - Is there a perceived rental crisis linked to recent legislative shifts favoring tenants? 42:05 - Strategies for bridging the expertise gap in strata management 46:12 - Why buyers are advised to conduct their own building inspections in strata purchases 51:30 - Amanda Farmer’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Amanda Farmer is a lawyer and the owner of Lawyers Chambers, a strata-focussed legal practice in Sydney. She is also the host of the long-running podcast Your Strata Property, the world’s only podcast dedicated to explaining the legal complexities of strata-titled properties. With over 20 years' experience in the strata legal sector, Amanda is both a Fellow and Council Member of the Australian College of Strata Lawyers, and she is also the founder of Women in Strata, a networking group for women working in strata management. An increasingly in-demand speaker and educator, Amanda has been educating strata managers, apartment owners and residents for many years, through round table workshops, webinars, seminars and keynote presentations. Connect with Amanda Farmer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandafarmerlaw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourstrataproperty/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstrataproperty/ Visit their website: https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/ Lawyers Chambers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lawyers-chambers-on-riley-pty-ltd Resources mentioned in this episode: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast Episode 304: Strata Properties: What’s Changing and Why? https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/304 Your Strata Property Episode 370: Affordability, availability and competition in strata insurance – with John Trowbridge https://yourstrataproperty.com.au/370-affordability-availability-and-competition-in-strata-insurance-with-john-trowbridge/ 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.

Nov 26, 2023 • 57min
Pros vs Cons: Relying on Vendor-Paid Pre-Purchase Inspection Reports
Buying a home can get tricky and expensive, especially when you have to pay a bunch of money for inspections before sealing the deal. Some even end up skipping these checks because the bills add up fast, especially if they keep losing out on bidding wars. In this episode, we're digging into two options: seller-paid inspection reports or splitting the cost among potential buyers. But here's the big question: Can you really trust the reports if the seller is the one paying for them? Are there hidden issues, or is everything on the up-and-up? To guide us in exploring these questions, we sit down with Rhys Rogers, the co-founder and CEO of Before You Bid, a groundbreaking property technology firm at the forefront of transforming the pre-purchase inspection landscape. In a world where technology is shaking things up, prop-tech companies are jumping in to make life easier for homebuyers. One such solution is the advent of marketplaces for pre-purchase inspections. Can these platforms offer a more accessible and affordable option for buyers? Join us as we break down the nitty-gritty of relying on seller-paid reports, exploring the good stuff, the challenges, and how technology is shaping the way we buy homes. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:24 - Who is Rhys Rogers? 02:11 - What sparked Rhys’s idea for a property-related service or product? 04:36 - Discussing the pros and cons of the concept of a shared economy 06:13 - Challenges in ensuring consistency and reliability among inspectors in the marketplace 09:38 - How do vendors decide whether to make inspection reports public on the platform? 12:45 - What’s the process of selecting building and pest inspectors for bank valuations? 18:20 - Managing conflicts of interest between building inspectors and real estate agents 22:08 - Suggestions for improving the seller-paid inspection system to avoid bias 27:15 - What ensures inspectors' accountability for rule violations or inaccurate reports? 30:10 - What are the Australian standards for a building and pest inspection? 32:52 - Current regulations and standards for strata record-keeping across Australian states 37:16 - Rhys's potential expansion into a real estate marketplace 38:33 - How can buyers leverage building and pest report data for property evaluation? 41:20 - Rhys Rogers’ property dumbo 47:46 - How prevalent is the practice of getting a second inspection to verify initial findings 53:18 - Veronica’s advice for buyers when it comes to relying on seller-paid reports About Our Guest: Rhys Rogers is the co-founder and CEO of property technology Before You Bid. Rhys started out his professional career as an insolvency accountant, before delving into creating a start up in the property space. Since launching 8 years ago, Before You Bid has grown to be the largest marketplace for building and pest and strata inspectors. The platform now helps over 100,000 people buy and sell property every year and aims to be the Home of Property Compliance and Due Diligence. Connect with Rhys Rogers: Connect with Rhys on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhys-rogers-b7772038 Visit their website: https://www.beforeyoubid.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.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.

Nov 19, 2023 • 59min
Why Are Investors Abandoning the Australian Rental Market?
In the face of a nationwide rental crisis characterised by soaring rents, historically low vacancy rates, and a surge in immigration, one might expect investors to be flocking to the real estate arena. However, the reality is starkly different. Investors are hitting the sell button, prompting us to ask the crucial question—why? Today, we're privileged to have Nicola McDougall — chair of PIPA, join us in dissecting the intricacies of this market upheaval. Nicola brings her wealth of expertise to help us dissect the intricacies of the current real estate landscape. Together, we explore the reasons behind the increasing number of investment properties hitting the market when conventional wisdom suggests the opposite. Tune in and join the conversation as we explore the forces shaping Australia's property landscape and seek to understand why, in the midst of apparent opportunity, investors are choosing to take a different path. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Who is Nicola McDougall? 01:53 - What's the methodology behind the PIPA investor sentiment survey? 07:09 - What constitutes the national rental pool in terms of property numbers? 12:51 - Is the government a key factor in shaping investor attitudes currently? 15:44 - Some primary motivations for investors selling properties in Australia 23:14 - Understanding factors behind tenancy reform and investor divide 25:33 - Anticipating the impact of regulations and borrowing costs on investor trends 31:27 - What broader issues are indicated by the housing shortage beyond just the rental crisis? 36:16 - The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on property investors and their market presence 39:54 - Why the expected impact of increased interest rates hasn't played out in Sydney 44:00 - Is the government fully aware of the property market's long-term investment issues? 49:38 - How investors can navigate the tightening credit environment 51:28 - Nicola McDougall’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Nicola McDougall has served as the Chair of PIPA (Property Investment Professionals of Australia) since early 2022, bringing to the role her expertise as an award-winning property and finance journalist, author, and successful property investor. As the Director of Bricks & Mortar Media, she has co-authored notable works such as "The Female Investor: Creating Wealth, Security & Freedom Through Property," which secured the personal finance and investment category award at the 2022 Australian Business Book of the Year. Additionally, Nicola has contributed to the 3rd edition of "Property Investing For Dummies" and authored the 1st editions of "Buying a Property for Dummies" and "Property Investing Essentials for Dummies," all published in 2023 by Wiley. With a background as the former editor of Australian Property Investor magazine and head of corporate affairs at the REIQ, Nicola has been a dedicated PIPA board director since 2014. Connect with Nicola McDougall: Nicola’s LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicola-k-mcdougall/ 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.

Nov 12, 2023 • 1h
Borrowing Beyond the Brink: What’s Keeping the Lending Market Afloat?
Over the past year, interest rates have surged at an unprecedented pace, leaving borrowers who once enjoyed the luxury of sub-2% rates now grappling with interest rates hovering around 6% for their mortgages. The impact is so noticeable, it's creating immense pressure on existing borrowers and significantly curtailing the borrowing capacity of newcomers. The question that emerges is, "how is the lending market surviving in the face of such adversity?" One might expect a flood of distressed property sales and a sharp decline in property prices and yet surprisingly, that's not the case. Distressed sales are somewhat scarce, and property prices, in some markets, continue to rise, which then raises a fundamental query: "what's keeping the lending market afloat?" In this episode, we're joined by Daniel Gold of Long Property to uncover the intricate dynamics at play in the lending market. We explore the factors contributing to borrowers' resilience in managing higher repayments and the ability of many to still access finance. The lending market, as it turns out, is a complex ecosystem with numerous layers, and we're here to help you unravel it. So, let's get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:28 - Who is Daniel Gold? 02:15 - How resilient has the property market been since 2022? 03:17 - How are people still managing to access the money required for property purchases? 05:27 - Is there a notable shift in intergenerational wealth transfer? 08:41 - Are second-tier lenders benefiting from interest rate trends? 10:49 - How are different types of clients coping with higher interest rates? 12:46 - Differences in responsibilities and regulations between banks and other types of lenders 18:58 - What's the impact of the new 1% buffer policy on refinancing? 28:19 - Potential challenges of younger borrowers investing in the Sydney property market 33:46 - What’s the impact of the rental crisis on investors? 37:58 - How effective are housing reforms in addressing supply issues? 43:12 - How are clients responding to recent changes in the holiday home market? 50:50 - Are people upgrading their properties more frequently? 52:37 - What are the reasons behind the market's willingness to invest? 54:09 - The complexities of buying and selling real estate in a competitive market 55:47 - Daniel Gold’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Daniel Gold runs the business Long Property and he’s one of the top mortgage brokers in Melbourne. He has been selected as a finalist for best residential broker and broker of the year at the main industry awards for the past 3 years in a row. He specialises in providing a high-end service predominantly to professionals and self employed clients. Connect with Daniel Gold: Check out Daniel Gold’s blog here: https://longproperty.com.au/doing-well-in-real-estate-lessons-from-our-top-clients/ Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danlgold/ Visit their website: https://longproperty.com.au/ Check out Daniel Gold’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Property-Daniel-Gold/dp/064829952X 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.