Australian Property Podcast

Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down the latest fuel shock, rising inflation risk and shifting rate expectations, and what it means for the Australian property market. They connect the macro pressure to what is happening on the ground — tighter listings, rising build costs, weaker sentiment and the early signs of a split market — and outline how buyers, sellers and investors can navigate what could be a difficult stretch into late 2026. Together they discuss – Fuel shock intensifying: shortages emerging and diesel pushing above $3 per litre– Fuel excise cut unlikely to offset rising costs as supply remains constrained– Markets now pricing rates toward 4.6% – 4.85%, with further hikes expected before easing– Build feasibility deteriorating– Consumer confidence collapsing– Two-speed market forming: entry-level demand holding, premium segments weakening– Housing shortfall widening– Listener Q&A: portfolio strategy and capital allocation in uncertain conditions Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oil prices up, construction costs up, confidence down! Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack a fast-moving week for property: surging fuel costs, rising inflation risk, collapsing confidence, and what all of that means for rates, building activity, listings, and buyer behaviour. The episode matters because the pressure is no longer theoretical — it is already hitting development feasibility, rental supply, and decision-making across the market. Together they discuss - Diesel has surged to roughly $3 per litre, with Australia especially exposed to fuel shocks; Pete notes this is already flowing through to transport, airfares, freight, food, and service pricing. - February inflation came in at 3.7% headline and 3.3% core, but both hosts stress that this was effectively pre-conflict data, with much bigger inflation impacts still to come through fuel and housing costs. - Consumer sentiment is at its weakest since 1973, services PMI dropped from 52.8 to 46.2, and market pricing has shifted toward a terminal cash rate of about 4.65% by December. Pete also notes bond yields spiked to 4.9% before easing back. - First-home buyers are still transacting despite the nerves, helped by the 5% deposit scheme and a strong desire to exit the rental market. Chris says his team had six first-home buyers purchase in a week, even as investors begin to look more fragile. - The market is splitting: premium property has cooled, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, while the lower end remains highly competitive. Pete says he is still seeing no evidence of declines at entry-level price points, even as high-end sentiment weakens. - Development feasibility is deteriorating fast. Pete cites producer-price inputs like copper pipes and tiles up 82% since 2019, and notes luxury apartment construction costs have risen by about $125,000. Both hosts mention clients cancelling developments because they would now lose money by building. - Builders are under renewed strain and profit incentive worries: new home sales fell in March, insolvencies are rising - Listener Q&A: fixing part of a mortgage in a rising-rate environment, and whether a much larger inherited deposit should change ownership percentages inside a marriage. Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack the RBA’s latest rate hike, what higher mortgage rates could mean for borrowing power and sentiment, and why Australia’s housing shortage is still intensifying. They move from the macro picture into the real pressure points on the ground: tighter rental markets, a split housing cycle, and the conditions that may create both risk and opportunity over the next 12 months. Together, they discuss: - RBA lifted rates and could do so again if inflation persists - Oil s reigniting inflation risk, feeding into rate expectations and dampening buyer confidence - The hidden costs of moving house in Australia - First-home buyers still active but adjusting budgets; upgraders slowing, especially in key markets - Market turning K-shaped: premium softening while entry-level demand stays strong via 5% deposit schemes - Rental pressure intensifying: how long will shortages last? - Structural challenges: dwelling numbers, demographic shifts, and mismatched supply - Development conditions are constrained: what can builders do? - Listener Q&A Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices