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

In this week’s episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack a volatile week in global markets and what it might mean for Australian housing. From oil price shocks and inflation fears to population shifts and investor behaviour, they explore why short-term uncertainty rarely changes the long-term structural drivers of property markets Together, they discuss: - Sudden oil price spikes briefly shake financial markets - Global supply shocks, inflation pressures and potential interest rate hikes could influence housing sentiment without necessarily changing long-term property demand. - Migration patterns are intensifying rental shortages and housing pressure in those states. - Why investors approaching retirement are increasingly selling property assets, particularly negatively geared units that generate little cashflow in retirement. - The growing divide between generations. - How market uncertainty often reduces listings rather than demand - The hidden costs of moving house in Australia. - 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

The market is splitting in two. Buyers who stay selective will do better. Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down why inflation risks are rising again after renewed global instability, how that’s feeding into rate expectations and buyer sentiment, and why construction is still failing to deliver enough supply. They also unpack the latest noise around negative gearing and capital gains tax, and what reforms might change — versus what just adds uncertainty — as the market shifts into a clear two speed cycle. Together, they discuss: Inflation risks returning as global instability pushes up energy costs, with fuel jumping quickly in parts of Australia Why the RBA may prefer waiting for quarterly data Evidence of a two speed housing market The on the ground reality for first home buyers at the lower end, including competition for scarce houses and buyers being pushed toward poorer assets amid FOMO Negative gearing and CGT reform chatter ahead of the budget The core supply problem getting worse: building approvals down Why approvals are still not enough for the national target 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

Inflation is still running hot. Construction can’t keep up. And the Olympics are coming. Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack what is really driving Australian property in early 2026 — sticky inflation, renewed rate risk, construction bottlenecks and Olympic-driven labour demand. With approvals rising but delivery lagging, they examine how supply constraints, first-home buyer momentum and rising build costs are influencing prices and opportunity across the country. Together, they discuss: - Inflation came in hot and what another potential rate hike means for buyer confidence - Why first-home buyers continue entering despite higher rates and tighter borrowing capacity - The impact of the revamped 5% deposit scheme on bottom-quartile prices - Why approvals are lifting but dwelling completions remain stubbornly low - Olympic-driven labour demand in Brisbane - Infrastructure projects crowd out housing supply - The rise in build costs and how higher replacement values are embedding price support - Does regional outperformance reflect affordability, investor activity or structural shift? - Listener Q&A: Downsizing strategies and how parents can structure support for children without compromising their own financial security 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

Listings are tight. Rents are tighter. And policy might be about to test both. Pete Wargent and Chris Bates to break down the forces shaping Australian property in 2026 — from capital gains tax reform chatter and rental market stress to financing resilience and where momentum still exists. The focus: what actually changes behaviour, and what just makes headlines. Together, they discuss: - Unemployment holding keeps the possibility of further rate hikes alive - First-home buyers continue pushing ahead - Record quarterly housing finance and lift in investor lending show capital is still active - Winding back the CGT discount may reduce flipping but is unlikely to deter investors -Vacancy rates near record lows - Without investor participation, rental availability deteriorates further - Seller behaviour matters more than headlines; listings remain historically tight - 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

Rates are higher. Supply is tighter. So where does that leave buyers and investors in 2026? Pete and Chris leads this first timely property and break down rising rates, sticky inflation, the expanded 5% first-home buyer scheme, and the structural supply gap driving pressure across the market. Together, they discuss: Who is feeling the pressure right now — renters, first-home buyers, investors, developers. What higher-for-longer means for borrowing power, buffers and timing decisions. How to think clearly when credit conditions stay tight. The 5% First-Home Buyer Scheme Whether lower deposits improve affordability or increase leverage. Can Australia can realistically build its way out? Where disciplined buyers and resilient borrowers are still finding opportunity. 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