Talk Property To Me Podcast

More and more people who live in Melbourne are choosing to leave it yet the city still grew by over a hundred thousand residents in a year. What is the reason for this and what does that tell us about the real estate market in Australia?

Sydney has lost over 41,000 residents in a year. As real estate prices in Sydney are soaring people are looking for an alternative. Enter Dubbo – one of Australia's fastest growing cities where housing is also more affordable. Dubbo has now become the number one hotspot for first time home buyers in in New South Wales.

Did Australia make an impossible promise? 40, 000 affordable homes were supposed to be built by 2029 yet in 2 years only 2% were completed. Is it possible to finish the task? In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie give their thoughts on the matter and discuss the practical implications of the affordable housing promise that may never be delivered.

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down investing in Airbnb properties and the associated risks and possible gains. Can investing in Airbnb be a passive source of income? Who is your biggest competition? If you're thinking about investing in an Airbnb or already own one - this video can help you in your decision making and the future perspective ahead.

The RBA has lifted the cash rate to 3.85% (4 February 2026) — the first hike in over two years. 📈🇦🇺 But will higher interest rates actually bring inflation down… or will it just squeeze mortgage holders while prices keep rising? 💸🏠 In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down why they believe rate hikes won't fix Australia's biggest inflation drivers — especially supply-side inflation, electricity costs, government spending, and the impact of an ageing population spending more as rates rise. ⚡🧾👵 They also dive into the rental crisis, record-low vacancy rates, and why increasing mortgage costs can flow directly into higher rents. 🏡📉 ✅ What you'll learn in this episode: • Why the RBA hikes rates (and why it may not work) 📊 • Demand vs supply inflation (the key difference) 🧠 • Electricity prices + policy failures (21.5% YoY mentioned) ⚡ • Why mortgage holders get punished while others spend more 🏠 • Australia's ageing population effect on inflation 👵💰 • Migration vs new home builds: why rents keep rising 🏗️ • Vacancy rates collapsing (Orange: 0.5%) 😳 • Why higher rates can push rents up again 📈🏘️ • Modular/tiny homes at Bunnings: a new supply angle 🧰

Victoria's Windfall Gains Tax (WGT) is one of the most controversial property taxes in Australia — and many investors still don't know it exists. 🇦🇺🏠💸 In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down how the Victorian Windfall Gains Tax works, why it's often called a "hidden property tax", and how it can charge up to 62.5% on rezoning-related land value increases — even on unrealised gains (yes, you can get a tax bill without selling the property). ⚠️📩 If you own property in Victoria, invest in Australian real estate, buy land in growth corridors, or you're watching rezoning changes (low density → medium/high density), this episode is a must-watch. We cover the $100,000 threshold, marginal tax rates, real examples, land tax comparisons (VIC vs NSW), exemptions, deferral options, and why this policy may impact housing supply, developers, and private investors. 📈🧾 🔍 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ What is the Victorian Windfall Gains Tax (WGT)? ✔️ How rezoning triggers a tax bill (even if you don't sell) ✔️ Example: land value doubles → massive tax liability ✔️ The 62.5% marginal rate explained ✔️ Victoria land tax vs NSW thresholds ✔️ Exemptions & deferring payment until sale ✔️ What investors can realistically do

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies in Australian real estate: how everyday homeowners are using equity in their existing home to buy investment properties with zero cash deposit. Most Australians assume they need years of savings to buy an investment property — but many are already sitting on usable equity without realising it. In this episode, Brad and Aaron explain step-by-step how investors are extracting equity from their owner-occupied home, structuring loans correctly, and using that equity to fund deposits, stamp duty, and purchase costs — without using personal savings. This is not hype, and it's not a "get rich quick" scheme — it's a real-world, bank-approved strategy used by everyday "mum and dad" investors across Australia. 🔍 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ How equity actually works in Australian property 🏠 ✔️ The 80% rule and avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) ✔️ When paying LMI can make sense for faster growth ✔️ Using equity instead of cash deposits 💰 ✔️ Zero deposit property investing explained ✔️ How to structure loans properly (splits & tax strategy) ✔️ Why equity release is NOT "free money" ✔️ Buffers, offsets, and risk management 📊 ✔️ The step-by-step process to buy your first investment property ✔️ Common mistakes investors make (cross-collateralisation, over-leverage, rental overestimation) ✔️ How everyday Australians build property portfolios safely

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie unpack the growing debate around scrapping capital gains tax (CGT) discounts in Australia — and whether this move would actually fix housing affordability or make the crisis even worse. With mounting pressure on the government to reform CGT, many argue that pushing investors out of the market will help first-home buyers. But is that really how the Australian property market works? In this episode, we break down: 👉Why removing CGT discounts may reduce rental supply, not prices 👉Who property investors really are (hint: mostly mum-and-dad owners) 👉How low vacancy rates and rising rents could worsen if investors exit 👉Why supply, not tax changes, is the real housing problem 👉The unintended consequences of targeting investors instead of building homes If you're a home buyer, investor, or renter, this episode explains what CGT reform could mean for property prices, rents, and long-term housing affordability in Australia. 🔍 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ What is Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and how the discount works ✔️ Why scrapping CGT could reduce rental supply ✔️ The real drivers behind Australia's housing crisis ✔️ Investors vs first-home buyers — who really drives prices? ✔️ Why building more homes matters more than tax reform ✔️ Long-term risks of political housing decisions

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down why inflation is rising again and what it could mean for Australia's interest rates in 2026. With electricity prices, rent and housing costs keeping inflation elevated, the big question is: will the RBA hike in February 2026, or hold and reassess mid-year? We unpack the key drivers behind the latest inflation headlines, why rate rises don't fix electricity prices, and what the Big Four banks are predicting (with opinions split). If you're a homeowner, investor, or planning to buy, this episode focuses on practical strategy—how to think about borrowing capacity, buffers, and staying calm when the media goes "doom and gloom." Key topics covered ✔️ Australia inflation 2026: what's pushing it higher ✔️ RBA interest rates 2026: February hike vs hold ✔️ Why electricity costs keep inflation sticky (and why rates won't fix it) ✔️ Rent, housing supply, vacancy rates & the pressure on the market ✔️ Big Four bank predictions and what they imply for borrowers ✔️ Practical advice: don't max borrowing capacity + build an offset buffer

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down the Top 5 property sales of 2025 — including Sydney's record $82.5M waterfront deal in Rose Bay, an $81M Barangaroo penthouse, and more jaw-dropping prestige sales across Vaucluse, Bellevue Hill, and Mosman. If you follow Sydney luxury real estate, waterfront homes, and high-end property investing, this episode is packed with insights on scarcity, record pricing, buyers' agents, and how "manufacturing equity" through renovations applies from $50M homes all the way down to everyday investors. 🔍 Key Topics Covered: ✔️ Australia's biggest property sales of 2025 (Top 5) ✔️ Rose Bay's $82.5M waterfront record sale ✔️ Barangaroo's $81M penthouse — why it's worth it ✔️ Why scarcity drives Sydney's prestige prices ✔️ Buyers' agents at the ultra-luxury end of the market ✔️ "Manufacturing equity" with renovations (and how investors can copy it)

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down the Australia property market outlook for 2026, with a deep dive into Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. We analyse suburb-level data, long-term price trends, and the key infrastructure projects shaping growth over the next few years — including transport upgrades, hospital expansion, rezoning changes, and population growth drivers. Rather than broad national headlines, this episode focuses on where the real opportunities are forming and why some suburbs will outperform others as we move into 2026. 🔍 Key Topics Covered ✔️ Australia property market forecast for 2026 ✔️ Newcastle vs Lake Macquarie growth trends ✔️ Why suburb selection matters more than city averages ✔️ Infrastructure projects driving future price growth ✔️ Best areas for owner-occupiers vs investors ✔️ Affordability, interest rates & long-term demand ✔️ Risk profiles and sustainable growth strategies If you're considering buying, investing, or simply want a clear, data-driven view of what's next, this episode will help you understand where growth is coming from and why.

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down what banks really look at when approving a home loan in Australia — and why having a big deposit alone is no longer enough. If you're planning to buy a home in 2025 or 2026, this episode is essential viewing. We explain how lenders assess your spending habits, credit score, borrowing power, and financial behaviour, and why so many buyers are shocked when their loan is rejected. In this episode, we cover: Why banks rely on the Household Expenditure Measure (HEM) How your spending habits impact borrowing capacity Why credit behaviour matters more than your deposit The hidden impact of credit cards & Buy Now Pay Later How loan enquiries can damage your credit score Why speaking to a mortgage broker can dramatically improve approval odds Whether you're a first home buyer, upgrading, or planning your next investment, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and understand how lenders really think. 🔍 Key Topics Covered ✔️ Mortgage approval process in Australia ✔️ Credit score requirements explained ✔️ Borrowing power & household expenses ✔️ Why banks reject home loans ✔️ How to improve your loan approval chances

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down why the RBA has held interest rates, why inflation remains stubbornly high, and what this really means for Australia's property market moving into 2025 and 2026. We unpack the key drivers behind the RBA's decision, including rising electricity prices, cost-of-living pressures, and why rate hikes don't always fix inflation. The discussion also dives into the latest APRA changes, including debt-to-income (DTI) limits, tighter trust lending rules, and how these policies could impact investors, first-home buyers, and affordability across Australia. 🏠 If you're buying, investing, or refinancing, this episode gives you a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what's changing — and what actually matters. 🔍 Key Topics Covered 📌 Why the RBA held interest rates again 📌 Inflation explained – electricity prices & cost-of-living pressure 📌 APRA's new debt-to-income rules (DTI caps) 📌 Trust lending crackdown & investor risk 📌 Help to Buy scheme & shared equity risks 📌 What this means for first-home buyers & investors 📌 Australia property market outlook for 2025–2026

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, Brad East and Aaron Downie break down Australia's 2026 Property Market Forecast using the latest SQM Research Boom & Bust Report. We analyse population growth, supply shortages, dwelling completions, and city-by-city price predictions to explain what buyers and investors should expect in 2026. Australia is heading into another major year for real estate, with 390,000 new migrants, tight vacancy rates, and a national housing shortage continuing to shape prices. In this episode, we unpack why Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast are forecast to lead the country — and why Sydney and Melbourne may lag behind. Whether you're a first-home buyer, investor, or simply watching the market, this breakdown gives you clear, data-driven explanations behind the expected 4%–14% price growth for 2026. 🔍 Key Topics Covered ✔️ Australia Property Market Forecast 2026 ✔️ Population growth impact on housing prices ✔️ Housing supply shortage & dwelling completions ✔️ City-by-city predictions: Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney ✔️ Vacancy rates, rental demand & investor activity ✔️ Supply vs demand imbalance explained ✔️ Why units may outperform houses in major cities ✔️ Inflation, interest rates & possible RBA cuts ✔️ Worst-case, base-case & best-case growth scenarios ✔️ What buyers and investors should watch in 2026 🏙️ City Forecast Highlights 🏆 Perth: 12–16% growth expected — strongest market in Australia 🔥 Brisbane: 10–15% growth, record-low listings 📈 Adelaide: Strong demand with limited supply Darwin: Major rebound driven by infrastructure projects 🏖️ Gold Coast & Sunny Coast: 7–15% growth 🏚️ Sydney & Melbourne: Slower growth due to affordability pressures

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down one of the biggest debates in the Australia property market 2026: Are houses still outperforming units, or has the market completely shifted? With affordability tightening, inflation rising, and lifestyle preferences changing across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and regional areas, many buyers and investors are rethinking where real long-term value actually is. In this episode, we analyse why units and townhouses are now outperforming houses in multiple LGAs, what's driving this shift, and how buyers can protect themselves from bad assets and identify high-performing opportunities. 🔍 Key Topics Covered ✔️ Houses vs Units in 2026 — what the data really says ✔️ Why units are outperforming in key LGAs ✔️ Affordability crisis: how inflation & income stagnation are reshaping demand ✔️ Capital growth vs rental yields — where the numbers win ✔️ Boutique developments vs high-density towers ✔️ How remote work and infrastructure are changing buyer behaviour ✔️ Scarcity: the #1 rule for picking a winning property ✔️ First-home buyers in 2026 — why units may be the smarter choice ✔️ What to avoid: risks, strata reports, build quality & supply saturation ✔️ What's next for the Australian property market?

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie unpack one of Australia's biggest issues right now: building approvals are rising, but construction output is falling — all while the country faces the largest population boom on record. Australia approved more homes than ever in 2024–2025, yet fewer houses are actually being built. In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind the housing supply crunch — from labour shortages, skyrocketing material costs and developer feasibility, to the impact of surging investor lending and record migration. We also analyse how government planning reforms, council delays, CDC pathways and the Housing Future Fund are affecting supply, rental prices, and long-term affordability for first-home buyers and investors. 🔍 Key Topics Covered in This Episode ✔️ Why building approvals are rising but construction is falling ✔️ Labour shortages, high materials costs & builder insolvencies ✔️ Investor lending at record highs — how it affects first-home buyers ✔️ Australia's population surge (380K → 470K) and pressure on housing ✔️ NSW planning reforms: CDC fast-track, dual occupancies & DA changes ✔️ How government policies are shaping supply, rent, and house prices ✔️ Why developers are building less despite huge demand ✔️ What needs to change to fix Australia's housing shortage ✔️ The outlook for construction, rental markets & property prices in 2025 Australia is heading into a critical phase: approvals are up, supply is down, migration is booming, and investors are flooding the market. Understanding these factors is essential for buyers, sellers, renters and investors.

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, Brad East and Aaron Downie break down one of the biggest debates in Australia's housing market: Are 50-year mortgages the future of property affordability? 🇦🇺🏡 With affordability at record lows, rising interest rates, and the average first-home buyer now aged 36+, longer loan terms are gaining attention. But what does stretching your mortgage to 40 or even 50 years actually mean for your finances? Today, we analyse the real numbers, the hidden risks, and how longer mortgages impact negative equity, borrowing capacity, property prices, and investors vs first-home buyers. 🔍 Key Topics Covered ✨ How 40–50 year mortgages really work ✨ Impact on monthly repayments & long-term interest ✨ Why banks benefit more than borrowers ✨ Negative equity risks in a falling market ✨ How longer terms affect first-home buyers ✨ Impacts on investors & borrowing capacity ✨ Will this push Australian property prices even higher? ✨ Policy contradictions: interest-only vs 50-year loans ✨ What Australia actually needs: supply, policy reform & realistic solutions Whether you're a first-home buyer, investor, or simply tracking the Australian property market, this breakdown gives you the real numbers behind one of the most controversial affordability ideas in years. 💬 Do you think 50-year mortgages would help or hurt Australia's housing market? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down the latest updates on Australia's inflation, interest rates, and property market trends for 2025. Australia's inflation remains stubbornly high, with electricity and housing costs driving prices up. Despite this, the RBA has held rates steady, and now experts are questioning when the next rate cuts might actually happen. Brad and Aaron unpack what's really going on behind the scenes — from government policy to construction slowdowns, and how it's shaping home prices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. 📊 Key Topics Covered: ⚡ Why electricity and housing costs are keeping inflation high 🏗️ How labour shortages are slowing new housing supply 💰 What rising rates mean for homeowners and first-home buyers 🏠 October price surge: Perth and Brisbane leading the market 📉 Why holding rates might actually help the economy 🔮 When the Big 4 banks predict the next rate cuts 💬 Will the First Home Guarantee Scheme push prices higher? As 2025 unfolds, Australia's housing market faces a complex mix of tight stock, high demand, and stubborn inflation. If you're a buyer, investor, or simply following the economy, this episode gives you a clear, data-driven look at where things stand — and where they're heading next.

In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie dive deep into the Brisbane property market and what the upcoming 2032 Olympics could really mean for property prices, construction, and investment opportunities in Queensland. Brisbane has been one of Australia's fastest-growing housing markets, but with construction costs still rising and thousands of new homes needed before 2032, investors and homebuyers are asking the same question — will the Olympics drive another property boom or a sharp correction?📊 In this episode, Brad and Aaron break down the real numbers — from population forecasts, LGA and suburb-level data, to vacancy rates and rental yields — revealing which areas might benefit from the Olympic investment and which are at risk of overpricing. 🔍 Key Topics Covered: 🏠 Brisbane's 2025 property market overview 📈 LGA vs suburb data – where the real growth is 💼 The impact of the 2032 Olympics on Queensland's economy 🚧 Construction costs, delays, and housing shortages 📉 Post-Olympic slowdown: lessons from Sydney 2000 👩‍💼 Demographics shaping Brisbane's buyer market 📊 Best suburbs for long-term property investment