In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer is joined by Hung Chuy from Strategic Brokers to discuss practical strategies for first-time buyers saving for a property deposit in 2026.

The duo start by diving into how fluctuating interest rates slowed the market at the end of 2025, prompting a cautious "wait-and-see" approach among buyers and sellers.

Chuy explains the importance of understanding borrowing capacity and carefully planning finances, particularly with potential rate hikes ahead.

They discuss practical budgeting strategies, including tracking expenses, reviewing big-ticket items such as rent and insurance, and using techniques like living on one income while saving the other.

The conversation also covers government programs, such as the 5 per cent deposit scheme and Help to Buy, which can reduce upfront costs for eligible buyers.

Chuy highlights the need to account for all costs, including strata fees, insurance, and legal expenses, and stresses the value of early planning and working with brokers or financial advisors.

Finally, they explore how aligning savings strategies with property selection can help first-time buyers make smarter, more informed investment decisions.

In the second part of their discussion on the First Property Buyer Show, managing editor Liam Garman and deputy editor Emilie Lauer explore how investors can position their portfolios for 2026 as market conditions shift.

The conversation focuses on rising demand driven by government schemes, constrained housing supply, and the need for more disciplined, price-sensitive strategies.

The pair urge investors to use the slower summer period to review cash flow, equity, rental performance, and portfolio structure, rather than chasing outdated hotspots.

Additionally, they warn that widely publicised postcodes and AI-driven research tools can inflate demand and erode opportunity, reinforcing the importance of on-the-ground research and experienced advice.

Looking ahead, diversification, particularly into commercial property, is emerging as a key theme for 2026.

Garman and Lauer also stress the need for emotional discipline, cautioning against rushed end-of-year decisions, and highlight goal-setting and investor wellbeing as essential foundations for long-term success.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, managing editor Liam Garman and deputy editor Emilie Lauer break down the year that was in Australian property, examining which markets surged, where momentum stalled, and why demand-side policy is setting the scene for further growth into 2026.

The conversation explores interest rate predictions, refinancing options, and the economic forces driving inflation, highlighting why expert advice has become critical in an increasingly complex market.

Garman and Lauer also unpack regional performance across the country, shifting buyer priorities, and the rise of the "compromise or miss out" mindset reshaping purchasing decisions, particularly among younger buyers.

Looking ahead, they discuss why strategy will be central to navigating the next phase of the property cycle and tease part two of the series, focused on building sustainable, long-term property outcomes in 2026.