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the slower summer period to review cash flow, equity, rental performance, and portfolio structure, rather than chasing outdated hotspots.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

In a recent episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with Natalia Clack, founder of Easy Super, about using self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to buy a first property investment.

The duo unpacks how SMSFs work, with the funds allowing individuals to control their superannuation and invest in property, while highlighting the responsibilities and costs involved.

Clack explains that properties purchased through SMSFs must be for investment purposes only, with strict rules preventing members or relatives from using them personally.

The discussion covers the two main purchase methods – buying outright or borrowing through a complex SMSF loan structure requiring a bare trust.

Cash flow management was emphasised as critical, with rental income and super contributions needing to cover expenses to avoid financial strain.

Tax advantages, including concessional rates on income and capital gains, were highlighted as a key benefit of SMSF property investment. Clack also notes the importance of compliance, annual audits, and professional advice to navigate legal and financial obligations.

The duo provides a detailed guide for first-time buyers considering SMSFs as a strategy to grow long-term wealth while maintaining control over their retirement savings.

In a recent episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Kyrillos Mansour to explore portfolio planning and how a well-planned strategy can turn property investments into real success.

They explain that a strategy acts as a roadmap guiding investors from their current situation to their financial goals, whether that's building a property portfolio, achieving financial freedom, or securing retirement stability.

Mansour emphasises that defining the end goal is the first step, followed by assessing one's current position and planning a path accordingly.

A key decision for first-time buyers is whether to purchase a home to live in or an investment property, as this choice affects lending, borrowing capacity, and long-term growth potential.

He then outlines three main strategies – high growth, high cash flow, and a mix of both – each suited to different financial goals and risk tolerances.

Mansour advises that regularly reviewing and adjusting one's strategy is essential, taking into account life changes and evolving market conditions.

Finally, the duo highlights the importance of an exit strategy, ensuring that decisions to sell, hold, or refinance are always guided by data and aligned with overall investment objectives.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Michael and Nicole Kowalczyk from Tailored Property Group to explore property inspections, building and pest reports, off-the-plan purchases, and renovation strategies for first-time and aspiring investors.

The Kowalczyks share their own journey, beginning with Michael's first off-the-plan purchase at age 21, and highlight how early successes and setbacks shaped their approach to property investment.

They stress the importance of understanding the risks and benefits of off-the-plan purchases, including build quality, market fluctuations, and the need for thorough research on builders and contractors.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations, while appealing, are discussed with caution, with the Kowalczyks advising first-time investors to know when to engage professional tradespeople to protect time, budget, and property value.

During property inspections, Michael outlines key areas to check – roof, foundation, termites, moisture, and asbestos – while Nicole emphasises the importance of moisture testing and due diligence to uncover hidden issues.

They highlight the necessity of engaging reputable building and pest inspectors, noting that many flagged issues can be rectified or leveraged during negotiations, depending on one's risk tolerance.

Setting realistic renovation budgets and timelines, planning for contingencies, and selecting the right tradespeople are crucial steps for any property project, particularly when addressing electrical or plumbing work.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emile Lauer dives deep with Paul Mollica, principal property strategist at Wealthkey Property, to uncover the practical realities, strategies, and pitfalls that first-time Australian investors face when stepping onto the property ladder.

Mollica shares his own journey, beginning in the late 1990s when property prices and building costs were far lower, highlighting the role of family support and compromise in getting started.

He stresses that first-time buyers must view property ownership as a journey, often requiring trade-offs on location or property type. Understanding the full financial picture – including rates, maintenance, insurance, and borrowing limits – is essential for sustainable investing.

Mollica also discusses strategies like rentvesting and the responsibilities of being a landlord, such as ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

When choosing property, he advises considering areas with limited new supply and favourable demographics to enhance long-term value.

Working with a competent property manager is crucial, especially for investors dealing with multiple locations and regulatory variations.

He encourages aspiring investors to approach property with careful planning, knowledge, and patience, showing that with the right strategy, property investment can be a rewarding path to growth and financial security.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with buyer's agent Brady Yoshia from Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory to explore the critical role that preparation and negotiation play in securing the right property.

The discussion begins with Yoshia reflecting on her first property purchase in Greenwich, a three-bedroom apartment bought for $590,000 back in 2000 that would now be worth over $2 million, highlighting the long-term value of making informed early decisions.

The duo then unpack the importance of research, stressing the need to explore suburbs at different times of the day and remain open to a variety of options to make strategic choices rather than impulsive ones.

Yoshia emphasises that buyers should run their own race, advising them to have their finances in order, understand vendor motivations, and act quickly when the right opportunity arises, while avoiding fear-driven decisions.

Negotiation is a key focus, with Yoshia explaining that understanding the vendor's needs – such as settlement flexibility – can give buyers an advantage without increasing their offer price.

The conversation also addresses the pitfalls of emotional attachment, urging buyers to assess true property value through recent sales data and comparable listings, maintaining detachment to stay within budget.