On this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant marks a decade of guiding investors through market shifts, joined by the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia CEO, Anja Pannek, to discuss the vital role of mortgage broking.

The discussion focuses on the vital role of mortgage brokers in Australia, particularly in the evolving property market, including challenges such as COVID-19 and shifts in mortgage regulation.

Mortgage brokers now handle nearly 77 per cent of loans, up from 50 per cent in 2010, thanks to their consumer-first approach and stringent regulation.

Brokers provide essential services, such as refinancing, debt consolidation, and financial guidance, particularly during periods of fluctuating interest rates.

Despite media misconceptions, mortgage brokers boost competition and choice, benefiting borrowers; with market share expected to surpass 80 per cent, they remain essential partners offering personalised support and lender access.

The duo encourages investors and aspiring brokers alike to leverage their expertise to navigate the complex mortgage landscape confidently.

In this episode of Property Investing Insights with Right Property Group, Victor and Reshmi Kumar sit down with Phil Tarrant to unpack property investment strategies, highlighting the power of long-term thinking and personalised approaches.

The trio unpacks various strategies suited to different investor stages, from the foundational “buy and hold” to the more advanced “build and balance” and generational investing.

Victor illustrates the build and balance strategy through a real example in Dapto, where adding a granny flat and studio significantly boosts rental yield and asset value.

The team stresses that true wealth in property is rarely achieved quickly, advocating instead for strategic patience and informed decision-making.

As investors mature, they may graduate to generational investing, though Victor warns against entering the commercial property space prematurely without a strong equity base.

The hosts also discuss the importance of aligning investment strategies with individual circumstances such as age, goals, and financial capacity.

While artificial intelligence offers useful insights, Victor argues it can’t replace human judgement in understanding local markets and deal-making.

As tax season approaches, property investors are being urged to plan early and strategically to optimise their returns and stay compliant.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with Munzurul Khan from KHI Partners to discuss how investors should approach tax planning, deductions, and structures.

Munzurul stresses the importance of pre-30 June actions, like bringing forward deductible expenses, and outlines key deductions investors often overlook, including purchase-related costs and lender’s mortgage insurance.

Munzurul warns against common errors, such as confusing capital improvements with repairs or failing to claim interest correctly. Maintaining clear monthly records and substantiating all claims are vital, especially in the event of an Australian Taxation Office audit.

For investors using negative gearing, Munzurul explains that its value lies in offsetting rental losses, though it’s limited by taxable income.

He also discusses the tax implications of changing property use and how ownership structure can influence tax outcomes.

Finally, Munzurul notes that while trusts and companies can offer tax benefits, they carry added complexity, so investors should stay informed and seek professional advice for long-term success.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal and Adrian Lee from InvestorKit, and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial, explore what it takes to build a successful property investment strategy.

They begin by clarifying that strategy is not just about achieving outcomes like positive cash flow, but about creating a structured plan that aligns with long-term goals.

The trio highlights the importance of viewing strategy as a holistic framework that includes financial planning, risk assessment, and goal setting.

Jack focuses on the role of finance, stressing that responsible borrowing and aligning financial and accounting strategies are key to scaling a portfolio. He also warns against common financial pitfalls, such as unnecessary debt, which can restrict borrowing power.

The episode outlines how a comprehensive strategy integrates elements like lending, cash flow management, and risk mitigation to guide smart property decisions.

Additionally, the co-hosts emphasise the value of knowing when not to buy, especially during periods of uncertainty or financial instability.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant and Eva Loisance from Finni Mortgages explore how family pledges and guarantor loans can help overcome traditional deposit barriers in property investment.

The duo explains how family pledges and guarantor loans let buyers use a relative’s property equity to secure up to 105 per cent of the purchase price, bypassing deposits and lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI).

Eva stresses that although many Australians rely on slower traditional methods or government assistance, families who use pledges can enter the market faster, save on LMI costs, and enjoy greater flexibility than government schemes.

However, risks include the buyer’s full repayment responsibility and potential loss of the guarantor’s property if repayments fail, with Eva highlighting the importance of legal advice and clear agreements to protect all parties.

She says that ultimately, leveraging family pledges and guarantor loans empowers investors to act proactively and accelerate their property ownership goals.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

Welcome to Property Unfiltered, a collection of raw and uncensored conversations with Simon Loo and some of the nation’s most savvy investors – giving you the insights you need to achieve your property dreams.

In this episode of Property Unfiltered, Simon Loo, founder of House Finder, and Smart Property Investment’s Liam Garman are joined by head of Strategic Brokers Hung Chuy and investor Lawrence Khuu to unpack how to build a nine-property portfolio in three years.

Lawrence, a physiotherapist, built a nine-property portfolio in three years despite a tough post-COVID lending environment.

Initially owning three low-yield units in south-west Sydney, he chose to sell them at a loss to free equity and borrowing capacity for more profitable investments.

Guided by property expert Simon and finance specialist Hung, he focused on undervalued properties with strong rental yields and capital growth in Queensland and Western Australia.

Using trusts and refinancing strategies, they maximised his borrowing power while managing liabilities, even selling his primary residence to fuel growth.

Lawrence’s journey highlights how clear goals, expert advice, and determination can overcome market challenges and drive rapid portfolio expansion.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant sits down with Steve Ash, a buyer’s agent at Property Strats, to unpack the journey behind his $11 million property portfolio.

A former investment banker, Steve made the leap from high-pressure trading floors in London and Sydney to the strategic world of property investment.

His first purchase in Kogarah, despite widespread warnings of a market downturn, ignited his passion and set the foundation for future success.

Leveraging his background in financial markets, Steve takes a portfolio construction approach, carefully balancing risk and diversifying across locations, highlighting the importance of timing, market selection, and a long-term mindset.

More than just wealth creation, property investment has given Steve the lifestyle freedom his former career lacked.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal and Adrian Lee from InvestorKit, and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial, sit down with Tuan Duong from Duo Tax Quantity Surveyors to unpack the often overlooked power of depreciation in property investment.

The episode starts by unpacking depreciation and how it allows investors to claim tax deductions on the wear and tear of buildings and fixtures, boosting cash flow without out-of-pocket costs.

Since 2017, rules have tightened for second-hand residential properties, but commercial properties still allow broader depreciation claims, making them attractive for positive cash flow.

To access these benefits, investors need a depreciation schedule prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor, especially after renovations, which can unlock even more deductions through scrapping.

Tuan also debunks the myth that older properties don’t qualify, noting that renovations can revive depreciation potential. However, investors should be aware that claiming depreciation affects capital gains tax calculations upon sale.

The co-hosts believe investors should stay educated, as mastering depreciation can significantly strengthen portfolios and long-term returns.