Let's be honest — if our politicians really wanted housing to be affordable, it would be by now.

They've had decades to fix it. There have been inquiries, commissions, roundtables, and billions thrown at so-called "affordability schemes."

And yet, what do we have? Record house prices, record rents, and a generation of young Aussies wondering if they'll ever own a home.

Maybe — just maybe — that's not an accident.

In today's Big Picture episode, Ken Raiss and I unpack why the housing affordability crisis isn't a policy failure... it's the system working exactly as designed.

We'll explore why politicians can't afford for property prices to fall, how government policy quietly rewards property owners, and what that means for investors like you.

Takeaways

· Housing affordability remains a critical issue in Australia.

· Government policies often prioritize property value stability over affordability.

· Cultural perceptions link home ownership to success in Australia.

· A significant percentage of politicians own property, influencing housing policies.

· Consumer confidence is low despite some economic improvements.

· Investors should focus on strategic property purchases.

· Wealth advisory services can help investors navigate complex markets.

· Economic uncertainty can create opportunities for savvy investors.

· Long-term planning is essential for property investment success.

· Education and preparation are key for investors to capitalize on market changes.

Chapters

02:07 - Why Politicians Can't Afford for Property Prices to Fall

04:59 - How Government Taxes Depend on Rising Property Values

06:50 - Banks, Confidence and the Economy Built on Housing

09:05 - Cultural Bias: Homeownership as the Core of Australia's Identity

12:11 - Why 94% of Politicians Own Property and Won't Change the Rules

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au

· Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing Successfully

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's Ahead For Property For 2026 And Beyond.

Michael Yardney
http://michaelyardney.com/

Get the team at Metropole Wealth Advisory to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs Click here and have a chat with us

Ken Raiss, Director of Metropole Wealth Advisory

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Also, please subscribe to my other podcast, Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/

If you've been wondering whether Australia's housing boom still has legs, or if we've already hit the peak of this cycle, then today's episode will give you the clarity you've been looking for.

Because, according to Dr Andrew Wilson, home prices across our capital cities accelerated again in October — marking the strongest monthly growth in nearly four years.

Now, this kind of broad-based growth might surprise some commentators who've been predicting a slowdown.

But as Andrew points out in his latest House Price Report, the combination of lower interest rates, improved affordability, and chronic undersupply continues to fuel strong buyer demand — particularly in markets where stock remains scarce and confidence is returning fast.

Takeaways

· Most Australians focus on short-term financial concerns.

· Interest rates and media headlines distract average investors.

· Property markets have performed more strongly than expected this year.

· All capital cities reported higher property prices recently.

· Brisbane's unit market has seen significant growth.

· Fear of missing out is influencing buyer behavior.

· The national house price has increased by 8.3% over the past year.

· Strong fundamentals are supporting ongoing price increases.

· The housing market is expected to remain active in the coming months.

Chapters

02:08 - Australia's Strongest Price Growth in Four Years

04:38 - Did the Reserve Bank Cut Rates Too Soon?

07:18 - How the Data Really Measures Monthly Price Trends

08:01 - House Prices Surge Nationwide — The Boom Returns

11:40 - Brisbane Leads as Units and Houses Break New Records

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au

• Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing Successfully
• Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast, Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

Are you in your 20s and just starting out, in your 40s and hitting your peak earning years, or in your 50s and wondering how to secure your financial future?

No matter where you are in life, your property investment strategy needs to evolve with you. Too many investors treat property as a one-size-fits-all game – and that's why half of all new property investors sell up within five years.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Brett Warren, National Director of Property at Metropole, to talk about how to invest wisely at every age and stage of life – and the timeless fundamentals that apply no matter when you begin.

We also outline the four distinct stages of property investment and provide insights on achieving financial freedom.

Whether you're starting out or consolidating for retirement, this conversation will help you plan smarter and avoid the mistakes most investors make.

Takeaways

· Investing in property is a long-term journey, not a transaction.

· Different life stages require different investment strategies.

· Education and financial literacy are crucial for success.

· Having a strong team of advisors is essential.

· Avoid emotional buying and focus on long-term growth.

· Understand the importance of capital growth over cash flow.

· Recognize the common mistakes made by investors at various stages.

· Time in the market is more important than timing the market.

· Establish a financial buffer to weather market cycles.

· Success in property investment leads to financial freedom and choices.

Chapters

02:27 - Core Fundamentals: Education, Strategy and the Right Team

08:42 - Myths, Contrarian Views and the Role of AI in Data

13:04 - In Your 20s: Time Advantage, Rentvesting and First Home Buyer Grants

19:22 - In Your 30s–40s: Career Growth, Family Needs and Investment Choices

25:18 - In Your 50s: Peak Earnings, Equity Use and Diversification

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au

· Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan Click here and have a chat with us

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Brett Warren - National Director of Property at Metropole

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

In today’s show, Simon Küstenmacher and I discuss the dynamics of our property markets, with a particular focus on the trend of downsizing among baby boomers.

We examine the emotional and financial factors that influence this demographic's decision-making, the impact of government policies on the housing market, and the implications for younger generations seeking family homes.

Simon mentions the need for better housing options and incentives to facilitate downsizing, ultimately aiming to create a more sustainable housing market.

Takeaways

· Baby boomers are hesitant to downsize due to emotional attachments.

· Downsizing can provide financial freedom and reduce stress.

· Government policies can incentivize downsizing through tax reforms.

· Emotional attachments to family homes complicate downsizing decisions.

· Financial disincentives like stamp duty hinder downsizing.

· Younger generations are affected by baby boomers not downsizing.

· Demographic trends shape the future of housing markets.

· Rethinking housing options is crucial for supporting aging populations.

· Real fortunes in property are made before the boom.

· Luck rewards the prepared investor.

Chapters

00:00 - Baby Boomers Hold Onto Big Homes

02:09 - Downsizing Trend Overstated in Australia

05:18 - Emotional Ties Block Downsizing Decisions

10:43 - Financial Disincentives: Stamp Duty and Pensions

16:32 - Wealth Concentration Among Baby Boomers

24:46 - Policy Fixes: Kill the Stamp Duty to Unlock Moves

Links and Resources:

Answer this week’s trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au

· Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney’s Guide to Investing Successfully

· Every entry receives a copy of a fully updated Michael Yardney Property Report

Michael Yardney

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan Click here and have a chat with us

Simon Kuestenmacher: Australia’s leading demographer and partner in the Demographics Group

Get a bundle of free reports and eBooks – www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

Today I'm joined by Stuart Wemyss, a highly respected financial advisor and author who recently distilled everything he's learned about property creation through wealth into what he calls the 4 Golden Rules of property investing.

If you've been paying attention to the property market lately, you'll know there's no shortage of advice out there – some good, some… not so good.

But in today's episode of the Michael Yardney podcast, we cut through all the noise so you can base your decisions on decades of real evidence, proven strategies, and a few timeless principles?

These aren't gimmicks or quick fixes. They're powerful principles grounded in data – and they've stood the test of time.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your property portfolio, you're going to get plenty of practical insights from this conversation.

Takeaways

· Focus on capital growth before income in property investment.

· Understanding property cycles can fast track investment success.

· Investment-grade properties are crucial for long-term growth.

· The math behind property investment is essential for success.

· Future buyer capacity influences property demand and value.

· Evidence-based investing helps cut through mixed messages.

· Location and land value are key to capital growth.

· Timing the market is less important than time in the market.

· Investors should be cautious of unrealistic return expectations.

· A multifaceted approach to financial planning enhances investment outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of AI and Its Implications

01:36 Introduction to Rules-Based Investing

04:15 The Four Golden Rules of Property Investing

07:03 Understanding Investment Grade Properties

12:01 Navigating Property Cycles

17:17 The Mathematics of Property Investment

23:00 Future Buyer Capacity and Demand

Links and Resources:

Answer this week's trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au

· Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney's Guide to Investing

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan Click here and have a chat with us

Stuart Wemyss – Prosolution Private Clients

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.

Thinking about selling your investment property? Wondering if leases still protect you these days? Or maybe you’ve heard AI and inspection managers are taking over property management?

In today’s show, I sit down with Leanne Jopson, Director of Property Management at Metropole, to answer the five most common questions investors ask her.

Leanne and her team speak with hundreds of investors every week, and the same questions keep cropping up, so we unpack those questions and provide you with the answers straight from the front line of property management.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, I think you’ll find today’s discussion could save you money, stress, and sleepless nights.

Takeaways

· Investors need to ask 'why' before selling properties.

· AI is enhancing property management efficiency.

· Leases provide a framework for tenant security.

· Tenant selection is crucial for long-term success.

· Property management is about strategy, not just rent collection.

· Understanding market dynamics is essential for investors.

· Professional property management can prevent costly mistakes.

· Investors should consider the total cost of selling a property.

· The average length of tenancy is increasing.

· Property management fees vary based on service quality.

Chapters

01:32 - Why Investors Are Thinking of Selling

04:36 - Getting Independent Advice Before Selling

09:38 - Are Leases Still Worth It?

14:24 - How AI Is Changing Property Management

18:38 - The Real Cost of Cheap Property Managers

Links and Resources:

Answer this week’s trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au

· Win a hard copy of What Every Property Investor Needs to Know About Finance, Tax and the Law.

· Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What’s ahead for property for 2026 and beyond

Leanne Jopson- National Executive - Property Management at Metropole

As Metropole specialises in property management our vacancy rate is considerably below the market average, our tenants stay an average of 2 years and our properties lease 10 days faster than the market average. Click here to see how we can help you.

Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan Click here and have a chat with us

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at www.PodcastBonus.com.au

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.