The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor) cover art

The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)

The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)

By: Cate Bakos David Johnston and Mike Mortlock
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Formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor, our show rebranded in 2023 to The Property Trio.

Residential property is the only asset class we live in, it is where we raise our families, and it is our most expensive investment, yet property advice remains unregulated. Our objective is to educate time-poor professionals through deep insights from our experts who have provided thousands of Australians with personalised advice and education spanning two decades. In a climate where we are overloaded with information and one size fits all recommendations from the media, well-meaning friends and family and so-called advisers, we will distill the raw truth from the ill-informed.

So join the Property Planner, David Johnston, The Property Buyer, Cate Bakos and the Quantity Surveyor, Mike Mortlock as they take you on a journey of discovery through the maze of property, mortgage, and money decisions to empower you to create your ideal lifestyle!



Links to your hosts:
https://www.catebakos.com.au/
https://propertyplanning.com.au/
https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

Copyright The Property Trio Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • #372: The New-Build Negative Gearing Trap - Why a Higher Rent and Bigger Tax Deduction Don't Always Add Up to a Better Investment

    #372: The New-Build Negative Gearing Trap - Why a Higher Rent and Bigger Tax Deduction Don't Always Add Up to a Better Investment
    Jul 27 2026
    Australia's proposed negative gearing changes are designed to encourage investment in new housing, but could there be unintended consequences for renters?

    In this episode, The Property Trio explores exclusive research from MCG Quantity Surveyors and Suburbtrends, analysing more than 180,000 rental listings to uncover the true cost of brand-new housing.

    The trio discuss why new properties command higher rents, how the findings vary across Australia's capital cities, and what this means for investors weighing tax benefits against long-term performance. It's a balanced, data-driven conversation about housing affordability, rental supply and making smarter property decisions in a changing policy landscape.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/07/27/the-new-build-negative-gearing-trap/
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • #371: The Retirement Countdown - Is Adding One More Property to Your Portfolio Close to Retirement a Smart Move or a Step Too Far?

    #371: The Retirement Countdown - Is Adding One More Property to Your Portfolio Close to Retirement a Smart Move or a Step Too Far?
    Jul 20 2026
    This week, Cate and Dave answer a thoughtful listener question from Scott, who is approaching retirement with five investment properties, positive cash flow and a big decision to make.

    Should he borrow to buy a $500,000 Melbourne apartment, or focus on preserving wealth?

    Dave explores retirement planning, portfolio purpose, debt and cash flow, while Cate examines whether Melbourne's affordable apartments and units could benefit from changing investor behaviour following the recent negative gearing reforms. T

    hey also discuss investment-grade apartment selection, owner's corporation costs, and long-term capital growth prospects. This is a practical conversation for investors planning their next chapter.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    Shownotes:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/07/20/the-retirement-countdown/
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • #370: Market Update June 2026 – Sydney and Melbourne Lead National Slide, Rents Keep Climbing, Listings Rise & Yields Hit a Multi-Year High

    #370: Market Update June 2026 – Sydney and Melbourne Lead National Slide, Rents Keep Climbing, Listings Rise & Yields Hit a Multi-Year High
    Jul 13 2026
    June's market update reveals a property market adjusting to powerful policy changes. The Trio unpack slowing momentum across every capital city, the combined impact of Budget Night tax reforms and three consecutive interest rate rises, and why cautious buyers and retreating investors are reshaping the landscape.

    Tight vacancy rates and rental growth continue to pose a threat to renters, with gross rental yields continuing to climb.

    The Trio explore whether Spring will deliver a larger volume of stock, and if so, will sentiment improve in time? Or could supply outpace demand? These are interesting times...

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/07/13/ep-370-june-2026-market-update/
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
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