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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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About this listen

 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
  • #359: The Refinance Playbook - The Numbers, Strategy & Timing Explained

    #359: The Refinance Playbook - The Numbers, Strategy & Timing Explained
    Apr 27 2026
    🎧 This week, The Property Trio unpacks whether refinancing is really worth it. This listener question was sent through by a loyal listener, Greg.


    Cate, Dave and Mike explain how to weigh savings against switching costs, including break fees, discharge fees, package costs and possible LMI. They also discuss why refinancing should be about strategy, not just rate chasing, and how offsets affect the numbers.

    Most importantly, they explore the risk of becoming a “mortgage prisoner” if future rate rises reduce borrowing capacity and limit your options.

    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/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/27/the-refinance-playbook/
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • #358: Market Update March 2026 – National Growth Near 10% and Opportunity Knocks Amid Weakening Sentiment & Buyer Hesitation

    #358: Market Update March 2026 – National Growth Near 10% and Opportunity Knocks Amid Weakening Sentiment & Buyer Hesitation
    Apr 20 2026
    This month’s update highlights a resilient property market amid weakening sentiment.

    Strong growth in Perth, Brisbane and Darwin contrasts with softer results in Sydney and Melbourne.

    Tight rental conditions persist, while cautious buyers and falling confidence are reshaping demand.

    The Trio note that this shift may create a rare window of opportunity for strategic buyers to act with less competition.

    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/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/20/ep-358-march-2026-market-update/
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • #357: Investor Tax Trap - The Costly Depreciation Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making

    #357: Investor Tax Trap - The Costly Depreciation Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making
    Apr 13 2026
    🎧 In this episode, the Property Trio unpack the often misunderstood world of tax depreciation.

    Cate, Dave and Mike explain the difference between Division 43 and Division 40, and why structuring depreciation correctly can significantly impact early cash flow.

    They also explore the 2017 rule changes, the role of quantity surveyors, and overlooked opportunities like common property in apartments. From costly mistakes to unusual tax cases, the key message is clear: it’s not about being clever with tax... it’s about a having clear strategy and being informed.

    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/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/13/investor-tax-trap/
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
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