Episodes

  • #375: Market Update July 2026- National Price Reversal Depends, Yields Hit Highest Level in Years, Rents keep Rising &. Total Listings Climb

    #375: Market Update July 2026- National Price Reversal Depends, Yields Hit Highest Level in Years, Rents keep Rising &. Total Listings Climb
    Aug 17 2026
    This month's Property Trio market update sees Cate, Dave and Mike digging into July's figures, questioning whether the headline numbers are keeping pace with what's really happening on the ground.

    National values fell 0.7%, with only Darwin, Perth and Hobart holding positive territory, and Cotality quietly revising prior months lower. 🏡 Melbourne draws real attention, with affordability and rising yields raising the question of genuine resilience.

    Rents keep climbing, listings tell a mixed story across cities, and the RBA's warning of another possible hike looms large. A tight, data-driven read on where the market stands and what could shift it next.

    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/2026/08/17/ep-375-july-2026-market-update/
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • #374: The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling at the Same Time and Upgrading in a Downturn

    #374: The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling at the Same Time and Upgrading in a Downturn
    Aug 10 2026
    Buying and selling a property at the same time can feel like a logistical minefield. In this episode, Mike, Cate and Dave explore the strategies, risks and financial considerations involved in upgrading or downsizing.

    They discuss whether it is better to buy or sell first, when bridging finance makes sense, why subject-to-sale offers can be problematic, and how settlement periods, rent-backs and early access can create valuable flexibility.

    The Trio also explores loan porting, contingency planning and the importance of understanding your worst-case scenario before committing. With careful planning and the right advice, the buy-and-sell dance doesn’t have to become a disaster.

    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/2026/08/10/buy-first-or-sell-first/
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
  • #373: After the Budget – A Deep Analysis of Who are the Winners, the Losers and What Happens Next

    #373: After the Budget – A Deep Analysis of Who are the Winners, the Losers and What Happens Next
    Aug 3 2026

    In this extended episode of The Property Trio, Cate Bakos, David Johnston and Mike Mortlock unpack the far-reaching implications of the 2026 Federal Budget and its property tax reforms.


    They explore how the changes could affect property prices, rents, yields, investor behaviour and first home buyers, while discussing the risks and opportunities emerging in today's market. The trio also examines established versus new property, long-term investment strategy, potential economic impacts, and whether the reforms could eventually be repealed. If you're deciding whether to buy, hold or wait, this episode delivers practical insights to help guide your next move.

    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/2026/08/03/after-the-budget/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • #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
  • #369: The Negative Gearing Loophole Available for Established Properties that No One’s Talking About

    #369: The Negative Gearing Loophole Available for Established Properties that No One’s Talking About
    Jul 6 2026
    Australia's negative gearing changes have created an important opportunity for existing homeowners that many people have overlooked. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explain how grandfathering rules could allow eligible homeowners to retain negative gearing benefits if they later convert their home into an investment property.

    The trio explores why mortgage structure matters, the strategic use of interest-only lending and offset accounts, and how repayment choices made today can influence future tax outcomes. They also discuss upgrade-and-retain strategies, rentvesting, cash flow management and the importance of seeking advice before making property or lending decisions.

    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/2026/07/06/a-negative-gearing-option-open-to-millions/
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • #368: The Truth About Property Investors - What the RBA Data Reveals About Wealth, Risk & Australia’s Rental Market

    #368: The Truth About Property Investors - What the RBA Data Reveals About Wealth, Risk & Australia’s Rental Market
    Jun 29 2026
    The latest research from the Reserve Bank of Australia offers a fascinating snapshot of who really owns Australia's investment properties, and it challenges many common assumptions.

    Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the data, revealing that most investors own just one property, while only a small minority build large portfolios. They explore what an ageing investor population, borrowing capacity, leverage and proposed tax changes could mean for the future of housing and rental supply.

    This episode offers a balanced, evidence-based discussion that cuts through the headlines to explain what the numbers really tell us about Australia's property investors and the housing market.

    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/2026/06/29/what-the-rba-data-reveals-about-australias-rental-market/
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins