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/
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    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/
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    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/
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    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/
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    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/
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    51 mins
  • #367: The Wealth-Building Balancing Act - Property, Shares, Debt, Cash Flow and the Question of How Much is Enough?

    #367: The Wealth-Building Balancing Act - Property, Shares, Debt, Cash Flow and the Question of How Much is Enough?
    Jun 22 2026
    This week, The Trio answer a fascinating listener question from Tom, who has built a $12 million property portfolio and is now facing a different challenge: where should future capital go?

    Cate and Mike discuss the shift from accumulation to optimisation, comparing property, shares and superannuation as wealth-building tools. They explore the role of leverage, debt reduction and how age and working horizons influence risk. The episode also examines the hidden costs of large interstate portfolios, the increasing workload that comes with mature assets, and why simplicity becomes more valuable as retirement approaches.

    Plus, Cate reveals what she'd analyse first before making the 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/2026/06/22/wealth-building-balancing-act/
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    51 mins
  • #366: Market Update May 2026 – Flat National Growth Masks Big City Moves, Budget Nerves Build & Rents Keep Rising

    #366: Market Update May 2026 – Flat National Growth Masks Big City Moves, Budget Nerves Build & Rents Keep Rising
    Jun 15 2026
    May's property market delivered a fascinating mix of results, with Melbourne and Sydney recording price declines while Perth and Darwin continued their remarkable growth.

    In this month's market update, Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the latest data and discuss what's really happening beneath the headlines.They explore the impact of proposed investor tax changes, shifting buyer sentiment, rental growth, housing supply challenges and the implications for investors, homeowners and first-home buyers.

    The episode also examines listings activity, gross rental yields, interest rate expectations and broader economic indicators influencing property markets around the country. Join The Property Trio as they cut through the noise, analyse the trends and share their insights on what buyers and investors should be watching in the months ahead.

    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/2026/06/15/ep-366-may-2026-market-update/
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    51 mins
  • #365: Reviewing Your Home Loan - Negotiating Interest Rates Like a Pro, Offset Strategy & Refinancing Without Regret

    #365: Reviewing Your Home Loan - Negotiating Interest Rates Like a Pro, Offset Strategy & Refinancing Without Regret
    Jun 8 2026
    With interest rates rising and household budgets under pressure, many borrowers are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their home loans. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explore practical strategies to improve cash flow, including negotiating with lenders, refinancing, reviewing loan structures and making better use of offset accounts.

    The Trio explain why advertised rates don't always tell the full story and highlights the value of working with a strategic mortgage broker. Whether you're an owner-occupier or investor, this episode offers actionable insights to help ensure your lending is working as hard as possible.

    Download your free copy of Dave’s Money Management Principles – the 7 Steps to Success: https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/money-management-principles

    Read David's Blog - How to Save Money on Your Home Loan - https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/post/how-to-save-money-on-your-home-loan

    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 are here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/08/reviewing-your-home-loan/
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    47 mins