Episodes

  • #362: The Federal Budget Property Shake-Up – The Fall Out and Proposed Changes for Buyers, Investors, Renters, Negative Gearing and CGT

    #362: The Federal Budget Property Shake-Up – The Fall Out and Proposed Changes for Buyers, Investors, Renters, Negative Gearing and CGT
    May 13 2026
    The 2026 Federal Budget has delivered one of the most significant property policy shake-ups Australia has seen in decades. The headline changes include winding back negative gearing for established homes, replacing the 50% capital gains tax discount with an inflation-indexed model, and extending incentives for new housing supply.

    The government’s aim is clear: slow investor demand for existing stock and improve affordability for first home buyers.

    However, with all significant changes, there are often unintended consequences. The Trio recorded this special release the morning after budget night to clarify, explain and anticipate what it all means for the property industry in Australia.

    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/2026/05/14/budget-night-2026/
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    1 hr
  • #361: Are Government Property Incentives Helping Buyers or Heating the Market?

    #361: Are Government Property Incentives Helping Buyers or Heating the Market?
    May 11 2026

    In this episode of The Property Trio, Dave, Mike and Cate unpack one of the biggest questions facing Australian property buyers right now: do first home buyer incentives genuinely improve affordability, or do they simply create more competition?

    The episode examines the mechanics behind these incentives and why reducing deposit hurdles can accelerate demand faster than supply can respond.

    For buyers, investors and anyone trying to understand Australia’s evolving housing market, this episode delivers a grounded and insightful discussion about policy, competition and the long term supply issues sitting underneath today’s affordability debate.







    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/2026/05/11/government-property-incentives/
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    54 mins
  • #360: The Landlord Trap - When Chasing More Rent Backfires & How to Balance Cash Flow, Vacancy and Tenant Quality

    #360: The Landlord Trap - When Chasing More Rent Backfires & How to Balance Cash Flow, Vacancy and Tenant Quality
    May 4 2026
    🎧 In this episode of The Property Trio, we tackle a great landlord question from Lukasz.

    Is it better to chase maximum rent or secure a high quality tenant?

    Cate, Dave and Mike explain why pushing rent too high can lead to longer vacancies and poorer applicant pools. The Trio highlight hidden costs such as vacancy, leasing fees and tenant issues, and why a stable, respectful tenant often delivers a better long term result.

    They also explore strategic pricing, rent review timing, lease staggering and the value of a great property manager. The message is simple; sustainable returns beat short term rent chasing every time.

    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/2026/05/04/the-landlord-trap/
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    43 mins
  • #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/
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    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/
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    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/
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    55 mins
  • #356: The Sellers Dilemma - When to Cut Losses, Removing Troublesome Tenants & Should You Sell as-is or Renovate First

    #356: The Sellers Dilemma - When to Cut Losses, Removing Troublesome Tenants & Should You Sell as-is or Renovate First
    Apr 6 2026
    🎧 This week, the Property Trio unpack a great listener question about a common investor dilemma....when a difficult tenant starts to impact both cash flow and confidence.

    John’s Ballarat property has solid fundamentals, but ongoing arrears and an ageing home raise the question: hold, fix, or sell?

    Cate explains how tenant stress can cloud strategy, while highlighting the value of appealing to owner-occupiers through simple cosmetic updates.

    Mike outlines the hidden costs of holding an underperforming asset, including lost income and opportunity cost.

    The Trio also warn against overcapitalising when selling, reinforcing the importance of clear, strategic decision-making over emotional reactions.

    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/2026/04/06/the-sellers-dilemma/
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    35 mins
  • #355: Reverse Mortgages Explained – Using Equity to Create Cash Flow in Retirement

    #355: Reverse Mortgages Explained – Using Equity to Create Cash Flow in Retirement
    Mar 30 2026
    This week, the Property Trio unpack reverse mortgages after a thoughtful listener question from Simon about funding retirement without selling property.

    It’s a classic accumulation-to-income pivot, and one many investors leave too late. While accessing equity instead of triggering capital gains tax sounds appealing, reverse mortgages are a cash flow tool, not a wealth strategy. Compounding interest can erode equity over time, and lending limits are age-based and typically restricted to owner-occupied homes. Importantly, there’s no CGT advantage.

    The Trio emphasise that while reverse mortgages can play a role later in life, the most optimal outcomes come from proactive, long-term planning.

    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/2026/03/30/listener-question-reverse-mortgages/
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    39 mins