Episodes

  • #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
  • #354: The Property Trio’s Debut LIVE Episode - A Market Pulse & An Interactive Q&A With Our Live Audience

    #354: The Property Trio’s Debut LIVE Episode - A Market Pulse & An Interactive Q&A With Our Live Audience
    Mar 23 2026
    In this debut live recording, Dave, Cate and Mike share their market pulse highlights before diving into some live interaction with the audience. The Q&A format is hosted by none other than the fabulous Property Professor, Pete Koulizos who joins the stage too.

    This mighty episode runs for one hour and thirty-five minutes. The first thirteen minutes are dedicated to each of the host's market pulse updates, followed by a great assortment of questions from the floor.

    We had enormous fun delivering this live ep and we thank our attendees, who made it a great night to remember. We hope our listeners enjoy too!

    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/2026/03/23/live-event-march-2026/
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • #353: Market Update Feb 2026 – Perth Won’t Quit, Investors Keep Buying, Rents Escalate, More Rate Rises & Has Hobart Bottomed?

    #353: Market Update Feb 2026 – Perth Won’t Quit, Investors Keep Buying, Rents Escalate, More Rate Rises & Has Hobart Bottomed?
    Mar 16 2026
    Dave Johnston and Mike Mortlock unpack the February housing data, with Perth still leading growth while Sydney and Melbourne remain flat. Hobart is showing early signs of recovery, and regional markets continue to outperform capitals. Rising global tensions, higher bond yields and possible tax changes are lifting rate expectations, but long-term housing demand continues to support property values.

    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/2026/03/16/ep-353-february-2026-market-update/
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    48 mins
  • #352: The Housing Supply Challenge – Why Australia Can’t Build Homes Fast Enough

    #352: The Housing Supply Challenge – Why Australia Can’t Build Homes Fast Enough
    Mar 9 2026
    Australia’s housing affordability crisis isn’t just demand-driven. In this week's episode, the Trio examines supply constraints, productivity, taxes and labour shortages.

    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/2026/03/09/the-housing-supply-challenge/
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    45 mins
  • #351: Property Ownership and Mortgage Structuring for Investments to Maximise Wealth Creation

    #351: Property Ownership and Mortgage Structuring for Investments to Maximise Wealth Creation
    Mar 2 2026
    In this episode, a great listener question from Brendan sparks the conversation. The Trio take a strategic deep dive into ownership structures, equity release and lender policy, helping investors align tax outcomes, borrowing power and long-term portfolio 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/2026/03/02/ownership-structuring-strategy/

    And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event this week - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC.

    You can access tickets Here.
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    49 mins
  • #350: Selling Property Smarter - Maximise Your Sale Price Without Overcapitalising on Renovations or Improvements

    #350: Selling Property Smarter - Maximise Your Sale Price Without Overcapitalising on Renovations or Improvements
    Feb 23 2026
    In this episode, the Property Trio unpack debt recycling in plain English, explaining how it works and why it’s often misunderstood. Cate, Dave and Mike explore tax deductibility, redraw traps and cash flow risks, helping listeners understand when the strategy can add value... and when it may do more harm than good.

    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/2026/02/23/pre-sale-improvements/

    And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC.

    You can access tickets Here.
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    51 mins
  • #349: Market Update Jan 2026 – Record $1M Median for Combined Capitals, Supply Shortages Drive Price Growth & RBA Cash Rate Hike Impact

    #349: Market Update Jan 2026 – Record $1M Median for Combined Capitals, Supply Shortages Drive Price Growth & RBA Cash Rate Hike Impact
    Feb 16 2026
    🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Cate, Dave and Mike unpack the latest January 2026 monthly market figures.

    Following the recent cash rate increase of 25 basis points, the Trio reflect on the conditions that lead the RBA Board to raise interest rates in Feb. This was after more than six months of rates on hold following early 2025's three sets of cuts. Inflation was the primary driver, but many factors are taken into account. Join the Trio as they discuss the rationale behind the decision, and uncover more detail in the data that's unfolding.

    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/2026/02/16/ep-349-january-2026-market-update/

    And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC.

    You can access tickets Here.
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/01/19/ep-345-december-2025-market-update/
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    52 mins
  • #348: Debt Recycling Explained - Can Debt Recycling Really Help You Build Wealth Faster?

    #348: Debt Recycling Explained - Can Debt Recycling Really Help You Build Wealth Faster?
    Feb 9 2026
    In this episode, the Property Trio unpack debt recycling in plain English, explaining how it works and why it’s often misunderstood. Cate, Dave and Mike explore tax deductibility, redraw traps and cash flow risks, helping listeners understand when the strategy can add value... and when it may do more harm than good.

    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/2026/02/09/debt-recycling/

    And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC.

    You can access tickets Here.
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    33 mins