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The Property Couch

Ben Kingsley, Opti & The Couch Crew

Australia’s top property podcast for everyday investors who want real results, not hype.

Originally shaped by long-time hosts Ben Kingsley and Bryce Holdaway, The Property Couch has evolved into a new chapter led by Ben alongside the expanded Couch Crew. The foundations remain the same: practical frameworks, clear thinking, and real stories that help Australians make smarter decisions.

Backed by data, banter, and proudly anti-spruiker since 2015!

W: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/

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Friday · 14 min
The Best Property Deals Aren't Off-Market Right Now | FUNdamental Fridays
Do off-market properties really offer the best value? In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Shane Pope and Ben Thompson challenge one of the most common assumptions in property buying. Many buyers believe the best opportunities are hidden away off-market. But in today's market, the guys argue some of the strongest buying opportunities are actually being found on-market, particularly after failed auction campaigns. Together they unpack: ✅ The difference between on-market and off-market properties ✅ Why vendor motivation matters more than exclusivity ✅ How today's market conditions have changed the equation ✅ Why some off-market buyers may be overpaying ✅ The role of competition and price transparency ✅ How to assess true value before making an offer They also share a real-world example where a property purchased for $1.175M later received a bank valuation of more than $1.3M. Because sometimes the best property opportunities aren't hidden from the market. They're hiding in plain sight. Got a question or a "hill" you'd like us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ 🎁 FREE UPDATED CASE STUDIES Leave a review for The Property Couch podcast (any podcast platform) OR leave a review for the Moorr app. Then simply send a screenshot to: 📧 info@thepropertycouch.com.au We'll send you FREE access to our updated $3,000 A Week Case Study Series, featuring real-life scenarios updated for the latest negative gearing and capital gains tax changes. More info at https://thepropertycouch.com.au/playbook-case-studies/ ⌚ Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to Friday Fundamentals 00:26 Introduction 01:13 On-market vs off-market explained 01:54 Why they're avoiding many off-market deals 02:54 Where today's best buying opportunities are appearing 03:50 Why buyers are obsessed with off-markets 05:13 Understanding vendor motivation 06:21 Why transparency matters 07:00 A real-life $200,000 buying opportunity 08:39 How motivation creates value 09:15 The 3 Ds of property transactions 10:25 Where opportunistic vendors have gone 10:48 The key question to ask an agent 11:20 Why they prefer market testing #PropertyInvesting #PropertyBuying #BuyersAgent #OffMarketProperty #PropertyMarket #AuctionStrategy #RealEstateAustralia #HomeBuying #PropertyStrategy #ThePropertyCouch #FUNdamentalFridays LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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Thursday · 1 hr 7 min
612 | Residential vs Commercial: What Stacks Up? - Chat with Neal Ellis & Greg Sugars
Brisbane may already be turning. Interstate investors may be splitting cities into two-tier markets. And 200+ valuers across Australia and New Zealand are the first to know it. Ben is joined by Preston Rowe Paterson's Neal Ellis and Greg Sugars, who draw on that ground-level valuer network to unpack what's really happening in residential property, including the warning signs that headlines are missing. The conversation shifts to commercial, where tax changes are pulling more investors beyond residential. Does commercial genuinely offer a better opportunity, or are its higher yields hiding bigger risks? Vacant offices, oversupplied industrial units, tenant quality, finance costs, year-long vacancy periods: this episode maps out what investors need to understand before making the leap. PLUS, you'll hear: 🏗️ Why housing approvals aren't translating into completed homes 🏢 The fundamentals of office, retail and industrial property 💰 Why a higher commercial yield doesn't automatically mean a better investment 📈 Where opportunities may emerge for informed, long-term investors Listen now! FREE STUFF MENTIONED 📚 Get FREE access to our updated Case Study Series We’ve updated all seven case studies from How to Retire on $3,000 a Week to reflect the latest tax changes. To unlock the complete video series: Leave a review on The Property Couch 🍎 Apple 🎧 Spotify Moorr: 🍎 App Store 🤖 Google Play Take a screenshot of your review Email it to info@thepropertycouch.com.au Be quick though, free early access closes soon! Free Book 📚 How to Retire on $3,000 a Week: Discover the bestselling book where our case studies originated from and learn the timeless principles behind building long-term wealth. Preston Rowe Paterson 🏢 Learn more about Neal, Greg and Preston Rowe Paterson’s property valuation and consultancy services across Australia. Find out more >> LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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Tuesday · 4 min
Why Should I Invest When I’m Already Doing Well? | Throwback Tuesdays
You’re doing all the right things: steady income, paying down the mortgage, building up the offset. So… why take on more risk? In this Throwback Tuesday snippet, Ben and Bryce unpack why doing well today doesn’t automatically mean you’re set for the future, and why the right investment strategy starts with knowing what you actually want your money to do. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 223 | How to Overcome your Fear in Taking The Next Step. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 21 · 15 min
Why Every Bank Gives You a Different Answer | FUNdamental Fridays
How much can you really borrow? In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben Kingsley sits down with mortgage broker Luke Oxenham to unpack one of the most common questions property buyers ask: "How much can I borrow?" The answer isn't always straightforward. Luke explains how lenders assess income, expenses, HELP debt, credit cards, business income, car loans and more, plus why different banks can produce dramatically different borrowing outcomes for the exact same borrower. They also discuss why borrowing capacity shouldn't be confused with borrowing comfort, and why the largest loan available may not always be the right one for your goals. You'll learn: ✅ How lenders assess your income ✅ What HEM (Household Expenditure Measure) means ✅ Why credit cards can impact borrowing power ✅ How HELP debt is assessed differently today ✅ Why self-employed borrowers receive different outcomes ✅ The difference between lender tiers ✅ Why borrowing capacity is only a starting point Because the real question isn't always how much can I borrow? Sometimes it's how much should I borrow? How to Retire On $3k A Week Case Studies: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/playbook-case-studies/ Moorr: https://www.moorr.com.au/ Got a question or a "hill" you'd like us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:17 Welcome to Friday Fundamentals 00:22 The borrowing power question everyone asks 01:13 How lenders assess income 01:30 What is HEM? 02:06 The 3% serviceability buffer explained 02:27 Why lenders calculate income differently 03:15 First-tier, second-tier and third-tier lenders 04:08 How self-employed income is assessed 05:35 Credit cards and borrowing capacity 06:41 How HELP debt affects borrowing power 08:10 New lender approaches to HELP debt 09:02 Car loans vs novated leases 10:09 Online borrowing calculators explained 10:46 Using Moorr to estimate borrowing power 11:19 When to speak to a mortgage broker 12:44 Just because you can borrow more... 13:08 Updated $3,000 Per Week case studies #PropertyInvesting #BorrowingPower #MortgageBroker #PropertyFinance #HomeLoans #HELPDebt #MoneyManagement #PropertyInvestor #FinancialFreedom #ThePropertyCouch #FUNdamentalFridays LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 20 · 1 hr 20 min
611 | Mid-Year Property Outlook 2026
Australia’s property market has turned, but how far could prices fall? 📉 In one of our most anticipated episodes of the year, Bryce Holdaway is BACK on the couch with Ben for our 2026 Mid-Year Property Market Outlook! Together, they unpack what’s changed since February, where the data is pointing now and what could happen next. 🏠 Which markets are holding up — and which are starting to crack? 📉 Could some markets fall 10–15% — or even further? ⚠️ Which regional areas face the greatest risk? 👀 What could turn sentiment and the market around? 💰 Could this correction actually create a rare buying opportunity? From falling buyer sentiment and slowing lending to rising listings, changing government policy and higher-for-longer interest rates, Ben and Bryce go around the grounds to reveal what’s really happening across Australia. Find out now! FREE STUFF MENTIONED 🎥 Updated Case Studies: Now LIVE! The updated How to Retire on $3,000 a Week case studies are officially live! If you joined the waitlist, you now have access for the next 2 weeks. 🎉 Want free early access too? (PLUS a supplementary Case Study PDF) Leave a review (The good, bad and everything in between! We want to hear what you really think 😊) on either The Property Couch or Moorr, take a screenshot and email it to info@thepropertycouch.com.au 😊 Review us at... The Property Couch 🍎 Apple 🎧 Spotify Moorr: 🍎 App Store 🤖 Google Play 🧰 Tuesday Toolkit: Cycle Amplifiers Before diving into the outlook, understand the 7 Cycle Amplifiers influencing property prices in the short term. 👉 Listen to the Bonus Episode 🧾 Moorr Property Tax Make tax time easier. Upload your rental statements and let Opti analyse and categorise your property expenses into the relevant ATO categories, ready for your tax report. 👉 Try It Free on Moorr 🎓 Buyers Agent Mastery Bryce Holdaway and Veronica Morgan have launched the Buyers Agent Mastery program, helping buyers agents build better, more sustainable businesses while keeping client outcomes at the centre. 👉 Learn more! 👉 Or, listen to their podcast: Buyers Agent Mastery 📊 Data & Resources Mentioned Westpac Consumer Sentiment Survey: February 2026 vs July 2026 Cotality / ABS: June Quarter AFR: Cumulative Decline in Home Prices From Start of Downturn 📕 BOOK: Freakonomics by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner 🎧 PODCAST EPS: 597 | Federal Budget 2026: Are YOU a Winner or Loser? (Property Edition) LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 18 · 24 min
Cycle Amplifiers: The 7 Forces Moving Property Prices Right Now | Tuesday Toolkit
Introducing Tuesday Toolkit 🧰: a new series designed to help you make sense of what’s happening in property right now. From the latest data and market trends to the frameworks and key indicators we use to understand what’s really driving the market, each episode will give you practical knowledge to cut through the noise, see the bigger picture and make more informed property decisions. Think of it as your toolkit for understanding where the market is, why it’s moving and what to watch next. And we’re kicking things off with Cycle Amplifiers. Property prices are moving — but do you know what’s actually driving them? Ahead of Thursday’s much-anticipated Mid-Year Property Outlook, Ben breaks down the seven Cycle Amplifiers shaping Australia’s property market right now — from interest rates and credit to government policy, employment, sentiment, supply and global shocks. Some are pushing prices down. Others could change the direction of the market again. But crucially, the forces moving prices today aren’t necessarily the ones that determine long-term performance. Before we unpack where Australia’s property markets could be heading next, this is the framework you need to understand what we’re seeing today. Got a Question or Take on the Cycle Amplifiers? How are these forces playing out in your market, and what are you seeing on the ground. Send us your questions, comments or observations and we might unpack them on an upcoming episode of The Property Couch. 👉 Send us your question or leave us a comment! LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 14 · 12 min
Why the Next 24 Months Could Be a Great Time to Buy Property | FUNdamental Fridays
Could the next two years be one of the best times to buy property? In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben Kingsley is joined by Stuart Wemyss to unpack what's really driving property prices and why the current market could present opportunities for buyers willing to think differently. While many Australians are waiting for greater certainty, Stuart explains why lending volumes, not headlines, are often the biggest driver of property price growth. Together, they discuss why lower confidence can actually create better buying conditions, how credit availability influences markets, and why supply could be the biggest challenge facing buyers over the coming years. They also explore: ✅ Why lending volumes are a leading indicator of property prices ✅ The impact of interest rates, credit policy and buyer confidence ✅ Why investors may be stepping back from the market ✅ How supply constraints could support prices ✅ Whether buyers should wait for the "perfect" time ✅ Lessons from purchasing during the GFC Because when everyone is waiting for certainty, opportunities can often emerge for those prepared to act. Got a question or a "hill" you'd like us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Could now be the perfect buying window? 00:45 What drives property prices? 01:31 Why lending volumes matter most 02:08 The three biggest drivers of credit growth 02:52 Why the next 24 months could favour buyers 03:14 Stuart's GFC buying story 03:37 The best time to buy property 04:46 Investor lending and market activity 05:06 Why supply could be the biggest challenge 06:10 Why prices may remain in equilibrium 07:20 Could APRA change lending settings? 08:08 What falling loan volumes could mean 09:15 Who benefits most from uncertain markets? 10:18 The danger of waiting for perfect conditions 11:05 Looking back from 2036 11:30 Supply, demand and market timing 11:42 Why it doesn't take much to move a market #PropertyInvesting #PropertyMarket #PropertyPrices #LendingVolumes #MarketInsights #RealEstate #PropertyStrategy #FinancialFreedom #ThePropertyCouch #FUNdamentalFridays #PropertyInvestor #InvestingAustralia LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 13 · 1 hr 2 min
610 | Livevesting: Could Buying a Better Home Be Smarter Than Another Investment Property? - Chat with Stuart Wemyss
What if the “safe” property decision you make today is the one you regret in 20 years? 🤔 With the rules around property investing changing, these are the decisions investors are being forced to rethink. Joining Ben Kingsley and Luke Oxenham is Stuart Wemyss, founder of ProSolution Private Clients, host of the Investopoly podcast and author of Wealth by Design. Together, they challenge some long-held assumptions about building wealth: Is diversification always a good thing? Has the family home become the ultimate tax haven? Can property still stack up without negative gearing? And was your first property ever really meant to be held forever? Plus, Stuart reveals what investors should be focusing on if negative gearing never returns, and why the best financial decision might not be the one that feels safest today. Because when you’re building wealth, Stuart argues there’s one perspective that changes everything: ⏳ Think decades, not days. Free Stuff Mentioned Updated Property Case Studies 📊 See how the latest tax changes impact all seven case studies from How to Retire on $3,000 a Week, plus a brand-new bonus case study. 👉 Join the Waitlist for early access - for FREE! PIPA Annual Investor Sentiment Survey 🏡 Have your say on investor confidence, market trends and the impact of policy changes, helping PIPA advocate for balanced, evidence-based property policy. 👉 Take the Survey Wealth by Design by Stuart Wemyss 📖 Discover Stuart’s eight rules for smarter investing and building financial freedom. 👉 Check Out the Book 🎧 Investopoly Podcast Hear more of Stuart Wemyss’ insights on property, investing and long-term wealth creation. 👉 Listen to Investopoly 🔄 Listen to our other great episodes with Stuart here >> 🔄 Listen to our Tax Extraordinaire Julia Hartman’s episodes here >> LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 11 · 59 min
(LIVE) RBA Aug 2026 | Inflation is STILL Too Damn High!
The RBA has held the cash rate at 4.35% — but that doesn’t mean the rate story is over. In this August Economic & RBA Update, Ben Kingsley and economist Evan Lucas unpack the decision, why inflation is still proving stubborn, and why another rate rise hasn’t been ruled out. 💡 Thinking about refinancing or adjusting your loan strategy? Let the Empower Wealth Mortgage Broking team help you compare your options. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 7 · 13 min
When Is It Time to Stop Buying Investment Properties? | FUNdamental Fridays
How do you know when you've bought enough property? In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Polly Chu is joined by mortgage broker Luke Oxenham to tackle a question from listener Andrew: "How do you know you're ready to land the plane?" For many investors, the accumulation phase becomes second nature. The focus is always on the next property, the next equity release, and the next opportunity. But what happens when you've built the portfolio you need? Luke and Polly explore why there is no universal number of properties, why borrowing capacity shouldn't determine your investment goals, and how investors can start thinking about debt reduction, passive income and lifestyle by design. They also unpack: ✅ Why "enough" looks different for every investor ✅ The role of passive income in defining your finish line ✅ Why lenders don't decide when your journey ends ✅ The transition from accumulation to consolidation ✅ Debt reduction strategies as retirement approaches ✅ Balancing wealth creation with actually enjoying life Because at the end of the day, money is a tool, and investing should help fund the life you want to live. Got a question or a "hill" you'd like us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:18 Andrew's question: "When do you land the plane?" 01:29 Why there's no universal finish line 02:20 Why borrowing capacity shouldn't define success 03:19 Working backwards from passive income goals 05:05 Defining your ideal retirement lifestyle 05:44 Accumulation vs debt reduction 06:39 Why paying down debt matters 07:41 Interest-only vs principal-and-interest strategies 09:17 When should investors start enjoying life? 10:15 Money is a tool, not the destination 11:34 Just because the bank says yes... 12:14 Why enough is personal 12:31 Final thoughts LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 6 · 1 hr 2 min
609 | Regional vs City Property: Where Should You Buy Next? – Q&A Day
Regional markets have boomed. Melbourne's established units are back in the spotlight. And after the government's latest tax changes, many investors are asking the same question: Has the property playbook changed? In this week's Q&A, Ben Kingsley is joined by Polly Chu and Ben Thompson to answer five listener questions from every stage of the property journey. In this episode, we answer: ✔️ Is How to Retire on $3,000 a Week still relevant after the government's tax changes? ✔️ Have regional property markets become too risky? ✔️ Melbourne character unit or affordable house—which offers the better long-term opportunity? ✔️ What's the smartest way to manage your money after buying your first home? ✔️ And if you don't have children, should that change how you build—and eventually spend—your wealth? Tune in now! Free Stuff Mentioned 📊 UPDATED: Polly & Ben.T’s Case Study Series See how the government's latest tax changes impact every case study (Plus an all-new bonus case study) from our best-selling book, “How to Retire on $3,000 a Week.” 👉 Join the Waitlist 🎥 Free Property Webinars Register for upcoming webinars and unlock our library of past property investing sessions. 👉 Be the First to Hear About Our Latest Webinars 📱 Moorr: Revolutionary Money Management Tools Take control of your money with 100+ free tools, including the new Break-Even Calculator. 👉 Create Your Free Account Books: How to Retire on $3,000 a Week Make Money Simple Again Resources from Q5: Somatic mutations impose an entropic upper bound on human lifespan Moonshots with Peter Diamandis LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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August 4 · 4 min
The Future of Work in Australia | Throwback Tuesdays
Every week there’s another headline about artificial intelligence, how quickly work is changing, and which jobs might disappear next. But in this Throwback Tuesday snippet, social researcher Mark McCrindle joins Bryce and Ben to unpack a slightly different question: what kind of work can’t AI take away? For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 185 | The Future of Australia’s Population, Retirement Expectations, And Other Things You Thought Were True. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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July 31 · 9 min
Would You Pay More For An Energy Efficient Home? | FUNdamental Friday
Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals on The Property Couch. In this episode, Shane Pope is joined by Jacob Caine, President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and Victoria, to unpack a property shift that many homeowners and investors may not be thinking about yet: Home energy ratings. Jacob explains why energy efficiency could become a much bigger factor in how properties are valued, rented and sold — particularly as governments look more closely at the energy performance of existing homes. The conversation covers mandatory disclosure, retrofitting, the former NatHERS system now moving under the Home Energy Rating brand, and why upgrades like solar, insulation, batteries, heat pumps, efficient appliances and decommissioning gas could become part of a property’s future value story. They also explore why this may create a major opportunity for owners of existing homes, especially if buyers and renters increasingly factor energy performance into their decisions. If you own property, rent property, or are thinking about upgrading, this is one to keep on your radar. Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ #ThePropertyCouch #EnergyEfficiency #PropertyValue #AustralianProperty #PropertyInvesting ⏱️ Timestamps 00:24 – Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals 00:36 – Meet Jake Caine 00:52 – Why energy efficiency matters for property 01:17 – The built environment and net zero targets 01:23 – How energy ratings may impact property values 01:32 – New builds vs existing homes 01:53 – Why retrofitting is the big opportunity 02:15 – Mandatory home energy rating disclosure 03:02 – Energy ratings at point of sale or lease 03:31 – How this could roll out across states 04:01 – Victorian rental energy standards 04:22 – Energy efficiency and the value premium 04:41 – The potential difference in property value 04:59 – Solar, batteries, insulation and heat pumps 05:18 – Why owners should start thinking about upgrades 06:06 – How Home Energy Ratings could guide improvements 06:47 – Will upgrades translate into added value? 07:38 – Comparing energy upgrades to pre-sale improvements 08:39 – Could small upgrades create a larger value premium? 08:56 – Final thoughts and webinar reminder LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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July 30 · 1 hr 10 min
608 | REIA President: Are Governments Making the Housing Crisis Worse? - Chat with Jacob Cain
Recorded just days after Victoria welcomed a new Premier, this conversation couldn't have come at a more pivotal time. Ben and Shane sit down with Jacob (Jake) Caine, President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) and the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), to unpack one question that's shaping the future of Australia's property market: Are governments solving the right problem... or creating new ones? From Victoria's rental reforms and proposed auction reserve price changes to the Federal Government's new tax policies and anti-money laundering (AML) laws, Jake explains why the industry believes many well-intentioned reforms are producing unintended consequences. Drawing on REIA's Senate evidence, independent modelling and frontline industry experience, the conversation explores what these changes could mean for housing supply, affordability, investor confidence and everyday Australians looking to buy, sell or rent property. If you've been wondering whether the latest reforms are helping or hurting, this episode will be your answer. Listen now! Free Stuff Mentioned Nathan Mawby: Property sector puts Ben Carroll on notice over Allan’s ‘damaging’ reforms REIA: Opening Statement to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee Property prices rise nationally as rental markets tighten further REIV: The 8-Point Blueprint for Marketing of Residential Real Estate in Victoria Jake’s Article for The Age, 11 August 2025, “Peak real estate lobby backs underquoting overhaul” Guests & Episodes Mentioned: 595 | Building Inspections, Hidden Defects & A Risky Govt Proposal (Buying a Home | Part 2) – Chat with Paul Baker & Myles Clark LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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July 28 · 3 min
Is “Pay Yourself First” Still the Best Rule? | Throwback Tuesdays
“Pay yourself first” is one of the most popular rules in personal finance. And to be fair, it’s popular for a reason: it’s simple, memorable, and it works. But what if saving 10% isn’t enough? In this Throwback Tuesday snippet, Bryce and Ben unpack why the classic “pay yourself first” rule might still leave room for lifestyle creep… and how trapping more of your surplus can help you put your money to better use. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 191| Seven Steps to Make Money Simple Again. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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July 24 · 11 min
Are You Waiting for the Perfect Time to Buy Property? | FUNdamental Friday
In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Luke Oxenham and Polly Chu unpack a common property investing myth: Waiting for the perfect time before you start. From interest rates and market cycles to cost of living, family plans and global uncertainty, there always seems to be a reason to hold off. But as Luke and Polly explain, waiting for perfect certainty can sometimes leave people sitting on the sidelines for years. This episode explores how to plan for uncertainty before buying property, including stress testing your repayments, modelling higher interest rates, allowing for rental changes, planning for holding costs, and keeping cash buffers in place. They also discuss why trying to time the bottom of the market can be difficult, and how big life goals should be considered before building an investment strategy. Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ Timestamps 00:23 – Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals 00:41 – The myth: waiting for the perfect time 00:55 – Why people feel they need to wait 01:13 – There’s always another reason to hold off 01:43 – Why uncertainty feels uncomfortable 02:19 – How planning helps manage uncertainty 02:22 – Running the numbers before buying 02:36 – Modelling higher interest rates 03:21 – Planning for worst-case scenarios 03:31 – Rental income, holding costs and maintenance 04:07 – Stress testing your loan repayments 04:39 – Why cash buffers matter 05:06 – The danger of using every dollar to buy 06:20 – Should you wait for a particular time? 06:38 – Why waiting for the market to turn can take years 07:08 – The problem with timing the bottom 08:08 – Waiting for life to settle down 09:24 – Big life decisions vs borrowing capacity 10:04 – The big rocks in the jar analogy 10:26 – Final takeaway: there is no perfect time LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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July 23 · 1 hr 3 min
607 | The Best Lending Structure Today (In the New Negative Gearing Era)
Two months on from the Budget's negative gearing and CGT changes, the data is telling a clear story. In our latest episode, Ben sits down with couch crew Luke Oxenham, investment-savvy mortgage broker, and Polly Chu, Qualified Property Investment Advisor, both fielding real client conversations daily. Together, they're unpacking what's actually happening on the ground: auction clearance rates stuck below 50% for weeks (the worst run since 2018), open home attendance down 43% year-on-year, and the lending data driving it all. How lenders scrambled to rewrite borrowing power calculators within days of Budget night — some borrowers lost up to $160K in capacity overnight Why majors and smaller lenders are treating investment debt so differently What AFG's lodgement data really reveals about first home buyers, upgraders and investors The shift toward interest-only loans as borrowers protect negative gearing and build buffers Why this cautious market might be the smartest time for new investors to prepare — and what "prepared" actually means Tune in to hear the conversations happening behind closed doors right now. RESOURCES MENTIONED Free Webinar: New vs Established Property — What Should You Buy in Today's Market? 🎙️ The rules have changed. Should your strategy? Join us live to unpack the real numbers behind buying new vs established in today's market. 📅 Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 7:30pm AEST 👉 Register free Free Borrowing Power Calculator 💰 Curious what you could actually borrow right now? Run your numbers through Moorr's latest feature and get clarity in minutes. 👉 Get financial clarity now Free Personalised Lending Chat 📞 Want to know exactly where you stand? Have a free, no-obligation chat with our team and get a lending assessment tailored to you. 👉 Book your free chat today. Between rate rises and rewritten legislation, it's a lot to keep up with. Got a question?👉 We've got you! Send it in for our upcoming Q&A Day >> Resources from this week’s episode Ray White: Open homes are quieter, but attendance may be stabilising Westpac-MI Consumer Sentiment July AFG brokers lodge $28.1 billion in home loans in Q4 FY26 The Advisor: FHB pullback almost as steep as investor retreat Majors’ share slips as Westpac tops AFG lodgements Broker Daily: Westpac forecasts slump in investor activity following budget LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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July 21 · 9 min
New or Established Property? THIS Equation Could Help You Choose
(Webinar) New vs Established Property: What Should You Buy in Today’s Market? - Tuesday, 28 July @ 7:30PM 👉 www.thepropertycouch.com.au/registernow With the government’s new tax settings encouraging investors towards new property, one big question is starting to dominate the conversation: Does a better tax benefit automatically make a new property the better investment? In this special Tuesday episode, Ben breaks down the equation every property investor should consider before choosing between a new build and an established property. Because while tax savings can make an investment look attractive today, they are only one part of the bigger picture. Free Stuff Mentioned: New vs Established Property Webinar Want Ben to unpack the numbers, historical performance and trade-offs in more detail? Join the free live webinar: 📅 Tuesday, 28 July 2026 🕢 7:30 pm AEST Register here: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/registernow/ Places are limited, so make sure you register early. Timestamps 00:36 – Should tax savings influence your property choice? 00:56 – The property investment equation explained 01:32 – What happens to carried-forward property losses? 02:25 – Comparing two $800,000 investment properties 02:51 – New property vs established property growth 03:17 – Can tax benefits make up for lower capital growth? 04:30 – How to compare total property investment returns 05:33 – When buying a new property can make sense 07:07 – Property market risks, supply and oversupply 07:24 – Free suburb research and property data in Moorr Have a Property Data Question? We will be sharing more Tuesday property data dives. Submit the topics, locations or market questions you would like them to unpack at the comment section below or send it in here: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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July 17 · 8 min
Have You Ever Been Pressured to Rush a Property Offer? | FUNdamental Fridays
In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Shane Pope and Luke Oxenham share what they wish more clients knew before buying property. Shane starts with the negotiation side, unpacking how agents can create pressure and urgency during a deal — and why buyers often have more space than they realise to make a calm, quality decision. Luke then explains the finance side, including why settlement length is often less important than the finance clause, cooling-off period, and the time needed to secure unconditional approval. Together, they cover the parts of buying property that can feel stressful, confusing or rushed — and how better preparation can help buyers avoid poor decisions. If you’re planning to make an offer, this is a useful episode to listen to first. Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/ ⏱️ Timestamps 00:27 – Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals 01:09 – What Shane wishes more buyers knew 01:11 – Why agent pressure can feel so intense 01:34 – Can buyers push back on offer deadlines? 01:59 – Why buyers can be firmer with agents 02:24 – Creating space to make better decisions 03:01 – Why first home buyers can feel like they’re bidding against themselves 03:20 – Going radio silent and using time as a tell 03:49 – Why timing matters in negotiations 04:06 – Case study: negotiating a lifestyle property 04:26 – Four other buyers at the table 04:54 – Why a good buyer’s agent can help 05:13 – What Luke wishes more buyers knew 05:33 – Why unconditional approval matters 05:54 – Finance clauses and lender timeframes 06:12 – Why brokers plan for the worst-case scenario 06:45 – Why the first week matters most 07:04 – Buyer pressure before and after settlement 07:41 – Final thoughts and send in your questions #ThePropertyCouch #PropertyBuying #BuyersAgent #MortgageBroker #propertytips LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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July 16 · 59 min
606 | How Ownership Mix Could Improve Your Return by 34% - Chat with Gerard Burg
(Upcoming webinar - 7:30pm AEST, Tues, 28th July) New vs Established Property: What should you buy in today’s market? Register here: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/registernow Do owner-occupier suburbs have better capital growth? New Cotality research suggests the answer is often yes — particularly when it comes to units. Between 2010 and 2026, units in owner-occupier-heavy areas grew by 99%, compared with 65% in investor-heavy suburbs. Applied to the national median unit value at the beginning of that period, that represents an estimated $148,000 difference in capital gains. But does that mean investors should simply avoid any suburb with a high share of renters? Not quite. In this episode, Ben Kingsley is joined by Gerard Burg, Head of Research at Cotality Australia. Gerard brings more than two decades of experience analysing economic and industry trends across government and the private sector, including his previous role as a Senior Economist at NAB. Together, they unpack what Cotality’s ownership-composition research really tells us, why the relationship is so much stronger in the unit market, and how liveability, amenity, renovation activity and future housing supply can influence long-term performance. They also explore the risks of investor-heavy apartment markets, the potential consequences of pushing more investors towards new builds, and what the latest listings and lending data reveal about Australia’s property market in 2026. Free Stuff Mentioned (LIVE Webinar!) New vs Established Property: What should you buy in today’s market? Have recent tax changes made new property the obvious choice for investors? Join us on Tuesday, 28 July at 7:30 pm AEST as we unpack the real numbers, risks and trade-offs behind buying new versus established property.👉 Register for the free webinar Cotality’s Owner-Occupier and Investor Research 👉 Read the research and download the full analysis or learn more about Cotality here Moorr’s Suburb Search Feature: Looking for more suburb data? Check our Moorr’s brand new feature: Suburb Search! Research over 30,000 Australian suburbs with just a few clicks. Explore monthly-updated market data, compare locations, uncover hidden opportunities and access suburb-level insights to help you invest with greater confidence. 👉 Learn more Timestamps 01:23 – Should You Buy New or Established Property After the Tax Changes? 02:28 – Meet Gerard Burg, Head of Research at Cotality Australia 03:21 – Money Story: Growing Up as the Youngest of Five Children 09:19 – How Gerard Found His Way Into Economics and Property Research 14:16 – How the Rental Ratio and Ownership Research Was Calculated 15:27 – Do Owner-Occupier Suburbs Have Better Capital Growth? 17:15 – How Ownership Composition Created a $148,000 Difference 20:00 – Why Schools, Transport and Liveability Influence Property Values 23:29 – Why New Apartment Supply Can Limit Capital Growth 27:00 – How Investors Should Use a Suburb’s Rental Ratio 32:23 – How the New Tax Settings Could Change Investor Behaviour 37:05 – Could New Housing Estates Become the Next Investor-Heavy Markets? 39:29 – Rental Guarantees, Oversupply and Concentration Risk Explained 44:27 – The Practical Property Research Lessons Investors Can Apply 46:08 – Australia’s Property Market Outlook for the Rest of 2026 46:36 – Are Rate Rises or the Federal Budget Driving the Market Slowdown? 51:00 – Are Regional Property Markets Still Outperforming the Capitals? 53:57 – What Rising Listings Tell Us About Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane 56:31 – Interest Rates, Borrowing Capacity and the Signals to Watch Next LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/ FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube
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