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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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Yesterday · 12 min
Is Your Property Worth Less Than You Paid? | FUNdamental Fridays
What happens if your property is suddenly worth less than you paid for it? It's a question many homeowners and investors are asking as property values soften in some parts of Australia. In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Thompson and mortgage broker Luke Oxenham unpack the reality behind declining property values, negative equity and what it actually means for homeowners. They discuss: ✅ What negative equity really is ✅ Why it doesn't automatically mean financial stress ✅ The difference between a valuation and your long-term plan ✅ Equity release strategies during changing markets ✅ Refinancing considerations in softer markets ✅ Why first home buyers shouldn't panic ✅ How loan structure can create flexibility Because sometimes a scary headline isn't the full story. 🎁 FREE UPDATED $3,000 A WEEK CASE STUDIES Leave a review for The Property Couch on your favourite podcast platform OR leave a review for the Moorr app. Then: 📸 Take a screenshot of your review 📧 Email it to info@thepropertycouch.com.au We'll send you FREE access to our updated video case studies, refreshed for today's property market, negative gearing and capital gains tax changes. Timestamps 0:00 What if your property value falls? 0:31 What negative equity actually means 1:21 A real-world example 2:23 Why it's often just a snapshot in time 3:28 Upgrading in a changing market 4:22 Should you release equity sooner? 5:01 Refinancing risks explained 6:09 Future-proofing your position 6:56 How interest-only loans and offsets work 8:06 Can negative equity be part of a strategy? 9:26 Why it isn't always catastrophic 10:17 Advice for first home buyers 11:10 Advice for homeowners with equity #PropertyInvesting #PropertyValues #HomeOwnership #PropertyFinance #MortgageBroker #EquityRelease #Refinancing #FirstHomeBuyer #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 · 58 min
615 | The $86K Gap Putting Australian Women at Financial Risk
What would happen to your finances if the person who usually manages the money was no longer there? In Episode 615, Ben Kingsley, Kirsty Dunphey and Polly Chu explore women’s financial independence and the risks that can quietly build through career breaks, unpaid caring responsibilities and leaving the bigger financial decisions to a partner. They also share practical ways to protect your future, from understanding your cash flow and investments to super contribution splitting, household money meetings, insurance and estate planning. 🛡️ Financial independence isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about knowing where you stand, having a voice and being prepared if life doesn’t go to plan. Listen now! A quick production note: We had to switch recording platforms partway through the episode, so you may notice a slight change in audio and video quality. Thanks for bearing with us! FREE STUFF MENTIONED Sell, Buy or Optimise? Free Property Webinar 7:30pm AEST, Tues 22 September The market is shifting but does your current property strategy still stack up? Join Ben in our upcoming webinar as he explores the frameworks that can help you assess whether your next move could be to sell, buy, hold or optimise. 👉 Register for the free webinar The PRE-Purchase Series Coming soon: a new ten-part, bite-sized series designed to help you navigate the three key stages of purchasing property: Preparation, Research and Execution. 👉 If you’re a TPC subscriber, keep your eyes peeled in your inbox next week! The Property Couch Summer Series Did a turning point change the direction of your property journey? Or can you share what playing the long game really looks like after 10, 15 or 20 years? We want to hear your story. 👉 Share your property journey Moorr: Your New Home for Property, Finance & Money Management Bring your cash flow, property, goals and overall financial position together in one place, so you can understand your numbers and make more informed financial decisions. 👉 Get started with Moorr for free Books Mentioned: The Wife Drought by Annabelle Crabb 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 · 12 min
Your Brain Is Costing You Money | Throwback Tuesdays
You probably like to think your financial decisions are rational. But behavioural economics tells us that emotion, instinct and old rules of thumb can influence our decisions far more than we realise. In this week’s Throwback Tuesday, Ben and Bryce revisit their conversation with Phil Slade on the “ape brain”, reacting versus responding, and why the rules that once kept us safe can sometimes work against us when it comes to money. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 338 | Going Ape S#!t: How To Hack Your Brain To Make More Money. 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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September 11 · 9 min
Why Property Investors Need to Prepare for 1 July 2027 NOW | FUNdamental Fridays
Could millions of Australian property investors be leaving things too late? In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Kingsley sits down with Greg Sugars from Preston Rowe Paterson to discuss the practical challenges surrounding the government's upcoming capital gains tax valuation requirements. With approximately 3.5 million investment properties across Australia and only around 6,000 valuers available, Greg explains why investors should start planning now rather than waiting until the last minute. They discuss: ✅ Why 1 July 2027 matters ✅ The growing demand for certified property valuations ✅ Why relying on automated valuation models could be risky ✅ The difference between valuations and indexing methods ✅ Why accountants are already planning ahead ✅ The potential bottlenecks property investors should be aware of If these changes affect you, this episode highlights why preparation could be far easier than panic. 🎁 FREE UPDATED $3,000 A WEEK CASE STUDIES Leave a review for The Property Couch on your favourite podcast platform OR leave a review for the Moorr app. Then: 📸 Screenshot your review 📧 Email it to info@thepropertycouch.com.au We'll send you FREE access to our updated video case studies, refreshed for today's property market, negative gearing and capital gains tax changes. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 The upcoming CGT valuation challenge 0:43 How the new rules affect investors 1:13 3.5 million properties vs 6,000 valuers 2:08 Why valuers are already preparing 3:03 Why investors should plan early 3:53 The risk of relying on automated valuatons 4:20 Can valuations be completed later? 5:21 What we still don't know 6:09 Why proper valuations matter 7:16 How accountants are planning ahead 7:57 Is the valuation tax deductible? 8:08 Greg's final advice #PropertyInvesting #CapitalGainsTax #PropertyValuation #PropertyInvestor #TaxPlanning #InvestmentProperty #PropertyMarket #WealthCreation #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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September 10 · 55 min
614 | Property D-Day: The Decisions Investors Can’t Avoid – Q&A Day
With cooling market conditions, tax changes and another rate rise expected this year, uncomfortable decisions are starting to surface for many investors. In this jam-packed Q&A Day, Ben is joined by Couch Crew, Ben Thompson (QPIA) and Shane Pope (Buyers Agent), to tackle four real scenarios facing property investors right now. Should you sell a good property when cash flow gets tight? Have recent tax changes fundamentally changed the investment equation? What happens when the regional portfolio you built to eventually buy your dream home starts falling behind? And can you realistically wipe out your home loan in five years? Plus, Ben opens the episode with an important warning about the hype, false scarcity and short-term promises appearing in parts of the buyer’s agent industry , and why changing market conditions could expose investors who bought speculation rather than quality. From cash buffers and debt reduction to fear of messing up, portfolio exits and knowing when to seek professional advice, this episode is about making the invisible visible before making your next big financial move. Listen now! FREE STUFF MENTIONED Sell, Hold or Optimise Webinar 7:30pm AEST, Tues 22 September Register for our upcoming webinar on how to make the right property decision in the current market, including whether to sell, buy or sit tight. 👉 Save your spot Updated Case Study Series See how the original strategies from How to Retire on $3,000 a Week stack up under today’s tax settings, plus a brand-new bonus Live-Vesting case study. Usually $197, Couch Crew can access the full series for just $17 using code COUCH17. 👉 Save $180 on your updated Case Studies 🏠 Rental Property Owner’s Playbook Download your free practical guide to running your investment property “on autopilot” and managing the ongoing admin in less than 10 hours a year. 👉 Start saving time and energy Guests & Episodes Mentioned: 564 | From FOMO to COMO: What Compromise Gets You Into the Property Market? 610 | Livevesting: Could Buying a Better Home Be Smarter Than Another Investment Property? – Chat with Stuart Wemyss 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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September 8 · 4 min
How Much Money is Enough? | Throwback Tuesdays
How much money is enough? It sounds like a simple question, but most of us have never actually defined the answer. In this week’s Throwback Tuesday, Ben and Bryce revisit a powerful idea from The Psychology of Money and explore why the comparison game is one you can never win... and how to start working out your own “enough” number. Because if you don’t know what enough looks like, how will you ever know when you’ve arrived? For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 395 | How This NRL Star Found Financial and Mental Peace. 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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September 4 · 8 min
What REALLY Happens During a Bank Valuation? | FUNdamental Fridays
Do you need to clean your home before a bank valuation? In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Kingsley is joined by Neal Ellis from Preston Rowe Paterson to lift the curtain on how bank valuations actually work. Many property owners assume valuers are looking for spotless homes, premium finishes and perfect presentation. The reality is very different. Neal explains what banks really want from a valuation, why speed of access matters more than a clean house, how comparable sales drive valuation outcomes, and what risk factors lenders pay attention to when assessing a property. You'll learn: ✅ The difference between a bank valuation and an agent appraisal ✅ Why valuers focus on a 30-60 day sale outcome ✅ How comparable sales influence value ✅ What you can do to help the valuation process ✅ The risk factors that banks assess ✅ Why presentation isn't nearly as important as people think ✅ Which upgrades may (or may not) add value Because sometimes the best thing you can do for your valuation is simply open the front door. ⏱️Timestamps 0:00 The best thing you can do before a valuation 0:37 Why bank valuations differ from agent appraisals 1:14 The 30-60 day valuation rule 2:08 Can homeowners help the valuer? 2:47 The biggest valuation misconception 3:37 What actually happens during an inspection? 4:32 Why valuers take photos 5:07 Valuing tenanted properties 6:20 What valuers assess 6:56 Understanding property risk ratings 7:55 Which upgrades add value? 8:34 Final takeaways 🎁 FREE UPDATED $3,000 A WEEK CASE STUDIES Leave a review for The Property Couch on your favourite podcast platform OR leave a review for the Moorr app. Then: 📸 Take a screenshot of your review 📧 Email it to info@thepropertycouch.com.au We'll send you FREE access to our updated video case studies, refreshed for today's property market, negative gearing and capital gains tax changes. #PropertyValuation #PropertyInvesting #PropertyMarket #MortgageLending #PropertyOwners #RealEstateAustralia #PropertyEducation #HomeLoans #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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September 3 · 1 hr 5 min
613 | How to Run Your Rental Property on Autopilot
Most investors think they’re buying a property. What they don’t realise is they’re also taking on a small rental business. That business generates income, incurs expenses, carries risk and creates ongoing tax, compliance and record-keeping responsibilities. While a great property manager can handle much of the day-to-day work, there are some jobs only the owner can oversee. In this practical episode, Ben is joined by Senior Tax Adviser Danish Ahmed and Moorr Product Manager (and fellow property investor) Connor Christie to unpack what it really takes to run an investment property well. They unpack: 🔑 What to organise before and immediately after settlement 📂 Which documents you may need to keep for decades 💵 How to stay across rent, expenses and cash flow 🔨 Why repairs and improvements need to be recorded differently 🧾 The information accountants regularly find missing at tax time ⚠️ Which responsibilities still belong to you (and not your property manager) Plus, we’re giving you a brand-new free resource to help bring it all together: The Rental Property Owner’s Playbook. If you own an investment property, or plan to, this is your holy grail operating manual. Listen now! FREE STUFF MENTIONED The Rental Property Owner’s Playbook 🏠 Download our free practical guide to the records, routines and reviews you need to run your investment property like a business, without letting the admin take over your life. Set up the right systems now and you could manage the ongoing work in less than 10 hours a year. 👉 Download the playbook now >> Updated Case Study Series! 📊 Discover 7 refreshed case studies and a brand-new Live-Vesting strategy, remodelled by QPIAs Ben Thompson and Polly Chu to reveal what still stacks up, and what needs to change. Free access has now closed, but as part of the TPC community, you can access the entire series for just $17, usually $197. Use the discount code COUCH17 at checkout to save $180. 👉 Explore the Case Study Series now >> Moorr: Your All-In-One Financial Home 💻 Bring your property finances, documents, transactions and key dates together in one place with Moorr. 👉 Create your free account or log in now >> Don’t Leave Money on the Table This Tax Time 🧾 Missing records can mean missed deductions, and more tax-time stress than necessary. Our property tax specialists can help you accurately report your rental income, expenses, and eligible deductions, so you can feel confident that your investment property tax return is prepared correctly. 👉 Book your complimentary initial appointment with the team today. Related Episodes: 🎧 031 (Part 2) | Checklist to Getting A Great Property Manager – Chat with Carolyn Wright 203 | How to Choose the Right Property Manager – Chat with Lauren Robinson 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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September 1 · 11 min
Why Do Interest Rates Rise When Prices Are Already High? | Throwback Tuesdays
Remember when broccoli cost $11 a kilo? 🥦 When everyday essentials are already getting more expensive, raising interest rates can feel completely backwards. In this Throwback Tuesday snippet, Ben and Bryce explain why the RBA does it anyway... and how cooling demand can help stop inflation from becoming an even bigger problem. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 404 | What do Inflation, Interest Rates & Broccoli Have to Do with Property?! 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 28 · 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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August 27 · 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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August 25 · 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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