The Property Trio

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Cate kicks off the episode and invites Dave to share a bit of information about our exciting case study couple and their quest to move to Venus Bay to enjoy a simpler life. They asked Dave's team to help them work out how they can achieve their goals, including the generation of a passive income and retaining their Melbourne home as an investment. Is it realistic? Is it achievable? The Trio delve into the emotions that can run when setting these types of goals. They also congratulate our case study couple for having a firm goal and setting about constructing a plan. "Not having a plan is like chipping away at a piece of marble without knowing what the statue is going to be", says Mike. Rachel and Marcus have a very solid financial outlook. Cate gives a fiscal snapshot of their debt, income and equity position for context and Dave runs through the critical questions that are asked in order to determine their property plan. Our case study couple rated themselves on the risk profile meter as 4-4.5 out of 5, however the Trio challenge this and discuss their rationale for down-scaling our couple to lesser risk score. Dave steps through the assumptions and inputs, and Cate weaves through each of the three scenarios that were presented to the couple. What is a prudent capital growth forecast rate? And when should consumers be wary? Mike expands on the reasons why some claims can be dangerous and Cate warns about the risks of buying brand new. The three scenarios show a progression of outcomes, and with small tweaks and changes, each scenario is quite different from the last option. But what are some of the most stunning outcomes, and what are the powerful tweaks that could surprise many of us? Tune in to find out.... Cate touches on the risks of buying a future home, and the Trio share some of the mitigants others who find themselves in a similar situation to consider. One of the three scenarios not only gets our hard working duo to their goals, but enables them to enjoy an even higher passive income. What are some of the tips, tricks and counter-intuitive moves that they had to consider? We wish Rachel and Marcus a wonderful and rewarding journey, and a fabulous future in Venus Bay! ..... and the gold nuggets! Cate Bakos's gold nugget: The tiny little decisions that can be made from one scenario to another may not seem significant, but can be very conservative in the long run. The counter-intuitive suggestions can make a huge difference. Dave Johnston's gold nugget: This is a great example of the benefit of creating a property plan. "For anyone who's interested in creating wealth through property, setting a plan will set you a step ahead." Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: Make sure you have income protection insurance and other risk-mitigating insurances. Congrats to our case study couple! Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/04/29/listener-questions-moving-to-the-coast-for-a-simpler-life/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Cate kicks off the episode by sharing that the podcast is just a couple of recordings away from it's fifth birthday! Kym is a single mum of two teenage kids, a business owner and her rent on her home has just gone up substantially. Kym has been yearning to get into property ownership for a few years now, but she is facing a few headwinds currently. Dave talks our listeners through some of the hurdles that self employed borrowers face, from financials and timeframes, to heightened scrutiny. He also sheds light on some interesting small business statistics. "Small businesses comprise 97.3% of businesses in the whole nation". Dave steps through the impact that dependants (i.e. children) have on borrowing capacity with some context of a case study. While Mike talks through the high rate of rental increase that Kym is facing. What can a renter do if their rental increase is unfair or unsubstantiated? Tune in to hear... The Trio chat about some of the initiatives available to those who need a bit of assistance with their home buying. From National initiatives to state-based offerings, the Trio chat about each opportunity and consider those that could be helpful for Kym to explore. Shared equity schemes, deposit guarantees, regional opportunities and concessions are some of the items on the discussion table. (See these initiatives in the show notes). We hope Kym finds some of this helpful, and we love the fact that Kym reached out with a question that applies to so many people. For our second listener questions, Claire asks, "What do you do when your financial planner is anti-property?" Dave breaks down some of the key differences between the role of a financial planner and a property planner. The Trio ponder some of the reasons why some financial planners are less than enthusiastic about property as an asset class. Cate has a few possible reasons on her laundry list and she chats with Mike and Dave about some of these reasons. "You can't sell a third of a property easily." So, how can investors get the best out of their financial planners, and how can they navigate any perceived negativity about property. The Trio have a few tips to share. ..... and the gold nuggets! Cate Bakos's gold nugget: "To anyone who's looking to get into the property market and needs a little bit of help.... check out some of the initiatives on offer and familiarise yourself with them." Dave Johnston's gold nugget: Dave expands on his answer for Claire about the role of a property planner versus a financial planner. Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: Look at the 'ad-backs' and make sure your accountant is providing reliable information to your broker. Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/04/22/listener-questions-single-parent-and-financial-planners-vs-property-planners/

The March 2024 data is out, and Cate concedes she got it wrong with her March data predictions. She's considered the reasons why, and Cate sheds light on a possible reason for this, and it relates to bias. Dave overviews the last twelve months of growth, and he points out that the last year has delivered almost 10% growth for the combined capitals; something very few would have predicted. Cate sheds light on some of the enquiry she's getting, and some of the reasons why investors are turning away from ultra-hot markets. Perth is one example of a hot market, and the Trio explore how much steam remains in the Perth market. Cate recalls a great article from Pete Koulizos in the recent PIPA Newsletter... he believes that Adelaide will continue to perform. Tune in to hear more... Mike segues into rental performance. Median rents as a function of income highlight the expensive cities for tenants. Cate's insights into house versus unit rents is interesting also. Is there a correlation between increased land tax and increasing house rents? Mike explores. Mike dares to broach the question Perth's climbing rents and tight vacancy rates; surely this signals that Perth is not at the top of the cycle. Sales data is showing volumes above the five year average; although the Trio plead with CoreLogic to reinstate listing numbers and agent appraisal activity. Distressed listings are showing an uptick in a few states, however. Are any jungle drums beating in Victoria? Cate delves into the data and asks the hard questions, although Dave wonders if distressed listings paint a picture of the overall health of a given market. Is there a correlation? The Westpac consumer sentiment index isn't showing a dramatically different outlook since last month, but at a state level the indices aren't all aligned. Dave hints at the cities that are showing a more optimistic outlook. Investment lending has increased despite headwinds such as interest rates, additional taxes and onerous rental reforms. This state breakdown of investment activity is intriguing, particularly the disparity between Vic/Tas and the other, hotter states. And... time for our gold nuggets... Cate Bakos's gold nugget: Cate considers how we interpret data, and how bias can be introduced. Dave Johnston's gold nugget: "n order to avoid FOMO, understand the right price point for yourself. Work out your strategy and match up the property location and type to your strategy. Look at the long term when you're making your property decision. Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: "You can't buy the data, you can only buy the property." Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/04/15/ep-253-march-market-update/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Sally is about to purchase her first home. She has a deposit of $300K and is targeting a purchase price of $700K - $800K. Sally wants to live in the home, but is feeling that her borrowing capacity as an owner occupier is holding her back. She asks the Trio whether she should initially purchase as an investor in order to borrow more. Dave breaks down Sally's initial strategy with a few clever questions. Sally is targeting Melbourne and she works in town. She is thinking of living in it for 5-10 years, and then upgrading to a larger family home when the time comes, keeping this initial property as an investment. Five to ten years is a long time though, and Sally is keen to find a property that will be adequate for her for a 5-10 year period. Cate has some thought-provoking ideas for Sally to consider. Cate also talks about tenure, and the importance of buyers making sure they have at least five years of tenure in their plan. Sally has indeed stated that she has done some homework and she’s identified that 2BR townhouses and villa units might be the ideal purchase. Cate demystifies villa units and recalls the conversations she had in previous eps with Pete about dwelling description variations around the nation. Sally has made a deliberate decision to avoid apartments. But.. not all apartments are equal. "There's apartments, and then there are apartments". Which are the variety that Cate thinks are absolute out-performers? Tune in to find out. Given townhouses aren’t all equal, the Trio unpack the various types of townhouses. Sally notes that the market conditions have changed a bit over the last couple of years in Melbourne. How can Sally best navigate the Melbourne market over the coming months? Sally circles back to her original suggestion about getting an investment loan for a property that she wants to live in. But as Dave explains, it’s not that easy. How do the banks regulate this? Lastly, Sally is unclear on whether she gets the stamp duty benefits if it’s an investment loan. Dave sheds light on some great tips for our loyal listener. .....and the gold nuggets: Cate Bakos’s gold nugget: Sally can use the ‘sold’ tab on the property search engine to get a great peg in the sand. Dave Johnston’s gold nugget: “Make sure you can purchase a property that you can see yourself living in for 5-7, even 10 years. Can you get a better quality asset in a better location, even if it means forgoing stamp duty savings?” Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget: Mike congratulates Sally for saving $300,000 for a deposit, and he assures Sally not to worry about Melbourne’s slow performance. Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/04/08/listener-question-owner-occupier-versus-investor-dilemma/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM For today's episode, Dave throws it out to Mike... the paper that Mike's business has uncovered relates to growth of rents in units, contrasted to house rental price growth. Median rental growth for units have eclipsed that of houses, but why? The Trio unpack their theories. Are investors pushing rents up or is the supply/demand equation speaking up? Mike hands the wooden spoon to the Victorian Parliament "People always want to be close to the action". Mike ponders the pull of the city. And Cate mentions traffic congestion... is it an issue? Labour shortage is challenging our economy. As Mike and Dave point out, "Anyone who wants a job, can have one." Cate sheds light on unit performance in Melbourne and the investors who feel disenfranchised. We now have an undersupply issue that has challenged units in Melbourne. But what is Mike's data telling us? "How is our aging population likely to challenge this data?", asks Dave. Mike shares his thoughts. And why is WA outperforming? The Trio shed light on this outperformance. And our gold nuggets: Dave Johnston's gold nugget: Dave looks forward to the pub! Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: Unit yields may outperform houses. Mike ponders affordability and concludes that units should be considered. Cate Bakos's gold nugget: "There are markets within markets. It's pockets, it's streets, it's orientation. You have to remember to use the data wisely when you have a specific wish list." Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/04/01/median-rental-gap-between-houses-and-units-closing/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM For today's episode, the Trio are diving into the sophisticated world of investment borrowing and they'll unpack the nuances of leveraging borrowed funds to not just acquire investment properties, but also to optimise the financial structure surrounding your investment to legally optimise deductions. Despite accountants being tax expertes, they are not mortgage strategists and so it is important that investors understand these strategies and are able to impliment them with their strategic mortgage broker. Whether our listeners are seasoned investors or just starting out, today's masterclass with Dave will equip buyers with the insights to navigate the complex landscape of investment borrowing. Dave launches into the ep with the first tip about investment borrowing. But he confuses Mike about good debt versus bad debt. Cate defines good debt, bad debt and terrible debt! Should buyers try to borrow the full purchase price plus all purchase costs? Surely this could feel alarming for those who are debt averse, but the Trio shed light on when this is a great idea, and why it's so beneficial for investors. Cate raises the concept of 106% Loan to Value Ratio and Dave distils how this works, and why it's not an uncommon LVR. Why is 80% LVR such a well-versed figure though, and what lender benefits to some professionals get to enjoy in relation to higher LVRs? "If you read in the media, it's all about the cost you have to save for a deposit, but who really saves 20%?", asks Mike. Good question, Mike. The Trio shed light on the reality of this claim. Is there any reason to set up the investment loan limit for more than the full purchase price plus costs? And when is this a dangerous play? Mike delves a bit deeper... From cash-out policies to drawdown processes, Dave walks our listeners through this complex question. "The true cost of your interest rate after the tax deduction is cheaper than the cost of your interest on your home loan (as long as you're above the tax free threshold with your earnings." What does Dave mean by this, and why is this so critical to understand in relation to 'good debt'? Which tricky scenarios might fall outside of that general rule of paying interest-only on investment, and P&I on your home loan? Dave has three scenarios, and Cate excitedly recognises that her own personal journey currently fits one of these quirks. And lastly, Dave has some general advice for listeners who are planning to upgrade their home and retain their old home as an investment. .... and our Gold Nuggets! Dave Johnston's gold nugget: "If you're getting strategic mortgage advice, make notes." The retention rate of detailed information isn't often compromised, and it's important for borrowers to be clear on their mortgage strategy and set up. Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: Number one rule - investment debt is what you want to maximise, and home loan debt should be minimised. Cate Bakos's gold nugget: Not being afraid of good debt is important. But being aware of the worst kind of debt is also very important too. Unsecured, expensive and short-amortised debt can be problematic. "I highly recommend you talk to a strategic mortgage advisor if you have that kind of debt." Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/03/25/mortgage-masterclass/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM The February 2024 data is out, and the Trio circle the headline; the ridiculously tight vacancy rates nationally. Mike compares houses and unit performance and ponders the drivers for unit purchasers. Dave delves into Perth's outperformance and notes the predictions he and Pete made eighteen months' prior. Is buyer confidence up? Cate sheds light on her own experience at the coalface. But how does data lag impact the figures, and will Cate's prediction match the March data? Only time will tell... What is happening with the regions? For the quarter, combined regions have outperformed the combined cities, but why? The Trio unpack this. Mike dares to broach the question... "Where is Melbourne at?" The Novocastrian dares to challenge the proud Melburnians with this question, but they rise to the challenge and shed light on what is going on in their home city with investors. And have the regions suffered to the detriment of Melbourne's recovery? Not at all, but Cate explains the dynamics post-COVID. Cate also shares the value-proposition of houses in nearby regions versus apartments in Melbourne's inner-east. Vacancy rates are so tough on tenants right now and the Trio note that vacancies have tightened even further. From changed planning laws to talk of investor incentives, the jungle drums are beating. But sadly the Trio concur that conditions will continue to deteriorate until governments make a different kind of change. Listing activity is higher, yet sales volumes reflect that buyer demand is meeting supply and this coming weekend is set to be a stand-out weekend for auction numbers. But what will post Easter, and early winter look like? "We only need to talk about rate decreases and people go crazy" Rental values have re-accelerated in 2024. Feb recorded the highest rental reading for the last eleven months. Will rent growth outpace capital growth? The Trio weigh in... and they don't all agree. The three year bonds curve shows that the money markets are predicting three rate reductions as an average cash rate. And... time for our gold nuggets... Cate Bakos's gold nugget: For any prospective tenants out there, you have to be prepared to differentiate yourself in this tight vacancy rate environment. Dave Johnston's gold nugget: This month suggests that so many data points are pointing towards a property price rebound this year, so if you are considering buying property, it's time to get your ducks in a row. Narrow in on your strategy, arrange your pre-approval and be clear on the plan. Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/03/18/ep-249-february-market-update/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Dave and Cate man the fort this week while Mike does his charity ride... and the duo decided to tackle a great listener question about lending policy, loan structuring and the critical decisions that arise for many. Jim and his partner have a very important scenario to run past the Trio. They are particularly high income earners with $500,000+ combined incomes, but there are some critical messages here that apply to all home owners and investors. The challenges they face have been exacerbated by increased interest rates, but they also have had second thoughts about the home that they selected in 2019. The dilemmas are very real... how do Cate and Dave address them? Our listeners chose to buy a house that had less appeal than some of the others that they were missing out on in the lofty hot market of Sydney. Why do people go for the lower hanging fruit? And what are the risks? Dave and Cate share their thoughts, from fatigue to FOMO. Should they sell and rent-vest, re-purchase in another location, or hold their home? "They need to nail the big rock in the jar, which is where they'd like to live long-term to raise their kids." Dave's ever-pragmatic insights shine through... tune in to hear more. Cate discusses the importance of partners being on the same page as each other, and this is a fantastic case in point in relation to rent-vesting. Rent-vesting is often a particularly challenging strategy for couples and Cate explains why. She also shares a personal experience dating back to 2008 that derailed hers and Ian's rent-vesting strategy. Jim asks, "Should we purchase a B grade property in an A grade suburb, or an A grade property in a B grade suburb?" Dave and Cate don't necessarily agree, but they each share their answers openly and Cate cites a great recent example. Dave takes up the challenge to help Jim and his partner with the cashflow challenge. How can they ease the pressure, and what are some of the options? Dave and Cate enjoy a good banter about investment strategy, and in particular, retirement strategy... and this is what it's all about! And lastly, can Jim and his partner achieve $140,000pa passive income? Dave uncovers the answer. .... and our Gold Nuggets! Dave Johnston's gold nugget: "If you do plan to purchase a family home, don't put off deciding what that looks like. Start planning for it!" Cate Bakos's gold nugget: "I wish everyone could afford a property plan. If you can get that right from the start, you can establish things from the ground up". And when you're a high income earner, it really does carry some weight. Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: Mike talks about the importance of being quite discerning when it comes to buying the family home, and not compromising on the key element. Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/03/11/listener-question-dilemma/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Dave hosts this time. He opens the episode with the obvious question, "What is settlement?" Did you know that settlement dates are completely negotiable? And did you know that some people conduct their own conveyancing?, (although the Trio don't recommend this, as it involves a lot of risks and responsibilities.) If you do your own conveyancing, you will need to research what is required and the relevant legislation. Like real estate licences, they are state and territory based. Cate shares some of the challenges associated with cheap, unreliable conveyancers. Physically, how does settlement happen? Cate and Dave weigh in, and Dave explains how settlements hinge firmly around the broker and the banks. Settlement day is a bit of a magical event. Cate talks through the parties who are involved, how long the actual settlement takes, how it's facilitated and how conveyancers conducted settlements before our online portal, PEXA existed. What is an “ideal” settlement day? What does it look like? The Trio canvas the steps and the paperwork required to get to settlement. From legal transfers to 'funds to complete', bank loan documentation certification and pre-settlement inspections. There are many steps that are important in the lead up to settlement day. When are short settlements advantageous? And why would a buyer consider making a short settlement? Cate explains that many buyers think that a shrewd offer with a short settlement is the key to tough negotiating, but sometimes this isn't the best way to drive a good bargain. What can go wrong at settlement? Tune in to find out! What causes delays? Dave and Cate step through a range of issues that can threaten a smooth settlement, from finance to lost titles, to late subdivisions, caveats and lost titles. There are many elements to manage and be aware of when it comes to property settlements. What happens if the purchaser is at fault and can’t give the vendor confidence that they can settle? The answer to this question can be quite ugly, but it's important that purchasers appreciate the gravity of the situation when it comes to obtaining finance in time. And let's assume settlement goes to plan.... what are the next steps? Dave steps listeners through the nitty gritty that borrowers should check straight after offset to make sure they are on course with their mortgage strategy and loan facilities. .... and our Gold Nuggets! Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: "Don't do it yourself! And book the truck for the day after settlement!" Cate Bakos's gold nugget: "Make sure you've got a really good checklist! Give us a yell if you'd like a checklist emailed over to you." Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/03/04/settlement-day-what-can-go-wrong/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM In this innovative, two part series, the Trio share their own ideas and ideals to contribute to some solutions for solving the housing crisis. Dave is clear. "It's all supply, supply, supply". But he is clear on the need to define the 'ideal' balance being agreed and struck. Cate and Dave debate the short-stay accommodation impact on rental supply... is short-stay problematic? Mike weighs in with his thoughts. Will the day come when the government(s) decide to entice investors back? As Cate points out, limited investor participation is dangerous. But politicians need votes. The Trio tackle consider some possibilities, but questioning the disincentives is their first stop. The Trio share their ideas, with Cate's investor-incentives, and Dave's finance considerations. Cate contemplates the role that banks could play with postcode-based information. Mike likes the idea of moving towards a more European approach; long lease terms. Tune in to hear more. How could lending changes enhance our chances of improving the housing crisis? And what changes to some great existing government policies could make a significant difference? "Some of this is a function of being one of the wealthiest nations in the world". How can we provide support housing for critical workers? And how can we provide crisis accommodation? Does decentralising government services have a positive impact on housing? Cate runs through quite a few of the Trio's ideas. There is no doubt that many solutions have unintended consequences. Political decisions aren't easy, and tax reform and legislative change are often unpopular. The Trio recognise this and reflect on the power of consultation and healthy debate. Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/02/26/tackling-housing-affordability-part-two/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM The January 2024 data is out, and the capital city league ladder has been changing. But are houses and unit imbalances across capitals skewing the data? Dave explains.. "Data does let us down like that", says Cate and she shares some another example of stock segmentation and purchaser incentives skewing data. What's happening with the regions? The quarterly data shows that regions have outpaced the capitals. Are we seeing a recovery in some of the regions that suffered during 2023 with the reverse-COVID exodus? Mike dares to broach the inflation data and asks his co-hosts when they think interest rates will fall. Dave suggests August/September this year, whereas Cate won't be surprised if it's even in 2025. Time will tell! The national rental index recorded it's strongest monthly rise since April. Could things get worse before they get better? Cate shares her concern about the rate of investor sales and anecdotal evidence from agents' reporting. Cate predicts that rental hikes will eclipse 10% nationally. She also talks about the challenges being tougher for families, as opposed to singles and couples. We have sales volumes to thank for our 2023 year holding up as it did, but now that sales numbers have increased, will the supply and demand ratio threaten capital growth? It seems not. Buyer appetite is strong and sentiment has ticked up somewhat. The stock availability, (or lack thereof) has a direct correlation with capital growth, as shown in our charts in the shownotes. Yet the distressed listings have The Trio intrigued. Is Victoria's data point a green shoot or an anomaly? It's one to watch.... The Westpac Consumer Sentiment data provided some good discussion; what a difference the surprise inflation figures made! But which measure still has Cate worried? Cate draws attention to the unsecured lending figures and holds concerns about some of the items that people are financing on high-interest credit. Dave explains how the consumer sentiment index is determined with 50+ sub-groups of people assessed. It's an interesting peek behind the curtain! Investor activity is up and it has been steadily increasing. Despite the investor-led sales, talk of increased rents and the potential for strong capital growth surges are exciting a cohort of investors. The three year bonds show that we could see rates drop in the near-term, yet the ten year bonds suggest that rates could sit at similar levels to where they currently are now. And... time for our gold nuggets... Cate Bakos's gold nugget: Stop spending on discretionary stuff! And better yet, stop using unsecured debt to do it. We need to bring down inflation. Dave Johnston's gold nugget: An interesting fact... House values have continued rising at a faster rate relative to units. House and unit median values are at their greatest differential ever. Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: Don't make it a holiday, make it a toy, and make it second hand.... AND use cash! Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/02/19/ep-245-january-market-update/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM In this innovative, two part series, the Trio canvassed some measures that could be implemented to ease affordability and promote the healthy functioning of the Australian property market. Mike took some inspiration from an industry friend's article, and Cate and Dave chimed in with their thoughts on some of the initiatives from the article. In Part 2, the Trio will cover their own ideas and insights to foster a healthy property market. How do the Trio define a healthy property market? Dave considers the different perspectives from all of the various stakeholders. From developers to renters, first time buyers to investors, NIMBY's, local council, retirees, ... the list is enormous. Cate weighs in with her thoughts on the multiple barriers for acquiring home ownership, in addition to the 'big three'. Our casualised work force, for one is a significant blocker for credit availability for many. Dave cites an insufficient supply of new property. The Trio step through the six innovations in the article, namely; Dave's insights into loan term increases is enlightening and he chats about the historic changes of loan terms over the decades, and also the impact of the scars inflicted from the GFC. He touches on the stigma of longer loan terms, and essentially, borrower mindset. "Are all innovations stimulatory?" asks Mike, and he proceeds to cite many examples. Cate shares some of her preferred initiatives that have been devised to assist first home owners, but she also illustrates the failings of past concessions/grants, and poorly considered incentives. Dave boldly tackles the concept of Stamp Duty abolition and proposes some thoughtful ways that the State Governments could maintain the revenue stream. He also touches on the possibilities that superannuation offset accounts could open up. How could balloon payments work? And what are the pitfalls? Dave expands on the possible unintended consequences. ...And our gold nuggets! Cate Bakos's gold nugget: This is a courageous episode, and lots of people have lots of different ideas on this. What is important is that people in this industry who do care about housing feel like they are in a safe space to speak up. Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: "We require a national debate on this." The politicians have had their opportunity and they have had quite a few fancy ideas that have exacerbated some of the issues. "Investors are part of the solution." David Johnston's gold nugget: "Send us your thought on what you think will make a difference to creating a healthy property market for all participants. Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/02/12/tackling-housing-affordability-part-one/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM This week's episode features a two great listener questions, the first from Catherine. "My husband (39) and I (32) are doing well financially and trying to decide our next move. Our goal is to pay off our mortgage but we feel like maybe we should be buying an investment property. In SA western suburbs, our house is worth around $900k and our mortgage is sitting at $290k. We have a spare $3000 monthly (after bills and allowances) that we are putting on our mortgage. If we buy an investment property it will be negatively geared but we aren't sure whether it is worth buying now as we will have to contribute to repayments. To buy a house with some land in a decent area is around $600-700k+. Will the tax deductions be worth it or should we wait and keep smashing our mortgage, pay it off in 5 years?" Many people feel compelled to pay down debt, but this isn't necessarily the optimal way to build future wealth. The Trio share their individual thoughts around Catherine's dilemma, explaining leveraging, setting financial goals and discussing the positives of good debt. Dave also includes a scenario to illustrate the potential in store for Catherine and her husband. Dave acknowledges the strain and subjectivity of such a personal decision. Debt aversion can strike many, and as he points out, understanding our surplus cash flow is a critical step to getting it right. The scenario Dave cites is modest, and the modelled outcome spells a $500,000 superior net asset position for our listener couple. Our second listener question challenges the use of the Land to Asset Ratio as a metric. Lennard's musings are plentiful and Cate, Dave and Mike tackle each one. If capital growth is maximised by a higher Land to Asset Ratio, why wouldn't an investor just buy land? And is a million dollar farm in the outback a better investment than a small parcel of land in a blue chip, city suburb? And how do you quantify the exact land to asset ratio metric? Lennard's questions are probing and they keep the trio on their toes. They canvas the difference between capital growth returns, rental returns and tax returns. Each also offer examples to help explain the ways in which a Land to Asset Ratio metric can be a helpful measure. Dave tackles Lennard's question about how a buyer could attribute a value to both the land and the dwelling components of a property. He points out that it's not an exacting science. When can dwellings appreciate? Dave takes up the challenge and faces it head on, citing scarcity, inflation and maintenance. Mike chimes in with the term "functional obsolescence" and he illustrates depreciation. Land to Asset Ratio is not static, and nor is there an optimal ratio. It's important for investors to recognise where their own tolerance comfortably sits. . ...And our gold nuggets! Cate Bakos’s gold nugget - Due diligence counts for so much, and it goes way beyond Land to Asset Ratio calculations. Mike Mortlock's gold nugget - Value drops and depreciation are two very different concepts. Dave Johnston’s gold nugget - Land to asset ratio is just one factor when assessing the future capital growth prospects of a property. It is not a valuation methodology at all. Show Notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/02/05/building-long-term-wealth-and-mastering-land-to-asset-ratio/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM The December data is out, albeit in parts after the Core Logic team put out a thinner report over the break. Dave points out that December represented the smallest gain in property growth and he ponders whether the most recent interest rate increase triggered a slowdown at year end. Dave also draws our attention to the 'tale of two cities', and the two-speed property economy between the mining states and the non-mining states. Cate questions the relationship between listing activity and growth rates. Is there a correlation? And are we back to the good ol' days when it comes to the summer break and the property industry shutdown? What's happening with the regions? Dave and Cate shed light on some of the elastic behaviours in certain regions. Mike shares his press release story about the national rental crisis with the listeners... tune in to hear more. Was the December rental figure a data blip, or has the rental demand started to ease? Cate demystifies things for our listeners. Gross rental yields have ticked up to new levels, but as Dave explains, "that's what they used to look like!" Like many other property-related cycles, rental yield, too is cyclic. Are we expecting a busy listing period over the coming months? Cate shares some coal face intel and some insights into buyer activity currently. What is the Westpac Consumer Sentiment Index telling us? Have the interest rate increases finally bitten hard? And what direction does the Trio think rate movements will take over the coming months/year? And Mike asks Dave for some business insights into borrower activity; it's an intriguing overview and it ties in with the data. Lastly, Cate draws attention to the construction challenges being faced now. And... time for our gold nuggets... Cate Bakos's gold nugget: For all those people who are planning on purchasing sub-median priced property in early 2024, stay close to the agents as ex-rental stock emerges Dave Johnston's gold nugget: Dave emphasis the need to make your own personal decisions based on your own economy. Show notes:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/01/29/ep-242-december-market-update/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Pete joins us in the studio! Mike kicks off the Trio's predictions for 2023 and he runs through their January predictions, holding each accountable for their forecasts. What will the market do? Cate admits she was quite bullish on this question, while Dave thought prices would drop 5-8%. It was the Property Professor who got this prediction right. Which capital cities will be the top performers? According to Mike, the Trio all got this one right in identifying Perth as a top performer. Cate concedes though that Melbourne demonstrated resilience, as opposed to a bounce-back, and she points out that none of them picked Brisbane. And Pete sheds light on some fundamental reasons why Perth was so popular for eastern states investors. How will the regions perform? With hybrid office working environments, things are changing now, but what will the larger regions do in the short term? Who got it right? And what is in store for office spaces? ...Tune in to find out. Investor numbers: What did the Trio underestimate? How has credit policy played a role? And how did tax legislation changes impact investor activity? The Trio ponder. What government intervention could impact the property market? Each of the Trio had a good point, but who got it the 'most' right? Developers and building - what did the Trio think would be in store for 2023? Why could we see private builders ease their pricing? Does Cate have a valid theory? And Mike sheds some light on the challenges today for volume builders... and it's insightful. Pete adds his insights on the current building pipeline and Dave discusses supply chain woes. Dave was determined the deserved winner of this prediction. Where will interest rates land at the end of 2023? The Trio concede defeat! Rents and vacancy rates - where would they end up at the end of 2023? Cate and Pete took out top marks for this prediction: "Record increase in asking rents for 2023. It will shadow 2022, we’re not getting more stock, we’re getting more people. With interest rate increases, some people who were looking at purchasing might be looking at renting instead." Where did the Trio peg listing and sales volumes by year end 2023? Full marks to Dave! "We’ll see it around the 5 year average this year, first 6 months will be flat, but pick up in the back half of the year. And what risks did they anticipate could impact the market? From recession to higher unemployment, war/invasion and share market corrections, the Trio canvas some of the possibilities. Lastly....where did the Trio think inflation would head? Pete speaks candidly about the practicality of reading inflation charts. But did Dave and Cate get it right? Or were they one year too early with their predictions? ....And our gold nuggets! Peter Koulizos's gold nugget: Borrow as much as you can to buy as much as you can, and hold on for as long as you can! Cate Bakos's gold nugget: The differences of opinion between the Trio is what makes the show interesting, but it also sheds light on the importance of noting different economists' points of view. We pride ourselves on being fiercely independent. Shoe notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/01/22/2023-predictions-unpacked/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Cate kicks off the Trio's predictions for 2024 and reminds Mike that he will be accountable in a year's time. Dave picks value growth of 2-7% nationally in 2024, with the market being weighed down by Melbourne and Sydney, with a comment that he feels we'll see a similar year to 2022. Cate feels that a strong supply of listings in early 2024 will dim the growth potential for the busy cities in the early months. The supply and demand ratio may lead to some great buying conditions during this period. Cate backs Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane for outperformance growth for the year. Mike leans on Chris Gray's comment, "It will either go up, go down, or stay the same." Yep, thanks for that Mike. Mike does share some economist's updates for our listeners though and challenges Dave with a 7-9% growth estimate. Mike suggests that 2024 could be a year of two halves. Tune in to find out why. Will 'chicken and egg' impact our markets again? And could this lead to a stock undersupply? The top three performers.... Who will get it right? And who will be proven wrong? The Trio place their bets! Cate challenges Dave and Mike with their insights and predictions into investor numbers and government intervention. From vacancy taxes, rent freezes, superannuation, and first home buyer initiatives, they have some fun debating the possibilities. Cate also touches on the tax opportunities that could arise as our baby-boomer generation age. Mike's insights into developer activity and construction is intriguing. It's a must-listen! Interest rates and inflation.... where do Cate, Mike and Dave think they will land in 2024? Their responses aren't aligned either. The Trio agree that rental vacancy rates aren't likely to improve for renters and Cate gives Victoria a special mention for double digit rental growth for the year. The Trio also contemplate listing numbers for the new year and the impact that this could have on the markets. And lastly, Dave, Cate and Mike toy with unlikely and the unpopular as they discuss the biggest potential threats to the market. ....And our gold nuggets! While they've enjoyed putting together this episode, they remind listeners that predictions can be fickle. "Hotspotting is never as important as the planning", says Mike. Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/01/15/2024-predictions-and-insights-for-the-year/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM This week's episode features a great listener question from Ben. "Offset account question I am grappling with. I am nearing retirement and have three investment properties in NE Melbourne, two of which are IO and fully offset. Third is IO and partially offset. I have a PPOR P&I loan with and offset account set up. I continually go round the conundrum of whether to park my funds offset against investment IO loans or the PPOR P&I loan. I fully understand the extra cash flow I get by not paying interest on the IO loans, and effectively have the rent as income (taxable). And offsetting P&I PPOR actually makes no difference to my P&L unless I do something downstream - sell or refinance. Any thoughts?" Cate offers the layman's view on Ben's predicament. Can Ben have his cake and eat it too? Dave would suggest that Ben 100% offsets his home loan first, and then he would target placing his surplus funds into the highest interest rate investment loan offset account. Switching his home loan to Interest Only is another good option. Mike prompts Dave with a question: "What stages of life do you typically see your clients facing this conundrum?" Cate weighs in with some insights based on recent economic and banking changes, relating Ben's conundrum to some of her client's questions. When APRA stepped in, requiring banks to set home loan rates lower than investment rates, things started to change for a few investors. Tune in to hear more... Cate's simple solution hinges around refinancing his home loan to Interest Only, but is it that easy? Dave weighs in with some of the challenges Ben may face. Dave has a technical solution, but it's not easy and will require some intense concentration! Mike ponders; can refinancing the existing debt to reduce the minimum loan repayment commitment help Ben's case? Cate and Dave step through the pro's and cons of the various approaches on option to Ben, highlighting the tax benefits, interest rate differential and long-term benefits. And the Trio shed light on the benefits of offset against Principal and Interest loans. ...And our gold nuggests! Dave Johnston’s gold nugget - If Ben can't refinance and can't go to IO, Dave highlights the important points for Ben to consider. Sometimes going backwards from a cashflow perspective isn't always the worst case scenario. Looking forward, doing the maths and not losing sight of the bigger picture is important. Cate Bakos’s gold nugget - Visibility is everything. If Ben has a dashboard and can get a sense of timeframes, he will get a better sense of perspective. His overall portfolio will likely hold him in good stead, but in the meantime he could do a stocktake of his current discretionary spending, and conduct a health check on his current home loans. Mike Mortlock's gold nugget - There is no simple answer, but there are a number of ways that he can do this. Knowing what the banks will allow is important too. Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/01/08/can-we-retire-at-50-and-how-many-properties-will-we-need-2/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Happy New Year to our listeners! Mike introduces James and Lisa's case study. They are both 36 and have a goal of attaining $80,000 of passive income per year into retirement, and scaling back work to 50% by the age of 50 remains an ideal. Their annual combined incomes are $144,000 and they have $90,000 in savings. Can it be done? And what do they need to compromise on to reach their goal? Cate ponders their plans and discusses the cost disparity between life in the major capitals versus the regions. She also touches on 'overshooting the runway'; a common pleasant surprise for those who make firm plans early in life. Dave explains how he and his team would typically tackle the determination of subsequent property purchases, timing, budget and buffers. How did James and Lisa's property plan compare to other plans? Tune in to find out what scenario Dave's team recommended to this duo. Do they purchase an investment first? Do they move to their ideal future home location? How many properties do they ultimately need? The alternative options for James and Lisa are an interesting surprise! Mike and Cate tackle the investment-future use conundrum; a common investor challenge that the Trio see often. And Dave makes a valid point about the differential in post-retirement outcomes when sensible financial decisions are made at the start of an investor's journey. It's little wonder that compound interest is considered the eighth wonder of the world. ....And our gold suggests! Cate Bakos’s gold nugget - Retirement is not what it used to be. We don't just stop. We have much longer retirements these days and we do have to think about how we wish to enjoy our segments of retirement, well before the 'golden years'. Dave Johnston’s gold nugget - When modelling out a property plan, setting pathways and determining if a goal is achievable is critical. Decision-making often has to face adjustment as life changes. Show Notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2024/01/01/can-we-retire-at-50-and-how-many-properties-will-we-need/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Merry Christmas to our listeners! AI's Role in Real Estate Investment... "AI, and particularly generative AI, is a game-changer in real estate investment, even for the average Australian investor." Mike and Dave explore some of the immediate scope that AI can offer, from generating realistic property images, to creating detailed market reports, and even forecasting future property value trends based on a range of complex factors. Understanding Generative AI vs. Traditional Machine Learning.... Mike ponders the power of capturing a series of ‘photographic memories’, and details how AI has aided him with his quantity surveying data and identification of trends. Moving forward, can AI predict sentiment? It’s an interesting thought-experiment. Dave contrasts the take-up of Chat GPT against other advancements such as the World Wide Web, Facebook, and the telephone. How does AI already exist in the property world? The Trio ponder… Mike shares some of the practical applications of generative AI for investors “These AI tools are user-friendly and are designed with the layperson in mind. They can analyse your financial goals and suggest investment strategies, almost like having a personal investment advisor powered by AI." But Dave reminds listeners that information found on the internet shouldn’t be blindly trusted. Cate talks about the risks to businesses when it comes to AI mistakes. Can AI predict an outperformance property? Or is this a task that requires human touch? Tune in to find out what the Trio each think. Cate shares the last paragraph of the episode, which was generated by AI: “AI, and specifically generative AI, is transforming how Australians invest in real estate. It's making sophisticated investment analysis more accessible to everyone." ....And our gold suggests! Dave Johnston’s gold nugget - Dave ponders the limitations and contradictions associated with AI predicting the best property in the country. Mike Mortlock’s gold nugget - Mike points out that many price models models and capital growth predictions are often wrong, and he wonders how AI will tackle irrational human behaviour. Cate Bakos’s gold nugget - Cate challenges the usefulness of chat boxes and scripts when it comes to disingenuous scripting and important client communication. Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2023/12/24/ai-the-future-of-property-investment/

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM The November data is out! The headline figures prove that the 'middle sized cities' are still out-performing; Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. And Melbourne disappointed with the first negative month in a while. We have seen a new peak in house prices in Australia and for the combined capitals; we have seen a new record high for house prices. Cate and Mike marvel at the volatility, and in particular the disproportionate declines that our markets have experienced in recent years. And Dave pulls apart the weaknesses in median prices when it comes to data segmentation associated with houses versus units. Have the Victorian regions bounced back? Maybe. But how does wage price index correlate? "If you want a job, work from home. if you want a career, come back to the office." Do you agree with this quote? And how has WFH impacted Australian property? Cate delves into investor-led sales and how the segmented data is captured. And she asks when policy makers will recognise the rate of investor sales. The Trio focus on rental increases and vacancy rates; despite the rate of growth relaxing, rental growth is still broadly in positive territory for most cities. And when we consider our new arrivals, and policy around skills, it's questionable that our services-inflation woes are being accurately addressed. Mike asks Cate about new listings, and she points out a few points of interest in relation to the relationship between new listings and buyer demand. Cate talks about the impact of the most recent cash rate increase and the typical hallmarks of December market conditions. Mike steers us through the Westpac Consumer Sentiment Index. There have been a few subtle changes, and the Trio attempt to understand the broad attitudes towards timing the market and economic outlook. Personal, unsecured loans have tricked up and Cate is troubled. Tune in to hear more... And Dave covers loan approvals, mortgages and decreasing refinancing numbers. Dave reports that this is the lowest read since May 2022. Lastly, Cate and Dave touch on Sydney vs Melbourne price disparity and some of the reasons why Sydneysiders are taking advantage of the Melbourne market. And... time for our gold nuggets... Cate Bakos's gold nugget: For all of those budding purchasers who are focusing on 2024 as their year... take advantage of the buying conditions in the early part of the year. Agents are talking about increased listing volumes and the supply/demand ratio may favour buyers. Dave Johnston's gold nugget: Dave emphasis the attractive conditions that buyers could face in Melbourne, Sydney and Darwin in the early months of 2024. Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2023/12/18/ep-236-november-market-update/