The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)

Australia's negative gearing changes have created an important opportunity for existing homeowners that many people have overlooked. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explain how grandfathering rules could allow eligible homeowners to retain negative gearing benefits if they later convert their home into an investment property. The trio explores why mortgage structure matters, the strategic use...

The latest research from the Reserve Bank of Australia offers a fascinating snapshot of who really owns Australia's investment properties, and it challenges many common assumptions. Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the data, revealing that most investors own just one property, while only a small minority build large portfolios. They explore what an ageing investor population, borrowing capacity...

This week, The Trio answer a fascinating listener question from Tom, who has built a $12 million property portfolio and is now facing a different challenge: where should future capital go? Cate and Mike discuss the shift from accumulation to optimisation, comparing property, shares and superannuation as wealth-building tools. They explore the role of leverage, debt reduction and how age and workin...

May's property market delivered a fascinating mix of results, with Melbourne and Sydney recording price declines while Perth and Darwin continued their remarkable growth. In this month's market update, Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the latest data and discuss what's really happening beneath the headlines. They explore the impact of proposed investor tax changes, shifting buyer sentiment, ren...

With interest rates rising and household budgets under pressure, many borrowers are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their home loans. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explore practical strategies to improve cash flow, including negotiating with lenders, refinancing, reviewing loan structures and making better use of offset accounts. The Trio explain why advertised rates don't always tel...

Dave, Cate and Mike unpack the post-budget landscape through a listener question from Liam, highlighting the uncertainty facing investors. With proposed changes to negative gearing and CGT not yet legislated, many buyers are pausing, while owner-occupiers are benefiting from reduced competition. The Trio explores whether a surge in listings could create buying opportunities, but notes that propert...

April’s market revealed a clear split. Mike, Cate and Dave highlight declines in Sydney and Melbourne, while Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide continue strong growth, largely fuelled by investors. That momentum may not last. Investor-heavy, lower-priced markets could soften if policy changes reduce demand, while tightly held family homes in established suburbs may prove more resilient. Rents remain und...

The 2026 Federal Budget has delivered one of the most significant property policy shake-ups Australia has seen in decades. The headline changes include winding back negative gearing for established homes, replacing the 50% capital gains tax discount with an inflation-indexed model, and extending incentives for new housing supply. The government’s aim is clear: slow investor demand for existing sto...

In this episode of The Property Trio, Dave, Mike and Cate unpack one of the biggest questions facing Australian property buyers right now: do first home buyer incentives genuinely improve affordability, or do they simply create more competition? The episode examines the mechanics behind these incentives and why reducing deposit hurdles can accelerate demand faster than supply can respond.  For buy...

🎧 In this episode of The Property Trio, we tackle a great landlord question from Lukasz. Is it better to chase maximum rent or secure a high quality tenant?  Cate, Dave and Mike explain why pushing rent too high can lead to longer vacancies and poorer applicant pools. The Trio highlight hidden costs such as vacancy, leasing fees and tenant issues, and why a stable, respectful tenant often deliver...

🎧 This week, The Property Trio unpacks whether refinancing is really worth it. This listener question was sent through by a loyal listener, Greg. Cate, Dave and Mike explain how to weigh savings against switching costs, including break fees, discharge fees, package costs and possible LMI. They also discuss why refinancing should be about strategy, not just rate chasing, and how offsets affect the...

This month’s update highlights a resilient property market amid weakening sentiment. Strong growth in Perth, Brisbane and Darwin contrasts with softer results in Sydney and Melbourne. Tight rental conditions persist, while cautious buyers and falling confidence are reshaping demand. The Trio note that this shift may create a rare window of opportunity for strategic buyers to act with less competit...

🎧 In this episode, the Property Trio unpack the often misunderstood world of tax depreciation.  Cate, Dave and Mike explain the difference between Division 43 and Division 40, and why structuring depreciation correctly can significantly impact early cash flow. They also explore the 2017 rule changes, the role of quantity surveyors, and overlooked opportunities like common property in apartments....

🎧 This week, the Property Trio unpack a great listener question about a common investor dilemma....when a difficult tenant starts to impact both cash flow and confidence.  John’s Ballarat property has solid fundamentals, but ongoing arrears and an ageing home raise the question: hold, fix, or sell? Cate explains how tenant stress can cloud strategy, while highlighting the value of appealing to ow...

This week, the Property Trio unpack reverse mortgages after a thoughtful listener question from Simon about funding retirement without selling property. It’s a classic accumulation-to-income pivot, and one many investors leave too late. While accessing equity instead of triggering capital gains tax sounds appealing, reverse mortgages are a cash flow tool, not a wealth strategy. Compounding interes...

In this debut live recording, Dave, Cate and Mike share their market pulse highlights before diving into some live interaction with the audience. The Q&A format is hosted by none other than the fabulous Property Professor, Pete Koulizos who joins the stage too. This mighty episode runs for one hour and thirty-five minutes. The first thirteen minutes are dedicated to each of the host's market p...

Dave Johnston and Mike Mortlock unpack the February housing data, with Perth still leading growth while Sydney and Melbourne remain flat. Hobart is showing early signs of recovery, and regional markets continue to outperform capitals. Rising global tensions, higher bond yields and possible tax changes are lifting rate expectations, but long-term housing demand continues to support property values....

Australia’s housing affordability crisis isn’t just demand-driven. In this week's episode, the Trio examines supply constraints, productivity, taxes and labour shortages. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia  https://propertyplanning.com.au/    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property  https://www.ca...

In this episode, a great listener question from Brendan sparks the conversation. The Trio take a strategic deep dive into ownership structures, equity release and lender policy, helping investors align tax outcomes, borrowing power and long-term portfolio planning. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia  https://propertyplanning.co...

In this episode, the Property Trio unpack debt recycling in plain English, explaining how it works and why it’s often misunderstood. Cate, Dave and Mike explore tax deductibility, redraw traps and cash flow risks, helping listeners understand when the strategy can add value... and when it may do more harm than good. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Prop...

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Cate, Dave and Mike unpack the latest January 2026 monthly market figures.   Following the recent cash rate increase of 25 basis points, the Trio reflect on the conditions that lead the RBA Board to raise interest rates in Feb. This was after more than six months of rates on hold following early 2025's three sets of cuts. Inflation was the primary dr...

In this episode, the Property Trio unpack debt recycling in plain English, explaining how it works and why it’s often misunderstood. Cate, Dave and Mike explore tax deductibility, redraw traps and cash flow risks, helping listeners understand when the strategy can add value... and when it may do more harm than good. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Prop...

In this episode of The Property Trio Podcast, Dave hosts the annual "How did we go?" predictions episode. The Trio have a bit of fun, going through their 2025 predictions and applying a scorecard for each other's accuracy. Who got it right? What did they get wrong? And what surprises did they miss? Cate, Dave and Mike are open, reflective and honest about how they each fared. The Property Trio is:...

This episode of The Property Trio Podcast was sparked by a fantastic listener question from Callum. The Trio dive into the mortgage questions borrowers ask every single day – plus a few curveballs that catch even experienced investors off guard. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia  https://propertyplanning.com.au/    Cate Bakos,...

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Cate, Dave and Mike unpack the latest December monthly market figures. Dave points out that we have experienced the highest national growth since 2021, and the Trio break down the star performers for the final month of the year. Adelaide and Perth continued their stellar run for December, yet Melbourne and Sydney marginally slipped back. The trio con...