Cate Bakos, David Johnston and Mike Mortlock

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

Business EN ↓ 371 episodes

Formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor, our show rebranded in 2023 to The Property Trio. Residential property is the only asset class we live in, it is where we raise our families, and it is our most expensive investment, yet property advice remains unregulated. Our objective is to educate time-poor professionals through deep insights from our experts who have provided thousands of Australians with personalised advice and education spanning two decades. In a climate where we are overloaded with information and one size fits all recommendations from the media, well-meaning friends a...

Author

Cate Bakos, David Johnston and Mike Mortlock

Episodes

#319: Market Update June 2025 – Darwin Returns to 2014 Peak, Canberra’s Top End Climbs, & Listings Drop Nationwide 21.07.2025 47:30

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM In this latest market update episode, Mike and Cate go duo as Dave hits the road with his family. Despite Dave's absence, the June market update is packed with insights and trends, although we do miss the lending data from Dav...

#318: Is Negative Gearing Worth It? - The Advantages, Risks, Common Mistakes & Expert Advice for Successful Property Investing 14.07.2025 47:19

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM 🎙️ In today’s deep dive, Cate, Dave, and Mike tackle one of the most hotly debated and widely misunderstood concepts in Australian property investing: negative gearing. 💡 What is Negative Gearing? Cate kicks things off by ask...

#317: Navigating Regional Markets - Property Selection Strategies & Deep Dive into Geelong, Surf Coast & Bellarine Peninsula 07.07.2025 54:08

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM 🎙️ In this episode, Dave is host, exploring two hot regional markets following listener questions from Daniel and Liam. Daniel asked for a deep dive into Geelong after enjoying the recent Ballarat episode, while Liam wanted in...

#316: How Long Does It Take to Double Your Property’s Value? Busting the Myth & How Rates, Supply & Market Fragmentation Changed the Game 30.06.2025 36:42

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM 🎙️ In today’s episode, Mike explores a meaty question that’s been making waves across dinner tables and developer boardrooms alike: Is the Australian property cycle still a thing, or are we living in a new paradigm? The episod...

#315: The Family Home Puzzle - Balancing Budget, Space, School Zones & Selling Properties to Upgrade 23.06.2025 47:07

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM 🎙️ In today’s episode, the Trio dive in to a relatable listener question from Josephine, who’s navigating the next big step in her property journey with her partner. With a growing family and high school on the horizon for the...

#314: Market Update May 2025 – Darwin Powers On, Melbourne Recovery Continues, All Capitals Rising, Listings & Investor Trends Signal Shift 16.06.2025 49:14

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM This week, Dave, Mike and Cate tackle the May data. Darwin continues to perform strongly, but Cate eludes to the contrasting data across various data houses. Data integrity and varying methodologies of collecting and collating...

#313: The History of Property Prices Following Interest Rate Cuts – 40 Years of Data, Houses vs Units, Capitals vs Regions & Predictions 09.06.2025 51:26

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM 🎙️ Welcome to another dynamic episode of The Property Trio! Cate, Dave, and Mike reunite to unpack a hot question on many investors’ minds: Are we on the cusp of Australia’s next housing boom? Cate kicks things off by outlinin...

#312: Why Social Housing Supply Can’t Keep Up - Exploring the Causes, Consequences & Potential Solutions to Australia’s Housing Shortfall 02.06.2025 45:33

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM 🏘️ What is Social Housing? This week, The Trio unpack social housing — subsidised accommodation aimed at vulnerable Australians. Social housing includes both public housing (state-managed) and community housing (run by not-for...

#311: REVEALED – The Aussie Suburbs with the Lowest Number of New Dwellings - The Hidden Forces Blocking New Homes in High-Demand Locations 26.05.2025 41:28

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM 🎙️In this timely and hard-hitting episode of The Property Trio, Dave, Cate, and Mike unpack a serious supply crisis facing Australian housing. Mike Mortlock shares some valuable research, hot off the press from the team at MCG...

#310: Market Update Apr 25 – Darwin Dominates, Melbourne Signals Growth Ahead, Quartile Price Movements & Expected Rate Cuts Fuel Confidence 19.05.2025 57:30

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM This week, Dave, Mike and Cate tackle the data! Nationally, the gains could be described as "soft", but for Darwin and Hobart, things are anything but soft. With a second consecutive strong month, Darwin is once again the star...

#309: How to Boost Borrowing Power – Debt Management Strategy for Smart Property Decisions & Unlock Investment, Home & Refinance Opportunity 12.05.2025 47:54

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Welcome to Episode 3 of our special Property Trio trilogy, where we wrap up our deep dive into one of the most critical aspects of property investing in today’s environment: borrowing capacity. For our listeners who have tuned...

#308: Darwin Under the Microscope - Will 2025 Mark the Return of Property Growth for Australia’s Most Affordable & Smallest Capital City? 05.05.2025 56:33

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM 🎙️This episode was inspired by a thoughtful message from a listener who challenged us to dig deeper into Darwin’s property market after we referenced it briefly on a previous show. Some investment advisors are touting Darwin a...

#307: Analysing Ballarat’s Property Potential - The Pros, Pitfalls and Lifestyle Insights for Home Buyers and Regional Market Investors 28.04.2025 44:13

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM In today's episode, Mike and Cate tackle a great listener question from Brooke, who asks: "Is Ballarat a no-go for investors, and what about its long-term growth prospects?" With profits from their Perth house and a $690K budg...

#306: How to Increase Borrowing Power - How Kids, Rate Cuts and Variable Income Impact Property Buying Potential, Equity Access & Refinance 22.04.2025 53:22

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM In this episode, Cate and Dave dive into how life circumstances and interest rate changes directly impact borrowing capacity when borrowers are applying for a mortgage. Whether you're planning to start a family, waiting for a...

#305: Market Update Mar 25 – Darwin Leads Growth, Melbourne Posts Another Increase & Interest Rate Uncertainty Amid Global Tariff Concerns 14.04.2025 52:25

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM This week, Mike and Cate tackle the data! Nationally, median dwelling values have strengthened, recording 0.4% for the month. But it is Darwin who's stolen the show with a full 100 basis points rise in March. Adelaide continue...

#304: How to Increase Borrowing Capacity - Strategies to Maximise Your Property Budget, Refinance, Access Equity & Grow Wealth 07.04.2025 42:15

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM In this episode, Cate and Dave dive into a topic that’s top of mind for many aspiring homeowners and investors—how to increase borrowing capacity. Whether you’re buying your first property, refinancing, or growing a portfolio,...

#303: Avoiding Property Investment Traps - Off-the-Plan Risks, Market Timing & Spotting Property Spruikers 31.03.2025 46:49

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Dave hosts this episode with Sarah's great listener question. Sarah writes in; "Melbourne will need to turn around at some point after underperforming. With this, there’s been an increase (or at least it seems like it) in mar...

#302: Can You Predict Property Market Recoveries? Property Cycles & Mean Reversion – Is Melbourne A Hidden Opportunity or a Risky Bet? 24.03.2025 46:08

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM In this episode of the Property Trio, Dave, Cate and Mike delve into the concept of mean reversion in property investment, particularly focusing on the Melbourne market. If a market experiences a prolonged flat or declining pe...

#301: Market Update Feb 25 – Melbourne Takes the Lead in Value Growth, Upper Quartile Drives Recovery and Buyer Sentiment Rises 17.03.2025 49:18

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM This week, Dave and Cate enjoy sharing the Monthly Market Update while Mike is cycling through Thailand for a very special charity ride. The duo unpack the February indices.... and they circle Melbourne and canvas the coalface...

#300: A Deep Dive into Market Movements Over 6 Years & 300 Episodes - How This Compares to the Last Decade & What Lies Ahead 10.03.2025 54:44

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Dave hosts our 300th show today, and it's a particularly special episode because we commemorate Mike's 100th episode in the Trio. What's changed in the data, the economy and the Australian property market since we started reco...

#299: Maximising Wealth in Retirement – When to Divest Properties and Retire Debt to Achieve Lasting Financial Security 03.03.2025 31:18

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Cate hosts today's show and she opens the conversation Kim's listener question as follows. "I would love to hear more about what to do with property portfolios for those nearing retirement. Do we transfer to our kids, sell som...

#298: Is Melbourne’s Property Market About to Turn? A Data-Driven Look at What’s Next 24.02.2025 53:59

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Cate hosts today's show and she opens the conversation with the most recent interest rate cut. What could it mean for the property market? And will we see consecutive cuts in the short-term? Dave shares his perspective on Melb...

#297: Market Update Jan 25 – Markets Brace for RBA Rate Decision, Is Perth’s Boom Over, Rental Pressures Ease & City Folk Flock to Regions 17.02.2025 55:32

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM This week, Mike hosts the monthly market update and kicks off with a segment about Darwin. But, as Cate states, data points don't make a trend line. Darwin's recent performance may be noteworthy, but historical data suggests t...

#296: Nailing Your Investment Purchase – Cash Flow vs. Capital Growth & How to Pick the Right Location 10.02.2025 36:39

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM Cate hosts today's listener question episode and Matthew writes in with his question; "I'm currently seeking to purchase an investment property in Melbourne, with a max budget of $1.2 million (as advised by my mortgage broker)...

#295: The Trio’s Top Predictions for 2025 - What’s in Store for the Property Market? 03.02.2025 58:21

Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM It's another bumper episode, and we promise we won't keep clocking one hour eps. Following on from last week's retrospective on how the Trio went with their 2024 predictions, this time they each shared their 2025 predictions....