Australian Property Podcast

Episoder

• First home buyers after the Budget: grants, pathways and the traps to avoid 16.06.2026 41min

  First home buyers are finally getting a bit more breathing room, but that does not mean every scheme is a green light. In this Australian Property Podcast episode, Chris Bates sits down with Jack Elliott, National First Home Buyer Specialist at Alcove, to unpack what changed after the Budget and how buyers should think about grants, guarantees and shared-equity options in 2026. Jack explains why some first home buyers are seeing less competition at opens and auctions, how changes to investor borrowing power may be shifting the market, and why waiting for the perfect headline can be just as risky as rushing in too early. The bigger question, according to Jack, is whether you are actually ready: know your numbers, stress-test your budget, understand your pathway and buy with the next five to ten years in mind. They also break down the main paths into the market, including the 5% deposit scheme, LMI waivers for certain professions, guarantor loans, Help to Buy, and gifted money. Plus, they cover what to watch with stamp duty concessions and the First Home Owner Grant, and the trap of letting a short-term incentive drive a long-term property decision. If you are trying to work out whether to buy now, which scheme fits your situation, or how to avoid the biggest first-home-buyer mistakes, this episode is for you. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit Rask resources – Pete's Buyers Agency – Alcove mortgage broking – Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• The post-Budget property reset — fear, buyers and what happens next 13.06.2026 43min

  In this episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates step back from the panic that followed the federal Budget and ask what is actually changing in Australia’s housing market. The headlines have turned hard, sentiment has cooled quickly and buyers are suddenly hearing talk of weaker auctions, falling prices and a tougher road for investors. Pete and Chris explain why the fear feels louder than the facts, why some owner-occupier markets may hold up far better than investor-led pockets, and why softer turnover can show up long before the national data fully catches up. They also discuss why first-home buyers may get a little more breathing room if investors retreat, but why that same shift could deepen rental pressure and make the supply problem worse. The episode then moves from headlines to strategy. Pete and Chris unpack where capital may flow next, including commercial property and new apartments, and whether those pivots genuinely stack up for investors. They also weigh up the more constructive side of the story: ongoing housing undersupply, easing rate expectations and the chance some of the most dramatic policy fears get diluted over time. Plus, they answer listener questions on land tax, retirement pressure and what a move to New Zealand could mean for Australians with property held across multiple structures. If you want a practical take on the post-Budget property reset, buyer opportunity and the risks hiding underneath the noise, this is a timely episode to queue up. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit Rask resources – Pete's Buyers Agency – Alcove mortgage broking – Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What the post-Budget property reset means for buyers and new builds 06.06.2026 46min

  In this 2 Sense episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack what the post-Budget property reset is starting to look like in real time. The initial panic has eased, but the aftershocks are now showing up in buyer behaviour, lending conversations and market turnover. Pete and Chris explain why first-home buyers are suddenly seeing less competition at open homes, why established-property investors are retreating, and why Sydney and Melbourne are leading the slowdown. They also dig into the pressure points underneath the headlines: softer sales volumes, weaker auction conditions, tighter serviceability, and the risk that lower turnover makes housing even less flexible for households and state budgets alike. A big focus in this episode is the mismatch between policy intent and what may happen on the ground. New-build and off-the-plan inquiries have jumped, but that does not mean projects will stack up or convert into real sales. Pete and Chris talk through why build costs, borrowing limits, settlement risk and buyer caution still matter, and why some “solutions” may look better on paper than in practice. They also cover rents, vacancies, buyer’s agents under pressure, the markets most exposed if investor demand keeps fading, and what listeners should watch next if they want to buy, hold or rethink a property plan. If you want a calm, practical read on where the market may be heading from here, this is a timely listen. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit Rask resources – Pete's Buyers Agency – Alcove mortgage broking – Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Senator Andrew Bragg on housing, tax and Australia’s productivity problem 01.06.2026 1t 2min

  This episode was originally featured on the Australian Investors Podcast. In this episode, Owen Rask sits down with Senator Andrew Bragg for a wide-ranging conversation about the Federal Budget, housing supply, tax, productivity and why so many Australians feel the country has become harder to get ahead in. Rather than getting stuck in party talking points, they focus on the practical questions investors, business owners and workers are asking right now: what happens when policy makes it harder to build homes, why does productivity matter so much for living standards, and how do taxes, regulation and incentives shape whether Australia creates more wealth or simply fights over what already exists? Andrew explains why he believes cutting housing supply is one of the worst policy choices Australia can make, how rising rents, higher rates and broader cost-of-living pressure are changing the national mood, and why small business, private investment and simpler rules still matter if Australia wants to stay competitive. The conversation also touches on super, the role of large institutions, and why clearer economic thinking matters more when confidence is low. Owen pushes on the bigger picture too: whether Australia has lost ambition, why the policy debate feels less honest than it should, and what needs to change if Australians want better opportunities over the next decade. If you want a plain-English discussion about housing, tax, productivity, competitiveness and the long-run direction of Australia, this is a timely episode to queue next. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Show partner resources – Join Pearler using the code "RASKSWITCH" and get $32 of Pearler Credit Rask resources – Pete's Buyers Agency – Alcove mortgage broking – Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Budget fallout for property: buyers, investors and the new-build gamble 30.05.2026 56min

  In this 2 Sense episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack what the post-Budget property reset is starting to look like on the ground. Even before any policy changes are fully legislated, sentiment has shifted: investors are turning cautious, lenders are tightening around serviceability, asking prices are easing in parts of Sydney and Melbourne, and nervous sellers are starting to meet more patient buyers. Pete and Chris explain why this could create a short-term window for owner-occupiers and first-home buyers, especially if they stay selective and focus on quality assets instead of compromised stock. They also dig into the second-order effects many people miss: weaker turnover, softer stamp duty receipts for state governments, a possible push toward broader land-tax reform, and the way confidence can return quickly once rates, policy or sentiment stabilise. The episode also tackles the big debate around new builds. While tax settings may steer more investors toward fresh stock, Pete and Chris question whether the numbers really stack up once you factor in high build costs, elevated rates and the risk of owning something the next investor may not value the same way. Plus, they answer listener questions on refinancing an existing investment property, when interest-only lending may still make sense, and whether downsizers in developer-heavy suburbs could benefit from the changing market. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources – Pete's Buyers Agency – Alcove mortgage broking – Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Budget changes: What property investors, pre-retirees and retirees should do next 26.05.2026 38min

  Chris Bates sits down with James O’Reilly to unpack what the latest Federal Budget proposals could mean for Australian property investors at three very different life stages: wealth accumulators, pre-retirees and retirees. They break down how proposed changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trust taxation may change the numbers for investors who have relied on property for growth, cashflow and tax efficiency. From there, the conversation moves beyond headlines into practical strategy: whether younger investors may lean harder on shares, debt recycling and super, why new-build incentives can become a trap if the underlying asset is weak, and how upgrading or renovating the family home may stack up differently if CGT settings change. For pre-retirees and retirees, Chris and James explore the line-in-the-sand moment many property owners could face before 1 July next year, including whether to hold, sell, add to super or rethink how wealth gets passed on. They also discuss SMSF property risks, why tax now matters more than ever in long-term modelling, and how good advice can help people avoid rushed decisions based on policy noise. If you own property, want to buy, or are rethinking where your next dollar should go after the Budget, this episode offers a calm framework for weighing the trade-offs. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources – Pete's Buyers Agency – Alcove mortgage broking – Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Is property investing dead? What the Budget means for buyers, rents and prices 23.05.2026 46min

  Is property investing dead, or is Australia just entering an uncomfortable reset? In this 2 Sense episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack the post-Budget aftershocks now rippling through the housing market. They start with the investor side of the equation. With Sydney auctions rattled, negative gearing changes looming, and Macquarie already cutting investor serviceability, Pete and Chris explain why many established-property buyers may step back fast. They discuss where demand could weaken first, why some investors may pivot to new builds or other asset classes, and why rental pressure could worsen if fewer investors keep stock in the market. The episode also explores the flip side: could this finally be a better window for first-home buyers? The pair look at how reduced investor competition may change conditions on the ground, why strategy matters more than panic, and what buyers and sellers should be thinking about while the policy picture is still evolving. They also answer listener questions on getting a home loan while working on contract, plus the risks of chasing offshore property opportunities in places like the UAE or New Zealand. If you want a calm, practical conversation about rents, borrowing power, first-home buyer opportunities and what the Budget could change next, this is a timely listen. Episode resources – Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources – Pete's Buyers Agency – Alcove mortgage broking – Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) – All services – Financial Planning – Invest with us – Access Show Notes – Ask a question – We love feedback! Follow us on social media – Instagram: @rask.invest – TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Budget shock for property investors, rents and house prices 14.05.2026 55min

  In this 2 Sense episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates react to a Federal Budget that could reshape Australia’s housing market faster than many investors expect. Recording the morning after the announcement, they break down the headline changes: negative gearing being restricted to new builds from 1 July 2027, a tougher capital gains tax regime, and a new minimum tax rate on trusts. But the real focus is what those changes do to behaviour. Pete and Chris unpack why investor borrowing capacity could be hit, why established-property demand may soften, and why areas with heavy investor ownership could feel the pressure first. The episode also looks at the flow-on effects for rents, first-home buyers and housing supply. With vacancy rates already tight and rates still elevated, the pair explain why the market could split further between scarce owner-occupier-grade assets and investor-led stock such as some apartments and regional hotspots. They also discuss the likely policy response, including a bigger role for the 5% deposit scheme as government tries to keep demand from falling too hard. If you want a practical conversation about what the Budget could mean for prices, rents and property strategy from here, this is a timely episode to queue up now. Episode resources - Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources - Pete's Buyers Agency - Alcove mortgage broking - Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) - All services - Financial Planning - Invest with us - Access Show Notes - Ask a question - We love feedback! Follow us on social media - Instagram: [@rask.invest] - TikTok: [@rask.invest] DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Why does it cost so much to build in Australia? Plus Budget risks for housing 09.05.2026 55min

  Why does it cost so much to build in Australia right now? In this week’s 2 Sense episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack a fresh construction squeeze just as the housing market heads into a Budget week that could reshape investor behaviour. They break down the build-cost blowout, including the sharp rise in the cost of delivering a dwelling since 2019, and explain why higher diesel, concrete, piping, plumbing supplies and financing costs all matter. If feasible projects become marginal and marginal projects become unfeasible, the supply response Australia desperately needs gets pushed even further out. The conversation then shifts to policy risk. Pete and Chris explore reported changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing, softer conditions in Sydney and Melbourne, stronger rental yields, and what tighter supply could mean for buyers, investors and rents. The episode also answers listener questions on selling an investment property to buy ETFs, and how to balance property with shares for long-term retirement goals. It’s a practical, timely listen for anyone trying to read the next phase of the housing market. Episode resources Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• How to buy in a hot vs cool property market 05.05.2026 45min

  Most buyers approach property search the same way regardless of what the market is doing. Pete Wargent and Amy Lunardi argue that this is exactly where buyers go wrong. In this episode of the Australian Property Podcast, they break down how to identify the market you are actually in and how your strategy needs to change when conditions shift. Rather than relying on broad headlines, they explain how to zoom in on the signals that matter most: auction clearance rates, days on market, vendor discounting, stock levels and real buyer depth at inspections and auctions. In hot markets, they cover the need to move quickly, complete due diligence early, set a hard ceiling before negotiations begin and avoid the emotional exhaustion that leads buyers to overpay or drift from their brief. In cooler markets, they unpack how to spot a genuinely motivated vendor, when to make an offer before being invited, how to think about off-markets and EOI campaigns, and why waiting for the perfect bottom can become its own costly mistake. The result is a practical guide for first-home buyers, upgraders and investors who want to buy well in any environment. There may never be a perfect market, but there is a smarter way to buy in the one you have. Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Why buying your first home feels impossible (and what to do instead) with Lucinda Hartley 02.05.2026 46min

  This episode was originally featured on The Australian Finance Podcast. Discover why the traditional path to buying your first home no longer works, the trade-offs modern buyers must make, and how to rethink home ownership in today’s market. In this Australian Property Podcast episode, your host Gemma Mitchell is joined by Lucinda Hartley, author of Finding Home, to unpack what’s really changed when it comes to buying your first home. They cover: – Why the traditional “rulebook” no longer applies – How first home buyers need to rethink what “home” means – The key trade-offs you must understand before buying – How to approach home ownership in a way that fits your life today Topics Covered – Why the First Home Buyer Rulebook is Outdated – Then vs Now: What’s Changed in the Property Market – Rethinking What “Home” Means – The First Question Buyers Should Ask Themselves – Housing as “Success” vs Housing as “Security” – Is “Worst House, Best Street” Still Relevant? – Suburb vs Property: What Matters More Today – Changing Buyer Preferences (Apartments, Location, Lifestyle) – The Impact of Government Grants & Incentives – Is the 30% Housing Rule Still Realistic? – The Trade-Off Triangle Explained – The 10 Lifestyle Trade-Off Lenses – Common Trade-Offs Buyers Regret – Defining Your Non-Negotiables Before Buying – Credit Scores: What Actually Matters – Final Advice for First Home Buyers Resources for this episode ⁠Connect with Lucinda: Finding Home – Lucinda Hartley⁠ ⁠Buy Gemma’s book “The Money Reset”⁠ ⁠Speak with the Rask Advice team⁠ Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• What tax reforms mean for the housing market 25.04.2026 49min

  Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down what potential changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing could mean for investors and renters, then zoom out to the bigger forces shaping the property market. Key topics: Possible CGT and negative gearing reforms, and the flow-on to investor demand, rents and buyers Oil prices, bond yields, sticky rents, and shaky confidence in Sydney and Melbourne The role of immigration and supply in ongoing housing pressure Listener Q&A on refinancing, fixed vs variable rates, and whether to wait or back high-quality assets Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency: https://allenwargent.com.au Alcove mortgage broking: https://raskmedia.com.au/services/mortgage-broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) https://amylunardi.com.au All services: https://bit.ly/R-services Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/R-plan Invest with us: https://bit.ly/R-invest Access Show Notes: https://bit.ly/R-notes Ask a question (select the property podcast): https://bit.ly/R-quest We love feedback! https://raskau.typeform.com/to/ZbfHy6IP Follow us on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rask.invest TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Sydney and Melbourne’s property downturn: how long will it last? 18.04.2026 47min

  Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack how long the Sydney and Melbourne property downturn could last, why build costs may rise again, and what buyers, sellers and investors should do next. They cover weak auctions, slowing construction, tight rental markets, and the practical decisions facing first-home buyers, upgraders and investors in a softer market. Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• How to retire on $3,000 per week - the property playbook 11.04.2026 56min

  This week on the Australian Property Podcast, we’re sharing a great past conversation originally published on The Australian Finance Podcast. In this episode, Gemma Mitchell is joined by Ben Kingsley, one of Australia’s leading property investment advisers, founder of Empower Wealth, and Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia. Ben, alongside long-time business partner Bryce Holdaway, recently released their third book, How to Retire on $3,000 a Week. Together, they’ve built a strong reputation for helping everyday Australians better understand property investing, and are also the co-authors of best-selling titles Make Money Simple Again and The Armchair Guide to Property Investing. While Bryce wasn’t part of this conversation, Ben shares practical insights from their latest book and his decades of experience helping investors build wealth through property. In this episode, we cover: - how property can fit alongside super as part of a broader wealth plan - whether there is a sweet spot when it comes to the number of investment properties to own - what’s inside their latest book and the key ideas behind retiring on $3,000 a week - practical lessons from working with everyday Australians on long-term property strategies Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Fuel shock inflation and higher rates are pushing Australia’s housing to a tipping point 04.04.2026 42min

  Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down the latest fuel shock, rising inflation risk and shifting rate expectations, and what it means for the Australian property market. They connect the macro pressure to what is happening on the ground — tighter listings, rising build costs, weaker sentiment and the early signs of a split market — and outline how buyers, sellers and investors can navigate what could be a difficult stretch into late 2026. Together they discuss – Fuel shock intensifying: shortages emerging and diesel pushing above $3 per litre– Fuel excise cut unlikely to offset rising costs as supply remains constrained– Markets now pricing rates toward 4.6% – 4.85%, with further hikes expected before easing– Build feasibility deteriorating– Consumer confidence collapsing– Two-speed market forming: entry-level demand holding, premium segments weakening– Housing shortfall widening– Listener Q&A: portfolio strategy and capital allocation in uncertain conditions Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Fuel prices are surging and Australia's property market is entering a harder phase 28.03.2026 44min

  Oil prices up, construction costs up, confidence down! Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack a fast-moving week for property: surging fuel costs, rising inflation risk, collapsing confidence, and what all of that means for rates, building activity, listings, and buyer behaviour. The episode matters because the pressure is no longer theoretical — it is already hitting development feasibility, rental supply, and decision-making across the market. Together they discuss - Diesel has surged to roughly $3 per litre, with Australia especially exposed to fuel shocks; Pete notes this is already flowing through to transport, airfares, freight, food, and service pricing. - February inflation came in at 3.7% headline and 3.3% core, but both hosts stress that this was effectively pre-conflict data, with much bigger inflation impacts still to come through fuel and housing costs. - Consumer sentiment is at its weakest since 1973, services PMI dropped from 52.8 to 46.2, and market pricing has shifted toward a terminal cash rate of about 4.65% by December. Pete also notes bond yields spiked to 4.9% before easing back. - First-home buyers are still transacting despite the nerves, helped by the 5% deposit scheme and a strong desire to exit the rental market. Chris says his team had six first-home buyers purchase in a week, even as investors begin to look more fragile. - The market is splitting: premium property has cooled, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, while the lower end remains highly competitive. Pete says he is still seeing no evidence of declines at entry-level price points, even as high-end sentiment weakens. - Development feasibility is deteriorating fast. Pete cites producer-price inputs like copper pipes and tiles up 82% since 2019, and notes luxury apartment construction costs have risen by about $125,000. Both hosts mention clients cancelling developments because they would now lose money by building. - Builders are under renewed strain and profit incentive worries: new home sales fell in March, insolvencies are rising - Listener Q&A: fixing part of a mortgage in a rising-rate environment, and whether a much larger inherited deposit should change ownership percentages inside a marriage. Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Interest rates are rising again and Australia's housing shortage is getting worse 21.03.2026 40min

  Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack the RBA’s latest rate hike, what higher mortgage rates could mean for borrowing power and sentiment, and why Australia’s housing shortage is still intensifying. They move from the macro picture into the real pressure points on the ground: tighter rental markets, a split housing cycle, and the conditions that may create both risk and opportunity over the next 12 months. Together, they discuss: - RBA lifted rates and could do so again if inflation persists - Oil s reigniting inflation risk, feeding into rate expectations and dampening buyer confidence - The hidden costs of moving house in Australia - First-home buyers still active but adjusting budgets; upgraders slowing, especially in key markets - Market turning K-shaped: premium softening while entry-level demand stays strong via 5% deposit schemes - Rental pressure intensifying: how long will shortages last? - Structural challenges: dwelling numbers, demographic shifts, and mismatched supply - Development conditions are constrained: what can builders do? - Listener Q&A Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Oil shock swings markets but Aussie property supply still tight 14.03.2026 47min

  In this week’s episode of the Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack a volatile week in global markets and what it might mean for Australian housing. From oil price shocks and inflation fears to population shifts and investor behaviour, they explore why short-term uncertainty rarely changes the long-term structural drivers of property markets Together, they discuss: - Sudden oil price spikes briefly shake financial markets - Global supply shocks, inflation pressures and potential interest rate hikes could influence housing sentiment without necessarily changing long-term property demand. - Migration patterns are intensifying rental shortages and housing pressure in those states. - Why investors approaching retirement are increasingly selling property assets, particularly negatively geared units that generate little cashflow in retirement. - The growing divide between generations. - How market uncertainty often reduces listings rather than demand - The hidden costs of moving house in Australia. - Listener Q&A Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Are buyers finding opportunities in this two speed market? 07.03.2026 45min

  The market is splitting in two. Buyers who stay selective will do better. Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down why inflation risks are rising again after renewed global instability, how that’s feeding into rate expectations and buyer sentiment, and why construction is still failing to deliver enough supply. They also unpack the latest noise around negative gearing and capital gains tax, and what reforms might change — versus what just adds uncertainty — as the market shifts into a clear two speed cycle. Together, they discuss: Inflation risks returning as global instability pushes up energy costs, with fuel jumping quickly in parts of Australia  Why the RBA may prefer waiting for quarterly data Evidence of a two speed housing market The on the ground reality for first home buyers at the lower end, including competition for scarce houses and buyers being pushed toward poorer assets amid FOMO  Negative gearing and CGT reform chatter ahead of the budget The core supply problem getting worse: building approvals down  Why approvals are still not enough for the national target Listener Q&A Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• Hot inflation and the Olympic effect on property 28.02.2026 41min

  Inflation is still running hot. Construction can’t keep up. And the Olympics are coming. Pete Wargent and Chris Bates unpack what is really driving Australian property in early 2026 — sticky inflation, renewed rate risk, construction bottlenecks and Olympic-driven labour demand. With approvals rising but delivery lagging, they examine how supply constraints, first-home buyer momentum and rising build costs are influencing prices and opportunity across the country. Together, they discuss: - Inflation came in hot and what another potential rate hike means for buyer confidence - Why first-home buyers continue entering despite higher rates and tighter borrowing capacity - The impact of the revamped 5% deposit scheme on bottom-quartile prices - Why approvals are lifting but dwelling completions remain stubbornly low - Olympic-driven labour demand in Brisbane  - Infrastructure projects crowd out housing supply - The rise in build costs and how higher replacement values are embedding price support - Does regional outperformance reflect affordability, investor activity or structural shift? - Listener Q&A: Downsizing strategies and how parents can structure support for children without compromising their own financial security Resources for this episode Ask a question (select the Property podcast) Rask Resources Pete's Buyers Agency Alcove mortgage broking Amy Lunardi Buyers Agency (Melbourne) All services Financial Planning Invest with us Access Show Notes Ask a question We love feedback! Follow us on social media: Instagram: @rask.invest TikTok: @rask.invest DISCLAIMER: This podcast contains general financial information only. That means the information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Because of that, you should consider if the information is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on it. If you’re confused about what that means or what your needs are, you should always consult a licensed and trusted financial planner. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this podcast, including any financial, taxation, and/or legal information. Remember, past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Rask Group is NOT a qualified tax accountant, financial (tax) adviser, or financial adviser. Access The Rask Group's Financial Services Guide (FSG): https://www.rask.com.au/fsg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices