How your super balance compares to others
Key takeaways It’s important to know how much is in your superannuation, and whether you’re on track to achieve a comfortable retirement. Australians can retire at any age, but to qualify for an aged pension you need to be 67…
Sydney housing market update [video]
Last month’s 0.6% lift in national home values marked the 14th consecutive month-on-month rise, taking the index 1.6% or about $12,000 higher in the March quarter. Since declining 7.5% in the downturn between April 2022 and January 2023, the national…
Should you ever prioritise short-term returns?
Regular readers of this blog would be aware of my unwavering commitment to adopting a long-term perspective when it comes to making financial decisions. While I firmly believe in this approach, I also recognise that there are occasions when short-term…
a shift towards high-income tenants
If you’re currently renting, this might sound all too familiar. However, for those who haven’t been part of the rental market for some time, the following revelation might come as a surprise: Over the past quarter-century, there’s been a significant…
Adelaide housing market update [video]
Last month’s 0.6% lift in national home values marked the 14th consecutive month-on-month rise, taking the index 1.6% or about $12,000 higher in the March quarter. Since declining 7.5% in the downturn between April 2022 and January 2023, the national…
When Will Australian House Prices Crash?
Key takeaways The probability of an Australian property crash is deemed very low. A crash typically occurs when forced sellers significantly discount properties due to an absence of buyers. Such a scenario could arise from severe recession, high unemployment, or…
Concentration or diversification – which makes better investments
Common wisdom seems to suggest that you should diversify your investments. But is this correct? In my opinion, it is wrong, in fact, I remember reading Napoleon Hill’s great book Think and Grow Rich many years ago where he also…
Adelaide and Perth Closing In on Melbourne’s Prices – What This Means for Investors!
Key takeaways According to recent data, Adelaide and Perth’s median dwelling price are now nearly as pricey as Melbourne for the first time in up to 15 years. At the same time, the median dwelling price in Canberra and Brisbane…
Vacancy Rate Records Another New Low As Tenant Competition Eases
Key takeaways Australia’s vacancy rate has reached a new record low of 0.7%. However, there’s a slight alleviation in tenant competition as the average views per rental listing declined in February and continues to remain lower compared to previous years….
The population forecast for New South Wales
New South Wales is Australia’s most populated state, with just under a third of the national population residing in NSW. The disruptions of the COVID pandemic had a significant impact on the state, with a net loss of people through…
suburbs where residents stay put or pack up
Australia is full steam ahead through the next phase of the property cycle, but supply issues continue to weigh heavy on the market. The lack of available properties is a market-wide issue, but there are some suburbs where homeowners are…
What is negative gearing and what is it doing to housing affordability?
Australia’s housing crisis is putting the Australian dream of owning one’s home out of reach for many. But it’s not just home ownership that has been affected. Rental affordability has also become a serious issue. This has reignited the debate…
What type of property investor are you?
Key takeaways There are 3 main types of property investor As you read this article you’ll see which category you fall into. 1. Firstly there is the Passive Investor who tends to spend little time looking for a property. 2. The…
How much value does a pool add to your property’s sale price?
From granny flats to kitchen renovations and even new driveways, Aussies love to look for property upgrades that will increase the overall value of their property. After all, renovations are a great way to make your home more functional, comfortable…
Stamp duty is holding us back from moving homes – we’ve worked out how much
If just one state of Australia, New South Wales, scrapped its stamp duty on real estate transactions, about 100,000 more Australians would move homes each year, according to our best estimates. Stamp duty is an unquestioned part of buying a…
Aussie suburbs where properties are earning more than their owners
Key takeaways Australia’s national property prices reached a new peak in March, having lifted for 14 consecutive months in a row. The latest data shows that property prices have increased 1.57% so far this year to sit 6.79% above March…
Rapid population growth – and its consequences
“Rapid population growth – at rates above 2 per cent, common in most developing countries today – acts as a brake on development. Up to a point, population growth can be accommodated… but the goal of development extends beyond accommodation…
The “Secret” To My Property Investing Success
Key takeaways A journalist asked me what’s been the “secret” to my success in building a very substantial property portfolio and having succeeded through multiple property cycles. I explained that there is no “secret” but there is a strategy. My…
We need more young bums on seats.
Daily we see sombre images from conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, Haiti and along the Coup Corridor in Africa. These evoke a mix of compassion and concern. For many, the sight of fellow humans fleeing from violence and upheaval provokes…
Australians now own less land – new data reveals
Key takeaways Despite being one of the least dense countries, Australia has some of the highest home prices in the world. Domain’s latest data shows that house prices per square metre and unit prices per square metre in capital cities…
Some things that never change in a world that never stops changing
Today I’d like to discuss a few things that never change in a world that never stops changing. And that’s because the things that never change are the most important things to pay attention to. However, change gets the most…
Stop picking on property investors
Key takeaways A disturbing narrative has taken hold in recent years—a kind of “Tall Poppy Syndrome” that paints property investors as the villains of the Australian dream. One in three Aussie families rent their accomodation. Then there are the 2.1…
Seven lasting impacts from the COVID pandemic
Key takeaways Seven key lasting impacts from the Coronavirus pandemic are: “bigger” government; tighter labour markets; reduced globalisation and increased geopolitical tensions; higher inflation; worse housing affordability; working from home; and a faster embrace of technology. On balance these make…
Rising land tax to cause havoc
Key takeaways State governments have been sending out land tax notices to property investors recently. The increased levies are prompting them to reassess their investments. The surge in land taxes is expected to worsen the rental crisis, as investors may…
Can I purchase property through a trust or company in Belize?
Property Through a Trust Or Company in Belize Unlike other Central and South American countries, Belize allows property buyers to own their land and homes in “fee simple”. This means you have complete ownership of the property without limitation. A…
Finding an Apartment in Canberra – Six Things You Need to Look for
Canberra is the capital of Australia and has important government buildings, a national museum, and other important buildings. The capital has a population of 472,000 (about half the population of Montana), and it is among the most populated cities in…
Why Time Matters More Than Money
Do you think much about how you spend your time? Or does your day just seem to fly past filled with tasks and other people’s priorities? Controlled by others? I recently read an article by Sahil Bloom that discussed who…
Let’s not kid ourselves that private investors or super funds will build the social housing we need
Treasurer Jim Chalmers is leading a push to get private investors to help build more social and affordable housing. But we shouldn’t kid ourselves about where the money will come from. The defining feature of social and affordable housing is…
5 Best Real Estate Photo Editing Services of 2024
Professionally enhanced images can do wonders for increasing the engagement of real estate listings, bringing in more clicks on Zillow, and boosting the possibility of a profitable sale. The best real estate photo editing services can, for instance, assist you…
fueling a housing boom across Australia’s top states
Record population growth will increase housing demand, both to buy and rent. Australia’s population growth has bounced back big time after the Covid restrictions and the country’s annual increase is currently close to 625,000. This likens to a 12,000 increase…
What if we stopped immigration? Would that help our housing crisis?
Key takeaways The Government has designed a Migration Program to address persistent and emerging skills shortages and boost productivity as Australia transitions to net-zero emissions. While universities and colleges have benefited financially from the student boom, the surge in temporary…
How much do you need to make it into the top 1 percent in Australia?
Key takeaways Last year entering the elite circle of Australia’s wealthiest 1% became slightly more attainable. Now, a net worth of around A$7.18 million is the new benchmark, down from the previous A$8.41 million. Last year entering the elite circle…
Some Stats to keep you in the loop
Recently the NAB released a summary of recent business statistics, from interest rates to inflation to business confidence, and had a look at the key numbers affecting Australia’s economy. Here’s what they had to say: First rate cut forecast for…
Buying an Investment Property in Australia (Step-by-Step)
Are you an expat considering buying an investment property in Australia? Well… you’re not alone. Since the pandemic lockdowns eased (remember those?) and our international and domestic borders reopened there has been a shift in demand across all our property…
A hollow egg or the whole basket? How much chocolate should my kid eat this Easter?
Easter is the time for chocolate. The shops are full of fantastically packaged and shiny chocolates in all shapes and sizes, making trips to the supermarket with children more challenging than ever. Meanwhile kids are receiving chocolate eggs at every…
Capital city’s population growth the highest on record – new data reveals
Australia’s population keeps on booming. In fact, the population of Australia’s capital cities grew over 500,000 in the year ending June 2023, the largest annual growth recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Beidar Cho, ABS head of demography…
7 questions to evaluate how 2024 will pan out for you
Key takeaways We’re living in interesting times, aren’t we? A time of social and political unrest but also a year into a new property cycle – a time when lifetime wealth will be created by some people, but unfortunately not…
Inner city areas of Australia are booming – regional population growth 2022-23 update
The 2022-23 population update figures (Estimated Resident Population) have just been released by the ABS. This happens around the end of March every year but is particularly eagerly awaited this year, as we already knew from the state and national…
Think short-stay rentals like Airbnb are out of control? Numbers are down, especially in our biggest cities
Further restrictions on short-term rental properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb and Stayz are on the table in Australia. Public pressure to ease the housing crisis is mounting. This makes quick-fix solutions to make housing more affordable and increasingly…
Take action in spite of your fears
Here are some interesting facts… The first car was invented in Germany in 1886 where there were no proper roads, no petrol stations, and it was against at the law. But Karl Benz launched it anyway. Amongst 50 of the…
The impact of inaccurate population forecasts in Australia’s housing supply challenges
One of the challenges our government is facing in handling the housing crisis is dealing with inaccurate population forecasts. HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon recently highlighted a startling fact: “Australia’s population hit 26.8 million in September 2023, surpassing the Australian…
Housing affordability hits crisis level – new report reveals
It’s official – housing affordability in Australia is at a crisis point. A startling report by the Real Estate Institute of Australia reveals that families are now allocating nearly half of their income to mortgage repayments. Specifically, the average household…
a critical look at falling approvals
The housing sector in Australia is at a crossroads. With housing approvals at their lowest since August 2009, we’re facing a situation where the current housing shortage could worsen unless decisive action is taken. The challenges at hand Several factors…
Australian economic and financial markets update
Key takeaways If a picture paints a thousand words, then this collection of charts should do a pretty good job of painting the landscape as it affects our economy and our property markets. Australia’s economy doesn’t operate in isolation, so…
If you knew you would die in 10 years, what would you do today
Key takeaways Considering a 10-year timeframe prompts deeper reflection compared to shorter-term scenarios. It allows for significant but manageable adjustments. Spending time with loved ones becomes paramount, emphasizing meaningful connections and creating lasting memories. Focus shifts towards honing skills, sharing…
Which suburbs has prices jumping to more than $240k in the last three months?
Key takeaways Certain suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne have experienced significant increases in property prices, with some exceeding $240,000 over just three months, indicating a strong housing market recovery trend for 2024. Factors such as improved buyer sentiment, changing interest…
The Power of Thinking Long-Term in Property Investment
What’s your financial time horizon? If you think about it, the average Australian has a very short financial time frame. Often they live week to week and wonder how they’re going to get through financially till the next pay packet….
How will each generation experience the year 2033?
As 2033 dawns, climate change is not just a distant threat but a present reality reshaping life across Australia. Each generation faces its unique set of challenges and opportunities in this evolving landscape. Let’s delve into how these changes will…
Values rose across almost 90% of house and unit markets over the year
Key takeaways Over the past year, CoreLogic’s Home Value Index has risen by 8.9%, contributing approximately $63,000 to the national median dwelling value, reaching an all-time high in February. A significant majority of house and unit markets (88.4%) across Australia…
How Many Property Investors Are There In Australia?
At a time when affordability issues make headlines every day, Australians are feeling the pinch, and properties are both low in supply and high in price; many fingers are pointed at property investors. The problem is many believe that so-called…
Renovating to Rent? Don’t Skimp on the Skip Bin
Renovating a property before renting it out is a smart move that many landlords prefer. This investment can be fruitful because property with fresh paint and new flooring attracts quality tenants. But renovation creates a lot of waste. So, how…
Rising tide of unit rents closes gap with houses in major capitals
In the past year, the rental market in Australia’s three major capital cities—Greater Sydney, Greater Melbourne, and Greater Brisbane—has experienced a narrowing gap between house and unit median rents. This trend offers critical insights into the evolving dynamics of the…
Melbourne’s apartment market: primed for exceptional performance
Key takeaways Over the last decade or so, the capital growth of most Melbourne apartments has been underwhelming, to put it mildly. Detailed analysis of the established unit market (i.e. townhouses and apartments) shows established units are currently undervalued by…
Latest RBA cash rate insights – repayment savings of $6,825 projected by December 2025
The latest RBA cash rate announcement came as no surprise, keeping the cash rate on hold at 4.35%, with most economists agreeing the next move on rates will be down. What does this mean for borrowers? Well, borrowers could be…
Unstoppable real estate: Aussies’ bold moves in the face of challenges
Despite pandemics, rising interest rates, and challenging supply issues, the Australian property market remains a remarkably resilient, unyielding force, with two out of every five Australians determined to buy a home within the next five years. A recent Westpac Home Ownership…
Rates on hold, next move likely to be down
The decision to keep the cash rate on hold at 4.35% came as no surprise, with most economists agreeing the next move on rates will be down. Although the timing of an RBA rate cut remains uncertain and dependent on…
The Aussie suburbs where property is selling the fastest
Properties in some Aussie suburbs are being snapped up at record rates as issues of scarce supply and high demand continue to strain the market. Recent Ray White data reveals that time on the market (how long it takes to…
7 legal, tax and finance-safe steps to help your kids onto the property ladder
The interest rate hiking cycle might have peaked, but it’ll be some time until rates drop, borrowing capacity increases and Australia’s property market reopens to more first-home buyers. So it’s no wonder that housing affordability (or unaffordability) is such a…
How does the location of your house drive your investment strategy?
The location of your “great Australian dream” can dramatically alter your wealth-building activities and as such, you must take this into account when developing your investment strategy. Homes are typically not purchased with the sole or dominant reason of building…
Navigating the uncertainty of mortgage rates: insights from Tarric Brooker
What’s ahead for our mortgage rates? We all want them to come down, but when will that happen? In a recent article on news.com.au commentator Tarric Brooker concludes that the timing of rate cuts remains uncertain and the date could…
Sydney versus Melbourne: an investor’s perspective
Sydney’s housing market has shown robust growth since the early 1980s, with the median house price doubling approximately every decade during this period. In fact, several suburbs have delivered above-average growth. Melbourne has experienced comparable growth rates over the last…
In property investing, the planning trumps the plan
Benjamin Graham wisely said: The best way to measure your investing success is not by whether you’re beating the market but by whether you’ve put in place a financial plan and a behavioural discipline that are likely to get you…
How to shift your mindset and create lasting wealth
Key takeaways Are you tired of the rat race and eager to discover the secrets of financial success? Have you wondered what the rich do differently to become…rich? Now just to be clear… not everyone who is rich is what…
a guide to avoiding financial scams
In an increasingly digital world, the frequency and sophistication of financial scams have escalated, posing a significant threat to unwary Australians. The government projects that scams cost Australians $3.1 billion per year. So let’s dissect the common tactics used by…
Why do some locations outperform blue-chip suburbs?
Key takeaways How crucial is it to exclusively invest in blue-chip suburbs? That’s what I discuss in this article. The reality is that some geographical locations will outperform blue-chip suburbs over the next few years. However, pinpointing these outperforming locations…
a closer look at the latest lending data
The latest housing finance data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics paints an interesting picture of the Australian property market. There has been a notable 3.9% decline in new housing loan commitments, following a 4.1% decrease in December. Breaking it…
The Pros of Attending an Investment Property Seminar
Real estate is one of the most prominent forms of investing that there is and for good reason. Unlike many other forms of investing, real estate nearly always appreciates rather than depreciates. There are many ways to get into real…
Interest rates are expected to drop but trying to out-think the market won’t guarantee getting a good deal
With most economists expecting interest rates to start falling later this year, prospective home buyers might be weighing up whether to buy now for fear of strong competition for stock or waiting until repayments are lower. The financial markets and…
Seven ways COVID changed housing trends – Part 1
Key takeaways Housing values have surged since the onset of COVID. CoreLogic’s national Home Value Index (HVI) surged 32.5% between March 2020 and February 2024, adding approximately $188,000 to the median value of an Australian dwelling. Despite the strength in…
The Top 5 Richest Cities in Australia & New Zealand
Do you want to know where Australia and New Zealand’s richest people live? New data, from Henley Global, a firm specialising in residence and citizenship planning, reveals the top 97 wealthiest cities in the world, and Australia and New Zealand…
Australia’s Top Investment Property Suburbs
Key takeaways Recent PropTrack data reveals the Australian suburbs with the strongest growth in house prices over the past 12 months. In many regions, top growth suburbs rose in value by more than 20%, but in some regions, the highest…
a deep dive into the surging demand for shared housing
Demand for share housing has hit record levels according to data from Flatmates.com.au This surge is a direct response to the escalating housing crisis, where both buying and renting have become prohibitively expensive, driving more people towards shared living arrangements….
Should you sell an underperforming apartment? Part 1
Key takeaways Over the past 13 years, Melbourne apartments have underperformed compared to houses, and the median apartment price has only increased by 2.6% per annum. This is a very poor outcome for investors, and many are considering selling underperforming…
Property market performance is perfectly predictable
The two most significant demand dynamics of our housing markets are population growth and purchasing power, but they can work in very different ways, often creating confusion in the process. Most experts link population growth to housing market performance because…
House Prices in Australia Over the Last 10 Years
When it comes to buying an investment property, you want to make sure you’re putting your money into an investment-grade property in a growth suburb. Tips: Due diligence is key here, so it’s vital to do your research into location, demand levels,…
Take Real Estate advice (and much more) from Jerry Seinfeld [INFOGRAPHIC]
The path to making the right decision can start with a laugh. On the first take, comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s style of observational humour might seem to have been played for surface giggles. But digging under some of his most famous…
High income earners stuck in a rent trap are exacerbating our rental crisis
Key takeaways Higher income earners are being increasingly caught in a rent trap as property prices soar nationwide, and it’s only worsening our rental crisis. The problem is twofold: higher rent prices mean higher income earners have to sacrifice more…
198 Sydney suburbs where you can still buy a property for under $1 million
Sydney’s property market turned a corner in 2023, with prices rising consistently over the past 12 months and close to recovering to their pandemic peak. Sydney’s median house price is the highest across the country, at $1.4 million, while the…
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard from Warren Buffett
Key takeaways Warren Buffett reigns supreme as the greatest investor in history, with a personal fortune of around US$132 billion. Many years ago I learned that if you want to succeed in business or investing and get rich, it pays…
Economic growth slows to a halt at 0.2pc
Retail turnover increased by just +1.1 per cent over the year to January. After accounting for very rapid population growth and price inflation, this represents quite a significant slowdown for the sector. Source: ABS The national accounts reflected a very…
What is going on in the new housing space?
Key takeaways Owner residents outnumber investors in new housing loans, indicating a preference for home ownership among individuals seeking new properties. Around 70% of investors opt for existing homes rather than new construction. There is a notable trend where twice…
Australian Asking House Prices Tracker
Key takeaways In February 2024, the number of national residential property listings increased by 8,4%, rising to 239,459 dwellings from the 220,956 recorded in January 2024. Nationally, new listings (Less than 30 days) recorded a 66,4% rise in February, with…
The worst & the best property advice I’ve been given
Recently one of my nephews, who has taken a keen interest in property investment, asked: What’s the worst advice you’ve ever been given on real estate investing and what’s the best advice you could give me? The worst advice I…
Booms, busts and investor psychology – why investors need to be aware of the psychology of investing
Key takeaways Investment markets are driven by more than just fundamentals. Investor psychology plays a huge role and helps explain why asset prices go through periodic booms and busts. The key for investors is to be aware of the role…
Navigating Australia’s two-faced property market: insights from John McGrath
In the dynamic world of Australian real estate, we’re witnessing a tale of two markets, according to industry veteran John McGrath. According to McGrath, the contrast is stark: thriving luxury suburbs versus a more cautious lower-end market, each responding differently…
What’s the most important subject in High School?
In this article, I’m going to give a bit of career advice to your kids. Many of you are probably homeschooling, you are trying to ensure that your kids have the best possible future. What kind of subjects should you…
Yes, paying a premium for property is sometimes essential: Here’s why
No one really wants to pay extra for a property purchase, do they? But there are situations where paying a premium makes good financial and investment sense. While you should never buy driven by your emotions, high-quality investment-grade property in…
Best Places to Live in Australia Near a Beach
Owning a property on one of Australia’s best beaches is more affordable than you think. Tourism Australia recently announced its best beaches for 2024, and not a single one comes with a multi-million-dollar price tag like you’d expect. After all, for…
understanding and overcoming the fears that hold us back
Fear is a powerful emotion that shapes our lives in profound ways, often subconsciously. It can serve as a protective mechanism, alerting us to danger, but too often, it becomes a barrier, preventing us from reaching our full potential. So…
The future is vast – what does this mean for our own life?
If we manage to avoid a large catastrophe, we are living at the early beginnings of human history. The point of this text is not to predict how many people will ever live. What I learned from writing this post…
Are these Wealth Retreat people really crazy?
Have you ever wondered why the world any normal, sane person would set aside 5 days and pay so much money to join us at Wealth Retreat 2024? And why a large number of them would pay to come back…
Buying a Commercial Property in Australia
Have you thought about investing in commercial property? You’re not alone — faced with the prospect of more moderate returns from their residential property investments, many investors are considering this as an alternative. By this, I mean offices, shops or…
When Will Australia’s Rental Crisis End?
Key takeaways Rental price growth has hit record highs, and there is now growing concern that the supply of rental homes could get even worse as higher mortgage costs hit landlords and government interference makes property investment less attractive. The…
These 3 boxes cover what you need to know about property
I like to use three boxes to explain most things residential. They are known as The 4’s. The Four W’s. We originally these here and it’s the What, Who, When, and Where 1. What Here, four things matter most…
Boosting Property Resale Value with Quality Driveways
Key takeaways Enhancing Resale Value with Driveway Upgrades: Upgrading your property with a high-quality driveway can significantly improve its curb appeal and resale value. Materials that offer durability and aesthetic appeal, such as concrete, asphalt, or paving stones, are critical…
Predicted House Prices for Australia in 2030
Key takeaways According to Corelogic research, Australia’s national median dwelling value delivered a 6.8% annual growth rate over the 30 years to March 2022, with the 1992-2002 period providing the largest capital gains. The middle decade (2002-2012) saw national dwelling…
10 first homebuyer lessons to teach your children
As parents, we all want to see our children succeed in life. And spreading their proverbial wings and flying the family nest to branch out on their own is a big move, particularly when they’re contemplating that first home purchase….
What does Queensland’s 2011 experience tell us about the costs of stamp duty?
Key takeaways Stamp duty imposes a cost of moving equivalent to around 5 months of a person’s take-home. Recent survey results also show that it’s deterring people from downsizing, and is an unpopular policy generally Queensland’s 2011 stamp duty hikes…
Why unit rents are surging ahead of house rents
Over the past year, we’ve seen a notable surge in weekly rents for both houses and units, but here’s the kicker: unit rents are climbing at a much faster pace than those for houses. According to PropTrack’s data, house rents…
5 ways I’m going to ensure my property investments outperform this property cycle
Key takeaways With many commentators forecasting what’s ahead for property in 2024, many are focusing on the times we’ve experienced over the last few years and trying and extract the lessons we’ve learned.. Rather than do that, today I’d like…
You Need an Accountability Partner (Or a Punch in the Nose)
My friends, I’m willing to bet that there’s something important you want to do. Badly. Problem is, you’re just not doing it. Isn’t that frustrating? It certainly has been in my life. In fact, I’ve found it so frustrating that I…
The Top 6 Insights on Creating Wealth Through Property
Today I wanted to share my top wealth-creating insights. One I learned from our premier property training event – our 5-day Wealth Retreat. You see… As I start preparing the curriculum for this year’s event that will be held on…
25 Personal Finance Habits Everyone Should Know
Do you want more money? Most Australians do. But for most their problem is not earning more money, it’s keeping the money they’ve earned. What are they doing wrong? Well… usually it’s their bad money habits that let them down,…
Maximising Property Value: The Impact of Renovation
Renovations are a great way to make your home more functional, comfortable and liveable. They can also add significant value to your property, which is great if you are looking to sell sooner rather than later. However, not all renovation…
Are rich people more intelligent? Here’s what the science says
From White Lotus to Succession, there’s a high demand for television dramas about the super-rich. The characters on these shows are typically portrayed as entitled, hollow and sad. But they aren’t necessarily depicted as unintelligent. So are rich people rich…
The suburbs where luxury property has outperformed the strongest in the last 10 years
Key takeaways Luxury houses have seen strong price growth over the past decade compared to the median property on the market. In Sydney, luxury houses in Leichhardt, inner city and Pittwater areas increased 228% and 253% respectively – 30% higher…
Resetting Your “Wealth Thermostat” with Jackson Millan
In today’s podcast we’re venturing into a fascinating area that intersects with both wealth creation and the human psyche. We’ve all heard of self-sabotage, but have you ever wondered why some of the most intelligent and capable individuals hit an…
A year of confusion, concern and consternation. The perfect environment for strategic property investors
Key takeaways The economic landscape in 2023 and 2024 has been marked by confusion and mixed messages, creating an ideal environment for strategic long-term real estate investors. Recognizing that different locations are at different stages of their property cycles, investors…
11 Advantages of Self Managed Super Funds
There are changes aplenty in the superannuation space at present, but some things have stayed the same. One of which is that there are still multiple benefits to running your own super fund, regardless of any changes to the general…
Maximizing Property Value with Solar Water Heaters
Pondering how to bolster your home’s worth, while also pitching in for Mother Nature? You might want to consider solar water heaters. Partnering with a trusted service like Metropolitan Plumbing is not only an eco-considerate solution, but it’s a tactically smart…
Why is it wrong to invest for income?
The goal for most investors is to accumulate enough wealth so their investment assets generate sufficient passive income to meet living expenses. If this happens, it is no longer necessary for you to work for an income and you then…
Gap widens between house and unit values- suburbs with the largest and smallest house premium revealed
Key takeaways Over the past four years, there has been a significant increase in house values compared to unit values, driven by factors like underlying land value, scarcity, and increased desire for space during the pandemic. The difference between median…
5 Ways to Value a Commercial Property in Australia
Whether it is an office, shop, warehouse, or even a factory, some investors are attracted to commercial property for portfolio diversification or for positive cash flow. But the thing is, successful commercial property investment is a different niche. It requires…
6 priceless investing lessons from influential billionaires
Key takeaways There are 2,640 billionaires globally, with a total net worth of $12.2 trillion, according to the 37th annual Forbes list published in 2023. And Australia is home to 139 of them. Billionaires offer a whole wealth of advice…
Kidding ourselves about our reality
In its most simplistic form, planning is the process of charting a course from where you are today to where you want to go. The first step is to become crystal clear about what I call your current reality, or…
7 Critical Wealth Lessons You Must Understand
Key takeaways Many property investors have struggled to navigate the markets over the long term and achieve their financial goals. The majority of investors follow a flawed investment model. Investing from a place of ignorance is risky and can lead…
A Glimpse into Our Future
Key takeaways In 50 years’ time Australia will be older, more tech-savvy and work-lifestyle will be more blurred. One of the most striking observations will be the significant ageing of the population. Baby boomers are reaching retirement age, creating a…
A Journey Through the Investor’s Mind
Key takeaways Have you ever wondered what leads to the ups and downs of our property cycle? Well…the markets are not just driven by numbers and data, but largely by human psychology. Psychologists have shown that the mind of an…
Body Corporate Fees in Australia
The chances are that if you’ve just bought (or are planning to buy) an investment property in a multi-unit development such as a unit, townhouse, or apartment, you’ll have heard about an owner’s corporation or a Body Corporate. These are…
How to overcome analysis paralysis when buying a property
It’s common for many buyers and property investors to experience analysis paralysis when it comes to buying a property. After all, it’s a complex decision and one that has a long-term impact… especially if you get it wrong. The thing…
[Podcast] Stop picking on property investors with Mike Mortlock
In today’s show, I’ll discuss the complexities of Australia’s housing market with my guest Mike Mortlock, the director of MCG Quantity Surveys. In our conversation today, we spoke about lots of interesting things that will give you some insights into…
how the housing market defied economic indicators
Key takeaways Traditionally, economic indicators such as interest rates and consumer sentiment have influenced the housing market. However, during the pandemic and beyond, these relationships have shifted, challenging conventional wisdom. Normally, rising interest rates lead to a decrease in home…
Here’s how to outperform 99% of your Neighbours
Investor behaviour matters a lot. In fact, it probably matters more than skill. To understand why this is true, first, you need to understand one fundamental concept: Investment returns and investor returns are almost always different. In 1999, I was working diligently…
Melbourne housing market update [video]
Australia’s housing upswing continued through the first month of 2024 with CoreLogic’s National Home Value Index rising by 0.4% in January. Melbourne dwelling values have been drifting lower since November, falling nearly 1% over the past three months. House values…
6 Habits of Successful People
Why are some people, be they property investors, business people or entrepreneurs, more successful than others? One of the key philosophies of my Mentorship Program is that successful people not only do different things from the average Australian, but they…
CoreLogic National housing market update [video]
Australia’s housing upswing continued through the first month of 2024 with CoreLogic’s National Home Value Index rising by 0.4% in January. That was up from the 0.3% increases seen in November and December, and it marks the 12th straight month…
Make a Plan on How to Handle Risk, Then Stick to It
I ski the back-country a lot, so I pay close attention to reports of avalanches. In particular, I pay attention when a skier is caught and killed by one. This year alone there have been 20 avalanche fatalities in the…
4 Important Lessons to Remember for 2024
Key takeaways What investment lessons did you learn in 2023 and how will you use these learnings in 2024? As investors, we gain invaluable insights by experiencing various markets and events, and by reflecting on our actions—those we took and…
Stop and Acknowledge How Much Luck Has to Do With Your Success
I have a lucky friend. Chances are you know him. He has written several New York Times best sellers. By any outward appearance, he has officially made it. I wanted to know what role he thought luck played in his…
This weekend’s auction results – Clearance rates around Australia
Key takeaways The second auction weekend for 2024 has again produced generally solid clearance rates for nearly all capitals, with listings continuing to track well above the numbers reported over the same weekend last year. Brisbane had the strongest auction…
How to make your children rich
It’s important to have rich children. There I said it. Now, before you tell me there are more important things in life, let me clarify what I mean. Rich children grow into adults who are wealthy, yes, but they’re also…
10 property forecasts for the next decade and 10 things that will stay the same
We’re already well into a new year, which means it’s time that little creatures come out of hibernation – they’re called forecasters and their predictions of what lies ahead of us abound. These relate to all areas particularly property because…
What feels safe is often risky, and what feels risky is often safe
This statement contradicts just about every evolutionary instinct we possess. We tend to seek out safety and avoid risk whenever possible. A classic example has to be the instinct that (still) tells us we are safer staying with the group….
If housing is so undersupplied, why are some markets falling in value?
Key takeaways The Australian housing market is often viewed as undersupplied, yet there are instances of declining home values, particularly in areas like Melbourne. There’s a distinction between the market for purchasing housing and the actual need for housing as…
Tips for Simplifying and Streamlining Your Move
Moving to a new home can feel overwhelming. You look around at all your stuff and wonder – how am I going to fit it all? The stress rises as the move date gets closer. But moving also brings chances…
where opportunities are as rare as hen’s teeth
Key takeaways In highly desirable Australian suburbs, finding rental properties has become increasingly difficult due to limited supply and fierce competition among tenants, leading to soaring rental prices. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced rental market dynamics, with inner-city suburbs…
Practice Asking the “Why” Questions
I have a question for you. Now, this will work best if you grab a piece of paper, and write out your answer. Here’s the question: Why is your money invested the way it is? Before you go on, write…
10 most expensive suburbs in Sydney
It’s well known that Sydney is one of the best cities in the world to live in, but also one of the most expensive cities in the world. After booming through 2020 and 2021 with prices rising by 27.2%, Sydney…
Buying a House? Here’s Your Complete Plumbing Checklist!
Excited about getting a new place? We know the feeling! It’s a big step and a bigger investment. But with a new pad comes new stuff to take care of. Top on that list? Your home’s plumbing system. Hiding behind…
how 31 top economists see 2024
A panel of 31 leading economists assembled by The Conversation sees no cut in interest rates before the middle of this year, and only a slight cut by December, enough to trim just $55 per month off the cost of…
Two signs of gentrification and where to look
Do you understand the importance of gentrification as a property investor? It’s something that many investors overlook and as a result, they rely on the general market for their property’s capital appreciation. Warren Buffet is quoted as saying “You will…
analysing the impact of inflation, tax cuts and market dynamics
Key takeaways Uncertainty regarding inflation and interest rates will be a dominant theme in 2024, influencing property market dynamics. The direction of inflation and potential interest rate adjustments remain pivotal considerations for investors and vendors alike. Scheduled tax cuts and…
Richard Branson’s Top 10 quotes about happiness
No matter how successful one is, everyone needs a little motivation from others – even Richard Branson. To find his inspiration for happiness, Richard Branson reflects on these quotes from some of the world’s most inspirational people. I hope you…
9 rules for success in today’s property market
Key takeaways 2024 will be seen as the year of when property values and rents continue to rise – but our markets will be fragmented. As a property investor your aim should be to build a substantial asset base through…
The Truth About Flipping Houses in Australia
Have you ever thought of doing up an old property to on-sell and make a quick profit? Of course, this concept is often taught at property seminars and has recently been popularised by reality television shows like “The Block”. But…
How to Choose a Home Loan
Securing a home loan is a significant milestone on the path to homeownership. With a multitude of options available, it’s crucial for Australians to make informed decisions when choosing a home loan. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights on the…
The Latest Median Property Prices in Australian Cities
Key takeaways Australia’s housing upswing continued through the first month of 2024 with the national Home Value Index rising 0.4% in January. However, 3 capitals recorded a subtle decline over the month. The median house price in Australia’s combined capital…
the real story about mortgage stress
Key takeaways What’s really happening with mortgage stress. Remember all those predictions of a mortgage cliff and lots of distressed selling? Despite rising interest rates over the last couple of years, and all the talk about mortgage stress, to date…
The 7 new graphs that show inflation falling back to earth
Inflation has fallen for the fourth successive quarter. Australia’s annual inflation rate fell to 4.1% in the December quarter of 2023, down from 7.8% in the December quarter of 2022. The new rate is the lowest in two years and…
An update on inflation – key take outs for the housing market
Key takeaways CPI results for the December quarter show a decline in inflation from 5.4% to 4.1%, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of decline. This decline is attributed to softer demand in the economy, reflected in areas like retail trade…
How Much Is Rent Allowed to Increase (And How Often)?
We all know that rents are skyrocketing around Australia. So a question every landlord seems to be asking themselves at present is: How often, and by how much, can I increase the rent on my investment property or properties? There…
The Latest My Housing Market Stats
Key takeaways The national capital city median house price was flat at $1,089,156 over the January quarter compared to the December quarter, according to the latest data from My Housing Market. Most capitals reported decreases in houses prices over January…
[Podcast] Critical Investment Lessons we learned at Wealth Retreat with Brett Warren
Today I want to share some top wealth-creating insights that Brett Warren and I gained at Wealth Retreat. This is Australia’s number one learning and networking event for already successful property investors, businesspeople, and entrepreneurs, which we held on the…
Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Urban Planning
Key takeaways Australia’s population ticked over the 27-million mark last week, a milestone we’ve hit a staggering 30 years ahead of schedule. The ramifications for our housing, infrastructure, and urban planning are profound. This explosive growth has concrete implications for…
5 reasons why you’ll forever be in debt
The thing about getting into debt is that anyone can do it! The hard part, of course, is getting out of debt. In fact, many people struggle with even admitting they’re in debt in the first place and bounce from…
Australian Property Market Trends for 2023-2024
Key takeaways Despite my crystal ball being a little cloudy, let’s look at eight property trends I expect to happen in 2024. 1. Property values will continue rising 2. We’re in for a 2-tier property market moving forward 3. Our…
One Weird Trick: Counter Your Cognitive Biases
A few years ago, a friend of mine who happens to be a really well-known journalist had a conversation with a really well-known academic. Because the conversation was private, I’m not mentioning names. But I did want to share one…
Sydney property prices to soar up to 23% higher in 3 years
Key takeaways Sydney house prices are expected to increase by 15.8% over the next 3 years while units are expected to significantly outpace, climbing 23% over the same period as reduced borrowing capacity pushes many buyers to cheaper property purchases….
12 transformative success habits
There is no one perfect formula to achieve success, which is probably a disappointment for many people! Alas, too many people think they can simply follow one person’s individualised model of success and achieve the same stellar results. The issue…
a perfect storm driving prices higher in 2024
Key takeaways Australia’s housing market is facing a perfect storm: a chronic undersupply of dwellings, a construction industry in crisis, and a surging population. This potent cocktail is all but guaranteed to push house prices and rents higher in 2024…
Melbourne’s property prices will soar to new highs
Key takeaways A new report is forecasting Melbourne’s median house price will surge more than $110,000 to an almost $1.16m record high in the next 18 months – the equivalent of $200 a day. And it’s not just house prices,…
Unit price growth to outpace houses as affordability issues continue to bite
Key takeaways Deteriorating affordability in Australia’s housing market combined with increased stock is expected to cause price growth to moderate across the country. And this will cause many buyers who are priced out of the market into the unit market…
Albanese tax plan will give average earner $1500 tax cut – more than double Morrison’s Stage 3
A person on the average annual wage of $73,000 will get a tax cut of more than $1500 a year under Labor’s revamped tax policy – more than double the cut they’d have received under the Coalition’s legislated stage 3…
How Cryptocurrency is Reshaping Real Estate Transactions
The financial landscape will never be the same after the appearance of cryptocurrency, and the potential of blockchain to influence and modify industries, including the healthcare or real estate sector. Due to the security, efficiency, and accessibility, blockchain, which records…
6 Ways Pretend Investors Differ From the Real Ones
Do you remember playing pretend when you were little? Maybe you were a superhero, a dinosaur or a princess. It’s normal when you’re little, and it’s usually harmless. Most children know the difference between pretending to be a superhero and…
Why Investing for Cashflow Won’t Work in 2024
Key takeaways While a lot of investors are looking for cash flow, they should really be aiming at growth. Cash flow keeps you in the game, growth gets you out of the rat race. A particular property is neither cash…
[Podcast] Is buying property really harder today than it was decades ago? With Stuart Wemyss
Homeownership is looking further out of reach for anyone without family wealth, as over the last few years property prices kept growing and wages fail to keep up. Over the last decade or so property prices keep growing and wages…
The Dangerous Game You Shouldn’t Play!
Key takeaways 2024 is here and with it, property forecasts are popping up everywhere. But let’s be real, our past experience tells us to take these with a grain of salt. Our psychological makeup is such that we crave predictability,…
The one key to success you’re probably overlooking
We all think we know the secret to longevity and good mental health. Spend time with our families, work hard to earn a good wage, eat fresh food, and exercise regularly. But I’d like to add one very important habit…
7 reasons for property investors to feel positive about 2024
Key takeaways It looks like we’re going to have another good year in property in 2024. However, signs of softer market conditions emerged late last year, when the pace of price growth and auction clearance rates eased – and that…
Falling inflation – what does it mean for investors?
Key takeaways Inflation is in retreat thanks to improved supply and cooling demand. A further fall is likely this year. Australian inflation remains relatively high – but this mainly reflects lags rather than a more inflation prone economy. Profit gouging…
most important property investing golden rule
Key takeaways There is one property investing golden rule that is more important than everything else. The golden rule is that the quality of the property you invest in will determine your long-term investment returns. If you invest in an average-quality property, your long-term…
The YIMBY movement is spreading around the world. What does it mean for Australia’s housing crisis?
2024 looks set to be another year of rising rents, stalling supply and intense debate over how to respond to the housing crisis. Occupying an increasingly prominent place in that debate is the YIMBY movement. Short for “Yes, In My…
11 reasons why we aren’t all property moguls
Key takeaways Are you looking for financial freedom through property? Well… the latest ATO data shows that 71.5% of investors only own one property, and that drops dramatically to 18% owning 2 properties and just 9.7% owning 3-5 properties. Why…
Will Melbourne’s median house price be more than $2M by 2032?
The unrefuted trend in all investment markets is mean reversion. It means that a period of below-average returns is always followed by a period of above-average returns. My thesis is that investment-grade property in Melbourne looks attractive compared to other…
What would I do differently if I started all over again?
Key takeaways One of the most common questions I’m asked by beginning investors wanting to fast-track their success is: “Knowing what you know now, if you were to start all over again, what would you do differently to speed up…
[Podcast] Do you understand the 5 levels of investing?
In today’s show, I want to discuss with you the five levels of investing, a framework that I have created to help you understand where you are on your journey and to help you make sure you reach the top…
Dispelling 20 common myths about property investment in Australia
Key takeaways While many Australians are keen to invest in property to secure their financial future, the statistics clearly show that most investors fail to achieve their goals. More than half of those who buy an investment property sell up…
How to invest in property when money is no longer “free”
Over the years from 2009 to 2021, the property investment landscape was richly nurtured by the rains of a low-interest-rate environment. But things are very different now! If you look back to 2008 and the Global Financial Crisis, you will…
The Latest Rental Vacancy Rates around Australia
The national vacancy rates increased to 1.3% in December from 1.1% recorded in November. The total number of rental vacancies Australia-wide now stands at 39,797 residential properties, which is an increase from 33,471 in November. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane showed…
[Podcast] What no one ever told you about being a successful investor, with Mark Creedon
Are you hoping to be a better investor, businessperson, or entrepreneur? Well, today’s show is for you because we discussed the concept of behavioural finance, which is the study of the effects of psychology on investors and financial markets. But…
What type of property investor are you?
Key takeaways There are 3 main types of property investor As you read this article you’ll see which category you fall into. 1. Firstly there is the Passive Investor who tends to spend little time looking for a property. 2. The…
The key to financial freedom? Finding your mentor
When we think of entrepreneurs we often think of trailblazers forging ahead on their own, someone who’s doing something different or creating something new. While it’s true that in order to achieve financial freedom, you’ll have to rely on your…
The biggest obstacle to wealth
Key takeaways The biggest barrier to wealth for many Australians is not the lack of information but their financial thermostat, which is often set too low from childhood, dictating their comfort level with wealth. Wealthy individuals like Richard Branson operate…
Melbourne and Hobart house rents are more affordable than Adelaide
In an interesting twist on rental affordability, recent PropTrack data reveals that renting a house in Melbourne or Hobart is now less expensive than in Adelaide. Adelaide’s house rents have surged by $60 weekly over the past year, now sitting…
40 property investment lessons I learned in the last 40 years
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? Let me ask you a question… With the benefit of hindsight and knowing what you know now if you had the opportunity to do so, would you have bought an investment property 40…
Believe it or not – the median dwelling value in Brisbane just overtook Melbourne
Key takeaways Brisbane now has the third-highest median dwelling value among the capitals, behind Sydney and Canberra. In December, the Greater Brisbane median dwelling value surpassed Melbourne’s median value for the first time since July 2009 by around $7,000. Since…
Property investors are coming back
Source: ABS Lending Indicators November 2023, released 12 January 2024, seasonally adjusted data. “Refinancing largely stabilised in November after three months of steep declines.” While we’re now well past the peak in refinancing, the value of mortgages switching each month…
Why is Michael Yardney still working?
Today I’m going to do something a little bit different – I’m going to give you some insights into what makes me tick. Maybe you’ll learn something useful from it, maybe you won’t. You see… I remember a while ago…
Melbourne Property Market Outlook 2023
Key takeaways After booming through 2020 and 2021 with prices rising by 15.8%, Melbourne housing values fell -7.9% from their peak in March 2022 through to the recent trough in January 2023. While the Melbourne housing market clearly turned the…
A Sign Of Hope For Renters
It’s been a nightmare for tenants over the last few years, hasn’t it? Historically low vacancy rates and skyrocketing rents at a time when the general cost of living has made things very difficult for that third of the Australian…
The Benefits of Landscape Lighting in Rental Properties
Brimming with an intriguing spark of harmony, the importance of landscape lighting hums a vibrant yet quiet song of transformation. It’s more than just a base coat on a canvas; it’s the fine brushstrokes that bring a picture to life,…
How do I know if lenders mortgage insurance is worth the cost?
When your deposit is less than 20% of the value of the property you’re buying, a lender is going to charge you a hefty lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI) premium to reduce its risks. LMI is one of those extra costs…
Capital Gains Tax Exemptions in Australia
Capital gains tax (CGT) is a tax that is levied on the sale of certain assets, including real estate, shares, and other investments purchased with the intention to keep as opposed to buying with the intention to sell for a…
The honest truth about where property prices are headed in 2024
There is no doubt that we’re now one year into a new property cycle and many housing markets around Australia are likely to experience significant growth over the next year driven by a confluence of factors that will underpin strong…
What I learned last year that will make this year even better
How was your year in 2023? Knowing what you know now, would you do differently? I have been reflecting on what I can change ready for this new year and the most important words that came to mind were Gratitude…
Why 2024 could be the WORST time to buy property
Key takeaways 2024 will be a very different property market to last year and the year before, but there is really no “best” time or “worst” time to buy property. Property investment is a process, not just an event. So…
Is Your Suburb on the List? See Melbourne’s Biggest Home Price Winners of 2023
Melbourne property watchers – get ready to be surprised. While the overall Melbourne housing market has underperformed many other state capitals in 2023, there were some suburbs that defied the odds and skyrocketed in value providing their property owners with…
The Latest Proptrack Home Price Index
Key takeaways National home prices held steady in December as growth in regional areas counteracted falls in the capital cities. Overall, prices rose by 5.52% in 2023. After hitting a fresh peak in November, combined capital city prices fell 0.09%…
Property development guide part 11 – Tackling the red tape
In the following article, I’ll explain how you might tackle the hurdles and requirements to get your development underway. One of the biggest hurdles faced by any property developer – whether a seasoned veteran or a green beginner – is…