The Property Couch

Settlement day is finally here. After months of preparation, research, inspections, negotiations and paperwork, ownership of the property is about to transfer into your name. But what actually happens on settlement day? In Episode 10 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain how settlement works, what PEXA is, when you'll receive the keys, and the practical lessons they've learned from years of helping buyers navigate moving day. You'll also learn why settlement times aren't gu...

You've bought the property. You've gone unconditional. Settlement is approaching. Now comes one final check. In Episode 9 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain the purpose of a pre-settlement inspection, what buyers should be checking, and what to do if something isn't working or has changed since the day you purchased the property. Many buyers mistakenly think a pre-settlement inspection is another building inspection. It's not. The purpose is to confirm the property is...

The auction is over. You're the highest bidder. But the property didn't sell. Now what? In Episode 8 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the buying process: negotiating after a property passes in. You'll learn what happens immediately after the auction, why buyers shouldn't rush to increase their offer, the first question to ask the agent, and how experienced buyers use time, information and good questions to negotiate more effective...

Auction day can be one of the most exciting and intimidating parts of the home-buying journey. In Episode 7 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope walk through exactly what happens on auction day, from arriving at the property and understanding auction terminology through to bidding strategies, reserve prices and signing contracts after a successful purchase. This episode focuses on what happens when you're buying at auction and successfully purchase the property. You'll learn how au...

Your offer has been accepted. Time to celebrate... but not quite settle in just yet. In Episode 6 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain what happens between having an offer accepted and becoming unconditional. This is the stage where finance approval, building inspections and pest inspections are finalised. While many buyers think the deal is done once their offer is accepted, there are still some important steps to complete before the property officially becomes uncondition...

You've found the property. You've completed your research. You've done your inspections and due diligence. Now it's time to negotiate. In Episode 5 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope unpack one of the most challenging stages of the home-buying journey: negotiating a private sale. You'll learn why understanding the campaign matters, how to work with agents effectively, what "rules of engagement" actually mean, and why the strongest offer isn't always the highest offer. Whether ...

You've found a property you like. You've completed your research. Now comes one of the most important questions in the entire buying journey: Are you actually ready to commit? In Episode 4 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope walk through the final checks buyers should complete before making an offer or raising their hand at auction. From building and pest inspections to contract reviews, street inspections, neighbour considerations and risk management, this episode focuses on re...

A property can look great on inspection day... but what are you actually looking for? In Episode 3 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope walk through one of the most important stages of the buying journey: property inspections. From identifying red flags and hidden risks to understanding presentation techniques and buyer competition, this episode helps buyers inspect properties with greater confidence and a more critical eye. You'll learn how to assess a property's condition, recogn...

Most buyers don't lose money because they failed to find a property. They lose money because they didn't spend enough time understanding the market. In Episode 2 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain how to research property properly, set effective search parameters and build the market knowledge needed to buy with confidence. This episode builds on Episode 1 and explores what happens after you've designed your property brief. You'll learn why inspecting properties is one of ...

Most buyers start searching for properties before they know exactly what they're looking for. That's where problems begin. In Episode 1 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain why creating a clear property brief is the foundation of a successful property search. Before you start attending inspections, speaking to agents or scrolling property websites, you need clarity around what you're actually trying to buy. In this episode, Ben and Shane introduce the Buyer's Quadrant, dis...

Thinking about buying a home but not sure where to start? Welcome to PRE-PURCHASE, a practical step-by-step series designed to help buyers navigate one of life's biggest financial decisions with greater confidence. In this introductory episode, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain why they created the series, share their backgrounds in property, and walk through the framework that will guide the next 10 episodes. Whether you're preparing to buy your first home, upgrading, downsizing or simp...

What happens if your property is suddenly worth less than you paid for it? It's a question many homeowners and investors are asking as property values soften in some parts of Australia. In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Thompson and mortgage broker Luke Oxenham unpack the reality behind declining property values, negative equity and what it actually means for homeowners. They discuss: ✅ What negative equity really is ✅ Why it doesn't automatically mean financial stress ✅ The differen...

What would happen to your finances if the person who usually manages the money was no longer there? In Episode 615, Ben Kingsley, Kirsty Dunphey and Polly Chu explore women’s financial independence and the risks that can quietly build through career breaks, unpaid caring responsibilities and leaving the bigger financial decisions to a partner. They also share practical ways to protect your future, from understanding your cash flow and investments to super contribution splitting, househo...

You probably like to think your financial decisions are rational. But behavioural economics tells us that emotion, instinct and old rules of thumb can influence our decisions far more than we realise. In this week’s Throwback Tuesday, Ben and Bryce revisit their conversation with Phil Slade on the “ape brain”, reacting versus responding, and why the rules that once kept us safe can sometimes work against us when it comes to money. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 338 | Going Ap...

Could millions of Australian property investors be leaving things too late? In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Kingsley sits down with Greg Sugars from Preston Rowe Paterson to discuss the practical challenges surrounding the government's upcoming capital gains tax valuation requirements. With approximately 3.5 million investment properties across Australia and only around 6,000 valuers available, Greg explains why investors should start planning now rather than waiting until the last m...

With cooling market conditions, tax changes and another rate rise expected this year, uncomfortable decisions are starting to surface for many investors. In this jam-packed Q&A Day, Ben is joined by Couch Crew, Ben Thompson (QPIA) and Shane Pope (Buyers Agent), to tackle four real scenarios facing property investors right now. Should you sell a good property when cash flow gets tight? Have recent tax changes fundamentally changed the investment equation? What happ...

How much money is enough? It sounds like a simple question, but most of us have never actually defined the answer. In this week’s Throwback Tuesday, Ben and Bryce revisit a powerful idea from The Psychology of Money and explore why the comparison game is one you can never win... and how to start working out your own “enough” number. Because if you don’t know what enough looks like, how will you ever know when you’ve arrived? For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 395 | How This NRL S...

Do you need to clean your home before a bank valuation? In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Kingsley is joined by Neal Ellis from Preston Rowe Paterson to lift the curtain on how bank valuations actually work. Many property owners assume valuers are looking for spotless homes, premium finishes and perfect presentation. The reality is very different. Neal explains what banks really want from a valuation, why speed of access matters more than a clean house, how comparable sales drive valuati...

Most investors think they’re buying a property. What they don’t realise is they’re also taking on a small rental business. That business generates income, incurs expenses, carries risk and creates ongoing tax, compliance and record-keeping responsibilities. While a great property manager can handle much of the day-to-day work, there are some jobs only the owner can oversee. In this practical episode, Ben is joined by Senior Tax Adviser Danish Ahmed and Moorr Product Manager ...

Remember when broccoli cost $11 a kilo? 🥦 When everyday essentials are already getting more expensive, raising interest rates can feel completely backwards. In this Throwback Tuesday snippet, Ben and Bryce explain why the RBA does it anyway... and how cooling demand can help stop inflation from becoming an even bigger problem. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 404 | What do Inflation, Interest Rates & Broccoli Have to Do with Property?! LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EP...

Do off-market properties really offer the best value? In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Shane Pope and Ben Thompson challenge one of the most common assumptions in property buying. Many buyers believe the best opportunities are hidden away off-market. But in today's market, the guys argue some of the strongest buying opportunities are actually being found on-market, particularly after failed auction campaigns. Together they unpack: ✅ The difference between on-market and off-market properti...

Brisbane may already be turning. Interstate investors may be splitting cities into two-tier markets. And 200+ valuers across Australia and New Zealand are the first to know it. Ben is joined by Preston Rowe Paterson's Neal Ellis and Greg Sugars, who draw on that ground-level valuer network to unpack what's really happening in residential property, including the warning signs that headlines are missing. The conversation shifts to commercial, where tax changes are pulling more inves...

You’re doing all the right things: steady income, paying down the mortgage, building up the offset. So… why take on more risk? In this Throwback Tuesday snippet, Ben and Bryce unpack why doing well today doesn’t automatically mean you’re set for the future, and why the right investment strategy starts with knowing what you actually want your money to do. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 223 | How to Overcome your Fear in Taking The Next Step. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPIS...

How much can you really borrow? In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben Kingsley sits down with mortgage broker Luke Oxenham to unpack one of the most common questions property buyers ask: "How much can I borrow?" The answer isn't always straightforward. Luke explains how lenders assess income, expenses, HELP debt, credit cards, business income, car loans and more, plus why different banks can produce dramatically different borrowing outcomes for the exact same borrower. They also discuss wh...

Australia’s property market has turned, but how far could prices fall? 📉 In one of our most anticipated episodes of the year, Bryce Holdaway is BACK on the couch with Ben for our 2026 Mid-Year Property Market Outlook! Together, they unpack what’s changed since February, where the data is pointing now and what could happen next. 🏠 Which markets are holding up — and which are starting to crack? 📉 Could some markets fall 10–15% — or even further? ⚠️ Which regional a...

Introducing Tuesday Toolkit 🧰: a new series designed to help you make sense of what’s happening in property right now. From the latest data and market trends to the frameworks and key indicators we use to understand what’s really driving the market, each episode will give you practical knowledge to cut through the noise, see the bigger picture and make more informed property decisions. Think of it as your toolkit for understanding where the market is, why it’s moving and what to watch next. A...

Could the next two years be one of the best times to buy property? In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben Kingsley is joined by Stuart Wemyss to unpack what's really driving property prices and why the current market could present opportunities for buyers willing to think differently. While many Australians are waiting for greater certainty, Stuart explains why lending volumes, not headlines, are often the biggest driver of property price growth. Together, they discuss why lower confidence ...

What if the “safe” property decision you make today is the one you regret in 20 years? 🤔 With the rules around property investing changing, these are the decisions investors are being forced to rethink. Joining Ben Kingsley and Luke Oxenham is Stuart Wemyss, founder of ProSolution Private Clients, host of the Investopoly podcast and author of Wealth by Design. Together, they challenge some long-held assumptions about building wealth: Is diversification always a good thing? H...

The RBA has held the cash rate at 4.35% — but that doesn’t mean the rate story is over. In this August Economic & RBA Update, Ben Kingsley and economist Evan Lucas unpack the decision, why inflation is still proving stubborn, and why another rate rise hasn’t been ruled out. 💡 Thinking about refinancing or adjusting your loan strategy? Let the Empower Wealth Mortgage Broking team help you compare your options. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT ...

How do you know when you've bought enough property? In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Polly Chu is joined by mortgage broker Luke Oxenham to tackle a question from listener Andrew: "How do you know you're ready to land the plane?" For many investors, the accumulation phase becomes second nature. The focus is always on the next property, the next equity release, and the next opportunity. But what happens when you've built the portfolio you need? Luke and Polly explore why there is no univer...

Regional markets have boomed. Melbourne's established units are back in the spotlight. And after the government's latest tax changes, many investors are asking the same question: Has the property playbook changed? In this week's Q&A, Ben Kingsley is joined by Polly Chu and Ben Thompson to answer five listener questions from every stage of the property journey. In this episode, we answer: ✔️ Is How to Retire on $3,000 a Week still relevant after the government's tax chang...

Every week there’s another headline about artificial intelligence, how quickly work is changing, and which jobs might disappear next. But in this Throwback Tuesday snippet, social researcher Mark McCrindle joins Bryce and Ben to unpack a slightly different question: what kind of work can’t AI take away? For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 185 | The Future of Australia’s Population, Retirement Expectations, And Other Things You Thought Were True. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES H...

Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals on The Property Couch. In this episode, Shane Pope is joined by Jacob Caine, President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and Victoria, to unpack a property shift that many homeowners and investors may not be thinking about yet: Home energy ratings. Jacob explains why energy efficiency could become a much bigger factor in how properties are valued, rented and sold — particularly as governments look more closely at the energy performance of existing h...

Recorded just days after Victoria welcomed a new Premier, this conversation couldn't have come at a more pivotal time. Ben and Shane sit down with Jacob (Jake) Caine, President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) and the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), to unpack one question that's shaping the future of Australia's property market: Are governments solving the right problem... or creating new ones? From Victoria's rental reforms and proposed auction res...

“Pay yourself first” is one of the most popular rules in personal finance. And to be fair, it’s popular for a reason: it’s simple, memorable, and it works. But what if saving 10% isn’t enough? In this Throwback Tuesday snippet, Bryce and Ben unpack why the classic “pay yourself first” rule might still leave room for lifestyle creep… and how trapping more of your surplus can help you put your money to better use. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 191| Seven Steps to Make Money Si...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Luke Oxenham and Polly Chu unpack a common property investing myth: Waiting for the perfect time before you start. From interest rates and market cycles to cost of living, family plans and global uncertainty, there always seems to be a reason to hold off. But as Luke and Polly explain, waiting for perfect certainty can sometimes leave people sitting on the sidelines for years. This episode explores how to plan for uncertainty before buying property, includ...

Two months on from the Budget's negative gearing and CGT changes, the data is telling a clear story. In our latest episode, Ben sits down with couch crew Luke Oxenham, investment-savvy mortgage broker, and Polly Chu, Qualified Property Investment Advisor, both fielding real client conversations daily. Together, they're unpacking what's actually happening on the ground: auction clearance rates stuck below 50% for weeks (the worst run since 2018), open home attendance down 43% year-on-yea...

(Webinar) New vs Established Property: What Should You Buy in Today’s Market? - Tuesday, 28 July @ 7:30PM 👉 www.thepropertycouch.com.au/registernow With the government’s new tax settings encouraging investors towards new property, one big question is starting to dominate the conversation: Does a better tax benefit automatically make a new property the better investment? In this special Tuesday episode, Ben breaks down the equation every property investor should consider before choosing betwee...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Shane Pope and Luke Oxenham share what they wish more clients knew before buying property. Shane starts with the negotiation side, unpacking how agents can create pressure and urgency during a deal — and why buyers often have more space than they realise to make a calm, quality decision. Luke then explains the finance side, including why settlement length is often less important than the finance clause, cooling-off period, and the time needed to secure unc...

(Upcoming webinar - 7:30pm AEST, Tues, 28th July) New vs Established Property: What should you buy in today’s market? Register here: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/registernow Do owner-occupier suburbs have better capital growth? New Cotality research suggests the answer is often yes — particularly when it comes to units. Between 2010 and 2026, units in owner-occupier-heavy areas grew by 99%, compared with 65% in investor-heavy suburbs. Applied to the national median unit value at the beginn...

When someone leaves a two-star review calling you "property spruikers," you've got two choices: ignore it, or read it out loud and respond properly! In this Throwback Tuesday snippet, Bryce & Ben unpack a listener's concerns about high debt, over-leveraging and vested interests... and why a healthy dose of scepticism is no bad thing. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 437 | The Biggest Danger People Face When Looking at Property Data. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE &g...

Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals on The Property Couch. In this episode, Shane and Luke tackle a question that’s suddenly everywhere: Would you still buy an established property today if the negative gearing benefit is deferred? Their answer? Yes — but it depends on your goals, your timeline, and the quality of the asset. This conversation unpacks why negative gearing is only a moment in time, why growth still does the heavy lifting over the long term, and why chasing a tax outcome can be ...

"I don't think it can get much worse for people trying to get their first property.” That’s Glen James, best-selling author, financial educator, host of the award-winning Money Money Money podcast and today’s special guest. From Glen's journey as a self-confessed "recovering spender" to why your first home doesn't need to be your forever home, this conversation explores the money habits, finance strategies and changing tax landscape shaping the next generation of property owners ...

When you’re renovating, it’s easy to look at three quotes and feel your eyes drift straight to the cheapest one. Because surely cheaper means smarter... right?! But as Three Birds Renovations share in this Throwback Tuesday snippet, the cheapest quote can sometimes end up costing you the most. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 181 | Tips from Three Birds Renovations on How to Create the Perfect Renovation, Survive It, and See a Return on Investment! LISTEN TO THE F...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben is joined by Glen James to explore one of the most overlooked ideas in wealth creation: The best investment is often in yourself. From pay rises and career growth to business income and automated investing, this conversation unpacks why the biggest returns early on often come from increasing your earning power — not from chasing speculative returns in a small portfolio. Glen explains how human capital becomes real capital, why personal contributions ma...

Is fear quietly influencing your investment decisions? With today's market creating uncertainty, it's easy to second-guess yourself. Headlines, market sentiment and endless opinions can make even experienced investors hesitate. In this episode, Ben is joined by high-performance coach Brett Burton and KD, Couch Crew, to unpack the psychology behind successful investing—and why your biggest challenge isn't always the market... it's often your mindset. You'll discover: Wh...

When starting your property investment journey, it’s easy to get pulled in every direction. One person says Brisbane is the place to buy. Someone else suggests Melbourne. And before long, the question becomes: Which market should I pick? But as Bryce and Ben unpack in this Throwback Tuesday episode... that might not be the best place to start. The real question is: What do you need this property to do for you? For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 272 | The Unsp...

Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals on The Property Couch. In this episode, Shane and Ben tackle a question that’s suddenly everywhere: Are investors about to make emotional decisions they’ll regret? From panic-selling regional properties to suddenly chasing yield, off-the-plan deals, or “safer” tax-driven strategies, there’s a lot of emotion in the market right now. Shane and Ben unpack why fear-driven decisions can be dangerous, why “doing something” is not always the same as doing the righ...

What separates people who successfully build wealth through property from those who stay stuck? After thousands of coaching sessions, buyer enquiries, property purchases and podcast interviews, John Pidgeon has seen the patterns firsthand. John is the Director of Envisage Property, co-host of the property podcasts This Is Property and a regular contributor on Money Money Money, as well as the bestselling author of Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future. Over the years, he'...

You’re not just the actor in your story. You’re the person who can rewrite the script. In this Throwback Tuesday episode, Bryce and Jaemin Frazer unpack how the beliefs we carry about ourselves can shape our confidence, identity and future... and why real change starts when we stop being a passenger in our own lives. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 270 | How to Recover When You’ve Lost Everything. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT ...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Shane and Evan Lucas unpack a much bigger issue than the usual property or tax headline: has the social contract around work, education and getting ahead been broken? Evan argues that the current debate around intergenerational inequality is focusing too heavily on the margins while missing the core problem. For many Australians, the traditional path of studying hard, working hard, and moving forward financially does not feel as reliable as it once did. Ed...

With EOFY fast approaching, Ben is joined by BanTacs tax expert Julia Hartman and Couch Crew and Senior Empower Wealth Tax Advisor, Danish Ahmed to unpack the latest tax developments impacting property investors... This episode covers: ✅ The ATO's newly-finalised holiday home rules ✅ What qualifies as a "new build" (and where the loopholes and unanswered questions still exist) ✅ How unused super contribution caps can create valuable tax planning opportunities before 30 June ...

The RBA just hit pause... holding the cash rate at 4.35% after three hikes in a row this year. And the vote was unanimous, with all nine Board members backing the hold. Ben Kingsley and economist Evan Lucas break down what the unanimous decision really signals, why the RBA's own inflation forecasts still have them cautious, and whether this is genuinely the peak... or just the calm before more pain. 💡 Thinking about refinancing or adjusting your loan strategy? Let the Empower Wealth Mortgage ...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Shane Pope and Luke Oxenham tackle a very practical question: If you already own property, what’s the smartest next move? With the tax landscape changing and investors reassessing their options, this conversation explores why growth still matters most — and why your principal place of residence may be more important than ever in shaping your next step. Shane and Luke unpack the idea of improving your home, releasing equity, and getting positioned to act wh...

The rules may be changing, but the fundamentals haven’t. As proposed negative gearing reforms dominate headlines, many investors are asking the same question: Should I rethink my strategy? To help answer that, Ben Kingsley welcomes Lachlan Delahunty, Founder of Follio and a property professional who has been involved in more than $2 billion worth of property acquisitions. Together, they explore what really drives long-term property performance and why some investors risk being distracted by t...

Feeling uncertain about where to buy next? With so much noise in the property market right now, it’s easy to get caught up in headlines, opinions and speculation. But as Ben Kingsley and Connor explain in this bonus episode, one of the best ways to cut through the confusion is to come back to the data. In this episode, they unpack how investors can start narrowing down Australia’s 30,000+ suburbs by looking at key property metrics such as typical value, yield, weekly rent, vacancy rates, days...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, KD and Brett Burton unpack a powerful idea: it’s okay to do one thing really, really well. From an unforgettable 80s concert story to lessons from high-performance sport and business, this conversation explores why so many people spread themselves too thin — and why the better path is often to identify your strengths, refine them, and lean into them. They talk about the value of specialising earlier, knowing your “weapon”, and resisting the urge to be ever...

600 episodes. Thousands of conversations. One incredible community. And if there's one thing we've learned along the way... Success rarely follows a straight line. Few stories prove that better than John McGrath's. A 95/500 HSC. A football career ended by a doctor's verdict, and a pivot that led to one of Australia's most recognisable property empires. For our 600th milestone, we went big. Ben sits down with John McGrath and Tom Panos: two of the most trust...

You’ve saved the deposit. You’ve done the hard yards. You’re ready to get into the property market. But then comes the big question: Will the bank actually lend you the money? As Bryce and Ben explain in this Throwback Tuesday episode, a strong deposit is a great start, but it’s only one part of the picture. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 88 | Q&A – Investing in Newly Developed Areas, Getting into the Property Market, Career as a Buyers Agent and more. LISTE...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben and Polly unpack one of the most important investing skills you can build: Critical Thinking. The conversation centres on the growing number of “guaranteed return” propositions showing up in property investing — and why those promises should always be challenged. From guaranteed rent to guaranteed growth, they break down why the real issue isn’t just the headline offer, but the downside risk that often gets ignored. If a property underperforms, loses v...

You found the property. You've secured finance. You've survived inspections... Now comes the paperwork that can make (or break) the deal. In Part 3 of our Buying a Home series, Ben is joined by Nicole Faid and Kirsty “KD” Dunphey to unpack the legal side of buying property, and reveal the hidden risks buyers often don't discover until it's too late. Inside: ✔️ Why "submitting an offer" may already legally bind you ✔️ The clauses Nicole NEVER buys without ✔️ Subject-to-finance and buildi...

Building new often gets a bad rap when we’re talking about property. But what if you’re not building purely for investment? In this Throwback Tuesday episode, Bryce and Ben unpack when building new actually makes sense and what to consider before choosing land, location and design for your future family home. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 259 | Q&A: A Tax-Saving Hack For An Offset Account, The Simplest Way to Keep Track of Your Properties and How To Distinguish “Em...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben is joined by building inspector Paul Baker to unpack one of the most common causes of property damage: Water. It comes from everywhere — leaking gutters, under-slab plumbing issues, failed waterproofing, cracked grout, balconies, bathrooms, and more. And according to Paul, it’s behind the vast majority of the issues he sees in homes. This conversation breaks down why water causes so much damage, what warning signs buyers and owners should look out for,...

Negative gearing reforms. Capital gains tax changes. Trust adjustments. Housing affordability measures. Productivity promises. Beyond the latest Federal Budget headlines… what are the real consequences? This week, Ben is joined by David Robertson, Chief Economist, Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, and Evan Lucas, Market Commentator, to unpack one of the most ambitious (and controversial) budgets in decades. Together they explore: 💰 Wha...

Ben Kingsley sits down with Senator Andrew Bragg, Liberal Senator and Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of housing, tax reform, productivity and Australia’s economic direction. In this special interview, they unpack the proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, the growing challenge of housing affordability, construction bottlenecks, energy policy, lending restrictions and what all of this could mean for everyday Aust...

In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Ben is joined by Evan Lucas to unpack a bold policy idea for first home buyers. Evan’s hill to die on? Australia should use a super-like system to help people save for their first home deposit. Instead of relying on grants, 5% deposit schemes, or capped first home buyer programmes, he argues that the super infrastructure already exists and could be used much more effectively to help people build real deposit savings from the moment they enter the workforce...

The 2026 Federal Budget just changed the property landscape... and not in the ways most people expected. Recorded the day after the announcement, this special emergency episode brings Bryce back to the couch with Ben for an unfiltered, fast-thinking breakdown of what actually happened and what it means for property investors. Negative gearing has changed. CGT treatment has shifted. Regional markets are exposed. And as Bryce puts it: "Location now does 90% of the heavy lifting." In this episod...

TPC Gold has a new name… say hello to Throwback Tuesdays 👋 Same timeless property investing insights from the archives, just with a fresh new label. In this one, former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss explains why silence creates uncertainty… and uncertainty creates anxiety. Bryce, Ben and Chris unpack how regular communication builds trust, why even “there’s no update yet” can be reassuring, and how these lessons apply to property, business and everyday negotiations. For the original...

Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series where we unpack big questions from the community. This week, Shane and Luke tackle a topic that sparks plenty of debate: Is it actually harder for young people to buy property today — and is it someone else’s responsibility to fix it? They explore the gap between income and property prices, the impact of changing economic conditions, and why expectations around first home ownership may need to shift. At the same time, they discuss t...

What if the biggest property mistake isn’t what you buy… but what you do next? In our latest Q&A episode, Ben K is joined by Couch Crew Polly & Ben T (Fellow QPIAs) to unpack three real investor dilemmas that don’t have easy answers: 🏡 A regional property surges 60%… do you cash out or stay in? 💰 Sell an investment to eliminate your home loan… or keep building wealth? 👯 Combine forces to buy better… or go solo and keep control? This episode breaks down: The difference between ma...

The RBA just hiked again... and this time it wasn't even close. Eight members voted to raise the cash rate to 4.35%. Only one dissented. Ben Kingsley and economist Evan Lucas break down what the 8-1 vote really signals, why the RBA's own forecasts should worry you, and what Ben means when he says "winter is coming for the Australian economy." 💡 Thinking about refinancing or adjusting your loan strategy? Let our team help you review your options. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPIS...

What if one simple move could put an extra $662 back in your pocket every month… and potentially boost your borrowing power by up to $100,000? In this Friday Fundamentals episode of The Property Couch, Ben Kingsley sits down with tax specialist Danish Ahmed to unpack a time-sensitive HECS/HELP strategy that many Australians don’t even realise exists. With indexation approaching on June 1, this episode walks through a real-life scenario showing how paying down your HECS debt early could help...

A $700 inspection could save you $70,000. In Part 2 of our How to Buy a Home series, Ben is joined by leading building inspectors Paul Baker and Miles Clark to unpack one of the most overlooked and financially risky parts of buying property: building and pest inspections. You’ll learn: ✔️ What a good inspection should (and shouldn’t) cover ✔️ How to interpret “major defects” without panicking ✔️ The red flags inspectors look for in older homes ✔️ How to choose the right inspector (and avoid c...

🔥 THE HILL I’LL DIE ON 🔥 Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series where industry experts share the one belief they stand firmly behind. This week, Ben is joined by Nerida Conisbee, Chief Economist at Ray White, to unpack a key issue in today’s housing debate: Investors provide rental housing. Nerida explains why this often-overlooked reality plays a critical role in the property market — and what happens when investor participation declines. The conversation explores...

Property management has changed… but not in the way most investors realise. In Episode 594, we put the spotlight on one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) parts of real estate: property management. Joined by experts in the property management field, we’ve got Phil Tarrant, CEO of Managed and host of the Smart Property Investment Show, and Corinne Bohan, Director of Image Property. Together, they dive into the growing complexity of the industry from rising regulation and tenant ex...

📌 Sign the Petition (URGENT – closes next week on 1 May): Victorian Parliament Petition (VIC residents only): https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/improve-the-efficiency-and-fairness-of-the-residential-tenancies-list/ Change.org Petition (open to all): https://c.org/CjQx88vrbT This is not a typical Property Couch episode. In this urgent and important conversation, Ben steps in as Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA) to unpack a real-life case th...

Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series where members of the Property Couch crew share bold property and money opinions they’re willing to stand behind. This week, economist Evan Lucas joins Ben Kingsley to tackle a big topic: Personal income tax. Evan argues that Australia’s current tax system places too much pressure on income earners and may be discouraging aspiration and productivity. He explains how bracket creep, tax thresholds, and behavioural responses all play a ...

What if the best time to buy your first home… is when everyone else is hesitating? With rising interest rates, higher living costs and shifting market sentiment, many would assume it’s the worst time to enter the property market. But here’s the twist: It might actually be one of the most important times to get your strategy right. Welcome to Part 1 of our 3-part mini-series on how to buy a home, where we break down the foundations every first-time buyer needs before they even start looking at...

A listener asked a question many property investors quietly worry about: “We’ve bought a lemon… should we sell and move on, or hold?” It’s a tough spot to be in. In this bonus snippet, Bryce and Ben unpack how to determine whether a property is truly a “lemon” — and more importantly whether to cut your losses or stay the course. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 253 | Top Tips for First Home Buyers. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONE...

Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series where members of the Property Couch crew share bold property and money opinions they’re willing to stand behind. This week, tax expert Danish joins Ben Kingsley with a clear message: Don’t DIY your tax return. Especially when it comes to capital gains tax. Dinesh explains how many property investors miss key deductions, overlook important costs, and end up paying more tax than they need to. From stamp d...

What happens when you pay a property deposit in cash… then reimburse yourself from borrowed funds later? 💸 Are buyer’s agent fees tax-deductible? 🧾 Can you still claim deductions on a holiday home if you use it during peak season? 🏡 And just how far can you trust AI when it comes to tax advice? 🤖 In this week’s jam-packed episode, Ben is joined by Julia Hartman, an old friend of the couch and Property Tax Guru, and Danish Ahmed, Empower Wealth’s Senior Tax Advisor. Julia is also the Founder o...

If you’ve ever built a budget, felt good about it… and then completely ignored it a week later — you’re not alone. The truth is that most budgets don’t fail because the numbers are wrong. They fail because they rely on perfect behaviour in imperfect moments. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 337 | The 4 Pillars of Money Health. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: htt...

Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series where members of the Property Couch crew share bold property and money opinions they’re willing to stand behind. This week, tax expert Julia Hartman joins Ben Kingsley to tackle a controversial topic: Blaming landlords for the housing crisis. Julia argues that increasing taxes, regulations, and costs for investors may actually reduce rental supply — which can drive rents even higher. In this episode, she unpa...

🏡 What happens when you’re pre-approved… but still not ready to buy? In Episode 591, Ben is joined by Kirsty, and Couch Crew member, Kirsty “KD” Dunphey, who shares her incredibly honest first-home buyer journey. Her story is one many buyers will recognise: Four years pre-approved before purchasingEndless inspections and auction lossesInformation overload from friends and advisorsNavigating buyer’s agents, brokers and market noiseAlong the way, the conversation unpacks some powerful lessons a...

“Would I be crazy to buy a freestanding home in a street full of units and townhouses?” In this throwback episode, Bryce & Ben answer this question from a first home buyer and explore why the answer isn't a simple yes or no. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 305 | Chalk & Cheese: The Difference Between The Art & Science of Investing. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Goog...

Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series inside The Property Couch where members of the Couch Crew share bold money and property opinions they’re willing to stand behind. In this episode, buyer’s advocate Shane Pope joins Ben Kingsley to unpack a powerful truth most sellers and buyers overlook: 👉 The real estate agent is the most important part of your property transaction. It’s not just about price. It’s not just about marketing. Shane explains why even the best prope...

The property market is facing a perfect storm… Global conflict is driving supply shocks. Inflation is creeping back in. Interest rates are rising again. And now… tax reform is back on the table. In this groundbreaking episode, Ben is joined by Ray White Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee and Behavioural Economist Evan Lucas to unpack how these forces are colliding and exactly what it could mean for property prices, investors, and the broader economy. From shifting buyer sentiment to construction...

When Bryce and Ben first teamed up, they realised that successful property investing isn’t a one-time event... it’s a repeatable process. In this bonus episode, they revisit the five-step framework they created to help investors build sustainable portfolios. They also unpack one of the biggest traps in property investing and explain why headlines and hype often lead to “Frankenstein Portfolios.” For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 543 | How to Fix a Frankenstein Portfolio Bef...

Welcome to Episode 2 of “The Money Stuff We Don’t Talk About”, our Friday mini-series inside The Property Couch. Each week, one member of the Couch Crew shares a bold money stance and unpacks the financial truths most investors don’t talk about. This week, Polly Chu shares the hill she’ll die on: 💵 Cash is king. Having experienced the GFC early in her career, navigated investment banking during volatile markets, and built her own portfolio, Polly understands what happe...

What if property prices keep rising… even if wages don’t? 🤔 That’s the uncomfortable question we’re unpacking in this Q&A episode, and it’s one every buyer and investor needs to understand. It’s also a big moment for the show… We’re welcoming Polly Chu and Ben Thompson to the Couch Crew for the very first time... and we’re throwing them straight into the deep end. Here’s what we unpack: 📈 Why property prices can rise faster than wages (and what actually drives it) 🏡 The real trade-offs fi...

The RBA has lifted the cash rate again, raising it by 25 basis points to 4.10% in a knife-edge decision. Ben Kingsley and economist Evan Lucas unpack what’s driving the move, what the data is telling us, and what to watch next in 2026. 💡 Thinking about refinancing or adjusting your loan strategy? Let our team help you review your options. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.l...

Welcome back to The Hill I’ll Die On, our Friday mini-series inside The Property Couch. Each week, a member of the Couch Crew steps up to share a bold money or property opinion they’re willing to stand behind — and unpack the behind-the-scenes truths most people think… but rarely say out loud. This week’s guest is Luke Oxenham, one of Australia’s leading mortgage brokers. Luke’s hill? Don’t take financial advice from Instagram. From “pay off your home loan in sev...

📍 Melbourne’s property market has been the worst performer in the country for years… so is it finally time for a comeback? In this episode, Ben is joined by property valuation expert Greville Pabst and new Couch Crew member Shane Pope, a Melbourne-based buyer’s advocate who works closely with owner-occupiers at the coalface of the market. Together, they unpack what’s really happening across Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Like... Why has Melbourne underperformed for the past decade? How...

Auctions can be intense… and it’s not just the bidding that drives the pressure. In this bonus episode, Bryce chats with behavioural economist and psychologist Phil Slade about why auctions trigger powerful emotions, how time pressure and competition can cloud judgement, and what you can do to avoid falling into the bidding war trap. For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 338 | Going Ape S#!t: How To Hack Your Brain To Make More Money. LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> ...

Welcome to the first episode of our brand-new Friday mini-series: The Hill I’ll Die On. Each week, one member of the Property Couch crew steps up to share a bold money or property stance they’re willing to stand behind and unpack the behind-the-scenes truths most people think… but rarely say out loud. First up: Ben Thompson. As a QPIA and auctioneer with over 1,000 auctions under his belt, Ben makes a strong case that auctions are the most transparent way to buy property. Are they intimidatin...

Rates are back in the spotlight… and with them comes the big question: 👉 Should you fix your loan? In this episode, Ben sits down with mortgage experts Luke Oxenham and Kirsty “KD” Dunphey to unpack what rising interest rates actually mean for: Borrowing power Mortgage jail Fixed vs variable decisions Investor strategy in a rising-rate cycle Because just because the bank says you can borrow it… doesn’t mean you should. Free Stuff Mentioned &...

With the May 2026 federal budget approaching, rumors of negative gearing changes are reaching a fever pitch. At The Property Couch, we’ve always said you only need 2 to 3 properties to change your life, but how would a formal cap impact your long-term plan? Watch the full video on YouTube here > Before we get there… Stop the presses! Let’s acknowledge that for the second time in less than a week, we have major breaking news episodes regarding property tax in Australia. Hot on the heels of ...

Is the government about to pull the rug out from under the rental market? 🚨 With housing affordability dominating the headlines, Federal Labor and the Treasury are officially modeling potential changes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Negative Gearing. Note: This deep-dive presentation was originally produced by Ben Kingsley for the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA). Given the gravity of these potential tax reforms and how much they impact our community, we knew we had to sha...

Folks, this could be shaping up to be the biggest risk of 2026... Yep. We’re back with one of our MOST popular episodes of the year, our 2026 Property Market Outlook! The economy has run hotter than the RBA expected, but higher rates and rising living costs are starting to bite. At the same time, tight supply, strong population growth and government incentives (like the 5% deposit scheme) are continuing to support demand. So which force wins? In this deep-dive outloo...