• #358: Market Update March 2026 – National Growth Near 10% and Opportunity Knocks Amid Weakening Sentiment & Buyer Hesitation
    Apr 20 2026
    This month’s update highlights a resilient property market amid weakening sentiment.

    Strong growth in Perth, Brisbane and Darwin contrasts with softer results in Sydney and Melbourne.

    Tight rental conditions persist, while cautious buyers and falling confidence are reshaping demand.

    The Trio note that this shift may create a rare window of opportunity for strategic buyers to act with less competition.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/20/ep-358-march-2026-market-update/
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    50 min
  • #357: Investor Tax Trap - The Costly Depreciation Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making
    Apr 13 2026
    🎧 In this episode, the Property Trio unpack the often misunderstood world of tax depreciation.

    Cate, Dave and Mike explain the difference between Division 43 and Division 40, and why structuring depreciation correctly can significantly impact early cash flow.

    They also explore the 2017 rule changes, the role of quantity surveyors, and overlooked opportunities like common property in apartments. From costly mistakes to unusual tax cases, the key message is clear: it’s not about being clever with tax... it’s about a having clear strategy and being informed.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
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    55 min
  • #356: The Sellers Dilemma - When to Cut Losses, Removing Troublesome Tenants & Should You Sell as-is or Renovate First
    Apr 6 2026
    🎧 This week, the Property Trio unpack a great listener question about a common investor dilemma....when a difficult tenant starts to impact both cash flow and confidence.

    John’s Ballarat property has solid fundamentals, but ongoing arrears and an ageing home raise the question: hold, fix, or sell?

    Cate explains how tenant stress can cloud strategy, while highlighting the value of appealing to owner-occupiers through simple cosmetic updates.

    Mike outlines the hidden costs of holding an underperforming asset, including lost income and opportunity cost.

    The Trio also warn against overcapitalising when selling, reinforcing the importance of clear, strategic decision-making over emotional reactions.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/06/the-sellers-dilemma/
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    35 min
  • #355: Reverse Mortgages Explained – Using Equity to Create Cash Flow in Retirement
    Mar 30 2026
    This week, the Property Trio unpack reverse mortgages after a thoughtful listener question from Simon about funding retirement without selling property.

    It’s a classic accumulation-to-income pivot, and one many investors leave too late. While accessing equity instead of triggering capital gains tax sounds appealing, reverse mortgages are a cash flow tool, not a wealth strategy. Compounding interest can erode equity over time, and lending limits are age-based and typically restricted to owner-occupied homes. Importantly, there’s no CGT advantage.

    The Trio emphasise that while reverse mortgages can play a role later in life, the most optimal outcomes come from proactive, long-term planning.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/30/listener-question-reverse-mortgages/
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    39 min
  • #354: The Property Trio’s Debut LIVE Episode - A Market Pulse & An Interactive Q&A With Our Live Audience
    Mar 23 2026
    In this debut live recording, Dave, Cate and Mike share their market pulse highlights before diving into some live interaction with the audience. The Q&A format is hosted by none other than the fabulous Property Professor, Pete Koulizos who joins the stage too.

    This mighty episode runs for one hour and thirty-five minutes. The first thirteen minutes are dedicated to each of the host's market pulse updates, followed by a great assortment of questions from the floor.

    We had enormous fun delivering this live ep and we thank our attendees, who made it a great night to remember. We hope our listeners enjoy too!

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/23/live-event-march-2026/
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    1 ora e 30 min
  • #353: Market Update Feb 2026 – Perth Won’t Quit, Investors Keep Buying, Rents Escalate, More Rate Rises & Has Hobart Bottomed?
    Mar 16 2026
    Dave Johnston and Mike Mortlock unpack the February housing data, with Perth still leading growth while Sydney and Melbourne remain flat. Hobart is showing early signs of recovery, and regional markets continue to outperform capitals. Rising global tensions, higher bond yields and possible tax changes are lifting rate expectations, but long-term housing demand continues to support property values.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/16/ep-353-february-2026-market-update/
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    48 min
  • #352: The Housing Supply Challenge – Why Australia Can’t Build Homes Fast Enough
    Mar 9 2026
    Australia’s housing affordability crisis isn’t just demand-driven. In this week's episode, the Trio examines supply constraints, productivity, taxes and labour shortages.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/09/the-housing-supply-challenge/
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    45 min
  • #351: Property Ownership and Mortgage Structuring for Investments to Maximise Wealth Creation
    Mar 2 2026
    In this episode, a great listener question from Brendan sparks the conversation. The Trio take a strategic deep dive into ownership structures, equity release and lender policy, helping investors align tax outcomes, borrowing power and long-term portfolio planning.

    The Property Trio is:

    David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/

    Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/

    Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

    📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/

    You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:
    https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/02/ownership-structuring-strategy/

    And... don't forget our LIVE Podcast Event this week - Thursday 5th March at Latrobe Golf Club - 8 Farm Road, Alphington, VIC.

    You can access tickets Here.
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    49 min