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

40 Episodes
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By: Cate Bakos, David Johnston and Mike Mortlock

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

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#386: The Rental Reality Check – Why Slower Rent Increases Doesn’t Mean Improved Affordability
#386: The Rental Reality Check – Why Slower Rent Increases Doesn’t Mean Improved Affordability episode artwork
Today at 10:29 AM

Cate, Dave and Mike look at the latest rental data. National rents rose just 0.5% in the September quarter, and the vacancy rate climbed to 2.1%. The Trio ask whether that means the rental crisis is easing, or whether households have simply hit the limit of what they can afford. They unpack Everybody’s Home’s No Room to Move report, where 76% of respondents said an extra $20 a week would force sacrifices. They also explain suppressed household formation and the construction paradox that could slow new supply. It’s a sharp reminder that a healthier-looking rental market doesn’t always mean renters are bett...


#385: Buying a Renovated Home - What You Need to Know About Permits, Certificates, Liability and More
#385: Buying a Renovated Home - What You Need to Know About Permits, Certificates, Liability and More episode artwork
10/26/2026


Cate, Dave and Mike tackle a listener question about buying a Melbourne home renovated within the last two years, where the certificates are missing and the only paperwork is a visual-only Section 137B owner-builder report.

What should a Victorian buyer expect in the Section 32, and does the risk disappear once the disclosure window closes? The trio unpack permits, owner-builder warranty cover, insurance, title insurance and whether any discount makes missing certificates acceptable.

Then they head around the country to compare disclosure and owner-builder rules state by state. A beautiful renovation is only as sound as...


#384: Smart Mortgage Strategies to Stay Afloat When Interest Rates Hit a 15-Year High
#384: Smart Mortgage Strategies to Stay Afloat When Interest Rates Hit a 15-Year High episode artwork
10/19/2026

🎧 Cate, Dave and Mike return with practical strategies to make your mortgage work harder now the cash rate has hit a 15-year high. Dave flags a costly trap for home owners converting their home into an investment property, before the trio unpacks the credit card and offset strategy, fixed rates, loan splitting and break costs. With values softening, could your LVR push you into Lenders Mortgage Insurance, or is the valuation lag still working in your favour? Debt consolidation, cashback offers and household cash flow round out an episode proving smart mortgage strategy is rarely about chasing the lowest rate.


#383: Market Update September 2026 – Melbourne Prices Stabilise as Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth Nose-dive & Rental Growth Eases
#383: Market Update September 2026 – Melbourne Prices Stabilise as Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth Nose-dive & Rental Growth Eases episode artwork
10/12/2026

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Cate and Dave unpack the latest September figures and focus on some of the leading indicators to understand what is happening across Australia’s property markets.

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...


#382: The Bear Market Reality Check – Why Buying or Selling Right Now Is Tougher Than It Looks
#382: The Bear Market Reality Check – Why Buying or Selling Right Now Is Tougher Than It Looks episode artwork
10/05/2026

With Dave away, Mike and Cate tackle a common assumption: that a softer market makes life easier for buyers. Cate explains why a bear market is harder work for everyone.

Buyer's agents see enquiry dry up, low-ballers risk alienating vendors, and forced sellers battle both losses and bruised egos.

Selling agents face tough weekly conversations with clients as values slip, while upgraders and downsizers wrestle with whether to buy or sell first.

First home buyers, despite less competition, are often rattled by negative headlines and quiet open inspections. 

Could the best buying c...


#381: Investor Sentiment Under the Microscope – What's Really Driving Investor Decisions Since the Budget
#381: Investor Sentiment Under the Microscope – What's Really Driving Investor Decisions Since the Budget episode artwork
09/28/2026

With Cate away, Dave and Mike unpack the 2026 PIPA Annual Investor Sentiment Survey. Investor sales have risen for a fourth straight year to 18.3%, while only 27.8% plan to buy again, down from 41%. Just 12.4% of sellers sold to a first home buyer, 62.3% of portfolios are now negatively cash flowed, and 87% doubt future governments will keep tax settings stable. Melbourne tops the list of places to invest at 38.7%, despite Victoria ranking near the bottom for investor friendliness. If investors keep stepping back, what does that mean for renters and the rental pool?

The Property Trio is: 

David J...


#380: What It Takes to Get a DIY Purchase Right when Buying in a New Location or Interstate
#380: What It Takes to Get a DIY Purchase Right when Buying in a New Location or Interstate episode artwork
09/21/2026

🎙️In this episode, Dave and Cate answer a listener question from Nikhil, who has bought five properties, (four through buyer's agents) and wants to start buying interstate himself. The pair set out what it actually takes to buy well somewhere you don't live.  Cate explains why unfamiliar markets are hard to read, how contract legislation differs between states and territories, and where to research a suburb's socio-economic story.

They also weigh up the real cost of flying in and staying for inspections against a buyer's agent fee. Cate finishes with a four step framework: pick one market, build a smal...


#379: Market Update August 2026 – A Buyer's Market Emerges as Medians Slip Below $1M, Investor Lending Retreats as Rents Keep Climbing
#379: Market Update August 2026 – A Buyer's Market Emerges as Medians Slip Below $1M, Investor Lending Retreats as Rents Keep Climbing episode artwork
09/14/2026

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Cate, Dave and Mike unpack the latest August figures and look beyond the headlines to understand what is actually happening across Australia’s property markets.

The August market update covers city price falls, rental increases, listing numbers, interest rates and the forces shaping the next phase of this property cycle nationally.  🏠 Tune in to hear more!...  

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 Pr...


#378: Property Investors Pivot to Yield and Diversification, But Is It the Right Call?
#378: Property Investors Pivot to Yield and Diversification, But Is It the Right Call? episode artwork
09/07/2026

Dave, Cate and Mike dig into the immediate investor reaction to the negative gearing changes and the trends taking shape in their wake. Is the shift toward yield over growth a genuine strategic rethink, or is it serviceability and higher rates forcing investors' hands? Cate shares what she's hearing from buyers week to week, while Mike unpacks why resi investors are increasingly eyeing commercial property, small retail, offices and warehousing, and how differently that asset class behaves once you move past the headline yield. 

The Trio weigh up what investors might be compromising on when they chase yield o...


#377: The 6 Principles for Property Success to Build Lasting Wealth & Create Your Ideal Lifestyle
#377: The 6 Principles for Property Success to Build Lasting Wealth & Create Your Ideal Lifestyle episode artwork
08/31/2026

The Trio unpack the six principles that separate lasting property wealth from a scattered portfolio. They start with goal setting and long-term planning, then move through mortgage strategy, risk management, and the money management habits that fund a lifestyle by design.

Dave discusses a sobering example of first home buyers facing negative equity after buying at 95% LVR, while Mike explains why compounding and buy and hold tend to beat timing the market.

The Trio also make the case for quality over quantity, arguing well chosen properties beat a sprawling portfolio.

The Property Trio...


#376: The Great Investor Exodus - The Budget White Elephant Sinking the Boat, Outlook for Rates & Are Boutique Apartments Luring Investors
#376: The Great Investor Exodus - The Budget White Elephant Sinking the Boat, Outlook for Rates & Are Boutique Apartments Luring Investors episode artwork
08/24/2026

This week, Mike, Cate and Dave dig into Tim Lawless's Cotality presentation from last month's REBAA conference, unpacking where the housing cycle genuinely sits. 

📊 National dwelling values have fallen for four straight months, now around 2% below their March peak, with Sydney and Melbourne leading the slide; 97% and 98% of their suburbs recorded falls over the latest quarter. Yet Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Karratha and Wagga Wagga are still growing above 19%, so could that gap change how investors chase last year's winners?

Cate explains what softer listings and auctions mean for buyer leverage, and Mike unpacks the investor demand risks sitting behi...


#375: Market Update July 2026- National Price Reversal Depends, Yields Hit Highest Level in Years, Rents keep Rising &. Total Listings Climb
#375: Market Update July 2026- National Price Reversal Depends, Yields Hit Highest Level in Years, Rents keep Rising &. Total Listings Climb episode artwork
08/17/2026

This month's Property Trio market update sees Cate, Dave and Mike digging into July's figures, questioning whether the headline numbers are keeping pace with what's really happening on the ground.

National values fell 0.7%, with only Darwin, Perth and Hobart holding positive territory, and Cotality quietly revising prior months lower. 🏡 Melbourne draws real attention, with affordability and rising yields raising the question of genuine resilience.

Rents keep climbing, listings tell a mixed story across cities, and the RBA's warning of another possible hike looms large. A tight, data-driven read on where the market stands and what could shi...


#374: The Ultimate Guide to Buying, Selling and Upgrading in a Downturn
#374: The Ultimate Guide to Buying, Selling and Upgrading in a Downturn episode artwork
08/10/2026

Buying and selling a property at the same time can feel like a logistical minefield. In this episode, Mike, Cate and Dave explore the strategies, risks and financial considerations involved in upgrading or downsizing.

They discuss whether it is better to buy or sell first, when bridging finance makes sense, why subject-to-sale offers can be problematic, and how settlement periods, rent-backs and early access can create valuable flexibility.

The Trio also explores loan porting, contingency planning and the importance of understanding your worst-case scenario before committing. With careful planning and the right advice, the buy-and-sell dance...


#373: After the Budget – A Deep Analysis of Who are the Winners, the Losers and What Happens Next
#373: After the Budget – A Deep Analysis of Who are the Winners, the Losers and What Happens Next episode artwork
08/03/2026


In this extended episode of The Property Trio, Cate Bakos, David Johnston and Mike Mortlock unpack the far-reaching implications of the 2026 Federal Budget and its property tax reforms.


They explore how the changes could affect property prices, rents, yields, investor behaviour and first home buyers, while discussing the risks and opportunities emerging in today's market. The trio also examines established versus new property, long-term investment strategy, potential economic impacts, and whether the reforms could eventually be repealed. If you're deciding whether to buy, hold or wait, this episode delivers practical insights to help guide your next...


#372: The New-Build Negative Gearing Trap - Why a Higher Rent and Bigger Tax Deduction Don't Always Add Up to a Better Investment
#372: The New-Build Negative Gearing Trap - Why a Higher Rent and Bigger Tax Deduction Don't Always Add Up to a Better Investment episode artwork
07/27/2026

Australia's proposed negative gearing changes are designed to encourage investment in new housing, but could there be unintended consequences for renters?

In this episode, The Property Trio explores exclusive research from MCG Quantity Surveyors and Suburbtrends, analysing more than 180,000 rental listings to uncover the true cost of brand-new housing.

The trio discuss why new properties command higher rents, how the findings vary across Australia's capital cities, and what this means for investors weighing tax benefits against long-term performance. It's a balanced, data-driven conversation about housing affordability, rental supply and making smarter property decisions in a changing...


#371: The Retirement Countdown - Is Adding One More Property to Your Portfolio Close to Retirement a Smart Move or a Step Too Far?
#371: The Retirement Countdown - Is Adding One More Property to Your Portfolio Close to Retirement a Smart Move or a Step Too Far? episode artwork
07/20/2026

This week, Cate and Dave answer a thoughtful listener question from Scott, who is approaching retirement with five investment properties, positive cash flow and a big decision to make.

Should he borrow to buy a $500,000 Melbourne apartment, or focus on preserving wealth?

Dave explores retirement planning, portfolio purpose, debt and cash flow, while Cate examines whether Melbourne's affordable apartments and units could benefit from changing investor behaviour following the recent negative gearing reforms. T

hey also discuss investment-grade apartment selection, owner's corporation costs, and long-term capital growth prospects. This is a practical conversation for...


#370: Market Update June 2026 – Sydney and Melbourne Lead National Slide, Rents Keep Climbing, Listings Rise & Yields Hit a Multi-Year High
#370: Market Update June 2026 – Sydney and Melbourne Lead National Slide, Rents Keep Climbing, Listings Rise & Yields Hit a Multi-Year High episode artwork
07/13/2026

June's market update reveals a property market adjusting to powerful policy changes. The Trio unpack slowing momentum across every capital city, the combined impact of Budget Night tax reforms and three consecutive interest rate rises, and why cautious buyers and retreating investors are reshaping the landscape.

Tight vacancy rates and rental growth continue to pose a threat to renters, with gross rental yields continuing to climb.

The Trio explore whether Spring will deliver a larger volume of stock, and if so, will sentiment improve in time? Or could supply outpace demand? These are interesting times...
<...


#369: The Negative Gearing Loophole Available for Established Properties that No One’s Talking About
#369: The Negative Gearing Loophole Available for Established Properties that No One’s Talking About episode artwork
07/06/2026

Australia's negative gearing changes have created an important opportunity for existing homeowners that many people have overlooked. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explain how grandfathering rules could allow eligible homeowners to retain negative gearing benefits if they later convert their home into an investment property.

The trio explores why mortgage structure matters, the strategic use of interest-only lending and offset accounts, and how repayment choices made today can influence future tax outcomes. They also discuss upgrade-and-retain strategies, rentvesting, cash flow management and the importance of seeking advice before making property or lending decisions.

...


#368: The Truth About Property Investors - What the RBA Data Reveals About Wealth, Risk & Australia’s Rental Market
#368: The Truth About Property Investors - What the RBA Data Reveals About Wealth, Risk & Australia’s Rental Market episode artwork
06/29/2026

The latest research from the Reserve Bank of Australia offers a fascinating snapshot of who really owns Australia's investment properties, and it challenges many common assumptions.

Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the data, revealing that most investors own just one property, while only a small minority build large portfolios. They explore what an ageing investor population, borrowing capacity, leverage and proposed tax changes could mean for the future of housing and rental supply.

This episode offers a balanced, evidence-based discussion that cuts through the headlines to explain what the numbers really tell us about Australia's...


#367: The Wealth-Building Balancing Act - Property, Shares, Debt, Cash Flow and the Question of How Much is Enough?
#367: The Wealth-Building Balancing Act - Property, Shares, Debt, Cash Flow and the Question of How Much is Enough? episode artwork
06/22/2026

This week, The Trio answer a fascinating listener question from Tom, who has built a $12 million property portfolio and is now facing a different challenge: where should future capital go?

Cate and Mike discuss the shift from accumulation to optimisation, comparing property, shares and superannuation as wealth-building tools. They explore the role of leverage, debt reduction and how age and working horizons influence risk. The episode also examines the hidden costs of large interstate portfolios, the increasing workload that comes with mature assets, and why simplicity becomes more valuable as retirement approaches.

Plus, Cate reveals what...


#366: Market Update May 2026 – Flat National Growth Masks Big City Moves, Budget Nerves Build & Rents Keep Rising
#366: Market Update May 2026 – Flat National Growth Masks Big City Moves, Budget Nerves Build & Rents Keep Rising episode artwork
06/15/2026

May's property market delivered a fascinating mix of results, with Melbourne and Sydney recording price declines while Perth and Darwin continued their remarkable growth.

In this month's market update, Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the latest data and discuss what's really happening beneath the headlines.They explore the impact of proposed investor tax changes, shifting buyer sentiment, rental growth, housing supply challenges and the implications for investors, homeowners and first-home buyers.

The episode also examines listings activity, gross rental yields, interest rate expectations and broader economic indicators influencing property markets around the country. Join The...


#365: Reviewing Your Home Loan - Negotiating Interest Rates Like a Pro, Offset Strategy & Refinancing Without Regret
#365: Reviewing Your Home Loan - Negotiating Interest Rates Like a Pro, Offset Strategy & Refinancing Without Regret episode artwork
06/08/2026

With interest rates rising and household budgets under pressure, many borrowers are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their home loans. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explore practical strategies to improve cash flow, including negotiating with lenders, refinancing, reviewing loan structures and making better use of offset accounts.

The Trio explain why advertised rates don't always tell the full story and highlights the value of working with a strategic mortgage broker. Whether you're an owner-occupier or investor, this episode offers actionable insights to help ensure your lending is working as hard as possible.
<...


#364: Budget Aftershock - What Comes Next for Property Prices and Yields?
#364: Budget Aftershock - What Comes Next for Property Prices and Yields? episode artwork
06/01/2026

Dave, Cate and Mike unpack the post-budget landscape through a listener question from Liam, highlighting the uncertainty facing investors.

With proposed changes to negative gearing and CGT not yet legislated, many buyers are pausing, while owner-occupiers are benefiting from reduced competition. The Trio explores whether a surge in listings could create buying opportunities, but notes that property markets adjust slowly despite rapid sentiment shifts. With less reliance on tax incentives, the focus turns to cash flow, borrowing capacity and strategy. This is a market recalibrating, and for well-prepared buyers, changing conditions may present opportunity rather than risk.
<...


#363: Market Update April 2026 - Capital City Divergence Widens, Investor Demand Wobbles, Rents Accelerate & Budget Fallout Begins
#363: Market Update April 2026 - Capital City Divergence Widens, Investor Demand Wobbles, Rents Accelerate & Budget Fallout Begins episode artwork
05/25/2026

April’s market revealed a clear split. Mike, Cate and Dave highlight declines in Sydney and Melbourne, while Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide continue strong growth, largely fuelled by investors. That momentum may not last. Investor-heavy, lower-priced markets could soften if policy changes reduce demand, while tightly held family homes in established suburbs may prove more resilient.

Rents remain under pressure, with low vacancy rates driving ongoing increases. Buyer sentiment has dropped sharply, and lending activity is easing, signalling caution.

Overall, the market is shifting, with policy and confidence set to shape what happens next.
...


#362: The Federal Budget Property Shake-Up – The Fall Out and Proposed Changes for Buyers, Investors, Renters, Negative Gearing and CGT
#362: The Federal Budget Property Shake-Up – The Fall Out and Proposed Changes for Buyers, Investors, Renters, Negative Gearing and CGT episode artwork
05/13/2026

The 2026 Federal Budget has delivered one of the most significant property policy shake-ups Australia has seen in decades. The headline changes include winding back negative gearing for established homes, replacing the 50% capital gains tax discount with an inflation-indexed model, and extending incentives for new housing supply.

The government’s aim is clear: slow investor demand for existing stock and improve affordability for first home buyers.

However, with all significant changes, there are often unintended consequences.  The Trio recorded this special release the morning after budget night to clarify, explain and anticipate what it all means for the...


#361: Are Government Property Incentives Helping Buyers or Heating the Market?
#361: Are Government Property Incentives Helping Buyers or Heating the Market? episode artwork
05/11/2026


In this episode of The Property Trio, Dave, Mike and Cate unpack one of the biggest questions facing Australian property buyers right now: do first home buyer incentives genuinely improve affordability, or do they simply create more competition?

The episode examines the mechanics behind these incentives and why reducing deposit hurdles can accelerate demand faster than supply can respond. 

For buyers, investors and anyone trying to understand Australia’s evolving housing market, this episode delivers a grounded and insightful discussion about policy, competition and the long term supply issues sitting underneath today’s affordability debate.
...


#360: The Landlord Trap - When Chasing More Rent Backfires & How to Balance Cash Flow, Vacancy and Tenant Quality
#360: The Landlord Trap - When Chasing More Rent Backfires & How to Balance Cash Flow, Vacancy and Tenant Quality episode artwork
05/04/2026

🎧 In this episode of The Property Trio, we tackle a great landlord question from Lukasz.

Is it better to chase maximum rent or secure a high quality tenant? 

Cate, Dave and Mike explain why pushing rent too high can lead to longer vacancies and poorer applicant pools. The Trio highlight hidden costs such as vacancy, leasing fees and tenant issues, and why a stable, respectful tenant often delivers a better long term result. 

They also explore strategic pricing, rent review timing, lease staggering and the value of a great property manager. The message is simpl...


#359: The Refinance Playbook - The Numbers, Strategy & Timing Explained
#359: The Refinance Playbook - The Numbers, Strategy & Timing Explained episode artwork
04/27/2026

🎧 This week, The Property Trio unpacks whether refinancing is really worth it. This listener question was sent through by a loyal listener, Greg.


Cate, Dave and Mike explain how to weigh savings against switching costs, including break fees, discharge fees, package costs and possible LMI. They also discuss why refinancing should be about strategy, not just rate chasing, and how offsets affect the numbers.

Most importantly, they explore the risk of becoming a “mortgage prisoner” if future rate rises reduce borrowing capacity and limit your options.

The Property Trio is: 
...


#358: Market Update March 2026 – National Growth Near 10% and Opportunity Knocks Amid Weakening Sentiment & Buyer Hesitation
#358: Market Update March 2026 – National Growth Near 10% and Opportunity Knocks Amid Weakening Sentiment & Buyer Hesitation episode artwork
04/20/2026

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 - Mana...


#357: Investor Tax Trap - The Costly Depreciation Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making
#357: Investor Tax Trap - The Costly Depreciation Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making episode artwork
04/13/2026

🎧 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...


#356: The Sellers Dilemma - When to Cut Losses, Removing Troublesome Tenants & Should You Sell as-is or Renovate First
#356: The Sellers Dilemma - When to Cut Losses, Removing Troublesome Tenants & Should You Sell as-is or Renovate First episode artwork
04/06/2026

🎧 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, reinfo...


#355: Reverse Mortgages Explained – Using Equity to Create Cash Flow in Retirement
#355: Reverse Mortgages Explained – Using Equity to Create Cash Flow in Retirement episode artwork
03/30/2026

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 opti...


#354: The Property Trio’s Debut LIVE Episode - A Market Pulse & An Interactive Q&A With Our Live Audience
#354: The Property Trio’s Debut LIVE Episode - A Market Pulse & An Interactive Q&A With Our Live Audience episode artwork
03/23/2026

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...


#353: Market Update Feb 2026 – Perth Won’t Quit, Investors Keep Buying, Rents Escalate, More Rate Rises & Has Hobart Bottomed?
#353: Market Update Feb 2026 – Perth Won’t Quit, Investors Keep Buying, Rents Escalate, More Rate Rises & Has Hobart Bottomed? episode artwork
03/16/2026

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/  ...


#352: The Housing Supply Challenge – Why Australia Can’t Build Homes Fast Enough
#352: The Housing Supply Challenge – Why Australia Can’t Build Homes Fast Enough episode artwork
03/09/2026

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...


#351: Property Ownership and Mortgage Structuring for Investments to Maximise Wealth Creation
#351: Property Ownership and Mortgage Structuring for Investments to Maximise Wealth Creation episode artwork
03/02/2026

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...


#350: Selling Property Smarter - Maximise Your Sale Price Without Overcapitalising on Renovations or Improvements
#350: Selling Property Smarter - Maximise Your Sale Price Without Overcapitalising on Renovations or Improvements episode artwork
02/23/2026

In this episode, the Property Trio unpack debt recycling in plain English, explaining how it works and why it’s often misunderstood. Cate, Dave and Mike explore tax deductibility, redraw traps and cash flow risks, helping listeners understand when the strategy can add value... and when it may do more harm than good.

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...


#349: Market Update Jan 2026 – Record $1M Median for Combined Capitals, Supply Shortages Drive Price Growth & RBA Cash Rate Hike Impact
#349: Market Update Jan 2026 – Record $1M Median for Combined Capitals, Supply Shortages Drive Price Growth & RBA Cash Rate Hike Impact episode artwork
02/16/2026

🎧 In this month’s Property Trio market update, Cate, Dave and Mike unpack the latest January 2026 monthly market figures.
 
Following the recent cash rate increase of 25 basis points, the Trio reflect on the conditions that lead the RBA Board to raise interest rates in Feb. This was after more than six months of rates on hold following early 2025's three sets of cuts. Inflation was the primary driver, but many factors are taken into account. Join the Trio as they discuss the rationale behind the decision, and uncover more detail in the data that's unfolding.

The Proper...


#348: Debt Recycling Explained - Can Debt Recycling Really Help You Build Wealth Faster?
#348: Debt Recycling Explained - Can Debt Recycling Really Help You Build Wealth Faster? episode artwork
02/09/2026

In this episode, the Property Trio unpack debt recycling in plain English, explaining how it works and why it’s often misunderstood. Cate, Dave and Mike explore tax deductibility, redraw traps and cash flow risks, helping listeners understand when the strategy can add value... and when it may do more harm than good.

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...


#347: 2025 in Review - What We Predicted, What Actually Happened & What’s Next for Property
#347: 2025 in Review - What We Predicted, What Actually Happened & What’s Next for Property episode artwork
02/02/2026

In this episode of The Property Trio Podcast, Dave hosts the annual "How did we go?" predictions episode. The Trio have a bit of fun, going through their 2025 predictions and applying a scorecard for each other's accuracy. Who got it right? What did they get wrong? And what surprises did they miss? Cate, Dave and Mike are open, reflective and honest about how they each fared.

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 C...