In a recent episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer speaks with Natalia Clack, founder of Easy Super, about using self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to buy a first property investment.

The duo unpacks how SMSFs work, with the funds allowing individuals to control their superannuation and invest in property, while highlighting the responsibilities and costs involved.

Clack explains that properties purchased through SMSFs must be for investment purposes only, with strict rules preventing members or relatives from using them personally.

The discussion covers the two main purchase methods – buying outright or borrowing through a complex SMSF loan structure requiring a bare trust.

Cash flow management was emphasised as critical, with rental income and super contributions needing to cover expenses to avoid financial strain.

Tax advantages, including concessional rates on income and capital gains, were highlighted as a key benefit of SMSF property investment. Clack also notes the importance of compliance, annual audits, and professional advice to navigate legal and financial obligations.

The duo provides a detailed guide for first-time buyers considering SMSFs as a strategy to grow long-term wealth while maintaining control over their retirement savings.

In a recent episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Kyrillos Mansour to explore portfolio planning and how a well-planned strategy can turn property investments into real success.

They explain that a strategy acts as a roadmap guiding investors from their current situation to their financial goals, whether that's building a property portfolio, achieving financial freedom, or securing retirement stability.

Mansour emphasises that defining the end goal is the first step, followed by assessing one's current position and planning a path accordingly.

A key decision for first-time buyers is whether to purchase a home to live in or an investment property, as this choice affects lending, borrowing capacity, and long-term growth potential.

He then outlines three main strategies – high growth, high cash flow, and a mix of both – each suited to different financial goals and risk tolerances.

Mansour advises that regularly reviewing and adjusting one's strategy is essential, taking into account life changes and evolving market conditions.

Finally, the duo highlights the importance of an exit strategy, ensuring that decisions to sell, hold, or refinance are always guided by data and aligned with overall investment objectives.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Michael and Nicole Kowalczyk from Tailored Property Group to explore property inspections, building and pest reports, off-the-plan purchases, and renovation strategies for first-time and aspiring investors.

The Kowalczyks share their own journey, beginning with Michael's first off-the-plan purchase at age 21, and highlight how early successes and setbacks shaped their approach to property investment.

They stress the importance of understanding the risks and benefits of off-the-plan purchases, including build quality, market fluctuations, and the need for thorough research on builders and contractors.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations, while appealing, are discussed with caution, with the Kowalczyks advising first-time investors to know when to engage professional tradespeople to protect time, budget, and property value.

During property inspections, Michael outlines key areas to check – roof, foundation, termites, moisture, and asbestos – while Nicole emphasises the importance of moisture testing and due diligence to uncover hidden issues.

They highlight the necessity of engaging reputable building and pest inspectors, noting that many flagged issues can be rectified or leveraged during negotiations, depending on one's risk tolerance.

Setting realistic renovation budgets and timelines, planning for contingencies, and selecting the right tradespeople are crucial steps for any property project, particularly when addressing electrical or plumbing work.