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.

In this episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emile Lauer dives deep with Paul Mollica, principal property strategist at Wealthkey Property, to uncover the practical realities, strategies, and pitfalls that first-time Australian investors face when stepping onto the property ladder.

Mollica shares his own journey, beginning in the late 1990s when property prices and building costs were far lower, highlighting the role of family support and compromise in getting started.

He stresses that first-time buyers must view property ownership as a journey, often requiring trade-offs on location or property type. Understanding the full financial picture – including rates, maintenance, insurance, and borrowing limits – is essential for sustainable investing.

Mollica also discusses strategies like rentvesting and the responsibilities of being a landlord, such as ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

When choosing property, he advises considering areas with limited new supply and favourable demographics to enhance long-term value.

Working with a competent property manager is crucial, especially for investors dealing with multiple locations and regulatory variations.

He encourages aspiring investors to approach property with careful planning, knowledge, and patience, showing that with the right strategy, property investment can be a rewarding path to growth and financial security.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with buyer's agent Brady Yoshia from Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory to explore the critical role that preparation and negotiation play in securing the right property.

The discussion begins with Yoshia reflecting on her first property purchase in Greenwich, a three-bedroom apartment bought for $590,000 back in 2000 that would now be worth over $2 million, highlighting the long-term value of making informed early decisions.

The duo then unpack the importance of research, stressing the need to explore suburbs at different times of the day and remain open to a variety of options to make strategic choices rather than impulsive ones.

Yoshia emphasises that buyers should run their own race, advising them to have their finances in order, understand vendor motivations, and act quickly when the right opportunity arises, while avoiding fear-driven decisions.

Negotiation is a key focus, with Yoshia explaining that understanding the vendor's needs – such as settlement flexibility – can give buyers an advantage without increasing their offer price.

The conversation also addresses the pitfalls of emotional attachment, urging buyers to assess true property value through recent sales data and comparable listings, maintaining detachment to stay within budget.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with buyer's agent James Nelis to explore the crucial role that mindset plays in property buying.

The discussion begins with Nelis reflecting on his first property purchase in Kallangur, Queensland, admitting that it was driven more by the desire to enter the market than by a strategic plan, yet it has performed well over time.

The duo then unpack the common mistake of buying due to societal pressure and fear of missing out, stressing the importance of having a clear strategy aligned with long-term goals.

Nelis emphasises resilience and discipline, warning that success in property is a long-haul game and advising buyers to define their 'why' to guide decision-making, and to be prepared to miss out on properties when making competitive offers.

The episode addresses challenges for casual or variable-income earners, underscoring the importance of expert guidance to navigate lenders' policies and secure favourable terms.

Reflecting on his semi-professional Australian Football League (AFL) career, Nelis draws parallels between sports and property buying, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, a high-performance mindset, and surrounding oneself with the right people to succeed in the property market.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with property expert Kev Tran to unpack common myths and strategies shaping the journey of first-time buyers.

The discussion opens with the sense of urgency many feel to purchase property, with Tran warning that rushing into the wrong investment can lead to financial strain.

He highlights the strategic balance between buying owner-occupier homes and investment properties, suggesting that regional purchases can help build capital for pricier metropolitan markets.

The conversation also debunks a major myth: Investors no longer need at least 10 properties to retire, especially as lending restrictions have tightened since 2018.

Instead, Tran notes that a portfolio of three to five quality properties can be more sustainable, achievable, and aligned with lifestyle goals.

Building such a portfolio requires understanding borrowing capacity, managing equity wisely, and avoiding overcapitalisation.

Due diligence remains critical, with investors urged to assess risks like flood zones, bushfire areas, and unapproved structures using resources such as council websites and title insurance.

On the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Mortgage Choice broker Richard Brown to unpack the role brokers play in guiding first-time homebuyers through Australia's complex property market.

Brown shares his personal journey of purchasing his first home in his mid-20s, highlighting strategies for saving for a deposit and leveraging government grants.

A key focus was the 5 per cent deposit scheme, which allows buyers to enter the market with a smaller deposit but comes with the responsibility of a 95 per cent mortgage.

Brown emphasises the importance of having a financial buffer and a long-term plan, rather than relying solely on the scheme to enter the market.

The role of mortgage brokers is also discussed in detail, with Brown explaining how brokers guide buyers through loan options and provide tailored advice without charging clients directly.

The duo encourages prospective buyers to speak with multiple brokers to find someone who understands their goals.

They also explore strategies for overcoming deposit challenges, from leveraging lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers to considering rentvesting as a pathway into property ownership.