In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Alex Whitlock is joined by Ross Le Quesne and Darsan Keshav to discuss navigating Melbourne's property market through a self-managed super fund (SMSF) and broader investment strategies.

Whitlock shares his first SMSF purchase, highlighting Melbourne's potential for long-term capital growth despite recent market stagnation.

Le Quesne explains the benefits of SMSFs, including opportunities for leverage and a favourable tax environment, while also noting the regulatory complexities involved.

Keshav provides insights into Melbourne's current market, identifying growth pockets in the western and northern suburbs with strong rental yields and undervalued properties.

The conversation includes a case study of Whitlock's St Kilda apartment purchase, showcasing strategic bidding, prime location, and careful analysis of comparable sales.

The hosts also explore opportunities in other major cities like Brisbane and Sydney's surrounding areas, advising a focus on demographic and economic fundamentals over regional hotspots.

Diversification within a property portfolio is emphasised, with a mix of locations and property types mitigating risk and enhancing potential returns.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of The Pure Property Podcast, Phil Tarrant and Paul Glossop explore the shifting landscape of Australian property investment as the market heads into 2026.

They discuss the impact of government initiatives such as the 5 per cent deposit scheme and how these initiatives are influencing buyer behaviour and property values.

While Treasury predicted only a modest 0.5 per cent price increase over six years, early signs suggest a more immediate market impact.

The hosts caution that such initiatives may raise demand without easing the underlying supply shortage, especially as dwelling approvals decline and construction costs have dropped significantly since 2019.

This environment presents both opportunities and risks for investors, particularly in the lower quartile, where growth potential remains strong.

Cultural expectations around home ownership are evolving, prompting wider discussions on affordability and the role of rental markets.

As 2026 approaches, investors are advised to monitor policy changes, supply constraints, and market dynamics closely to make informed decisions.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, hosts Arjun Paliwal, Adrian Lee, and Jack Fouracre are joined by Molly Benjamin, founder of the Ladies Finance Club, to dive into how women are taking charge of their finances and turning education into confident investing.

The conversation begins with Benjamin sharing her journey from living paycheck to paycheck to creating a platform supporting over 70,000 women in wealth-building and financial literacy.

She recounts a pivotal moment in a London supermarket, where needing to ask a friend for money sparked her determination to take control of her finances and establish the club.

The discussion highlights common psychological barriers, such as embarrassment about financial knowledge and women's tendency to save diligently but hesitate to invest.

Benjamin emphasises practical strategies, including 'rentvesting', allowing women to enter the property market without overextending financially while building wealth elsewhere.

Through real-life examples, she demonstrates how accessible, relatable financial education can transform lives, from clearing debts to growing superannuation and investing in property.

The episode also explores mindset shifts, framing investing as a calculated opportunity rather than a gamble, and stresses the importance of starting financial education early.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Eva Loisance from Finni Mortgages to unpack new lending guidelines by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the concerns these sparked among property investors trying to scale their portfolios.

Tarrant and Loisance begin by discussing the new debt-to-income restrictions, explaining how the cap on high-risk lending is designed to protect financial stability, while creating uncertainty for active and growth-focused investors.

The duo then turns to the growing contradiction between tighter lending rules and government initiatives such as the 5 per cent deposit scheme and shared equity programs, which aim to fast-track first home buyers into the market.

Loisance highlights criticism that these high-leverage schemes could place Australians into excessive debt, particularly if property values soften or economic conditions tighten.

They wrap up by examining the pullback by major banks from trust and company lending, urging investors to stay informed, work with experienced brokers, and remain flexible as alternative lending options emerge.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Phil Tarrant is joined by Sam Saad, managing director at Rethink Property Lawyers, for a detailed exploration of the legal frameworks that underpin successful commercial property transactions. This conversation breaks down the essential legal safeguards investors must establish before committing capital, from contract conditions and heads of agreement, through to lease analysis, outgoings, title searches and statutory compliance.

Drawing on real transaction examples, Sam illustrates how specialist commercial property legal advice strengthens investor protection, prevents hidden risks from slipping through due diligence, and stops costly surprises emerging after settlement. This episode underscores the tangible value of tight clauses, accurate documentation and comprehensive legal reviews – all of which materially influence risk exposure, valuation and long-term cash flow.

Listeners will gain practical guidance on:

• Why commercial investors must engage a specialist property lawyer rather than relying solely on a conveyancer.
• How to structure heads of agreement and due diligence clauses to maximise flexibility and reduce exposure.
• The line between legal due diligence and commercial due diligence – and the distinct roles of a lawyer versus a buyer's agent.
• Key lease mechanics that influence returns: outgoings, make-good provisions, incentives, options, retail leasing legislation and cost allocation.
• The critical searches required before purchasing (title, PPSR, environmental, planning, notices, asbestos, cladding, flooding, and more).
• How to avoid common pitfalls with security deposits, bank guarantees and settlement handover to ensure legal protections hold up when needed.

From interpreting complex lease packs to identifying gaps in recoverable outgoings and strengthening contract conditions, Sam explains how rigorous legal due diligence can protect hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a commercial asset.

This is essential listening for any investor seeking to acquire commercial property with full clarity, robust protections and the right legal structures in place long before settlement.

On a recent episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Phil Tarrant and Steve Ash, founder of Property Strats, explore the opportunities and pitfalls of off-market properties, unpacking myths and opportunities for savvy investors.

They note that off-market properties, often seen as hidden gems, are not inherently cheaper and can sometimes represent struggling listings rather than bargains.

The conversation highlights the importance of discerning judgment, as even numerous opportunities require careful evaluation to avoid poor investments.

The duo emphasise constructing a resilient, "bulletproof" portfolio capable of withstanding market fluctuations and avoiding speculative traps, particularly in remote or volatile areas.

Both experts stress the value of combining data-driven analysis with market intuition, encouraging investors to focus on areas with strong growth potential and real-time supply-demand insights.

Ash advocates a contrarian approach, looking beyond conventional trends to uncover undervalued opportunities, while Tarrant urges reliance on credible resources and continuous learning.

The discussion reinforces that successful investing relies on informed, strategic decision-making rather than chasing quick gains.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, hosts Arjun Paliwal, Adrian Lee, and Jack Fouracre explore the complex financial roadblocks experienced investors face and how strategic planning can unlock new avenues for growth.

The hosts start the conversation by reframing tax as a sign of financial progress, not a burden, by spotlighting a standout client case in which a maxed-out investor unlocked additional borrowing capacity by moving a commercial property into a self-managed super fund (SMSF).

The shift freed up debt and transformed a stalled $3 million portfolio into one capable of adding a further $2 million commercial asset.

The hosts also tackle the psychological hurdles many investors face, especially the reluctance to sell assets without understanding their true after-tax position.

Another scenario reveals how transitioning from a large residential base into commercial assets can better support long-term passive income goals.

They further highlight the limitations of relying solely on banks, arguing that brokers and strategic advisers can restructure portfolios through tools like trusts and SMSFs to unlock opportunities that traditional lending channels overlook.

In the second part of the Smart Property Investment roundtable, Phil Tarrant speaks with InvestorKit's Arjun Paliwal and Chris Huxter to unpack the evolving landscape of Australia's commercial property market, regulatory shifts, and investment strategies.

Paliwal explains how Macquarie Bank's halt on lending to trusts and companies is reshaping investor approaches, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable amid regulatory changes.

He stresses that commercial property isn't just a step up from residential but a long-term strategy suited to life stage, business needs, and borrowing capacity.

Huxter outlines his "three M's" framework: Market, Money, and Management, showing how careful selection and oversight mitigate risk.

The trio also discusses the emergence of industrial properties as standout performers due to tight supply and strong demand, with retail expected to remain resilient in the years ahead.

Office assets are flagged as high-risk, particularly in Melbourne, where vacancy rates are elevated, and tenant stability is uncertain.

Themes of macroeconomic trends, industry shifts, market cycles, and tenant demand thread through the discussion, providing a lens for investors to make informed, strategic decisions.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.