this is property
Join John Pidgeon, a property investor, coach, buyers' advocate and author, and Rachelle Kroon, a mortgage broker, investor, and founder of Sphere Home Loans, as they explore all aspects of property. From buying your first home to building a portfolio, they share practical insights, expert advice, and real-world stories. With guests from various corners of the property space, they help listeners take their next step with clarity and confidence.
Episodes
822 every first home buyer scheme & incentive (and how to stack them)
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHIn this episode, Rachelle breaks down every national and state-based scheme available to first home buyers right now, real client case studies to show exactly how much money you can save and explains which incentives you can combine for maximum impact. She touches on:👉🏼 the First Home Super Saver scheme (FHSS)👉🏽
821 EOFY tax tips for business owners & property investors
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHJohn's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://amzn.to/45l7n9MIn this episode Rachelle is joined by return guest Leah Hall, director and accountant at Lift Accounting to unpack what business owners and property investors need to know at EOFY. This episode was recorded prior to the budget. Th
820 rate rises, buyer's market & what the data is actually telling us with Eliza Owen
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHJohn's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://amzn.to/45l7n9MJohn is joined by Independent Housing Analyst Eliza Owen for a look at how the May 26 rate rise is impacting the Australian housing market. They touch on:👉🏼 the impact on mortgage holders👉🏽 can we anticipate more rate rises in the
what the tax changes mean for property investors
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHJohn's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://amzn.to/45l7n9MOn Thursday 21 May, John & Glen James from money money money walked through the CGT and Negative Gearing changes live on YouTube following the 2026 Federal Budget.Want to chat about your property situation? Book a 15min free c
819 using equity vs saving cash, agent underquoting, help to buy + more
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHJohn's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://amzn.to/45l7n9MIn this Q&A, John & Rach discuss your questions about:👉🏼 $500k equity in my PPOR, should I use it or save a separate cash deposit?👉🏽 sell now to fund retirement or wait 5 years but risk it not being a seller's market?👉🏾 si
818 Federal Budget 2026: what it means for property
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHJohn's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://amzn.to/45l7n9MThe Federal Budget has dropped, now what does it mean for property? Rach and John dive into the proposed changes to property and what they could mean for buyers, sellers and investors across Australia. They touch on:👉🏾 negative ge
817 market update: rate rises, tighter lending & why property hasn't slowed
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHJohn's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://amzn.to/45l7n9MIn this quarterly market update, John and Rachelle unpack what's actually happening in lending and property right now. They touch on:👉 rate rises and what it means for lending and pre-approvals👉🏼 the Help to Buy Scheme explained,
816 CGT changes, upsizing vs investing & the uncertain market
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHJohn's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://amzn.to/45l7n9MIn this Q&A episode John Pidgeon and Rachelle Kroon unpack:👉🏼 how our community is feeling about life, the market & CGT changes👉🏽 upsizing & buying before you sell and timing around the budget CGT announcement👉🏾 paying
815 buying property in your SMSF: setup, tax benefits, key rules & common pitfalls
In today's episode, Leah Hall from Lift Accounting is back on the show to help unpack all things property & self-managed super funds (SMSF). Rachelle and Leah chat about:👉🏼 what is an SMSF and how does it work?👉🏽 how does SMSF differ from an industry super fund👉🏾 why buy property in super?👉🏿 what's required to start an SMSF👉🏻 who shouldn’t setup an SMSF👉 how to actually buy a property in your
814 Mitch has 3 properties & no borrowing power, what to focus on next? (clarity call with John Pidgeon)
Rachelle's book, The Quick-Start Guide to Your First Property: https://amzn.to/4svhyoHJohn's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://amzn.to/45l7n9MThis episode was originally recorded for the money money money show. In this live clarity call, John Pidgeon chats with Mitch who is feeling stuck and unsure on how to move his property portfolio forward. They unpack:👉🏼 Mitch’s ro
813 this investor built huge equity with 3 properties over 10 years
What happens when someone takes action, keeps it simple and sticks with property for the long game? In this episode, John shares the real story of a client and friend who built around $1.3 million in equity across three investment properties in under a decade without chasing flashy strategies or taking wild risks. They unpack:👉🏼 the client's initial starting point👉🏽 the first investment in Brisban
812 rising interest rates + is now the time to fix?
Petrol prices, rate rises and uncertainty in the economy - is now the time to fix? John Pidgeon and Rachelle Kroon chat about:👉🏼 the current economic landscape for property owners👉🏽 how to prepare in a rising rate environment 👉🏾 what does fixing your loan mean 👉🏿 should you fix or not?👉 fixing part of your loan👉🏻 why fixing impacts offset accounts👉🏼 what is a split loan?👉🏾 considerations for inves
811 a 10-year property case study on interest-only
What happens when you keep an investment loan interest-only for 10 years while focusing on paying off your home? John Pidgeon and Rachelle Kroon unpack a real case study, the numbers behind it, and the different options this couple now have at age 48.👉🏼 the case study👉🏽 how they stayed interest-only for 10 years👉🏾 where they’re at now👉🏿 why interest-only on investments gives options👉🏻 what John &a
810 capital gains tax reform: proposed changes & who actually gets hit
CGT reform is back in the headlines but who actually gets hit? In this episode, Rachelle Kroon and John Pidgeon break down the proposed changes, what they mean for investors, homeowners and renters and why some policies could make the housing shortage worse. They discuss:👉🏼 the current CGT rules👉🏽 why CGT reform is back on the table👉🏾 Labor's proposed changes👉🏿 The Green's proposed changes👉🏻 who g
809 landlord mistakes, choosing a property manager & supporting DV survivors into rentals
In today's episode Rachelle & John are joined by Laura Valenti, managing director of McGrath North Lakes and board director at the Real Estate Institute of Queensland. With more than 20 years in property management Laura shares what really happens behind the scenes of managing investment properties and her top tips for investors. They touch on:👉🏼 what is REIQ and its purpose?👉🏽 challenges
808 city unit vs regional house, buying IP without your partner, using equity, reno size + more
In this Q&A, John Pidgeon and Rachelle Kroon answer your questions and chat about:👉🏼 buying a unit in a metro area vs house regionally👉🏽 considerations for buying regionally👉🏾 buying an IP with equity without involving your partner 👉🏿 optimising loan structure to make the cost to hold easier👉🏻 accessing and using equity for a reno👉 is serviceability for an IP different from a PPOR?👉🏼 debt recy
807 being an ethical landlord, property strategy, upsize now or after kids & when to sell
In this Q&A John and Rachelle answer your questions about:👉🏼 charging market rent vs treating tenants kindly👉🏽 investing strategy fundamentals👉🏾 upsizing soon vs after child in 2-3 years👉🏿 why there is a lack of support for ex-homeowners getting back into the market👉🏻 top things to consider before buying first home👉 when will the Brisbane market slow down and when should I sell?Listen to
806 chatGPT advice, real investor returns & what drives capital growth with Luke Metcalfe
Is using ChatGPT to pick your next investment suburb a good idea… or a very expensive mistake? John is joined by returning guest data scientist Luke Metcalfe from Microburbs to discuss:👉 is AI is a reliable tool for investors?👉🏼 how to find your next place to buy using Microburbs👉🏽 property returns - the median vs top 10% of investors👉🏾 do views actually add value?👉🏿 what performs at a street-leve
805 our 2026 property predictions: interest rates, apartments, Brisbane & beyond
In today's episode Rach and John delve into their predictions for the property market in 2026, covering:👉🏼 interest rate uncertainty in 2026👉🏽 price growth👉🏾 cap city outlook👉🏿 Brisbane: hype or real momentum?👉🏻 Sydney affordability & growth limits👉 regional market outlook👉🏼 apartment growth👉🏽 lending landscape for first home buyers & investors👉🏾 rental squeeze & housing pressureHave a
804 investing in regional QLD: Sunshine Coast, Ipswich & where the next growth is
Queensland has gone from the quiet achiever to one of the most talked-about property markets in the country and in this episode, Rach is joined by buyer’s agent Luke Aldridge from Envisage Property to unpack what’s really happening on the ground. They chat about:👉🏼 Luke’s background & becoming a buyer’s agent👉🏽 how Covid changed QLD property forever👉🏾 Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast growth exp
803 lending landscape: bank appetite, trust lending, self-employed, fixed vs variable + more with Joe Carroll
In this episode, Rach is joined by one of Australia’s top mortgage brokers, Joe Carroll from Sphere Home Loans, to unpack what’s really happening in the lending landscape right now. They discuss:👉🏾 the current lending landscape as at January 2026👉🏿 Joe's tips to multi-investors👉🏻 APRA, DTI limits & what it really means for investors👉 the trust & company lending shake-up explained👉🏼 the pow
802 from first home fail to 6 properties worth over $3m (Ryan's story)
In today's episode Rach interviews Ryan* who, after selling his first home at a loss, has methodically rentvested and built up a portfolio worth over $3m across QLD. Ryan walks through every decision, mistake and turning point, touching on:👉🏾 buying his first home on the Gold Coast in 2009 and selling 5 years later👉🏿 rentvesting and buying IP 1 in 2018 in Brisbane👉🏻 buying IP 2 in 2020 in Ipswich👉
801 inside Australia’s real estate industry with Geoff Lucas (former CEO of McGrath and The Agency)
John and Rachelle are joined by Geoff Lucas, former CEO of McGrath and The Agency, to unpack what really goes on behind Australia’s real estate industry. They dive into leadership, high-performance culture, market cycles, what needs to improve and how technology and transparency could reshape buying and selling over the next decade.👉🏼 Geoff's career background 👉🏽 franchise vs boutique real estate
this is property | property lending: redraw, valuations & bank changes
Today's episode is a mix of clips from episodes this year unpacking how property lending really works, from loan structures and redraw strategies to bank policy changes and valuations. Topics covered:👉🏾 using redraw from your investment loan to buy ETFs (clip from ep740)👉🏿 using interest-only IP loans to smash PPOR mortgage faster (clip from ep737)👉🏻 how accurate is the CommBank Home Hub property
this is property | property investing: location, equity & growth decisions
Today's episode is a mix of this is property clips exploring how property investors make decisions about location, equity and portfolio growth. Topics include:👉🏿 investment property choice: Sydney vs. regional? (clip from ep731)👉🏻 claiming travel, tools & repairs for interstate properties as tax deductions (clip from ep740)👉 pay off my property or use equity and invest now? (clip from ep731)👉🏼
750 from first home to five properties: Chris's investing journey
In today's episode Rachelle interviews listener Chris* about his journey of buying his first home in 2020 to building a five-property portfolio in just a few years. He talks about:👉🏻 buying with an investor mindset from day one👉 how picking locations he knew shaped his strategy👉🏼 how he managed serviceability as a single buyer and as the portfolio grew👉🏽 learnings: his first property was his wors
749 investing in regional NSW: Tamworth, Orange & Dubbo
Investor activity is surging in regional New South Wales, and buyer’s agent Marcus Davidson joins Rachelle to break down where the opportunities and risks really are. They talk about:👉🏾 how regional markets differ from capital cities👉 investor profiles that Marcus works with👉🏻 areas that Marcus buys in and why👉🏽 Tamworth deep dive - blue chip areas, price points👉🏿 what type of property performs be
748 APRA’s lending cap, major NSW & VIC zoning changes & the 2% shared equity scheme
John and Rach break down three huge property changes hitting the headlines: APRA’s new lending cap coming february 2026, NSW & VIC’s town-centre zoning reforms and the national rollout of the 2% shared-equity scheme.👉🏾 what APRA’s DTI cap actually is and who it affects👉🏿 what's causing prices to continue going upward👉🏻 tips for investors amidst the changes👉 the winners and losers of NSW/VIC to
747 using a parental guarantee to get a better investment property at 23
At 23, Dan* bought his first property as an investment with a combination of hard work, strategy and support from his parents. In today's episode Dan joins Rachelle to share the steps he took to do that, touching on:👉 the early money habits he established after reading The Barefoot Investor at 15👉🏼 his saving and investing journey and how he saved that deposit👉🏽 seeing a mortgage broker and decidi
746 is it too late to buy? BA red flags, Victoria’s hot market + more
John and Rachelle answer your questions!👉 renovate home or buy an investment first?👉🏼 what type of valuation should I get?👉🏽 what to ask a buyers agent before you commit👉🏾 is it a good idea to buy an investment property with cash?👉🏿 best structure to buy a working farm👉🏻 have I missed the boat to buy my first IP?👉 what’s happening in Melbourne property market sub 1M👉🏼 how much do you need to buy a
745 backlash over boom bust episode, 90% no LMI lending, trust lending crackdown + more
John and Rachelle unpack the latest lender policy shifts, UBank’s new 90% no-LMI offering plus listener feedback they received on a recent episode that sparked backlash. Glen James also drops in for a discussion around rentvesting.👉🏻 Macquarie bank pulls out of trust and company lending👉 Ubank offers 90% loans with no LMI👉🏼 discussing feedback on the boom bust property cycle episode👉🏽 Glen, Rach a
744 buying in the right location for capital growth with Luke Metcalfe
In this episode John & Rachelle chat with Luke Metcalfe, founder of property data insights platform Microburbs, about the data points that matter when researching where to buy. They talk about:👉🏾 what Microburbs actually does & who it's for👉🏻 the most influential data point for choosing a location👉🏼 the post-covid shift to regions & satellite cities👉🏽 what to check first when researchi
743 turning home equity into your first investment (clarity call with John Pidgeon)
In this live clarity call, John chats with long-time listeners Kristyn and Brenton, two teachers from the Central Coast, who are thinking of using equity from their home to invest in property. If you're a first time investor today's episode is packed with actionable tips! John talks to them about:👉🏾 assessing their risk profiles and money mindset👉🏿 using home equity wisely👉🏻 debt recycling explain
742 how Meg built a 3-property portfolio worth $2.5M by 25
In this anonymous listener story, “Meg” shares how she went from living at home and saving hard for her first deposit to building a $2.5M property portfolio by 25. She talks about:👉 buying her first place at 22 on the Gold Coast👉🏼 leveraging equity to buy again in Perth and the Central Coast (instead of saving cash)👉🏾 managing risk, buffers and surprise expenses👉🏿 splitting costs and mortgages in
741 partners who invest & manage money separately (David & Louise's story)
In today's episode John interviews David and Louise* who manage their money and property investing separately. They talk about:👉🏻 their individual risk appetites👉 why they've chosen to keep things separate👉🏼 getting a BFA (binding financial agreement)👉🏿 the properties they have between them👉🏽 how they navigate shared expenses👉🏾 planning for retirement👉🏻 and their tips for listeners*Names changed f
740 using redraw to invest, 6-year CGT rule, repairs vs depreciation + more (Q&A with an accountant)
In this Q&A episode, Rachelle sits down with return guest, accountant Leah Hall from Lift Accounting to unpack your burning tax and property questions:👉🏾 using redraw from your investment loan to buy ETFs👉🏿 how to document and reset the 6-year CGT rule👉🏻 claiming travel, tools & repairs for interstate properties👉 repairs vs improvements - what’s instantly deductible👉🏼 can you transfer loan
739 the boom bust property cycle explained + where are we now?
Is there really a way to time the market? In this episode of John and Rach are joined by Darren Wilson from Property Share Market Economics to chat about the 18.6 year real estate cycle. They discuss:👉🏾 Darren's background👉🏿 what the 18.6 real estate cycle is👉🏻 the four phases of the cycle👉 where are we in the cycle right now?👉🏼 should we expect a downturn from 2027?👉🏾 signs that the market i
738 investing in regional VIC: Geelong, Bendigo & Shepparton
Kicking off our investor location series, Rachelle Kroon chats with Envisage Property buyer’s agent Kimberley Gelhar who specialises in regional Victoria. They discuss:👉🏻 a day in the life of a buyer's agent👉 why invest in regional VIC?👉🏼 Geelong snapshot👉🏽 VIC land tax👉🏾 Shepparton snapshot & $420k buyer case study👉🏿 Bendigo snapshot👉🏻 Bendigo $530k buyer case study👉 market shifts in the last
bonus from FinCon: US vs Aussie property, 30 year fixed rates, rent to buy, taxes + more
Rach and John are coming to you from FinCon in Portland, Oregon. After three days surrounded by finance content creators, they swap notes on how the American property scene stacks up against Australia’s, touching on:👉🏻 how 30-year 2% fixed loans affect how Americans buy, sell & move👉 cost of living & attitudes towards home ownership👉🏼 rent to buy schemes & private lending👉🏽 property ta
737 funding renovations, using equity to buy a 2nd IP, split loans, valuations + more
Rach and John dig into some listener questions about:👉🏾 funding renovations - cash, equity or future-value valuations👉🏻 what if investors with 2+ properties had to sell👉 converting non-tax deductible debt into tax deductible & loan splits👉🏼 using equity to buy another investment property👉🏽 debt recycling & selling a property that has split loans attached👉🏻 how accurate is Commbank's Home H
736 public school catchments, property premiums & if they’re worth it
In this episode John and Rachelle are joined by Eliza Owen, Head of Research at Cotality, to unpack how public school zones influence property values. They discuss Cotality's report on house values inside vs outside of Australia's top public school catchments and whether paying extra to be in-zone really makes sense for families and investors.👉🏾 school catchment premiums vs long-term capital growt
735 First Home Guarantee fast-tracked, FOMO traps & buyer’s agent risks
The First Home Guarantee expansion has been brought forward to 1 Oct, sparking urgency in the property market. But should you rush in? Rachelle and John unpack what it means for the property market, the risks of buying just for the sake of it and why having and sticking to your strategy matters more than ever. They touch on:👉🏾 First Home Guarantee changes brought forward – what that means👉🏼 FOMO a
734 understanding the role of a seller’s agent with Veronica Morgan
Selling property isn’t always straightforward and that’s where a seller’s agent (or vendor advocate) can step in. In this episode, John and Rach chat with Veronica Morgan about what a seller’s agent does, how they differ from real estate agents, and why they can be a game-changer for vendors. Veronica is a buyers agent, co-host of The Elephant in the Room podcast, and founder of Good Deeds Propert
733 property structures explained: trusts, companies & super funds
Most people buy property in their own name, but other structures might suit your strategy. In this episode Rach is joined again by Leah Hall from Lift Accounting for a deep dive into the pros and cons of holding property in discretionary (family) trusts, unit trusts, companies, and self-managed super funds. They cover:👉🏾 discretionary (family) trusts explained👉🏿 unit trusts and when they’re useful
732 Alyce bought her third property by 28
In today’s episode, Rach chats with Alyce Lewis about her unique and inspiring journey into home ownership and building a property portfolio. By 28, she’d bought her first home, upsized to a dream lifestyle property with her partner, and added an investment to the mix. Alyce’s story shows how compromise, strategy and a dash of boldness can fast-track your goals. Alyce shares:👉🏾 why her first home
731 type vs location, sell or rent Brissy unit, mortgage or invest, servicing multiple loans + more
In today's Q&A John and Rach tackle some great questions around: 👉🏾 property type vs location for wealth creation👉🏿 sell or rent out my Brissy apartment?👉🏻 invest in property or pay off the mortgage?👉 invest in third investment property or shares?👉🏼 how do people fund and service multiple properties?We're on Youtube! Subscribe to this is property: https://www.youtube.com/@thisispropertyNeed cl
730 love, property and prenups/BFAs (a chat with a family lawyer)
When love and money mix, things can get messy especially if you're not prepared. In this episode, family lawyer and mediator Kate O’Grady joins Rachelle to unpack how to protect your property and finances in a relationship. They cover:👉🏿 the best time to seek advice from a family lawyer👉 what to document before moving in together👉🏽 conversations that are good to have early in your relationship👉🏾 w
729 flipping houses in the USA with Brandon Rickman (how it works, risks, financing + more)
In today's episode John and Rach chat with Brandon Rickman aka The Flip Genius about what it’s really like flipping houses in the US. With 25 years of experience and over 500 flips under his belt, Brandon breaks down how he finds deals, funds renovations, and builds wealth in a market that operates very differently to ours. They chat about:👉🏾 how flipping works in the US (and why it’s more common)
728 state-by-state tenancy law changes, rent caps, eviction rules + more
In today's episode John and Rachelle break down the latest tenancy law changes across every Aussie state and territory. Staying across these updates is crucial, whether you're a tenant or landlord!Support adults and kids impacted by domestic violence: https://www.friendswithdignity.org.au/📘 Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future: https://www.moneypodcast.com.au/resources#booksBook a clarit
727 where to invest for under $700k, when to sell, buying in Melbourne, using 100% equity + more
We asked what you wanted to know and you delivered. John and Rachelle answer your questions:👉🏾 why don’t some banks pass on rate cuts?👉🏿 can you use 100% equity to purchase an investment? 👉🏻 are there still neutrally and positively geared properties in this market?👉 how much growth is enough to consider selling a property?👉🏼 apartment vs townhouse in Sydney for PPOR👉🏽 regional locations to p
726 building a $3m property portfolio in 4 years (Eloise & Liam's story)
Eloise and Liam are rentvesting while living in Sydney and have built a $3 million+ property portfolio in just four years. In this episode, Eloise shares the practical steps they took to get started, build momentum and make strategic decisions along the way with the long term goal of financial freedom. From using her finance background to assess borrowing capacity and equity, to teaming up wi
725 building a new home: what you need to know
Thinking about building a new home or doing a knockdown rebuild? Rachelle chats with new home specialist Kerri-Ann Hooper from Carnelian Projects to unpack all the hidden costs, traps in building tenders and all the ways to avoid making costly mistakes. They cover:👉🏾 why display home fittings often aren’t included👉🏽 why you should be wary of builder discounts and gifts👉🏿 what a building tender is
724 getting your partner on board with your financial journey
What happens when one person’s keen to build wealth and the other just isn’t there yet? In this episode John and Rach unpack how couples can better understand each other’s financial mindset, and how to make progress without dragging anyone kicking and screaming. They talk about: 👉🏼 the importance of timing and delivery when talking about money goals 👉🏿 why shared end goals matter more than shared
723 interest rate reduction: what now for borrowers, buyers and the property market
Interest rates are dropping, but what does that actually mean for your repayments, your mental game, and your next property move? John and Rachelle unpack the physical and psychological impacts of a falling rate environment, what buyers need to know right now, and the smart (and risky) choices many Aussies are facing. They touch on:👉🏽 how much repayments could drop with more cuts👉🏿 the mental shif
722 top tax tips for property investors (with an accountant)
It’s EOFY, so we’re bringing you a value-packed episode to help investors prep for tax time and plan ahead. Rach is joined by Leah Hall from Lift Accounting to run through her top tax tips, common mistakes to avoid, and the smartest ways to reduce holding costs, boost deductions, and time your sales for maximum benefit. They touch on:👉 top tax tips for property investors👉🏽 how to reduce the real
721 help! my property holding costs are hurting
Property expenses have gone up across the board from interest rates and insurance to council rates and land tax. In this episode, John and Rach share practical ways to manage the cost of holding property, whether you're feeling the pressure now or planning ahead. They cover smart lending strategies, cash flow management, and how to make sure your portfolio is working for you. Note: this episode wa
720 buying your first investment property (Q&A)
John and Rachelle go back to basics in this episode, answering common questions about buying your first investment property. From whether to buy a house or a unit, to what kind of loan structure and team you need, they break it all down. Plus, two real-life listener stories that show how different paths into the market can still lead to solid outcomes. This episode covers:👉🏻 how to choose the righ
719 election done, what’s next for property?
The election's over and Labor's locked in for another term, so what does that mean for home buyers and investors? John and Rach break down the key policies on the table and how they could impact the market over the next few years. They cover:👉🏾 universal 5% deposit changes (no income cap!)👉🏿 why January 2026 could trigger a demand surge👉🏻 shared equity scheme pros and cons👉 new builds vs establish
718 upsizing & bridging loans: are they worth it??
In this episode, John and Rach break down the three main options for upsizing your home. They also cover the emotional and financial realities of upsizing, why bridging loans get a bad rap, and how to test if you’re really ready for a bigger mortgage. Using real client stories, they unpack:👉🏾 selling before you buy👉🏻 buying before you sell (with or without a bridging loan)👉🏼 negotiating a simultan
717 Q&A (sibling guarantee, type vs location, choosing the right street) + new host announcement!
Today, John officially welcomes mortgage broker Rachelle Kroon as a permanent host on this is property! She's the founder of Sphere Home Loans and has been a familiar voice on the show over the years, so if you guessed it might be her, nice work! She knows her stuff and fits right in. To kick things off, John and Rach dive into a Q&A covering:👉🏻 sibling or friend guarantees - are they even pos
716 parental guarantee, 2 builds and a pivot to buy the dream home (case study)
In today’s episode Rach from Sphere Home Loans returns to share a real client case study about Nicole, a young woman who started her property journey solo and made some smart early moves. With the help of a parental guarantee, Nicole built a two property portfolio before meeting her partner. But when it came time to buy their dream home together, things got complicated.Need clarity on your propert
715 building a portfolio, duplexes & commercial property (Rachelle Kroon's story)
In today’s episode, Rach Kroon from Sphere Home Loans joins John on the pod to share her personal property journey. From getting into the market at a young age to building a diverse portfolio with duplexes, rentvesting, parental guarantees and commercial property in super, Rach shares the strategies, mindset shifts and money lessons she learned along the way.Need clarity on your property situation
714 Emily's biggest lessons about property (+ A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT)
Emily shares the five biggest lessons she’s learned about property, the industry, and herself + a BIG announcement.We hate email spam so we don’t create it! Sign up to our newsletter to get only the valuable money, careers and property info you need.To get help, and to check out our online courses, books, resources and downloads (+ our disclaimers and warnings), click here. Hosted on Acast. See ac
713 buy now or wait? choosing between a stepping stone or your dream home
In this episode John and Emily unpack one of the biggest property questions: should you stretch for your dream home now, or take the stepping stone approach? They explore how borrowing power, lifestyle goals, location, and long-term thinking all play a role in making the right call for your first purchase. The ep touches on:👉🏾 weighing up lifestyle vs long-term capital growth👉🏿 understanding how f
712 buying your next property, BA fees, are removalists worth it? + more
In today's Q&A episode John and Em tackle:👉🏾 what to consider when buying your next property👉🏿 how much are buyer’s advocate fees?👉 removalists vs. DIY - what’s the best move?👉🏻 interest rates - when will drops hit your repayments?👉🏽 first home super saver scheme—why aren’t more people using it?👉🏼 CGT on a duplex, stamp duty changes & more!Need a buyer's advocate in your corner? Check out
711 getting your finance strategy right + two first home buyer case studies
Not all finance strategies are created equal. Rachelle Kroon from Sphere Home Loans joins John on the show to break down what makes a solid finance plan, the warning signs of a bad broker, and how to set yourself up for property success. They also dive into real case studies, including how a 22-year-old saved $90K and bought his first investment property while still living at home.Check out John's
710 renovating for profit: where to spend and where to save
In today's episode, renovation coach Belinda Smith joins Em to bust common renovation myths and share expert tips on how to renovate smarter, not harder. They touch on:👉🏾 the biggest renovation myths (and what actually works)👉🏿 where to spend money (and where to save)👉🏻 how to avoid overcapitalising on your reno👉 the A-team you need for a stress-free renovation👉🏼 why flipping isn’t the only way to
709 property market update: auctions, interest rates and buyer trends
The 2025 property market is off and running! Emily and John break down what’s happening on the ground, from auction clearance rates and buyer sentiment to interest rate cuts and what they mean for homebuyers and investors. Plus, the surprising trends in first homebuyer competition and whether now is really the right time to buy.Need a property professional in your corner? Check out how Emily and J
708 what the rate cut means for buyers & investors + potential help debt changes
The RBA has finally cut rates! John and Rach from Sphere Home Loans break down what it means for buyers, investors, and existing mortgage holders. They touch on:👉🏻 how much borrowing power has changed👉 whether investors are jumping back in👉🏼 what first home buyers should do now👉🏽 the possible changes to HELP debt and borrowing capacityNeed a mortgage broker? Connect with the team at Sphere Home Lo
707 property buying gone wrong + property coach red flags (Adam's story)
Imagine saving for years, buying a property…then losing $50k in the blink of an eye. That’s exactly what happened to Adam. He joins John to share how a too good to be true property deal went south fast and the red flags he wished he'd paid more attention to.Want a clarity call with John about your situation? Book hereNeed a property professional in your corner? Check out how Emily and John can hel
706 buying property? don’t make these 6 common mistakes
Buying a home or investment? Don’t make these 6 common mistakes! John and Em share tips that could save you a fortune. Need a property professional in your corner? Check out how Emily and John can help 👇Emily's website: https://wallaceadvocates.com.au/John's website: https://www.solverewealth.com.au/We hate email spam so we don’t create it! Sign up to our newsletter to get only the valuable money
705 selling property? new ATO rule, upsizing trade-offs, insurance price hikes + more
In today's chat, John and Em tackle your property questions and unpack a crucial ATO rule change that could impact sellers. They touch on:👉🏻 why sellers now need an ATO clearance certificate (Learn more here)👉 upsizing: is it worth taking on more debt?👉🏼 the increase in home insurance premiums👉🏽 shares vs property👉🏾 should you pay off a smaller loan first or tackle the biggest debt?Need a property
704 buying in bushfires and flood zones - should you be concerned?
Is buying in bushfire or flood zones worth the risk? John and Emily discuss how to weigh the pros and cons, from property values and insurance premiums to essential precautions that can protect your home.Articles and resources mentioned in the chat:https://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/features/list/bushfire-proof-house-design https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/how-the-bom-s-weather-forecast-er
703 offset vs extra repayments, eco-friendly renovations, house vs townhouse + more
In today's episode Em and John unpack your questions, touching on:👉🏻 standalone homes vs townhouses: which performs better?👉 do energy-efficient renos like double glazing add value?👉🏼 putting money in the offset account vs making extra repayments👉🏽 timing investments and tax strategies for property owners👉🏾 lifestyle considerations when buying or selling propertyBook a clarity call with John hereN
702 investing in commercial property: risks, tips, and strategies
Today we're diving into the world of commercial property with expert guest, Matthew Wallace who also happens to be Em's dad! With years of experience as a commercial real estate agent, Matthew shares his insights on:👉 residential vs commercial: bigger risks, bigger rewards?👉🏻 top tips for first-time commercial property investors👉🏾 finding locations with long-term potential👉🏽 the impact of COVID on
701 increasing borrowing capacity, using equity vs cash, LMI waivers + more
In this episode, John and Rachelle Kroon from Sphere Home Loans dive into strategies for increasing your borrowing capacity, weighing up equity vs cash for property purchases, and the latest on LMI waivers. They also cover rental yields, government schemes, and tips for navigating today’s lending landscape. Learn more about Sphere Home Loans hereNeed a property professional in your corner? Check o
best of 2024: location is everything (fact or fiction?) + tips for finding a good location
Happy new year! John and Em will be back next week with new episodes but for now, enjoy this popular episode from last year. Location, location, location. John and Emily chat about how important location is in your buying strategy, bust some myths and talk about tips and tricks for finding a good location.🎧 John's 8 point investing strategy 👇Listen on AppleListen on SpotifyBook a clarity call with
best of 2024: should I buy an investment or owner occupier first?
Today's episode was a fan favourite so we're bringing it back! Should you buy a home to live in or an investment property first? This is such a common question and in this episode John walks through what to consider using an example of buying in Adelaide and a case study based in Manly, NSW. John touches on:👉🏾 buying a house vs unit👉🏿 your short term lifestyle and financial goals👉🏻 your borro
649 real scenarios: first home buyer, using equity for investment & upsizing into dream home
In this episode, mortgage broker Rachelle Kroon joins John to share three real-life property case studies: buying a first home, using equity for an investment, and upsizing into a dream home. She unpacks the numbers, the strategy, and the game-changing role of a good broker in navigating it all.Need a property professional in your corner? Check out how Emily and John can help 👇Emily's website: htt
648 tips for landlords from a property manager
In today's episode John chats with Jo Natoli who shares her insights from decades of experience as both a property manager and an investor. She offers her unique tips on selecting the right property manager, managing risk, and getting the most out of your investment. They touch on:👉🏾 Jo's journey into property👉🏽 things to look for in a good property manager👉🏿 self managing a property - yay or nay?
