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

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 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.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/08/31/the-six-principles-for-property-ssuccess/

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 shift it next.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.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/08/17/ep-375-july-2026-market-update/

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 move.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.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/08/03/after-the-budget/

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. They also discuss investment-grade apartment selection, owner's corporation costs, and long-term capital growth prospects. This is a practical conversation for investors planning their next chapter.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.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/07/20/the-retirement-countdown/

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.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.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/07/06/a-negative-gearing-option-open-to-millions/

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 she'd analyse first before making the next move.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.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/22/wealth-building-balancing-act/

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.Download your free copy of Dave’s Money Management Principles – the 7 Steps to Success: https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/money-management-principlesRead David's Blog - How to Save Money on Your Home Loan - https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/post/how-to-save-money-on-your-home-loanThe 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.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes are here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/08/reviewing-your-home-loan/

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.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.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/25/ep-363-april-2026-market-update/

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.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.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/11/government-property-incentives/

🎧 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: 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.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/27/the-refinance-playbook/

🎧 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, 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.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/13/investor-tax-trap/

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 optimal outcomes come from proactive, long-term 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 a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/30/listener-question-reverse-mortgages/

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/ 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.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/03/16/ep-353-february-2026-market-update/