The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate - podcast cover

The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate

Veronica Morgan & Chris Bateswww.theelephantintheroom.com.au
Who's really in control when you buy a property? The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about. Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate. Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property. In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session. The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!

Episodes

Dodgy Deals, Red Flags & Buyer’s Agent Dilemmas—Your Property Questions Answered!

We’re tackling some seriously meaty questions in this episode, covering everything from dodgy deals to buyer’s agent dilemmas. Should you buy a house near a mobile phone tower? How do you handle a seller who’s going solo without an agent? And what does it mean when a property keeps changing hands every few years—red flag or just a coincidence? We also dig into what happens when you start losing confidence in your buyer’s agent. Do you keep going, or do you cut your ...

Mar 09, 202556 minSeason 1Ep. 375

How Will Climate Risk Impact Your Property’s Future Value?

Climate risk is no longer a distant concern—it’s already shaping how banks, insurers, and homeowners approach property. In this episode, we sit down with Philip Tapsell from XDI Systems, part of the Climate Risk Group, to explore how climate-related risks are being measured and factored into financial decisions. How close are banks to pricing in climate risk with mortgages? What happens when certain areas become uninsurable? And what can property owners do to safeguard their investme...

Mar 02, 202556 minSeason 1Ep. 374

Could Australia Face a Bushfire Disaster Like Los Angeles? Greg Mullins Weighs In

Thousands of homes wiped out, entire neighborhoods gone—wildfires in Los Angeles have reached a terrifying new level. But could something like that happen here in Australia? Former New South Wales Fire and Rescue Commissioner Greg Mullins joins us to break it all down—how bushfires are getting worse, why they’re becoming harder to fight, and what that means for people living near bushland. Greg shares his firsthand experience working with fire agencies around the world and expl...

Feb 23, 202554 minSeason 1Ep. 373

Is Long-Term Thinking Actually Sabotaging Your Property Goals?

Most people assume long-term thinking is the key to success in property—but what if it’s actually holding you back? In this episode, we break down whether having a long-term property strategy is always the smartest move—or if it could actually be working against you. We take you through how we each approach property strategy, why some plans are set up to fail from the start, and how to tell if the advice you’re getting is truly in your best interest or just a well-package...

Feb 16, 202557 minSeason 1Ep. 372

The Critical Role of Tax Planning in Property Wealth Building

Tax planning in property isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a game changer. In this episode, we explore why getting the right advice early can be the difference between wealth creation and costly mistakes. From uncovering myths about negative gearing to breaking down the hidden ways investors lose money, our conversation with Catherine Simons talks about what really matters when it comes to structuring your investments wisely. We discuss common traps, like rushing into property...

Feb 09, 202555 minSeason 1Ep. 371

What Does the Future Hold for Real Estate in a Climate-Conscious World?

Ever wondered if energy-efficient homes are the next big thing in real estate? Or is the industry still lagging on this? In this episode, we're diving into how sustainability is shaking up the property game, and we've got Jacob Caine, president of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, to give us the inside scoop. Jacob was at the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference, representing Australian real estate, so he knows what's up. We're talking about how climate change – from crazy weather events...

Feb 02, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 1Ep. 370

What Most Property Investors Get Wrong About Hotspots: Terry Ryder

What is hotspotting, really? In this episode, we sit down with Terry Ryder, the founder of Hotspotting, to explore what the term means and what it should mean for property investors. Terry has spent over four decades researching and writing about Australian residential property, and he’s here to share why chasing short-term predictions is not the way to go. Terry walks us through his approach to identifying true hotspots—places with economic diversity, infrastructure investment, and ...

Jan 26, 202551 minSeason 1Ep. 369

Eliza Owen: Is 2025 the Year Buyers Take Back Control?

As we step into 2025, the property market is abuzz with questions about its trajectory after a challenging 2024. Is the shift towards a buyer's market inevitable, or are we simply seeing seasonal fluctuations? In this episode, Eliza Owen from CoreLogic returns to share her insights on what’s ahead and what it all means for buyers, investors, and renters alike. We start with a discussion on the ripple effects of rising unemployment and how it could influence the rental market and demand par...

Jan 19, 202552 minSeason 1Ep. 368

What’s Fuelling the Surge of Residential Investors in Commercial Real Estate?

Why are so many residential investors making the leap into commercial real estate? That’s the big question we unpack in this episode with Vanessa Rader from Ray White Research. With over 25 years of experience across residential, commercial, and niche property markets, Vanessa offers an expert perspective on this growing trend and its implications for investors. One of the standout moments in our chat is how Vanessa highlights the key distinctions between residential and commercial investm...

Jan 12, 202551 minSeason 1Ep. 367

What Are the 12 Behavioural Biases at Auctions? A Look Back at Our First Episode

What drives us to bid at auctions? In this episode, we throw it back to where it all began, revisiting our very first episode that set the stage for everything we’ve explored since. Behavioural biases—those sneaky little tricks your brain plays—are at the heart of this conversation, and we talk about all 12 of them, plus a few extras that make auctions the fascinating psychological arenas they are. Simon Russell, a behavioural scientist, joins us to break down the surprising wa...

Jan 05, 202558 minSeason 1Ep. 366

The Property Market in 2025: What Could Be on the Horizon?

In this episode, we’re taking a look ahead at what might shape the property market in 2025. No, we’re not here to predict the future or pull out a crystal ball, but we are diving into the key factors that could have an impact—things like interest rates, immigration, intergenerational wealth, and stock levels. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, we’ve got some thoughts on what you might want to keep in mind. We kick things off by reflecting on what’s surpri...

Dec 29, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 365

What Investors Need to Know About Perth’s Economic and Housing Future with Damian Collins

In this episode, we dive deep into the Perth property market with Damian Collins, who knows the ins and outs of this unique city. Exploring the cycles that define the city’s real estate, the hotspots and danger zones investors should consider, and the key drivers behind its growth. With over three decades of experience, Damian shares invaluable insights, and together, we unpack what’s shaping Perth’s property landscape. We break down Perth’s strong ties to the mining indu...

Dec 22, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 364

Home Buyer Q&A: Loans, Career Changes, and Maximising Your Borrowing Potential

Ever wondered if changing jobs or working overseas could throw a wrench in your plans to buy a home? In this episode, we dive into some of the most common questions we hear from homebuyers. How long do you need to stay in a new job before applying for a loan? What’s the deal with borrowing as an expat? And does timing your property purchase around a career change make sense? There’s a lot to unpack here, and the answers might surprise you. We also dig into a tricky one: Should you push your borr...

Dec 08, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 362

Strata Management Under Fire: Amanda Farmer Discusses Whether Your Manager Is Doing Enough

How do you know if your strata manager is doing a good job? Amanda Farmer – the owner of Lawyers Chambers, is back with us to share her thoughts on the current state of strata management, especially after the recent media attention that’s put the industry under fire. We talk about what’s happening behind the scenes, why these issues have surfaced, and whether new legislation will actually make a difference—or just create more paperwork. We talk about real concerns regarding commissions, conflict...

Dec 01, 202454 minSeason 1Ep. 361

The Auctioneer’s Edge: Why Buyers Struggle to Compete

What makes auctions so tough for buyers? That’s the question we dive into in this episode. Auctions are often praised for their transparency, but is that really enough to give buyers a fair shot? With seasoned professionals like Justin Nickerson running the show, how can an everyday buyer hope to compete? In this episode, we sit down and have a chat with Justin Nickerson, one of Australia’s most awarded auctioneers, to uncover the secrets behind the auction process. Justin reveals to us why auct...

Nov 24, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 360

The Adelaide Boom: Is the End Finally Near? Peter Koulizos Offers His Take

What’s happening with Adelaide’s property market? Is the incredible boom we’ve been seeing finally coming to an end? In this episode, we’re joined by Peter Koulizos, the property professor, to take a closer look at what’s going on in this fascinating market. Adelaide’s median house price has now overtaken Melbourne’s—for the first time in 40 years! And all this while having a population of less than 1.5 million compared to Melbourne’s 5.5 million. It’s been a remarkable run of price growth since...

Nov 17, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 359

What Are the Nationwide Impacts of Recent Legislative Changes on Property Management?

Legislative changes are shaking up property management across Australia, and the impact reaches much further than we might expect. In this episode, we sit down with Cathie Crampton, National Head of Property Management Growth at Belle Property Corporate, to break down how these new laws are reshaping the roles of landlords, property managers, and tenants alike. With two decades of experience across the country, Cathie has insights from every corner of the industry, making her the perfect guide t...

Nov 10, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 358

Real Estate Tactics You Need to Know: Underquoting, Auctions, and Market Sentiment

Underquoting, auction tactics, and market sentiment—some of real estate’s most controversial topics. These are exactly what we’re diving into today with Thomas McGlynn, CEO of BresicWhitney. There's no holding back as we talk about the realities behind underquoting, why it’s so hard to avoid in a competitive market, and the fine line agents walk when trying to attract buyers without misleading them. As Thomas puts it, even with laws in place, agents are often forced into tough positions: when on...

Nov 03, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 357

Is Property Investment Within an SMSF a Good Idea?

Is putting property into your SMSF a good idea, or could it be too risky? SMSF advisor Liam Shorte from Sonas Wealth joins us today to explore this hot topic, giving practical insights on the benefits of more control, tax advantages, and the hidden costs and risks that SMSF investors often miss. We explore the appeal of property investment within an SMSF for those aiming to diversify their retirement strategies, with Liam highlighting both the potential benefits and risks involved. While propert...

Oct 27, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 356

Could Energy Ratings Be the Next Big Thing in Housing? Cecille Weldon Explains

We’re all familiar with energy ratings on appliances and cars, but what if your home came with one too? Could this be where the housing market is headed? Today, we sit down with Cecille Weldon, Australia’s top expert in residential energy efficiency, to explore what this could mean for the future of housing. Could energy ratings become the next game-changer in real estate? Cecille breaks it down for us — how homes might be rated, who will cover the costs, and whether property buyers and tenants ...

Oct 20, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 355

Cameron Kusher Lifts the Lid on Australia’s Property Market Trends

What’s really going on in Australia’s property market? In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Kusher, Executive Director of Economic Research at REA Group, to unpack the trends shaping the Australian property market right now. With access to some of the country’s most comprehensive property data, Cameron sheds light on what buyers are searching for, where listings are rising, and how this all connects to transactions and prices. We dig into regional differences in price growth—why places like...

Oct 13, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 354

How Can Investors Be Both Selling and Borrowing? Stuart Wemyss Breaks It Down

How can it be that investors are both selling off properties and borrowing record amounts of money at the same time? In a market with rising interest rates, stricter tenancy laws, and increasing property taxes, why is investor activity still so high? And what does this say about the future of property investment in Australia? In this episode, we are joined by Stuart Wemyss from ProSolution Private Clients to dig into this situation and break down why, despite all the economic pressures, investor...

Oct 06, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 353

Why Are Investors Abandoning the Property Market in Record Numbers? Nicola McDougall Reveals

Why are so many property investors pulling out of the market, and what’s driving this trend? In this episode, we dive deep into the findings of the 2024 PIPA Investor Sentiments Survey with Nicola McDougall, Chair of The Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA). The survey uncovers some surprising data, challenging common assumptions about where and why investors are selling their properties. Nicola sheds light on the growing trend of investors abandoning the property market and sha...

Sep 29, 202457 minSeason 1Ep. 352

Why Owen Rask Believes Equity Is the Most Overlooked Wealth-Building Tool

Is equity the most underused wealth-building tool? Owen Rask believes it is—and we’re missing out by not tapping into it. In this episode, we sit down with Owen from the Rask Group to explore how equity, particularly in property, can be a game-changer for growing your wealth. From property investment to ETFs and self-managed super funds (SMSFs), Owen breaks down how leveraging equity can open up opportunities you may not have considered. We also get into financial literacy in Australia, and Owen...

Sep 22, 20241 hrSeason 1Ep. 351

Why Equity Mates Thinks the Next Generation Won’t Own Homes

Why do Alec and Bryce from Equity Mates think the next generation won’t own homes? In this episode, we have a chat with Alec Renehan and Bryce Leske, the co-founders of Equity Mates Media, to explore why more young Australians are steering away from the idea of property ownership and leaning towards investing in shares instead. We discuss how the wealth gap between those who can get financial help from family and those who can’t is influencing this shift. How is this gap making property less acc...

Sep 15, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 350

Suburb Trends: What Surprises Does the Latest Property Investment Data Reveal

Are you ready to find out where property investors are putting their money and what trends are shaping the market right now? In this episode, we dive deep into the latest suburb trends report and explore the surprising insights revealed by the latest property investment data. From unexpected investment hotspots in Sydney and Melbourne to some major shifts in regional markets like Perth and Adelaide, this conversation will give you a fresh look at where investors are heading—and why. We're joined...

Sep 08, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 349

Insider Secrets: Why Housing Supply Is Harder to Boost Than You Think

Why is it so tough to ramp up housing supply when it seems like everyone’s talking about it? In this episode, we’re joined by Jill Garner, the Victorian Government Architect, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at why boosting supply isn’t as simple as just setting targets. Jill brings her extensive experience to the table, sharing insights into the realities of urban planning and design from both government and industry perspectives. Jill helps us understand the challenges that come with tryi...

Sep 01, 202456 minSeason 1Ep. 348

Understanding UK vs. Australian Property Markets with Martin North

How does the UK property market compare to ours here in Australia? In this episode, we sit down with Martin North from Digital Finance Analytics to really break it down. We’re diving into what makes the UK property market tick and how it stacks up against what we see in Australia. What are the key drivers over there? And how do they align—or differ—from what’s happening on our home turf? Martin’s got a ton of insights on property trends across the globe, and in our conversation, we dig into the ...

Aug 25, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 347

The Most Pressing Issues in Strata Management with Michael Teys

Strata management—it’s one of those areas in property where things can get tricky if you’re not in the know. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Teys, who’s been in the trenches of strata for years, tackling some of the biggest issues that come up in this space. If you’re involved in a strata scheme—whether as an owner, investor, or part of a committee—this is a conversation you just can’t afford to miss. Today, we dive into the real problems that strata communities face every day. From dea...

Aug 18, 202455 minSeason 1Ep. 346

How Can We Fix Australia’s Housing Crisis? Alan Kohler Weighs In

Australia's housing market is in turmoil, but can it be fixed? In this episode, we sit down with respected financial journalist Alan Kohler to delve into the roots of this ongoing crisis and explore potential solutions. Alan shares his insights on why first-time home buyers today face far greater challenges than those in previous generations and how the housing sector has become a critical pillar of Australia's economy, unlike in many other nations. We also dive into Alan's provocative assertion...

Aug 11, 202458 minSeason 1Ep. 345