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

Auteur(s): Cate Bakos David Johnston and Mike Mortlock
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  • Résumé

  • Formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor, our show rebranded in 2023 to The Property Trio.

    Residential property is the only asset class we live in, it is where we raise our families, and it is our most expensive investment, yet property advice remains unregulated. Our objective is to educate time-poor professionals through deep insights from our experts who have provided thousands of Australians with personalised advice and education spanning two decades. In a climate where we are overloaded with information and one size fits all recommendations from the media, well-meaning friends and family and so-called advisers, we will distill the raw truth from the ill-informed.

    So join the Property Planner, David Johnston, The Property Buyer, Cate Bakos and the Quantity Surveyor, Mike Mortlock as they take you on a journey of discovery through the maze of property, mortgage, and money decisions to empower you to create your ideal lifestyle!



    Links to your hosts:
    https://www.catebakos.com.au/
    https://propertyplanning.com.au/
    https://www.mcgqs.com.au/
    Copyright The Property Trio
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Finances personnelles Économie
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Épisodes
  • #308: Darwin Under the Microscope - Will 2025 Mark the Return of Property Growth for Australia’s Most Affordable & Smallest Capital City?

    #308: Darwin Under the Microscope - Will 2025 Mark the Return of Property Growth for Australia’s Most Affordable & Smallest Capital City?
    May 5 2025
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    🎙️This episode was inspired by a thoughtful message from a listener who challenged us to dig deeper into Darwin’s property market after we referenced it briefly on a previous show. Some investment advisors are touting Darwin as their top pick for capital growth in 2025, so Mike takes the reins to explore if Darwin’s time in the spotlight is finally back.

    🏠 Why Darwin, and Why Now?
    Michael, one of our listeners, shared compelling on-the-ground insights about a surge in investor and buyers’ agent activity. From off-market sales and investor loans soaring in the NT, to Buyer's Agents reportedly purchasing 20+ properties per week—Darwin's market seems to be heating up fast. Cate reflects on the risks of artificial price uplifts when too many Buyers Agents flood a small market and shares her cautious optimism. Yes, Darwin has clocked over 1% monthly growth in both March and April, but as she reminds us—two data points don’t make a trend line.

    💬 Investor Buzz
    Recent growth figures are starting to align with Michael's anecdotal evidence. Darwin may finally be rebounding after an 11-year slump—longer than any other capital. But is it investor-fuelled, or is there something broader taking place in Darwin?

    📊 Data, History, and Economic Context
    Dave offers a reality check with stats: Darwin housing values are still 4.9% below 2012 levels. Despite high rental yields (the best in the nation), long-term growth has lagged, and the market’s small size adds volatility. Cate and Dave also explore the city's unique profile:
    • Population: ~150,000
    • Heavy reliance on public sector employment
    • Mining = 30% of NT's revenue
    • Home ownership below national average
    • Government stimulus and generous first-home buyer grants
    📉 Risk or Reward?
    Darwin’s rental yields and affordability are attractive, but economic diversity, investor saturation, and project delivery are key concerns. Cate shares the practical challenges of property upkeep from afar, while Dave reflects on the pitfalls of yield-chasing strategies.

    🔮 Will Darwin Shine in 2025?
    The Trio agrees: Darwin has had remarkable highs (second-highest median house price in the late 90s and early 2010s) and harsh lows. With strong early signals and renewed investor interest, it may be poised for a comeback—but sustainability is the real test.

    🎧 Tune in now for a balanced, data-backed, and researched discussion on whether Darwin is worth your investor attention in 2025.

    Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/05/05/listener-questions-darwin/
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    57 min
  • #307 - Analysing Ballarat’s Property Potential - The Pros, Pitfalls and Lifestyle Insights for Home Buyers and Regional Market Investors

    #307 - Analysing Ballarat’s Property Potential - The Pros, Pitfalls and Lifestyle Insights for Home Buyers and Regional Market Investors
    Apr 28 2025
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    In today's episode, Mike and Cate tackle a great listener question from Brooke, who asks: "Is Ballarat a no-go for investors, and what about its long-term growth prospects?" With profits from their Perth house and a $690K budget, Brooke and her family are considering a move to regional Victoria — and Ballarat has caught their eye.

    The duo dive deep into why Ballarat remains one of Victoria's most attractive regional cities, offering both affordability and a high quality of life. But what should Brooke consider before making the move? And what are some of the interesting local things to note about this fabulous provincial city?

    💡 Why Ballarat? Cate kicks off by painting a compelling picture of Ballarat’s growth and appeal. With a population exceeding 122,000 and on the rise, Ballarat continues to attract both regional and metropolitan migrants. The city’s relative affordability, compared to Melbourne, combined with strong access to employment and education opportunities, makes it a top contender for families and investors alike.

    🏥 Key Industries & Employment Ballarat's economic backbone includes health services, education, advanced manufacturing, and decentralised government services. With a diverse and stable job market, it stands out as a regional powerhouse — bolstered further by hospitals, schools, and a university attracting students and professionals from across the country.

    📜 A Rich History Once a booming gold rush town, Ballarat was home to some of the world's richest alluvial goldfields. The city's prosperity led to grand architecture and impressive infrastructure — much of which still stands today, adding to its unique charm.

    💰 Investment Outlook Cate outlines the city's strong rental yields (often outperforming Melbourne), tight vacancy rates, and reliable demand — especially among university students and healthcare professionals on placement. She also highlights Ballarat’s appeal to “regional super consumers” as noted by demographer Bernard Salt, and how the shift to remote work is opening doors for tree-changers seeking lifestyle without sacrificing income.

    🏡 Living There & What $690K Buys For Brooke, who’s open to living in Ballarat, Cate and Mike discuss the lifestyle factors: good schools, a thriving food and wine scene, stunning public buildings, and fast rail access to Melbourne. She advises on buyer pitfalls to avoid, the importance of inspecting properties, and how to make the most of the "try before you buy" approach.

    🍻 Fun Fact During the gold rush, Ballarat had over 500 pubs! Today, around 50 remain — keeping the city’s vibrant social legacy alive.

    🚗 Weekend Tips Cate signs off with some tips for a Ballarat weekend getaway — from local cafes to wine country escapes.

    .... and our gold nuggets!

    Cate Bakos's gold nugget: For anyone who is inquisitive about Ballarat, a weekend away can make a nice little experience. The city grid is walkable from the rail station and there are plenty of fun places to go for those who enjoy their food and wine.

    Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: Making an investment dual-purpose isn't an easy task, but effective strategy can take an investor a long way when they are considering what their future opportunities may entail. As Mike says, "life happens."

    Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/04/28/listener-questions-ballarat/
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    44 min
  • #306: How to Increase Borrowing Power - How Kids, Rate Cuts and Variable Income Impact Property Buying Potential, Equity Access & Refinance

    #306: How to Increase Borrowing Power - How Kids, Rate Cuts and Variable Income Impact Property Buying Potential, Equity Access & Refinance
    Apr 22 2025
    Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM

    In this episode, Cate and Dave dive into how life circumstances and interest rate changes directly impact borrowing capacity when borrowers are applying for a mortgage. Whether you're planning to start a family, waiting for a pay rise, or watching the RBA closely, this episode unpacks what it all means for your property plans.

    The episode begins by tackling a common question: how much do kids affect your borrowing power? Dave breaks it down with real figures. For a couple earning a combined $300,000, each child adds about $350 per month to living expenses under the Household Expenditure Measure (HEM), reducing borrowing capacity by roughly $35,000. But when you account for real-world costs—like childcare and private school fees—that impact can balloon to over $500,000 depending on your lifestyle choices. The takeaway? Kids can significantly reduce what lenders are willing to offer, especially if you're covering higher education costs.

    The conversation then turns to single parents, where Mike explains that HEM assumptions are more severe. Each child adds about $490/month to expenses, meaning a single applicant earning $150,000 may lose $60,000 in borrowing power per child. The financial pressure of being a solo breadwinner, combined with extra costs like babysitting or outsourcing household tasks, creates a tighter borrowing scenario compared to dual-income couples.

    Next, the Trio explore the effects of interest rate changes. The recent 0.25% RBA rate cut increased borrowing capacity by $20,000–$35,000 depending on income and household structure. Dave highlights that if further cuts come through—as expected—borrowing capacity could rise by as much as $150,000, opening access to higher-value properties and likely fueling further property price growth.

    Mike also dives into how income boosts translate into borrowing power. A $10,000 salary increase can add about $51,000 to your borrowing limit—roughly five times the pay rise. However, benefits taper off once you hit higher tax brackets. For couples, even if only one partner increases their income or returns to work, the gains can be substantial.

    Finally, Dave offers guidance for those considering waiting for a pay rise before buying. While higher income increases borrowing capacity, waiting too long in a rising market could mean missing out as property prices climb—potentially offsetting any gains from the salary bump. Whether you're starting a family, navigating single parenthood, feeling the challenges of lender servicing rules, or simply trying to get a better understanding of how banks assess incomes and assign borrowing capacity, this episode offers key insights to help you to navigate the lending steps more confidently and plan with clarity.

    .... and our gold nuggets!

    Mike Mortlock's gold nugget: "What are you prioritising?" Mike reflects on one Dave's comments about one of the most important things that a great, strategic mortgage broker will ask their client.

    Cate Bakos's gold nugget: Kids.... they are expensive. People are often hard on themselves when it comes to balancing building wealth and waiting it out while incomes are reduced while raising children. "Time with your kids is precious and they grow up really fast. Try to be kind to yourself."

    David Johnston's gold nugget: Borrowers should think about whether there is variability with their income. They should disclose this as clearly as possible with their strategic broker, because the better they understand how income is earned, the better they can assist their client. "A good strategic mortgage broker will ask you lots of questions."

    Show notes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/04/22/increasing-borrowing-capacity-2/
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    53 min

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