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

Veronica Morgan & Chris Bates

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!

  • 39 minutes 21 seconds
    What Agents Don’t Want Buyers to See: The Truth About Campaign Histories

    In this episode, we pull back the curtain on one of the least transparent parts of Australia’s property market: sales campaign behaviour. From hidden campaign histories to shifting price guides and agent tactics designed to manufacture buyer momentum, most buyers are making six- and seven-figure decisions without the information they actually need. Today’s conversation digs into that gap — and the consequences of it.

    We’re joined by Henry Pedersen, co-founder and CEO of Homer, a proptech tool built to expose the data buyers never get to see. Henry walks us through what really happens behind the scenes of a sales campaign: failed auctions, withdrawn listings, guide price movements, and the patterns in agent strategy that can completely alter a buyer’s perception of value. We talk about why big data alone isn’t enough, how algorithms misread hyper-specific property nuances, and why more information doesn’t automatically mean better decisions.

    We also dive into the thornier realities: the structural incentives pushing agents toward underquoting, why buyers keep falling into the same traps, how state regulators are tightening their approach, and what transparency could actually look like if buyers had access to honest, unfiltered campaign histories. Henry also shares how buyer behaviour — from switching suburbs to chasing “hot” listings — is often influenced by information that’s incomplete or deliberately curated.

    Whether you're navigating the market for the first time, returning after a break, or advising clients professionally, this episode gives you tools to understand the battlefield. We help you recognise the signals buried inside campaign data, avoid being blindsided by agent strategy, and get clearer about where your expectations sit in the real market — not the one portrayed online. This is a must-listen for anyone tired of feeling outplayed.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 — Introduction to the Hidden World of Property Market

    01:28 — Meet Henry Pedersen: Co-founder and CEO of Homer

    02:05 — The Birth of Homer: A Personal Journey

    02:50 — How Homer Provides Transparency in Property Data

    04:11 — Challenges and Insights in Property Data

    05:13 — The Role of Historical Data in Property Decisions

    06:39 — Navigating the Property Market with Homer's Tools

    12:23 — User Experience and Adoption of Homer

    14:06 — Future Developments and Features of Homer

    20:07 — Queensland's Unique Real Estate Law

    22:03 — Challenges of Property Valuation

    23:27 — Agent Behavior and Market Strategies

    25:04 — Leveraging Data for Better Decisions

    33:44 — AI in Real Estate

    35:38 — Property Dumbo Stories

    38:14 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    About the Guest

    Henry Pedersen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Homer, a fast-growing proptech platform built to give Australian buyers real visibility into sales campaigns — including the data traditionally kept out of sight. With a background in data, growth strategy, and scaling marketplace businesses globally, Henry brings an outside-the-industry lens to one of real estate’s most persistent problems: information asymmetry.

    Prior to joining Homer, Henry worked in international markets building large-scale automotive data platforms, helping bring structure and transparency to vehicle marketplaces across Australia and the UK. His personal experience navigating Sydney’s overheated 2021 market led him to confront the frustrations buyers face: shifting price guides, opaque campaign histories, and the sheer workload required to track property activity manually.

    At Homer, Henry focuses on surfacing patterns in agent behaviour, guide-to-sale accuracy, campaign timelines, and other hidden indicators that shape buyer outcomes. His mission is simple: equip everyday Australians with the information professionals use — without the guesswork. Henry is part of a growing wave of innovators pushing for a more transparent, data-driven property market.

    Connect with Henry


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    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris

    21 December 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 44 minutes 11 seconds
    What’s Really Driving the Crisis? Eliza Owen Cuts Through the Noise

    Australia’s housing market is creaking under pressure — record-low affordability, rising lower-end prices, and policies that keep boosting demand instead of easing it. In this episode, Cotality’s Head of Research Eliza Owen helps us zoom out and make sense of the contradictions shaping today’s market.

    We unpack why “years to save a 20% deposit” is the wrong metric, why income — not deposits — is the real barrier, and how the 5% deposit scheme pushes prices up by funnelling demand under strict caps. Eliza also breaks down the mismatch between the homes we build and how Australians actually live, alongside the collapse in turnover rates that concentrates buying power among wealthier households.

    If you want a clear, data-led look at what’s really driving the crisis — and why prices keep rising even as affordability falls apart — this conversation cuts through the noise.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 — Introduction and Overview of Australia's Housing Market

    02:18 — Government Incentives and Their Impact

    04:17 — Challenges in Housing Affordability

    10:16 — Policy Measures and Their Effects

    12:18 — Affordability and Market Trends

    17:55 — Turnover Rates and Market Stability

    22:20 — The Case for Replacing Stamp Duty with Land Tax

    25:28 — Mismatch in Housing Supply and Demand

    28:19 — Challenges in the Rental Market

    31:38 — Eliza's Departure and Reflections

    34:42 — Global Perspectives on Housing Markets

    38:51 — Affordability Metrics and Policy

    42:33 — Underquoting and Auction Dynamics

    43:36 — Conclusion and Listener Engagement

    About the Guest

    Eliza Owen is the Head of Research at Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), where she leads national market intelligence and economic analysis across Australia’s property sector. Appointed in 2020, she brings more than a decade of expertise in affordability metrics, credit conditions, lending environments, and the economic pressures shaping housing performance.

    Eliza has guided industry leaders through some of the most pivotal moments in recent history — from the volatility of COVID-era markets to the rapid rate-hike cycle and today’s affordability crisis. Her work helps governments, banks, and real estate professionals understand the shifting forces impacting buyers, sellers, and renters, using rigorous data to illuminate what’s really happening beneath the headlines.

    A sought-after keynote speaker and trusted media commentator, she has presented to thousands across real estate, construction, banking, and finance, translating complex economics into clear, practical insights. Passionate about demystifying housing data, Eliza is recognised for storytelling that cuts through complexity and empowers Australians to make smarter, evidence-based decisions in an increasingly strained housing landscape.

    Connect with Eliza


    Resources


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    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris

    14 December 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 42 minutes 54 seconds
    Louis Christopher: Are We Heading for a Market Slowdown or Another Surge?

    2026 is shaping up as a year of subtle indicators and big risks, and Louis Christopher breaks down the data points seasoned investors should be paying attention to right now.

    In this episode, Louis joins Veronica and Chris just days after releasing the 2026 edition to unpack the findings that matter most: population growth moderating sharply, supply finally catching up in pockets, and why rental pressure may ease before prices do. And, critically, he reveals the assumptions his modelling rests on — and the risks that could topple them.

    Louis walks us through the four core scenarios underpinning his 2026 outlook, including the one that unexpectedly took the lead in 2025, and the one he now believes may need a late addendum as sticky inflation raises the odds of a surprise rate hike. From unemployment edging toward 5%, to small business stress, to shifts in interstate migration, Louis explains how these macro levers shape the micro realities buyers and investors experience on the ground.

    We also zoom into the markets that defied expectations in 2025 — including Darwin’s explosive rebound and the Gold Coast’s continued growth despite being fundamentally overvalued. Louis breaks down why listings data is flashing one message, why developers are building for the wrong demographic, and where supply bottlenecks could turn into oversupply shocks by 2027. Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide remain the nation’s top performers, but Louis outlines exactly what conditions would need to change for any of them to lose steam.

    This conversation is packed with uncomfortable truths, grounded forecasts, and the kind of nuance you only get from someone who has studied the data for over two decades. Whether you’re trying to time a purchase, expand a portfolio, or simply understand where the market is heading next, Louis’ insights offer the clarity — and the caution — needed to navigate 2026 with your eyes open.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 – Introduction to the 2026 Housing Market Outlook

    01:11 – Louis Christopher's Forecasting Approach

    02:18 – Reviewing the 2025 Predictions

    05:38 – Key Assumptions for 2026

    07:53 – Interest Rate Scenarios for 2026

    10:52 – Gold Coast Market Analysis

    15:14 – Darwin Market Insights

    18:56 – Structural Changes in Listings

    21:58 – Impact of High Transaction Costs on Listings

    23:12 – Market Dynamics in Different Cities

    25:10 – Investor Behavior and Market Trends

    26:42 – Rental Yields and Property Taxes

    28:49 – Interstate Investment Trends

    32:27 – Adelaide's Surprising Economic Resilience

    34:19 – Construction Costs and Housing Prices

    37:07 – Key Indicators for 2026 Market Predictions

    About the Guest

    Louis Christopher is one of Australia’s most respected and closely watched housing market analysts. As the founder of SQM Research, he has spent nearly two decades building some of the country’s most trusted property indexes, data series, and market forecasts. Before establishing SQM in 2006, Louis served as Head of Research and General Manager at Australian Property Monitors, where his work informed Reserve Bank analysis and shaped national housing insights.

    With a background spanning technical market analysis, index construction, and independent forecasting, Louis has earned a reputation for calling turning points early — and for openly grading his own predictions each year. His annual Boom & Bust Report is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most transparent property forecasts, dissecting the interplay between population trends, supply pipelines, interest rates, and economic conditions.

    Louis is known for his no-nonsense approach, his statistical discipline, and his ability to explain complex market dynamics with clarity and precision. For investors, buyers and industry practitioners, his work offers a rare blend of independence, accuracy, and intellectual honesty.


    Connect with Louis



    Resources



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    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris


    7 December 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 42 minutes 12 seconds
    Restructuring Debt, Rebuilding Portfolios & Future-Proofing Against AI: Q&A 2025

    In this Q&A episode, Veronica and Chris unpack the real property questions investors are facing right now. From ATO debt rules to cashflow pressure and portfolio structure, this episode gets straight to the point and cuts through the myths.

    They break down a $5.3M portfolio spread across Logan, Townsville, Shepparton, regional WA and Melbourne’s fringe, revealing why “affordable” properties often deliver slow long-term growth — and when selling is actually the smarter move.

    The conversation also dives into rising insurance costs in flood-prone markets, including Gold Coast premiums hitting up to $20K a year. Veronica explains how underinsurance, flood overlays and lender behaviour could reshape future buyer demand.

    Finally, Chris explores whether AI-driven job losses could weaken the property market, or simply concentrate demand into fewer suburbs. If you want clearer strategy and better decision-making, this Q&A delivers the insights investors need now.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 — Introduction and Listener Questions Overview

    00:25 — James' Question on Refinancing Loans

    05:43 — Michael's Property Portfolio Deconstruction

    18:14 — Nick's Question on Flood Insurance and Property Desirability

    20:36 — Insurance Challenges and Borrowing Concerns

    22:42 — Gold Coast Property Insights

    26:42 — AI's Impact on White Collar Jobs and Property Market

    27:59 — Future of Property Market Amid AI Revolution

    37:14 — Investment Strategies in a Changing Market

    41:50 — AI in Property Decision Making

    Links


    About the Guest

    Mark Errichiello is a licensed buyers and vendors advocate and the Co-Founder & Director of Master Advocates, a Melbourne-based property advisory firm known for its strategic, data-driven approach to acquisitions, valuations, and auction representation. With decades of hands-on experience, Mark has attended every Block auction since the early seasons and understands the dynamics of high-pressure televised auctions better than most.

    Mark has represented bidders in both metropolitan and regional markets — including acting as an anonymous strategic bidder during the Phillip Island Block season — giving him unique insight into how buyer psychology, auction order, and market fundamentals shape outcomes. His commentary cuts through hype and focuses on realistic pricing, fair value, and the long-term risks buyers often overlook.

    Respected for his measured, forensic approach, Mark brings clarity to situations where emotion, spectacle, and production expectations collide with real market behaviour. His expertise helps buyers navigate fast-moving environments and make confident, well-informed decisions.

    Connect with Guest



    Resources


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    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris

    30 November 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 41 minutes 35 seconds
    Inside “The Block” Auctions: What Really Went Wrong in Daylesford

    The Block 2025 auctions were billed as a massive TV spectacle — but what unfolded in Daylesford turned out to be one of the most revealing auction finales the show has aired in years. 

    Five nearly identical, fully furnished homes were pushed to market on a single afternoon, each carrying price expectations the local market was never built to support. What followed was a rare moment where real buyer behaviour overpowered reality-TV momentum.

    To break down what really went on, we’re joined by buyers and vendors advocate Mark Errichiello, who attended the auctions, tracked buyer behaviour, and has followed The Block’s auction patterns for years. Mark explains how quoting in the low $3 millions set unrealistic expectations from day one, how the quality of the build couldn’t compensate for a non-premium location, and why bidder confidence evaporated the moment prices edged toward $3 million.

    We unpack the psychological chain reaction inside the room — how the stalled results of House 2 changed the energy for every house that followed, how auction order heavily influenced who bid and when, and why mid-auction reserve changes shattered trust and halted momentum entirely. Mark also highlights overlooked costs buyers faced this year: stamp duty on cars and furnishings, rising Victorian land tax, and the long-term financial drag of prestige builds in regional markets.

    This episode strips back the theatre and exposes the real mechanics at play — from buyer sentiment to pricing strategy to the risks of flipping homes far from their emotional sweet spot. If you want the unfiltered version of what The Block 2025 really showed us about Australia’s property market, this conversation is a must-listen.


    Episode Highlights

    00:00 – Introduction to the Block Auctions

    01:18 – Meet the Expert: Mark Errichiello

    01:52 – Auction Day Insights and Challenges

    02:52 – Market Realities and Auction Strategies

    04:33 – The Block's Unique Auction Dynamics

    05:43 – Behind the Scenes: Vendor and Agent Dynamics

    09:02 – The Realities of Property Flipping

    11:10 – Investment Considerations and Risks

    12:28 – Decoy Bidding Strategy

    13:38 – Market Sentiment and Future Trends

    14:54 – Final Thoughts on the Block Auctions

    19:59 – Pricing a Property with Furniture

    22:31 – Victoria's Land Tax Changes and Market Impact

    24:11 – Strategic Moves and Missteps in Property Auctions

    27:24 – Renovation Strategies for The Block

    34:34 – Melbourne Market Insights

    38:40 – A Memorable Client Story

    40:39 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Links


    About the Guest

    Mark Errichiello is a licensed buyers and vendors advocate and the Co-Founder & Director of Master Advocates, a Melbourne-based property advisory firm known for its strategic, data-driven approach to acquisitions, valuations, and auction representation. With decades of hands-on experience, Mark has attended every Block auction since the early seasons and understands the dynamics of high-pressure televised auctions better than most.

    Mark has represented bidders in both metropolitan and regional markets — including acting as an anonymous strategic bidder during the Phillip Island Block season — giving him unique insight into how buyer psychology, auction order, and market fundamentals shape outcomes. His commentary cuts through hype and focuses on realistic pricing, fair value, and the long-term risks buyers often overlook.

    Respected for his measured, forensic approach, Mark brings clarity to situations where emotion, spectacle, and production expectations collide with real market behaviour. His expertise helps buyers navigate fast-moving environments and make confident, well-informed decisions.


    Connect with Mark



    Resources



    Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!




    If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!


    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris

    23 November 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 13 seconds
    Luke Metcalfe: Can AI Be Trusted with Property Decisions?

    Everyone’s talking about AI as the future of property, but what if it’s quietly distorting how we see value?

    Veronica and Chris sit down with Luke Metcalfe, founder of Microburbs and DataScape, to reveal why precision in property data is often just an illusion. Luke, one of Australia’s leading data scientists, reveals why many AI-driven tools sound convincing but are often wrong — and how they can even manipulate our confidence in property decisions.

    From understanding what AI models are actually trained to do, to exploring why machine learning can’t yet capture local nuance or human psychology, this episode challenges the blind faith many investors place in “data-driven” insights.

    Luke explains the difference between language-based AI and number-based forecasting models, the dangers of herd thinking in machine learning, and how misinformation spreads faster when machines start selling the dream.

    If you’ve ever wondered whether AI could replace your buyer's agent — or if you’ve trusted a chatbot to tell you where to buy next — this is your wake-up call. Tune in to learn how to question the data, test the claims, and keep human intuition at the heart of smart investing.


    Episode Highlights

    00:00 – Introduction: The Illusion of Precision in Property Data

    00:27 – Guest Introduction: Luke Metcalfe

    01:50 – AI's Role in Property Decisions

    03:09 – Challenges and Limitations of AI in Real Estate

    05:16 – The Psychology of AI and Property Investment

    07:41 – AI's Persuasive Power and Ethical Concerns

    12:26 – Future of AI in Property Forecasting

    26:37 – Granularity and Local Knowledge in Property Data

    30:01 – The Importance of Human Experience in Property Evaluation

    37:18 – The Impact of Crime on Property Markets

    39:36 – Melbourne's Property Market Sentiment

    41:40 – The Role of Data in Real Estate

    47:36 – Future Trends and Technological Impacts

    About the Guest

    Luke Metcalfe is an Australian entrepreneur and data scientist known for pioneering the use of large-scale analytics in understanding neighbourhood performance and property trends.

    After launching NationMaster, a global data platform attracting over 10 million monthly visitors, Luke founded Microburbs, a liveability and housing data company providing hyperlocal insights that help buyers, investors, and agents make informed decisions. He now leads DataScape, exploring the intersection of AI, big data, and human behaviour in real estate.

    Renowned for his first-principles approach and his ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights, Luke continues to shape how Australians understand location intelligence and property forecasting in an increasingly AI-driven world.


    Connect with Luke



    Resources


    Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!




    If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!


    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris


    16 November 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 55 minutes 49 seconds
    Ben Kingsley: Risky Advice on the Rise and the “Get Rich Quick” Comeback

    Property investment has entered dangerous new territory. What used to be about building long-term wealth has become clouded by hype, shortcuts, and unqualified advice. Investors are being drawn into speculative schemes disguised as strategy. 

    In this episode, Veronica and Chris sit down with Ben Kingsley, Founding Managing Director of Empower Wealth and Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA), to unpack the alarming resurgence of speculative, misleading, and unlicensed property advice spreading across Australia.

    Ben recently authored an open letter to industry associations, warning of “get-rich-quick” operators, social media influencers, and unqualified advisors encouraging investors to buy properties through risky trust structures and self-managed super funds. He reveals how these practices are distorting regional markets, luring naive investors, and potentially triggering a regulatory backlash that could reshape the entire property sector.

    From “pump and dump” tactics to trust lending loopholes and the rise of volume-driven buyer’s agents buying sight unseen, this conversation exposes the systemic risks emerging from the unregulated fringes of the industry. Ben, Veronica, and Chris also explore how social media hype, FOMO marketing, and easy credit are fueling another wave of short-term speculation that could end in disaster.

    If you care about the future of Australia’s property market—or just want to protect yourself from being swept up in the next boom-and-bust cycle—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 — Why Risky Property Advice Is Back on the Rise

    01:36 — Speculative Behaviour: The Return of Fast-Money Mindsets

    02:25 — How Speculation Threatens Consumers and Market Stability

    03:59 — Unlicensed Advisors and the Power of Social Media Influence

    06:14 — Regional Market Distortions: When Buyer’s Agents Go Rogue

    08:21 — Will ASIC Step In? The Push for Property Regulation

    10:16 — The Role (and Responsibility) of Brokers and Buyer’s Agents

    13:01 — What Happens Next: Ben’s Call for Industry Reform

    32:06 — Rising Prices, Rising Pressure: The Human Cost of Property

    33:51 — Regional Boom or Bubble? Understanding the Market Risks

    36:41 — Property Prices vs. Fundamentals: When Growth Defies Logic

    39:47 — Speculation vs. Strategy: The Long-Term Investment Divide

    42:14 — Economic Viability: The Missing Piece in Modern Investing

    49:00 — Building a Sustainable Property Business, Not a Hype Machine

    52:41 — Owning Mistakes and the Power of Industry Accountability

    54:26 — Final Thoughts: Restoring Trust in Property Advice

    Links



    About the Guest

    Ben Kingsley is the Founding and Managing Director of Empower Wealth and the inaugural Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA). A Qualified Property Investment Advisor (QPIA) and one of Australia’s most respected voices in property, finance, and money management, Ben has spent over two decades advocating for professional standards and consumer protection in the property investment sector.

    A multi-award-winning advisor and frequent media commentator, Ben co-authored two bestselling books — The Armchair Guide to Property Investing and Make Money Simple Again — and co-hosts The Property Couch, Australia’s #1 property, finance, and money management podcast. Through Empower Wealth, Ben leads an integrated team of experts providing holistic financial advice across property, finance, tax, and wealth management.

    Driven by his belief that “anyone can improve their financial outcomes, regardless of their starting point,” Ben continues to challenge industry complacency and push for responsible, transparent, and ethical property investment practices across Australia.


    Connect with Ben



    Resources



    Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!




    If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!


    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris


    9 November 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 47 minutes 44 seconds
    Off-Market On the Rise: The “Quiet” Evolution in Real Estate

    There’s a side of the property market most Australians never see — where listings don’t make headlines, and deals happen behind closed doors.

    In this episode, we step into that world of discretion and discovery with William Laing, Co-Founder and CEO of Quiet List, to explore how off-market sales are quietly reshaping the real estate landscape.

    With nearly one in five Sydney homes now trading off-market, William reveals how private listings are redefining demand and changing how agents, buyers, and sellers connect. From price-testing vendors and privacy-driven sellers to the rise of buyer’s agents and agent-only platforms, this hidden layer of the market is rewriting the rules of access and advantage.

    Together, we unpack what truly counts as an off-market listing, why so many sellers are choosing to go quiet, and what this shift means for transparency in Australian property. It’s a conversation that cuts through the hype to reveal the data, dynamics, and ethics shaping the industry’s most exclusive corner.

    If you’ve ever wondered what happens before a listing goes live, or why some of the best opportunities never make it online, this episode gives you a rare glimpse into the quiet art of deal-making in today’s property market.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:16 – Guest Introduction: William Lang of Quiet List

    01:48 – Understanding Off-Market Listings

    03:40 – Challenges in Off-Market Transactions

    08:27 – Quiet List: The Business Model

    08:40 – Appreciating the Role of Buyer's Agents

    18:03 – Privacy and Transparency Issues of Off-Market Deals

    26:18 – Real Estate Platforms

    28:05 – Challenges and Changes in Agent Processes

    28:45 – Advantages of Centralized Briefs

    31:03 – Off-Market Deals and Relationships

    32:23 – Platform Features and Future Directions

    41:53 – Real Estate Market Dynamics and AI

    42:33 – Property Dumbo


    About the Guest

    William Laing is the Co-Founder and CEO of Quiet List, Australia’s first agent-only property platform transforming how real estate professionals connect qualified demand with quiet supply.

    With more than a decade in luxury residential real estate — including roles with Kay & Burton, Knight Frank, Savills, and The Agency — William built his career around discretion, trust, and deal-making. His experience handling high-end, off-market transactions inspired Quiet List: a platform that helps agents capture the 20% of property deals that happen behind closed doors.

    Today, William is helping agents nationwide turn “quiet listings” into smarter, more transparent transactions — bringing structure, security, and speed to a part of the market that’s always operated in whispers.


    Connect with William



    Resources



    Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!




    If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!


    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris



    2 November 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 46 minutes 56 seconds
    Old Laws, New Problems: Prof. Cathy Sherry on How Strata Blocks Progress in Australia’s Cities

    Australia’s strata system was once a clever solution to urban living — a way to share land, lift homeownership, and build communities in growing cities. But decades later, that same framework is struggling to keep up with modern life.

    What once worked for small, low-rise communities now governs the high-density towers that house millions of Australians. The result? Costs have climbed, decision-making has grown more complex, and owners often find themselves footing bills for problems they didn’t create

    In this episode, Prof. Cathy Sherry — Professor at Macquarie Law School and Executive Member of Smart Green Cities — explains how Australia’s outdated strata laws are now out of step with the country’s housing and sustainability goals. A leading international expert in land law and high-density development, Prof. Sherry unpacks how laws written in the 1960s for small walk-ups can’t handle the complexity of modern cities, locking owners into costly contracts, rising levies, and embedded energy networks that limit both choice and progress.

    From the hidden costs buried in off-the-plan sales to the barriers stopping apartments from going solar, Cathy reveals how a system designed to help Australians share space has instead made it harder to live well, live green, and live fairly.

    Listen now to learn why reforming strata isn’t just a legal fix — it’s key to building a fairer, more sustainable housing future for everyone.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 – Introduction

    01:16 — Meet Prof. Cathy Sherry: Australia’s Leading Expert on Strata Law

    01:50 — How Shared Living Became Complex: The Challenge of Strata Ownership

    03:15 — Strata Levies, Legal Layers, and Why Collective Ownership Is Tricky

    06:37 — The Hidden Dangers of Buying Off-the-Plan Apartments in Australia

    11:09 — Embedded Networks Explained: The Hidden Costs of Strata Energy Deals

    20:18 — Can the Law Catch Up? Why Strata Reform Is Urgent for Modern Cities

    26:00 — Stratum Lots and Mixed-Use Buildings: Understanding Shared Land Titles

    26:48 — What Strata Management Statements Mean for Building Governance

    27:32 — Why Prof. Cathy Sherry Advocates for Fairer and Smarter Housing Laws

    28:54 — High-Density Housing Challenges: When Bigger Doesn’t Mean Better

    30:11 — Why Home Ownership Still Matters for Stability and Social Equality

    31:51 — Where Strata Schemes Fail: Issues With Governance and Accountability

    35:23 — How Investor Incentives Have Shaped Australia’s Housing Market

    43:27 — Smart Green Cities: Connecting Strata Reform to Sustainability Goals

    44:42 — Property Dumbo: A Real-World Example of Strata Mismanagement

    46:20 — Final Reflections and Where to Learn More From Prof. Cathy Sherry

    Links


    About the Guest

    Cathy Sherry is a Professor in Macquarie Law School and Executive Member of Smart Green Cities. She is a leading international expert in land law, with a particular focus on high density development. Her book Strata Title Property Rights: Private governance of multi-owned properties (Routledge, 2017) is the first academic monograph on Australian strata title. It has been cited by the Privy Council and the New South Wales Court of Appeal. Professor Sherry's research focuses on the complex legal, economic and social relationships created by collectively owned land. 

    Professor Sherry regularly advises governments, domestically and internationally, on the laws governing multi-owned properties. She was a member of the United Kingdom Law Commission Technical Committee for the Reform of Commonhold from 2018-2020, and was engaged by the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) to reform the Fijian Unit Titles Act 1985 in 2021. She has advised governments in Asia, the Pacific and Middle East. In 2012, Professor Sherry was employed by the Administration of Norfolk Island to write a White Paper on the introduction of strata title to the Island, leading to the Community Title Act 2015 (NI).

    Connect with Cathy



    Resources



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    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris

    26 October 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 45 minutes 59 seconds
    Financing the Future: Why Projects Are Stalling Across Australia

    Australia’s housing shortage isn’t just about planning approvals or red tape — it’s about money. 

    In this episode, commercial finance expert Jean-Pierre Gortan, Joint Founder of Simplicity Loans & Advisory, joins Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates to unpack the financial bottlenecks preventing new homes from being built, even in areas crying out for supply.

    Jean-Pierre draws on more than two decades of experience structuring complex, multi-lender deals to explain why so many developments are stuck in limbo. From Parramatta to Penrith, he reveals how post-COVID construction cost blowouts, tighter lending standards, and broken feasibility models have made many projects impossible to fund — even with demand at record highs.

    They discuss how non-bank lenders are filling the void left by traditional banks, why build-to-rent projects still struggle to stack up in high-cost cities like Sydney, and what state governments are doing through rezoning, TOD corridors, and density incentives to unlock supply. Jean-Pierre also shares insights into how the market differs between NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, and what policy shifts could finally make housing delivery viable again.

    This is a candid, ground-level look at the economics of housing supply — and a reminder that Australia’s housing crisis won’t be solved by planning reforms alone, but by rethinking how development is financed.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 – Introduction

    02:12 — How COVID Cost Blowouts Crushed Feasibility

    03:51 — When Projects Don’t Stack Up Financially

    05:22 — Why Government Fixes Aren’t Solving Supply

    15:38 — Non-Bank Lenders: Who’s Funding Projects Now

    18:02 — Developers Adapting to a Tougher Market

    21:32 — How Finance Shapes Future Housing Supply

    25:53 — Residential vs Commercial: Shared Challenges

    26:27 — Why Banks Pulled Back from Construction Loans

    28:18 — Can Government Programs Reignite Building?

    29:48 — Pre-Sales Pressure: A Hidden Project Killer

    31:10 — Quality, Oversight, and Building Regulation Costs

    32:39 — Red Tape and Rezoning: The Slow Path to Supply

    36:40 –  Transport Oriented Development (TOD) and LMR Zones

    43:08 — Property Dumbo: Overconfidence in Feasibility

    44:45 — Final Thoughts: Funding and the Road Ahead

    Links


    About the Guest

    Jean-Pierre Gortan is the Joint Founder of Simplicity Loans & Advisory and one of Australia’s most respected figures in commercial finance. A back-to-back winner of the Australian Broker of the Year Award by MPA Magazine, Jean-Pierre has built a national reputation for solving some of the country’s most complex funding challenges with creativity, precision, and integrity.

    With more than two decades of experience across property, business, and development finance, he has been instrumental in steering Simplicity’s growth into one of Australia’s leading independent advisory firms. His expertise lies in structuring sophisticated, multi-lender transactions — from nine-figure refinances to bespoke development facilities — all with a focus on delivering exceptional client outcomes.

    Beyond finance, Jean-Pierre is a passionate advocate for community causes, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through initiatives such as the Larapinta Stage Race, the CEO Sleepout, and his ongoing support for the Women’s Resilience Centre. A proud father of two daughters, he believes true success lies in creating meaningful impact — for clients, colleagues, and the wider community — and in using business as a force for good.


    Connect with JP



    Resources


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    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris

    19 October 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 46 minutes 18 seconds
    Alan Oster: What Investors Must Watch Beyond the Headlines

    Property decisions today hinge on interest rates, inflation, and housing demand — but what if the traditional signals we’ve all relied on no longer give the full picture?

    In this episode, we sit down with Alan Oster, former Chief Economist of NAB and one of Australia’s most respected economic voices, to unpack what really matters in a housing market under stress.

    Alan explains why GDP, unemployment, and even consumer surveys can mislead investors, and why real-time banking data has changed the game. He shares stories from decades of forecasting — including times when the “headline” numbers pointed in the wrong direction — and highlights the three signals he believes are most useful for understanding where housing is headed.

    From the rental crisis to the impact of migration and state government land taxes, Alan dives into the structural pressures reshaping demand. He also addresses productivity stagnation, the future role of AI in jobs and housing, and why policy missteps continue to ripple through Australia’s economy.

    Whether you’re a property investor, policymaker, or simply trying to understand what’s next for interest rates and housing demand, Alan offers candid insights you won’t hear in the headlines. This episode is a rare chance to learn from the economist who has shaped Australia’s forecasting for over three decades.

    Episode Highlights

    00:00 – Introduction

    00:22 – Meet Alan Oster: NAB’s Former Chief Economist

    02:01 – Global Headwinds: US Politics, Tariffs & Trade

    03:01 – Economics as Psychology: Market Reactions Explained

    04:11 – Real-Time Banking Data Changes Forecasting

    05:12 – COVID Lessons: Spending Falls by Postcode

    06:30 – Hidden Stress: Households, Jobs & Policy Gaps

    13:49 – Australia’s Productivity Problem Unpacked

    15:35 – AI, Migration & the Future of Work

    23:36 – Property Choices: Wealth, Debt & Investor Behaviour

    26:10 – Land Taxes and Why Investors Are Selling

    27:05 – Migration, Housing Supply & the Rental Crunch

    28:22 – State Outlooks: Victoria, Adelaide, NSW & QLD

    29:05 – How Banks View Mortgages & Housing Risk

    31:45 – Productivity Growth Slows in Australia

    33:55 – Policy Fixes: Tax Reform & Build-to-Rent

    36:04 – Housing Market Costs, Supply & Gov’t Guarantees

    37:34 – Lessons from Past Crises & Recessions

    44:04 – Property Dumbo: Alan’s Downsizing Story

    About the Guest

    Alan Oster is one of Australia’s most trusted economic forecasters, best known for his 33 years as Chief Economist at NAB. During his tenure, he built NAB’s influential Monthly Business Survey and pioneered the use of real-time banking data to track household and business behaviour — insights now shared with the RBA, ABS, and Treasury.

    Before joining NAB in 1992, Alan spent 15 years at Commonwealth Treasury, including four years in Paris as Australia’s representative at the OECD. Recognised as an authority on economic forecasting, monetary policy, and housing demand, he is a sought-after commentator in both public and private circles.

    Alan retired from NAB in 2025 but continues to share his expertise, offering a rare blend of sharp economic analysis and practical insights for policymakers, businesses, and property investors alike.


    Connect with Alan



    Resources



    Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!




    If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!


    See you on the inside,

    Veronica & Chris


    12 October 2025, 7:00 pm
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