If you’ve been watching the Australian property market lately, you might be getting a strange sense of déjà vu.
Loan applications are piling up, banks are taking weeks to assess deals, and buyers are scrambling to go unconditional just to compete.
It feels a lot like the COVID property boom all over again.
In the latest episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, Aaron Christie-David sits down with Atelier Wealth’s own Nate Condie to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes in lending, why trust structures are dominating, and how smart investors are using equity to scale even faster in 2025.
During COVID, Australians witnessed one of the most chaotic property markets in modern history. Auctions were packed, properties sold before hitting the market, and buyers were making offers without cooling-off periods just to stay in the game.
Fast forward to today and we’re right back there.
Banks are overloaded, with some taking up to four or five weeks just to pick up a new application. That’s not even approval time… that’s just to open the file. When turnaround times stretch like that across multiple lenders, it’s a strong signal that the entire market is in overdrive.
Buyers are once again going unconditional to secure deals, sellers are confident enough to reject pre-auction offers, and FOMO (fear of missing out) is creeping back into the conversation.
As Aaron puts it, “People will look back and realise this was a sweet spot in time. We’re living it right now.”
While the headlines may look familiar, the driving forces are a little different this time around. Interest rates have steadied, buyers have adapted, and confidence has quietly crept back into the market.
But the biggest shift we’re seeing is strategic. Investors are smarter. They’re diversifying across assets, using trusts, and leveraging every bit of equity they can access.
And that’s where things get interesting because trust lending has become the buzzword of 2025.
If there was one phrase that defined the lending landscape this year, it’s “trust lending.”
Before this boom, only a small percentage of loans were written in trusts. Now, Aaron and Nate estimate that over 90% of their new purchases are being structured this way.
Why? Because investors are scaling aggressively. Setting up a trust gives flexibility, asset protection, and until recently more generous borrowing conditions.
However, the banks are starting to catch on.
Non-bank lenders and major players like Macquarie had been leading the way with policies that allowed multiple trusts to be treated more favourably for servicing. But as volumes spiked, those policies tightened. Macquarie has already revised its position, signalling that the golden era of easy trust lending may be coming to an end.
In Aaron’s words, “We knew this golden patch wouldn’t last forever. At some point, the banks were going to cotton on.”
For investors, that means timing is critical. Those who act now, before further restrictions or lower LVR limits come in, will likely have more options on the table.
While the public obsesses over interest rates, top brokers know that equity is what truly drives growth.
As Aaron and Nate explain, the question isn’t “Can I get a cheaper rate?” It’s “How do I unlock more usable equity so I can keep growing?”
Here’s a real example from the team:
A client wanted to tap into the equity of their first investment property to buy a second. After running multiple valuations, most banks came back at around $64,000 in available equity. But by pushing through several valuations and comparing lender policies, Atelier Wealth secured $164,000 instead – an extra $100,000 they could use to scale faster.
That additional funding allowed the client to go from one to three properties, without dipping into cash reserves.
It’s a perfect illustration of why strategic brokers focus on structure, not shortcuts. As Nate puts it, “We’re not chasing rates, we’re chasing outcomes.”
One advanced move gaining traction is refinancing existing investment loans from individual names into a trust.
When done correctly, this can ring-fence debt, protect assets, and maintain negative gearing, provided there’s a loan agreement between the individuals and the trust.
But it’s not without risk.
Only a handful of banks currently support this structure, and moving a property into a trust can reduce borrowing capacity since negative gearing benefits often can’t be applied in lender calculators.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and as Aaron warns, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”
The key is to plan ahead. If you’re already capped out on borrowing power, this strategy could actually set you back rather than help you scale.
While the property market may be chaotic, the Atelier Wealth team thrives on precision, structure, and teamwork.
Every client scenario is reviewed by multiple sets of eyes, with daily team stand-ups ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. The brokerage runs like a finely tuned machine – one built on collaboration rather than competition.
Interestingly, none of the team members originally came from banking. Each has been trained from the ground up in Atelier’s unique approach: strategy first, service always.
That internal culture of accountability and care is what keeps turnaround times tight, even when the industry as a whole is struggling. As Aaron puts it, “If you want a job done, give it to a busy person.”
Mortgage broking isn’t a solo game – it’s a team sport.
Each deal involves multiple layers: valuations, policy checks, pricing negotiations, and compliance reviews. Having different team members with unique strengths allows Atelier to move quickly and deliver consistent results.
Daily WIP meetings cover every loan in flight, ensuring constant communication between brokers, analysts, and strategists.
For clients, that means one thing: confidence. You’re never left wondering where your deal stands or when you’ll hear back.
In fact, Aaron notes that one of the biggest compliments the team receives is simply being responsive. It sounds basic, but in a market where many brokers go silent for weeks, it’s a competitive advantage.
With property demand surging and bank policies shifting, the winners this year will be those who act strategically, not reactively.
Here’s what separates top-tier investors from the rest:
For serious investors, it’s about playing chess, not checkers.
If you’re feeling stuck with your borrowing capacity, wondering how to scale your portfolio, or curious about whether a trust structure is right for you, now is the time to act.
The Australian Property Investment Podcast continues to share real insights like these every week, helping investors cut through the noise and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
To explore your own lending strategy or discuss how to unlock more equity, reach out to the Atelier Wealth team. Our door is open (even if the banks’ inboxes aren’t).
Most people talk about wanting to invest in property, but few take real action. For Lauren Chapple, what began as curiosity and a few hours spent listening to The Australian Property Investment Podcast turned into something far bigger: a full-time career in mortgage broking and a four-property portfolio before the age of 30.
Her story is a reminder that success in property isn’t reserved for the lucky. It’s built on courage, commitment, and the willingness to move forward even when things feel uncomfortable.
Lauren grew up on the NSW Central Coast, living what she describes as a “normal” upbringing: school, uni, and a few detours while trying to find her path. She studied exercise and sport science, meteorology, even considered joining the police force, but none of it quite clicked.
In the background, though, something else was brewing.
Money and property were always part of the conversation at home. Her parents owned an investment property nearby and often talked about saving and long-term security. Without realising it, Lauren was being primed for a career in finance.
She began downloading property research reports, reading investment blogs, and listening to podcasts. One of them, The Australian Property Investment Podcast, eventually changed her life.
When Lauren first met Atelier Wealth Director Aaron Christie-David at an industry event, she introduced herself, mentioned she was an avid listener of the podcast, and asked about opportunities.
A few weeks later, she packed up her life on the Central Coast, relocated closer to the Atelier Wealth office, and joined the team as a Loan Strategist.
“Moving down was a big decision,” she says. “But I knew I’d be learning from the best. If I wanted to grow both as an investor and professionally, this was the place to do it.”
That single decision set off a chain reaction that transformed not only her career but also her personal finances.
Lauren and her partner Chris had been saving diligently while renting. Like many young Australians, they felt buying their own home was out of reach. Instead of giving up, they shifted their mindset: if they couldn’t buy where they lived, they’d buy where they could afford.
In 2022, they purchased their first investment property in Ipswich, Queensland for $450,000, a four-bedroom home on a large block. They rolled up their sleeves, made a few simple improvements, and watched the property nearly double in value within three years.
“It’s now worth around $850,000,” Lauren explains. “It’s crazy to think how much growth can happen in such a short time when you take action.”
Before joining Atelier Wealth, Lauren worked for a local brokerage. She admits that even then, she didn’t fully understand how much work goes into structuring and approving a loan.
“People think brokers just send applications to banks and wait for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. In reality, it’s a constant back and forth,” she says. “Policies change overnight, banks move the goalposts, and our job is to advocate for the client every step of the way.”
That experience deepened her understanding of what makes a great broker: the ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and see the bigger financial picture.
After their first property’s strong performance, Lauren and Chris leveraged their equity to buy two more investment properties, one in Darwin and another in regional Victoria, plus a block of land.
Within three years, they’d built a four-property portfolio spread across three states.
But it wasn’t easy.
“We’re very negatively geared right now,” Lauren admits. “There are weeks when we’re putting $1,000 into the portfolio. It’s not comfortable, but we know what we’re working towards. We couldn’t have saved this much equity on our own.”
That level of commitment, being willing to sacrifice short-term comfort for long-term gain, is what sets serious investors apart from the rest.
For Lauren and Chris, investing has meant saying no to short-term luxuries.
They meal prep instead of eating out, skip new clothes for months at a time, and run a small side business to keep cash flow healthy. Chris works FIFO, and Lauren focuses on maximising every dollar.
“It’s not a right to be able to invest; it’s something you earn through discipline,” she says. “We know the rewards will come later.”
This mindset, focusing on the long game, mirrors what many successful Atelier Wealth clients practice. The short-term sacrifices eventually compound into life-changing results.
Working with hundreds of investors each year, Lauren has seen patterns emerge among those who build real wealth:
Lauren now helps facilitate The Australian Property Investment Podcast Accelerator, a monthly community session where investors share wins, ask questions, and learn from each other.
“For many of us, our friends don’t understand what we’re doing,” she says. “The accelerator gives people a space to celebrate their progress without judgement.”
It’s also a reminder that property investing is rarely a solo journey. Surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference, whether it’s expert mentors or peers on the same path.
With three investment properties and a block of land, Lauren and Chris are now turning their focus to balance, seeking higher-yielding assets to offset their negatively geared properties.
They’re also keeping an eye on future opportunities, whether that’s leveraging equity, diversifying across markets, or one day purchasing their dream home.
“If you told me three years ago we’d be here, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Lauren says. “But once you start, the fear disappears. It’s just repetition and consistency from there.”
If you’re ready to take your first or next step toward building wealth through property, our team at Atelier Wealth can help you design a smart, sustainable mortgage strategy that supports your goals.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on The Australian Property Investment Podcast.
💬 Book a free strategy session: Chat with one of our experienced mortgage brokers about how to grow your portfolio with confidence.
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably seen buyer’s agents calling themselves “data-driven experts.” But have you ever stopped to ask where that data actually comes from – or how it’s being used?
In this week’s episode of The Australian Property Investment Podcast, we sit down with Dr Matija Djolic, co-founder of HtAG (Higher Than Average Growth), the platform powering data insights behind many of Australia’s top property professionals. From construction sites to data science, Dr Djolic shares how he built one of the most sophisticated analytics tools in the industry – and why understanding behaviour behind the numbers is key to smart investing.
Before founding HtAG, Dr Djolic’s career looked very different. After migrating to Australia, he began working in construction and later earned a PhD in Organisational Behaviour. But despite the security of a well-paid job, something didn’t sit right.
“The nine-to-five really suffocated me,” he recalls. “It felt like there were hands around my neck every time I went to work.”
That desire for freedom led him to property investing – long before data-driven investing became mainstream. However, it didn’t take long for him to realise the problem: everyone had opinions, but there was no central source of truth. Data was scattered across dozens of reports, seminars, and sales pitches.
It was at this point that he met Alex, a software architect with a passion for solving complex problems. Together, they built what would eventually become HtAG – a platform capable of turning 150 data points and 80+ custom metrics into clear, evidence-based insights for property professionals and investors.
HtAG wasn’t designed to be a commercial product at first. Dr Djolic and Alex built it for their own use – to make better buying decisions based on facts, not hype. But what started as a personal project quickly evolved into a tool with wide-ranging appeal.
“We committed the cardinal sin of building for ourselves,” Mat admits. “But it turned out others wanted the same thing – clarity, accuracy, and transparency.”
Today, HtAG serves investors, buyer’s agents, brokers, and even enterprise clients. The platform analyses real-time property, economic, and behavioural data, using custom-built algorithms to forecast suburb-level performance.
But it’s not just about numbers. As Dr Djolic explains, “Every data point is a representation of human behaviour.” Understanding how people act – when they rent, buy, or hold – is what turns raw information into actionable intelligence.
Unlike traditional data companies that simply provide reports, HtAG takes education seriously. Its Mastermind Community offers members everything from free resources to in-depth strategy guidance.
Dr Djolic explains the reasoning behind this approach:
“It’s one thing to see figures on a page. It’s another thing to understand the story they tell.”
Through this community, users learn how to interpret market signals, evaluate supply and demand, and recognise behavioural patterns driving capital growth. It’s a more human-centred approach to data, one that encourages investors to think critically rather than blindly follow “hotspot” headlines.
One of the most valuable lessons from Dr Djolic’s research is that most investors lack clarity before they buy. Many simply say, “I want to invest in property,” without a clear idea of their timeline, risk tolerance, or outcome.
HtAG helps users create a buyer’s brief – a structured framework that answers key questions such as:
By deconstructing long-term goals into short-term decisions, investors can finally match strategy with intent.
Dr Djolic often reminds clients that property is emotional, even when we pretend it’s rational. “You’re dealing with people’s money and their future,” he says. “The key is to combine data with discipline – to take emotion out of the decision without taking humanity out of the process.”
If there’s one concept that defines HtAG’s predictive power, it’s pattern recognition.
Because property is a relatively illiquid asset – transactions occur slowly – market trends tend to endure for longer periods than in equities or crypto. This means that once a trend emerges, it can often be tracked with a high level of probability.
HtAG uses proprietary algorithms to identify what Dr Djolic calls “warm spots” and “hot spots”:
These categories aren’t just based on price trends – they’re derived from a layered analysis of supply, demand, affordability, infrastructure, and demographic shifts. In other words, it’s not guessing – it’s forecasting built on behaviour and data science.
For those ready to take control of their portfolio, the HtAG platform offers an end-to-end system that eliminates spreadsheets and guesswork.
Users can enter their current properties, monitor cash flow, usable equity, and total debt, and create “what-if” scenarios for future purchases.
By inputting personal targets – like replacing income or paying off a home loan – investors can model different outcomes and compare which strategy gets them there faster.
The system uses 150 metrics, including long-term supply and demand trends, to narrow down opportunities. Subscribers can compare up to 75 suburbs across 33 metrics instantly, filtering results based on risk, time horizon, and yield preferences.
Unlike many platforms, HtAG publishes detailed articles on how each metric is built, the testing behind it, and how to interpret results. This commitment to transparency is part of what’s made the platform one of the most trusted data tools in the Australian property industry.
Australia’s property market has never been more complex. The gap between wage growth and property prices has widened to record levels, and emotional decision-making remains one of the biggest pitfalls for investors.
Platforms like HtAG are levelling the playing field by giving individuals access to the kind of analytics once reserved for institutional players. But data alone isn’t the full story – it’s how you connect the dots that counts.
“Data will never replace professionals,” says Dr Djolic. “But it can make professionals and everyday investors far more effective.”
For brokers, this means using insights to re-engage clients and offer strategic portfolio guidance. For buyers’ agents, it means making smarter, evidence-based recommendations. And for investors, it means finally understanding why a suburb performs the way it does.
If you’re serious about building a smarter property portfolio, start by listening to the full conversation with Dr Matija Djolic on The Australian Property Investment Podcast.
You’ll hear how HtAG is helping investors, brokers, and buyers’ agents use data to predict market performance with confidence and how you can apply the same strategies to your own investing journey.
When it comes to building wealth through property, one message stands out – you can’t win if you don’t play the game. In a recent episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, accountant, author, and property investor Allan Mason shared his insights from over four decades in business, including lessons from working with some of Australia’s most successful investors.
From the emotional traps of buying and selling to the power of structure and long-term strategy, Allan’s advice is a reminder that property is less about luck and more about discipline, mindset, and smart decision-making.
Allan’s approach begins with a mindset shift. Too many people, he says, treat property as an emotional purchase rather than a business decision. New investors often enter the market with fear and hesitation, worrying about what could go wrong – interest rate rises, maintenance costs, or tenant issues.
That mindset can hold people back. For Allan, success starts with taking action, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s about participating in the market rather than sitting on the sidelines waiting for perfect conditions.
He’s seen it time and again: investors who bought decades ago and simply held on are now sitting on life-changing wealth. In 1971, the average Sydney home cost less than $20,000. The lesson? Those who waited missed out, while those who took a calculated risk built the foundations for their financial freedom.
If there’s one mistake Allan sees repeated across generations, it’s selling too early. Many people buy a property, watch it rise a little, then sell at the first sign of profit – or panic at the first sign of trouble.
Over time, those quick decisions cost them the compounding growth that builds true wealth. Allan encourages investors to treat property as a business asset rather than a short-term trade. Emotions and second-guessing, he warns, are wealth killers.
The most common regrets he hears from seasoned investors are simple: I should have bought when I had the chance and I shouldn’t have sold when I did.
Patience and perspective are what separate long-term investors from speculators. It’s a lesson that remains as relevant in 2025 as it was fifty years ago.
Buying property always involves risk, but Allan believes most of it lives beneath the surface. He compares it to an iceberg: only 15 per cent of the decision is visible logic – the numbers, the rates, the returns. The remaining 85 per cent is emotional.
Fear of the unknown drives hesitation. What if the market dips? What if the tenants damage the property? What if we can’t keep up with repayments?
Those fears are natural, but they can’t dictate your financial future. For Allan, it’s about balancing rational analysis with the courage to act. There will always be “snakes and ladders” in the property game – moments when you climb quickly and others when you slide backwards. The key is to accept that volatility is part of the journey, not a sign to give up.
Before becoming a full-time author and property investor, Allan worked as an accountant for Kerry Packer, one of Australia’s most influential businessmen. That experience shaped much of his financial philosophy.
Packer once told him, “You need to be worth double what I pay you.” It was a lesson in value creation – thinking beyond compliance or cost-saving, and instead focusing on how to build, structure, and grow wealth strategically.
Allan took that mindset into his own career. He worked with clients who turned modest incomes into multimillion-dollar portfolios by taking calculated risks, setting up the right structures, and refusing to let fear dictate their financial choices.
He’s quick to note that the difference between wealthy investors and everyone else isn’t intelligence or luck. It’s a mindset… a willingness to ask better questions and think strategically about tax, structure, and opportunity.
Allan doesn’t hold back when it comes to his own profession. In his view, too many accountants focus on compliance instead of strategy. They’re cautious, reactive, and afraid of being wrong.
That attitude, he says, costs clients millions over time. Tax shouldn’t just be about minimisation, it should be about planning. A proactive accountant can help you structure your portfolio, offset capital gains, and reinvest profits intelligently.
Allan calls tax a “success fee”, proof that your investments are working. Rather than complaining about paying it, he advises people to plan ahead, use legitimate strategies, and view it as part of playing the game.
Beyond mindset, Allan stresses the importance of structure. He’s a strong advocate for using the right vehicles – companies, trusts, and particularly Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) to build long-term wealth.
In the right circumstances, an SMSF can be a powerful way to invest in property. Capital gains are taxed at just 15 per cent in accumulation mode, and potentially at zero per cent once the fund enters pension phase.
However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Cash flow, contribution caps, and preservation age all play a role in determining whether it’s the right fit. The key is to approach it with planning and professional advice rather than treating it as a quick tax solution.
Allan’s point is simple: don’t leave opportunities on the table. The wealthy rarely do.
Every investor’s risk profile changes with age. In your 20s, you may have a lower income but a higher tolerance for risk. In your 40s or 50s, that dynamic often flips – you earn more but fear losing what you’ve built.
Allan encourages investors to adapt their strategy at each stage, not abandon it. The property market rewards consistency and courage. Those who continue to take calculated risks, even later in life, often find themselves entering retirement with multiple income streams rather than a single home and a modest super balance.
He describes it as the “power of a decade”. One good decision, held for long enough, can change your family’s financial trajectory for generations.
Despite owning a significant property portfolio and publishing ten books, Allan has no plans to retire. He enjoys the process – the clients, the challenges, the learning. For him, work is less about money and more about purpose.
That purpose extends to the people around him. He believes great businesses are built on heart-centred leadership, where integrity and impact matter as much as profit. When the right people come together, he says, the ripple effect of success spreads well beyond individual wealth.
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with the philosophy behind the Australian Property Investment Podcast, empowering Australians to think bigger, take action, and build sustainable financial futures.
If Allan’s insights have sparked ideas for your own property journey, start by reviewing your current strategy. Ask yourself:
For more conversations like this, listen to the full episode with Allan Mason on the Australian Property Investment Podcast, where we dive deeper into mindset, structure, and the long game of property investing in Australia.
In this episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, our Atelier Wealth directors Aaron and Bernadette Christie-David open up about the journey that shaped who they are today as partners in life, in business, and in property.
It’s a story of setbacks, risk, growth and resilience. And if you’ve ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of building wealth, this episode pulls back the curtain.
Fifteen years ago, Aaron was out of work. The global financial crisis had hit, and his “career break” was really a career collapse.
But looking back, it was the best thing that could have happened.
That setback planted the seed for something bigger. A future built on ownership, not employment. “Sometimes losing stability forces you to create your own,” Aaron recalls.
When he and Bernadette married, they had no savings, no clear plan, and plenty of uncertainty. But they shared one belief: action beats fear.
Their first property was not glamorous. It was a small apartment in North Parramatta that overlooked a cemetery and sat on a noisy main road.
“It broke every rule in the book,” Bernadette laughs, “but it got us in the market.”
They renovated the unit themselves, learned by trial and error, and even overcapitalised by spending far more than they should have. But that experience gave them something more valuable than profit: perspective.
When they sold years later for almost double what they paid, it was not luck. It was leverage, learning, and time doing its compounding work.
After that first win, they pulled out equity to buy a second property, a unit in Liverpool that became a solid long-term investment. They also tapped equity again to fund their wedding and even a convertible sports car.
“Was it a smart decision?” Aaron grins. “Maybe not. But it was ours.”
Those early choices, both good and bad, taught them how money moves and how to make it move intentionally.
Fast-forward a few years. Aaron was running a Mortgage Choice franchise. It was stable, predictable, and completely unfulfilling.
“I realised I did not own a business. I owned a job with a logo,” he says.
So he walked away. No safety net. No payout. Just conviction that there was a better way to help people build wealth.
That moment birthed Atelier Wealth. It was not a spreadsheet decision. It was a gut decision that changed everything.
Bernadette remembers the day clearly. “We had finally started making money again, and Aaron calls me to say he is leaving. I hung up on him. But in hindsight, it was the best call he ever made.”
Today, they coach clients who over analyse every detail and often never act. “I have seen people spend two years tweaking numbers and miss the best buying window,” Aaron says.
Their philosophy is simple: imperfect action beats perfect inaction every single time.
Markets shift, interest rates rise, and opportunities come and go. Waiting for the “perfect” deal often means missing the best one.
They have dabbled in shares, but property is where they have built real wealth because it gives them control.
“In shares, a CEO scandal can wipe your profits overnight,” Aaron explains. “With property, I can paint a wall, add a room, or refinance to grow faster. That control is everything.”
Bernadette adds, “It is not just about owning assets. It is about understanding leverage. You can borrow, renovate, revalue, and reinvest. That is how you create momentum.”
Ten years into business, the couple reached a major milestone. They bought their own commercial office, structured through their self managed super fund using a put and call option. This strategy let them lock in the price while waiting for the next financial year.
It was not smooth sailing. During the build, they faced 13 rate rises and crushing cash flow pressure.
“There were nights we would wake up at 2 am, staring at the ceiling, wondering what we had done,” says Bernadette. “But quitting was never an option.”
Their accountant helped them restructure, their banker supported them, and they kept pushing through.
“If you are going through hell,” Aaron says, “keep going.”
As a couple in business and property, they have had to learn to manage risk differently. Aaron thrives on it; Bernadette prefers certainty.
“We balance each other out,” she says. “I am cautious where he is bold, and that tension makes our decisions better.”
Every month they sit down together, not to argue over numbers but to stay aligned. They treat their household finances like a business meeting. “It is not romantic,” Aaron laughs, “but it keeps us accountable.”
For them, property is not about early retirement. It is about legacy.
They want their daughters to see what is possible, not what is hard. “We never say, ‘you will never afford a house.’ We say, ‘here is how you can,'” says Bernadette.
They have built their portfolio so one day they can help their girls into the market, not through inheritance, but through example.
“It is not just about having assets,” Aaron adds. “It is about showing them courage.”
As their portfolio expanded, so did the back-end. Multiple lenders, trusts, ABNs, entities, insurances, and estate planning.
Most people underestimate how much organisation is required once you reach that stage. But they stress it is essential.
“Treat your personal finances like a business,” Aaron advises. “Review them, measure them, and surround yourself with experts such as accountants, solicitors, and brokers. That is how you keep momentum.”
A decade sounds long, but when you are consistent, it compounds fast.
From that small apartment overlooking a cemetery to running one of Australia’s top mortgage brokerages, the journey proves that time rewards action.
“There were no shortcuts,” says Bernadette. “Just a lot of small, consistent decisions stacked over time.”
Their vision boards, financial rituals and yearly check-ins have helped them stay focused, and their wins, from family trips to business growth, are the result of years of clarity and persistence.
For Aaron and Bernadette, the biggest takeaway from ten years of investing and business building is simple:
“We have made mistakes,” Aaron admits, “but never by standing still. Every lesson came from movement.”
If there is one thing their story proves, it is that momentum matters more than perfection.
Because in the end, wealth does not come from waiting. It comes from taking that first step and trusting that the next one will appear once you move.
Investor sentiment is a powerful undercurrent in Australia’s property market. Behind the prices, yields and headlines lie attitudes, concerns and intentions — and the latest Investor Sentiment Survey of nearly 900 property investors, conducted by PIPA, offers a revealing snapshot of where the market stands today.
In this article, we break down the key findings from the latest Investor Sentiment Survey, unpack what they mean for you as a current or aspiring property investor, and share clear, actionable next steps to help you move forward with confidence. These insights were also discussed in detail on The Australian Property Investment Podcast, giving you an inside look at how industry leaders are interpreting the data.
You might ask: why care about sentiment? The answer is simple — how people feel drives behaviour. When sentiment turns, so do investment decisions: buying, holding or selling.
PIPA, as the peak body for property investment professionals in Australia, uses this survey data to:
For you, the survey uncovers patterns of stress, opportunity, and risk well before they show up in price movements or rental growth.
One of the most striking results: 16.7% of surveyed investors reported that they sold at least one property in the past 12 months — a meaningful uptick from earlier years.
When asked how long they held the property before selling:
That suggests the decisions to sell are not rash — many are long-term investors reacting to evolving pressures.
The motivations behind selling speak volumes:
Debt burden, regulatory costs and taxation pressures are the dominant triggers. In effect, many investors are “pre-emptively lightening” their portfolios to mitigate future risk.
Not only are investors selling now — many more are contemplating it. The survey asked about future selling intentions and found a sizeable cohort now reassessing their position.
If more investors act on that sentiment, it could impact supply, rent levels, and investor confidence across markets. For existing property holders, this could nudge rental competition and vacancy rates in tighter markets.
One of the most provocative survey results was this:
Over 53% of respondents said they would stop investing if negative gearing were removed.
This result underscores two things:
In short: policy matters, but so does investor literacy. Removing incentives without educating investors could flush capital out of the sector or force some to re-orient entirely.
The survey also examined geographic preference shifts.
This signals shifting confidence across states. With rental demand rising in Queensland, investor appetite is following where projected yield and appreciation seem more favourable.
What this behaviour suggests:
The sentiment survey doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It mirrors real constraints in Australia’s housing supply, regulation and construction capacity.
Despite numerous government targets, housing supply has struggled to keep pace. This adds upward pressure to prices and stresses the rental market — even as investor sentiment wavers.
From October, new federal policies for first home buyers will take effect (e.g. stamp duty relief, grants) which may further alter capital flows and demand. Many in the industry speculate that by Easter 2026, the landscape will look significantly different.
Add to that:
These factors all feed back into investor risk, developer behaviour and market confidence.
Amid uncertainty, many survey respondents named mortgage brokers and trusted advisers as their first port of call.
Because sentiment changes quickly, professionals who provide timely, strategic advice (not just transactional deals) can help clients pivot safely.
From the data and trends above, here’s what you can do now:
Investor sentiment serves as a directional compass. When the tide shifts, it alerts us well ahead of headline metrics. Right now, Australia’s property market is at an inflection point: many are reassessing, recalibrating, and repositioning.
If you’re an active or aspiring property investor don’t wait for trends to force your hand. Get informed, stay adaptable and lean on the right advice. And if you’d like me to help weave this into your content strategy or investor communications, just say the word, we’re happy to assist.
In this episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, I share why the property market will never be the same and why this spring could be the best opportunity we’ve seen since Covid. From banks scrapping fully assessed pre-approvals to auction clearance rates surging, there are some powerful signals every investor needs to pay attention to.
The reality is, this is a seller’s market that rewards action takers. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, waiting for the “perfect” time to buy, you might find yourself priced out in 2025 as competition heats up.
In this article, I’m breaking down the key insights from the episode and giving you the next 2–3 moves to make right now so you can secure finance, get your strategy locked in, and play offence with confidence before the market runs away from you.
This spring feels different. I haven’t seen conditions like this since the Covid boom. Buyers are moving without pre-approvals, banks are taking longer to process applications, and just about everything is heading to auction.
If you’re struggling to get into the market now, you’ll likely find it even harder in 2025. The market rewards those who are prepared and decisive.
Before you even look at listings, you need clarity and confidence about what you’re doing and why. Buying property is like a team sport and just like a football club that makes it to the finals, you need a game plan and the right support team around you.
Ask yourself:
This preparation is what allows you to act quickly and with confidence when the right property appears.
When we work with clients, we focus on three main levers: borrowing capacity, equity, and cash flow. These are the foundations of building and scaling a successful property portfolio.
Your borrowing capacity is what fuels your ability to buy.
Once you know how much you can borrow, the next step is figuring out where the deposit is coming from.
Cash flow is what allows you to hold properties long enough for them to grow in value.
Remember: the investors who can hold on the longest are usually the ones who win.
If you’re ready to level up, here are some of the strategies we discuss with our most successful clients.
Whether you’re buying with a partner or a business associate, you need to be aligned on:
This avoids arguments and decision delays that can cost you deals.
Business owners often leave borrowing power on the table by focusing too much on minimising tax and not enough on what the banks see as income. Working with a broker who understands self-employed lending policy is crucial, not every lender looks at your financials the same way.
Listings are increasing, rates are steady (with the possibility of cuts later this year), and incentives like the First Home Buyer Guarantee are still live. Combine this with strong demand and low building supply, and we’re looking at a market that could surge again.
The investors who will win are the ones who have their finance organised, their team ready, and the ability to make fast, confident offers.
Here’s how to get yourself ready:
The property market is changing quickly, and sitting on the fence could cost you. The best way to prepare is to get clear on your strategy, strengthen your financial position, and surround yourself with the right team.
If you need help figuring out your next 2–3 moves, we’d love to chat. Book a portfolio review with our team and we’ll show you how to get on the front foot before the market takes off.
“No one told me about land tax until I got the bill!”
In this episode of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, I sat down with Vishal Sharma, an authority on land tax at Revenue NSW. We unpack what land tax actually is, why so many investors get caught off guard, and how you can plan ahead so it doesn’t keep you up at night.
Land tax is one of those hidden costs that can completely blindside investors. Your bank doesn’t warn you. Your real estate agent doesn’t mention it. Even your accountant might not bring it up until it’s too late.
In this article, I’m sharing the key takeaways from our conversation – plus practical steps you can take right now to protect your cash flow and keep your portfolio growing without unwanted surprises.
Land tax is a state government tax on the unimproved value of your land. This means it’s calculated on the value of the land itself – not the house, apartment, or commercial building that sits on it.
Every state and territory (except the Northern Territory) has some form of land tax. The rules, thresholds and rates vary across the country, which means the amount you pay (or whether you pay anything at all) depends on where your properties are located and how you own them.
One of the most common misconceptions is that land tax is based on each property individually. In reality, it’s based on your total land holdings in that state. This process is called aggregation.
For example, if you own two investment properties in NSW, the unimproved land values of both properties are added together. If the combined total is above the state threshold – currently $1,075,000 – you’ll start paying land tax at 1.6% on the amount above the threshold, plus a fixed $100. If you cross the premium threshold (around $6.5 million), the rate jumps to 2%.
This is why some investors get caught off guard – they buy one property under the threshold, then buy a second one and suddenly get a tax bill.
On the podcast, Vishal joked that land tax is like “Fight Club… if you know, you know.”
Most investors aren’t told about land tax during the buying process. Your lender doesn’t mention it. Your conveyancer is focused on settlement, not ongoing ownership costs. Even property managers rarely bring it up. So when that letter from The Department of Revenue arrives, it feels like a nasty surprise and can drain the excitement out of growing your portfolio.
There are a few patterns we see over and over again that can make land tax more expensive than it needs to be:
Your ownership structure plays a big role in whether you pay land tax and how much:
If you own property in your own name, you’re entitled to a threshold. If you and your spouse own jointly, you share one threshold – not two – so your combined land value is what counts.
Companies also get a threshold, but if you have multiple companies that are related (for example, you’re the sole director or shareholder), they’re grouped together so you can’t claim multiple thresholds.
This is where things get tricky:
Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) generally qualify for thresholds. Foreign owners, on the other hand, often pay surcharges – in NSW it’s an extra 5% of the land value, every year.
Your home is usually exempt from land tax, but there are rules:
For first home buyers using stamp duty concessions or the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme, there’s a key rule: you must move in within 12 months of settlement and live there for at least 12 months.
Miss that requirement and your concession can be revoked, leaving you with a stamp duty bill you weren’t expecting. For a property worth $800,000 in NSW, that could be over $30,000. Planning ahead is essential.
It might feel painful to get a land tax bill, but as I often say, tax is a success fee. Paying land tax usually means your portfolio is growing and you’re building wealth. The key is to factor it into your cash flow modelling so it doesn’t come as a shock.
Model your land tax exposure before signing a contract. Know your state thresholds and estimate what your portfolio will look like after purchase.
Work with a property savvy accountant who understands different ownership structures and how they impact land tax. Cheap advice can cost you far more in the long run.
Register and lodge returns as required. If you receive a notice from Revenue NSW or your state equivalent, respond promptly.
Stay up to date with state budget announcements, tax rule changes and market trends. Education is one of the best defenses against surprise costs.
🎧 Listen to the Episode: Catch the full conversation with Vishal Sharma on the Australian Property Investment Podcast where we dig deeper into land tax rules and real-life investor stories.
📊 Review Your Portfolio: Speak with your accountant or financial adviser about your current land holdings and whether you need to register for land tax.
🏡 Plan Your Next Move: If you’re buying in 2025, start mapping out your cash flow, including stamp duty, land tax and other holding costs so you can buy with confidence.
👥 Work with Experts: If you don’t have a property savvy accountant, reach out – we can connect you with one who can guide you as your portfolio grows.
If you’ve been waiting for a better chance to step into the property market, the October 2025 updates to the First Home Buyer scheme might be the turning point. With removal of previous caps, higher price limits, and broader eligibility, this reform could reshape how first home buyers – and even property investors – approach the market.
In this article, based on Episode 229 of the Australian Property Investment Podcast, we dive into what’s changed, why it matters, and exactly what you need to do next.
The scheme’s property price ceilings have been lifted substantially. Below are some examples of what first home buyers can now aim for:
| Region | New Price Cap |
| Sydney & NSW regional centres | ~$1.5 million |
| Melbourne & Geelong | ~$950,000 |
| Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast | ~$1 million |
| Perth | ~$850,000 |
| Adelaide | ~$900,000 |
These changes give more flexibility in the choice of neighbourhood, property features, and lifestyle.
With higher caps and lifted restrictions, many buyers can now consider suburbs or property types that were previously out of reach. You might afford something closer to work, better transport, or with more land.
First home buyers have often competed with investors and other buyers for entry-level homes. Greater eligibility tends to increase demand. That could mean a tighter market, faster decision making and sharper negotiation skills will count more than ever.
Just because the caps are higher doesn’t mean costs disappear. Understanding all the associated costs is crucial.
Let’s take a Sydney example. If you buy near the $1.5 million cap, here’s what your upfront costs could look like:
That means you’d need around $143,000 upfront to secure the property. This is just under 10% of the total purchase price once you factor in all costs, which is why planning early and saving consistently is critical.
To comfortably service the loan on a $1.5M property, you’d generally need a combined household income of around $250K–$260K per year (or roughly $125K each for a dual-income household). This will vary depending on your other debts and expenses, but it’s a solid benchmark to work from.
Now let’s look at a Perth example. If you’re looking at Perth’s upper price cap of $850,000, the numbers look far more accessible:
Your total upfront costs would be around $80,000–$82,000.
For an $850K purchase, you’d typically need a combined household income of around $145K–$155K to comfortably service the loan, which makes Perth one of the more affordable capital cities for first home buyers who qualify under the new scheme.
With higher price caps, the income required won’t be small. Dual earners or strong savings will give you much better options. Planning your borrowing power, factor in living costs, rates, repayments, and a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Not sure what you could borrow under the new scheme? Get in touch with our team to calculate your borrowing power and create a clear strategy. Knowing exactly where you stand puts you in a stronger position when you find the right property.
| Mistake | Why It hurts | How to avoid it |
| Not getting pre-approval | Slows you down; you may lose out on a property because you’re not ready to make an offer | Start your finance process early; speak with a broker |
| Only looking at price – not location or growth | Location affects capital growth, access to amenities, resale value | Prioritise suburbs that align with your work, lifestyle & future growth potential |
| Waiting for “perfect conditions” | The market doesn’t pause and opportunity costs mount | Accept that some risk is always present; plan for resilience rather than perfection |
Because the policy changes are already in motion, those who move early tend to benefit most. Here’s how:
Work out what you can borrow, and what repayments will look like. Include all costs: deposit, fees, insurance, maintenance.
Having conditional approval from a lender gives you confidence, speed, and stronger negotiating power.
Don’t just chase price; look at infrastructure, jobs growth, transport links. These affect long-term value.
This includes a good mortgage broker, property valuers or buyers’ agents, legal experts, and financial advisers. You want support across every step.
If you’re serious about buying in the next 12 months, now is the time to prepare:
For many first home buyers, the October 2025 reforms are more than just policy tweaks – they’re a genuine chance to make home ownership more accessible. But opportunity alone isn’t enough. Preparation, speed, informed decisions and the right support network are what turn possibility into reality.
At Atelier Wealth, we believe that you should not only see what’s possible – you should feel confident stepping forward.
At Atelier Wealth, we are incredibly proud of our Directors, Aaron and Bernadette Christie-David. Together, they built Atelier Wealth from the ground up into the thriving business it is today. Recently, Aaron was invited back onto the Elite Broker podcast, hosted by Annie Kane, to reflect on this journey.
This was not Aaron’s first appearance on the show. Back in 2017, he and Bernadette shared the story of Atelier Wealth’s early days and their vision for the future. Seven years later, Aaron returned to talk about how far the business has come, the lessons he has learned, and what lies ahead.
Hearing Aaron share his experiences reminded us all of why Atelier Wealth is such a special place to work – it is not just about writing loans, but about creating impact, building community, and leading with values.
When Aaron and Bernadette launched Atelier Wealth, it was just the two of them. From those early days, Aaron’s focus was always on building something bigger than himself.
Fast forward nine years and Atelier Wealth is now a 22-strong team helping clients across Australia build wealth through smart property strategies.
In the podcast, Aaron reflected on the different stages of growth. He shared how the business evolved from the initial hustle of writing as many loans as possible, to finding a true niche in property investment, and then building a structure that allowed scale without burning out.
One of the themes Aaron kept coming back to was that “broking is a team sport.” This philosophy underpins how we operate at Atelier Wealth.
Aaron often says the strength of the business lies in the people who make it up, and we see that every day. Recruitment has not always been easy, but the culture built here is something we are proud of.
As Aaron said, “we’ll go through walls for each other.” That sense of loyalty and support flows directly into the way we look after our clients.
Another topic Aaron explored was the value of partnerships. From buyers’ agents to accountants and financial planners, Aaron emphasised the importance of integrity, shared values, and putting the client first.
Atelier Wealth’s approach has always been about giving first. Instead of asking referral partners for leads, we focus on sending business their way and building long-term relationships.
Aaron calls this the “win win win” mindset: the client wins, the partner wins, and we win.
The podcast also touched on something we see Aaron live out every day – the balance between business success and family life.
He spoke honestly about the “success tax” that came with overworking in the early years, and how Aaron and Bernadette made deliberate choices to put family first. From taking Thursdays off with his daughters to outsourcing household chores, Aaron showed that true success is about more than financial achievements.
For us as a team, it’s a reminder that balance is not only possible but necessary for long-term growth and happiness.
Aaron has always encouraged the team to invest in personal development, and it was great to hear him share how he and Bernadette work with coaches, prioritise health, and model resilience for their daughters.
He believes strongly that “you can’t be what you can’t see,” and that by showing up as the best version of ourselves, we create a ripple effect that benefits our families, our team, and our clients.
Listeners also got an inside look at how Atelier Wealth is structured. With 22 team members, we run the business like a Formula 1 pit crew. Everyone has their role, and we rely on each other’s expertise to deliver the best outcomes for clients.
This setup means our brokers can spend more time doing what they do best: sitting with clients, solving problems, and building strategies for long-term success.
It’s a model that allows us to write hundreds of millions in loans annually while still maintaining balance and quality.
Education has always been one of Aaron’s passions, and it was inspiring to hear him talk about how that extends beyond Atelier Wealth.
These initiatives reflect Aaron’s belief that knowledge should be shared, not guarded.
Aaron didn’t shy away from sharing his perspective on the current property market. His message was clear: the best time to buy is always now.
Property investing, he argued, is as much about attitude as it is about numbers.
Rather than waiting for government policies or perfect conditions, Aaron urged buyers and investors to take control of their own future. For him, success comes from action, not hesitation.
Finally, Aaron spoke about his passion for giving back. From mentoring younger brokers to speaking at events across the country, he sees it as his responsibility to share knowledge openly.
We’re lucky to have a leader who believes in lifting the industry as a whole, not just focusing on his own success. That generosity of spirit is something we see reflected in the way Aaron leads our team every day.
Looking forward, Aaron and the team are focused on growing sustainably. Recruitment, education, and community will remain at the heart of what we do.
Most importantly, we’ll keep working to ensure that every client we serve has the best possible chance of achieving their property goals.
Hearing Aaron on the Elite Broker podcast reminded us of just how far Atelier Wealth has come. From two people in a small office to a thriving 22-person team, the journey has been remarkable.
As Aaron shared, success is not just about writing loans. It’s about values, balance, and impact. And that’s exactly what we strive for every day at Atelier Wealth.
