Commercial Property Investor

Hosted by Helen Tarrant

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200

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Asset-rich but cashflow-poor, working harder every year with no end in sight? Commercial Property Investor is for high-income professionals who want a defined pathway out of the grind by transitioning from residential to commercial property. Hosted by Helen Tarrant, Founder of Unikorn Commercial Property. With $1B+ in commercial deals and a 20+ property portfolio, Helen unpacks cashflow vs growth, portfolio building, and the strategy behind replacing your income and retiring better, faster, sooner. New episodes every week. Educational only, not financial advice.

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August 24, 2026Episode 20133 min

2 Properties And $120k+ In Passive Income

Want to find out whether commercial property could work for your situation? Book a strategy session with Helen: https://link.unikorn.com.au/widget/bookings/unikornstrategyzoom In this episode of the Commercial Property Investor Podcast, Helen sits down with Stephen, an investor who moved from residential property and development into commercial property after getting tired of funding negatively geared investments from his own pocket. Stephen shares how two commercial properties now generate more than $120,000 in annual passive income, why his original fears about commercial finance were misplaced, and the lessons he learned about tenants, cap rates, due diligence, and building the right team before buying. Helen and Stephen dive into: ◼️ Why commercial property is not limited to shopping centres and massive warehouses ◼️ How smaller commercial assets can be far more accessible than new investors expect ◼️ Why a tenant’s income can support commercial-property finance ◼️ The mindset shift from topping up investments to receiving surplus cash flow ◼️ Why commercial property values can rise when you secure the right tenant ◼️ How cap rates help you assess whether an asset is priced correctly ◼️ Why Stephen moved away from buy-and-hold residential investing ◼️ How his first commercial property rose from $1.235 million to more than $2 million ◼️ Why commercial property can deliver both capital growth and growing rental income ◼️ How a Bundaberg box-factory property became an income-producing asset ◼️ Why buying the property is different from buying the tenant’s business ◼️ How tenant-paid outgoings change the cash-flow equation ◼️ Why an online listing is not enough to assess a commercial property properly ◼️ The due-diligence checks that protect you from a bad tenant, building, or lease ◼️ Why education and a specialist commercial buyer’s agent can reduce risk ◼️ How cash-flow-positive assets can support future deposits and reduce portfolio pressure 00:00:00 Stephen’s $120K-plus passive income from two commercial properties 00:00:56 Moving from residential property into commercial 00:01:37 Why commercial felt big, scary, and hard to finance 00:02:52 Leaving development and residential behind for cash flow 00:04:27 The first month of positive cash flow 00:07:08 Why Stephen stopped buying buy-and-hold residential investments 00:08:37 The first commercial property in Singleton 00:10:20 Capital growth and rising income over eight years 00:12:37 The second property: a Bundaberg box factory 00:15:14 Buying the building, not the tenant’s business 00:16:06 Tenant-paid outgoings and net versus gross yield 00:17:53 Insurance, management fees, and land tax 00:19:42 What you are really buying in commercial property 00:20:38 Why online listings are not enough 00:22:48 Off-market opportunities and building the right team 00:24:05 Commercial-property due diligence 00:26:17 Checking the tenant, zoning, building, income, and competition 00:30:23 Stephen’s advice for first-time commercial investors 00:31:24 The risk of funding negative residential investments Follow for more insights and updates: Website: https://helentarrant.com/ Buyer’s Agency: https://unikorn.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helentarrantofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helentarrantofficial

August 12, 2026Episode 20021 min

Why Your Investment Properties Are Keeping You Broke

If you want to build stronger cash flow without relying on equity growth alone, book a strategy session with Helen's team here: https://link.unikorn.com.au/widget/bookings/unikornstrategyzoom In this episode of the Commercial Property Investor, Helen breaks down why so many high-income Australians look wealthy on paper but still feel financially trapped, and why the real issue is not a lack of assets but poor return on investment. She explains how residential property, boarding houses, shares, and retail super compare against commercial property when you properly measure both cash flow and growth, and why understanding ROI can completely change how you assess what is actually helping you move forward. Helen dives into: ◼️ Why many investors become equity rich but remain cash flow poor ◼️ How return on investment must include both cash flow and growth ◼️ Why a $1 million residential property can still leave you heavily negative each week ◼️ How commercial property keeps more rent in your pocket before and after expenses ◼️ Why tenant-paid outgoings make commercial property fundamentally different from residential ◼️ How commercial can stay cash-flow positive even with the same purchase price and same loan size ◼️ Why residential often forces you to go backwards in cash flow before you move ahead in growth ◼️ How boarding houses improve cash flow but still struggle to outperform commercial on ROI ◼️ Why shares and retail super may perform well, but still offer less control and leverage than commercial property ◼️ How commercial property can create both stronger flexibility and higher portfolio efficiency ◼️ Why understanding your own numbers matters more than listening to generic property gurus ◼️ How a strategy session helps personalise the right commercial property pathway for your profile 00:00:00 Why so many wealthy investors still feel broke 00:00:41 The hidden reason your investments may be keeping you trapped 00:01:13 Why return on investment matters more than hype 00:01:55 Breaking down a $1 million residential property 00:04:26 Breaking down a $1 million commercial property 00:06:16 Residential versus commercial after mortgage costs 00:08:05 Why cash flow and growth must be measured together 00:09:12 Calculating ROI from the money you actually put in 00:09:54 Why residential often goes backwards before it goes forwards 00:11:35 Do boarding houses really outperform commercial property? 00:17:32 How shares compare with commercial property 00:19:37 Why commercial can outperform retail super while giving you more control 00:20:40 The next step if commercial property has sparked your interest Follow for more insights and updates: Website: https://helentarrant.com/ Buyer’s Agency: https://unikorn.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helentarrantofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helentarrantofficial

August 6, 2026Episode 19914 min

If You’re Looking To Buy Commercial Property, Watch This

If you want a clear commercial property game plan that helps you buy wealth creation assets instead of getting stuck in the wrong type of deal, book a free strategy session with Helen's team here: https://link.unikorn.com.au/widget/bookings/unikornstrategyzoom In this episode of the Commercial Property Investor Podcast, Helen breaks down the critical difference between generational wealth assets and wealth creation assets, and why confusing the two is one of the fastest ways for first-time commercial investors to get trapped in the wrong deal. She explains why many buyers chase glossy, low-yield properties that look safe on paper but quietly destroy serviceability and momentum, and how understanding tenant type, location, lease term, property type, and return profile changes the entire outcome of a commercial portfolio. Helen dives into: ◼️ Why many investors lose money before settlement by chasing the wrong type of commercial deal ◼️ The real difference between generational wealth assets and wealth creation assets ◼️ Why KFC, McDonald’s, Bunnings, and childcare-style assets suit parked capital, not portfolio builders ◼️ How wealth creation investors should think about higher yield, uplift, and refinancing potential ◼️ Why gentrifying areas often matter more than already-premium established areas ◼️ How versatile properties create more consistent tenant demand and reduce long vacancy risk ◼️ Why shorter lease structures can sometimes outperform long leases if growth and rent uplift matter ◼️ The five elements every commercial investor must understand before buying ◼️ How tenant type changes obligations, stickiness, risk, and expected return ◼️ Why location in commercial is not the same as lifestyle location in residential ◼️ How lease term, property type, yield, and growth interact to shape the real ROI ◼️ Why investors who ignore strategy can get stuck in underperforming commercial assets for years 00:00:00 Why most first-time commercial investors lose money before signing 00:00:49 Generational wealth assets versus wealth creation assets 00:01:52 Why low-yield trophy assets are built for parked capital 00:03:17 What wealth creation investors should really be chasing 00:04:25 Why leverage and refinance speed matter more than prestige 00:05:07 The mistake most first-time investors make with generational assets 00:05:52 The five elements of a successful first commercial deal 00:06:02 Element 1: understanding your tenant type 00:08:53 Element 2: what location really means in commercial property 00:09:58 Element 3: why lease term matters more than people think 00:10:22 Element 4: choosing the right property type 00:10:58 Element 5: how yield and growth define the return profile 00:13:32 Why industrial FOMO and tenant choice can distort your strategy 00:14:06 The risk of searching before defining your game plan 00:14:27 Final invitation to book a strategy session Follow for more insights and updates: Website: https://helentarrant.com/ Buyer’s Agency: https://unikorn.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helentarrantofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helentarrantofficial

July 29, 2026Episode 19819 min

BREAKING: Residential Property Is Collapsing… (But This Isn’t)

If you want a clear commercial property game plan that matches your deposit, risk profile, and long-term goals, book a free strategy session with Helen's team here: https://link.unikorn.com.au/widget/bookings/unikornstrategyzoom In this episode of the Commercial Property Investor, Helen breaks down why residential property investing has become far less attractive for many Australians, and why commercial property is drawing serious attention from investors who want stronger cash flow, better servicing, and more strategic control. She explains the real difference between residential and commercial cash flow, why outgoings and tenant structure matter far more than most investors realise, and how strategy, numbers, and risk tolerance determine whether a commercial property becomes a wealth accelerator or a costly mistake. Helen dives into: ◼️ Why residential investors are getting squeezed harder by tax, lending, and weak net cash flow ◼️ How commercial tenants often cover outgoings that residential landlords must absorb themselves ◼️ Why commercial property can produce stronger net yield and improve borrowing capacity ◼️ How much extra cash investors typically need to enter a commercial deal versus residential ◼️ Why a $2 million commercial property can still leave you in a better cash position than a similar residential asset ◼️ How commercial property can deliver both strong cash flow and competitive long-term growth ◼️ Why strategy matters before yield, lease term, location, or tenant type ◼️ How investors need to know exactly where their deposit and equity are coming from ◼️ Why break-even point is one of the most important numbers in a commercial deal ◼️ How risk tolerance changes the right balance between security, growth, and cash flow ◼️ Why blindly buying on FOMO is one of the fastest ways to get commercial property wrong 00:00:00 Why smart money is shifting away from residential property 00:01:13 The real net return difference between residential and commercial 00:02:28 Who pays the outgoings in each property type 00:04:10 Why commercial cash flow supports portfolio growth more easily 00:05:12 How much deposit you need to enter a $2 million commercial deal 00:07:07 Residential versus commercial cash flow side by side 00:09:56 Why commercial can win on both cash flow and growth 00:11:32 The first key to success: strategy before property selection 00:14:04 The second key to success: know your numbers and break-even point 00:16:08 The third key to success: risk versus security and cash flow versus growth 00:18:08 Why your profile should drive the property, not market FOMO 00:19:07 Final invitation to map out your commercial property game plan Follow for more insights and updates: Website: https://helentarrant.com/ Buyer’s Agency: https://unikorn.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helentarrantofficial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helentarrantofficial

August 3, 2024Episode 19713 min

Always HIRE an Asset Manager (Never a basic Property Manager)

Episode 197 In this eye-opening podcast, I reveal why hiring a basic property manager could cost you thousands in lost revenue and missed opportunities. Discover the game-changing benefits of working with an asset manager who can actively grow your wealth, negotiate better deals, and maximise your property's value. In this podcast you will learn: 👉 The crucial differences between residential and commercial property management 👉 How asset managers can boost your cash flow and property value 👉 Real-life examples of how the right manager can save you money and increase returns 👉 Key traits to look for when choosing a commercial property manager Strategies for turning a good property investment into a great one Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this video is packed with insider knowledge that could transform your commercial property strategy. Don't let subpar management hold your investments back. #commercialproperty #assetmanagement #propertyinvesting 📥 Find Me On Other Platforms: 📸 Instagram 👉 / helentarrantcommercial 📸 Facebook 👉 / commercialpropertycashflow MORE ABOUT ME 👇 I own more than 20 Commercial properties of my own and educate hundreds of students as well as work with many clients all over Australia! I share my market insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you so that you can buy the best commercial investment property for YOUR own INDIVIDUAL needs!

July 27, 2024Episode 19610 min

7 HIDDEN Benefits of Strata Properties that will MAXIMISE Your Returns

Episode 196 Unlock the hidden potential of strata commercial property investments! In this eye-opening podcast, commercial property expert Helen Tarrant reveals 7 little-known advantages of strata that could supercharge your returns. You will discover 👇 ✅ Why strata can outperform freestanding properties in cash flow and growth ✅ How metro strata investments can offer superior long-term returns ✅ The truth about strata fees and capital works in commercial properties ✅ Strategies to leverage strata for faster portfolio growth ✅ Market dynamics that favour strata in the current economic climate Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, these insider insights will transform your approach to commercial property investing. Learn how to build wealth faster and smarter with strata. MORE ABOUT ME I own more than 20 Commercial properties of my own and educate hundreds of students as well as work with many clients all over Australia! I share my market insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you so that you can buy the best commercial investment property for YOUR own INDIVIDUAL needs! If you want to chat with me you book a time here. BOOK YOUR FREE STRATEGY SESSION HERE Get FREE Access To Up-To-Date Market Insights and Strategies https://www.instagram.com/helentarrantcommercial/ https://www.facebook.com/CommercialPropertyCashflow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/ Purchase My Book: ORDER NOW! Thank you for joining us on the Commercial Property Podcast - Australia, where you get to learn all about Investing in Positive Cashflow Commercial Properties. Helen Tarrant is Australia’s leading expert in commercial property investing. With more than 20 Commercial properties of her own, educating hundreds of students, and working with many clients all over Australia, she happily shares her insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you, on buying the best commercial investment property for your needs. In this podcast series, you will learn from Helen, how everyday Australians can get started with their first, or their next commercial investment property, whether that be to generate cashflow for their lifestyle or to build wealth and plan for retirement. Helen also shares her own case studies and those of her students and clients, so you can get deeper insights into the vast possibilities that commercial property offers. She also shows you how to avoid potential pitfalls, in your investing journey. We invite you to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss any of her valuable tips and strategies.

July 19, 2024Episode 19522 min

How Selecting the Right Commercial Property Can 3x Your Retirement Income

Episode 195 Whether you're a beginner investor or a high-earning professional looking to build your nest egg, this Podcast breaks down the pros and cons of each and discusses: 👉 How to find stable income properties for consistent cashflow 👉 High-risk strategies for faster equity growth 👉 Future potential investments for long-term gains 👉 How to avoid common pitfalls in commercial property investing 👉 Tips for balancing risk and reward in your portfolio Don't make a decision that could sideline you for years. Learn how to pick the right commercial property and set yourself up for success. Whether you're aiming for immediate cashflow or planning for retirement, this video provides valuable insights to guide your investment journey. MORE ABOUT ME I own more than 20 Commercial properties of my own and educate hundreds of students as well as work with many clients all over Australia! I share my market insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you so that you can buy the best commercial investment property for YOUR own INDIVIDUAL needs! If you want to chat with me you book a time here. BOOK YOUR FREE STRATEGY SESSION HERE Get FREE Access To Up-To-Date Market Insights and Strategies https://www.instagram.com/helentarrantcommercial/ https://www.facebook.com/CommercialPropertyCashflow/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/ Purchase My Book: ORDER NOW! Thank you for joining us on the Commercial Property Podcast - Australia, where you get to learn all about Investing in Positive Cashflow Commercial Properties. Helen Tarrant is Australia’s leading expert in commercial property investing. With more than 20 Commercial properties of her own, educating hundreds of students, and working with many clients all over Australia, she happily shares her insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you, on buying the best commercial investment property for your needs. In this podcast series, you will learn from Helen, how everyday Australians can get started with their first, or their next commercial investment property, whether that be to generate cashflow for their lifestyle or to build wealth and plan for retirement. Helen also shares her own case studies and those of her students and clients, so you can get deeper insights into the vast possibilities that commercial property offers. She also shows you how to avoid potential pitfalls, in your investing journey. We invite you to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss any of her valuable tips and strategies.

July 5, 2024Episode 19421 min

5 Quick Tips to Fill Commercial Property Vacancies Fast | Australian Property

Episode 194 Do you want to invest in the Australian commercial property market but have concerns about vacancy rates? Don't worry! In this podcast, I show you 5 easy tricks to ensure tenancy and eliminate vacancies in Australian Real Estate. These techniques require minimal expertise and no excess skills. MORE ABOUT ME I own more than 20 Commercial properties of my own and educate hundreds of students as well as work with many clients all over Australia! I share my market insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you so that you can buy the best commercial investment property for YOUR own INDIVIDUAL needs! If you want to chat with me you book a time here. BOOK YOUR FREE STRATEGY SESSION HERE Get FREE Access To Up-To-Date Market Insights and Strategies Instagram: instagram.com/helen_tarrant_commercial Facebook: facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty Purchase My Book: ORDER NOW! Thank you for joining us on the Commercial Property Podcast - Australia, where you get to learn all about Investing in Positive Cash-flow Commercial Properties. Helen Tarrant is Australia’s leading expert in commercial property investing. With more than 20 Commercial properties of her own, educating hundreds of students, and working with many clients all over Australia, she happily shares her insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you, on buying the best commercial investment property for your needs. In this podcast series, you will learn from Helen, how everyday Australians can get started with their first, or their next commercial investment property, whether that be to generate cashflow for their lifestyle or to build wealth and plan for retirement. Helen also shares her own case studies and those of her students and clients, so you can get deeper insights into the vast possibilities that commercial property offers. She also shows you how to avoid potential pitfalls, in your investing journey. We invite you to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss any of her valuable tips and strategies.

July 1, 2024Episode 19311 min

Victoria REMOVES Stamp Duty TAX for 10 Years | Time to Buy Commercial Property

Episode 193 If you buy an industrial warehouse property in Victoria, Australia, you no longer pay stamp duty tax for 10 years! In this podcast, I discuss: 👉 Why the government changed these taxes 👉 How these changes will likely affect the market for owners and investors 👉 How to create or adapt your investment strategy around these changes MORE ABOUT ME I own more than 20 Commercial properties of my own and educate hundreds of students as well as work with many clients all over Australia! I share my market insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you so that you can buy the best commercial investment property for YOUR own INDIVIDUAL needs! If you want to chat with me you book a time here. BOOK YOUR FREE STRATEGY SESSION HERE Get FREE Access To Up-To-Date Market Insights and Strategies Instagram: instagram.com/helen_tarrant_commercial Facebook: facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty Purchase My Book: ORDER NOW! Thank you for joining us on the Commercial Property Podcast - Australia, where you get to learn all about Investing in Positive Cash-flow Commercial Properties. Helen Tarrant is Australia’s leading expert in commercial property investing. With more than 20 Commercial properties of her own, educating hundreds of students, and working with many clients all over Australia, she happily shares her insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you, on buying the best commercial investment property for your needs. In this podcast series, you will learn from Helen, how everyday Australians can get started with their first, or their next commercial investment property, whether that be to generate cashflow for their lifestyle or to build wealth and plan for retirement. Helen also shares her own case studies and those of her students and clients, so you can get deeper insights into the vast possibilities that commercial property offers. She also shows you how to avoid potential pitfalls, in your investing journey. We invite you to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss any of her valuable tips and strategies.

June 22, 2024Episode 19215 min

How To Calculate a Commercial Property's Rental Yield | Australia

Episode 192 MORE ABOUT ME I own more than 20 Commercial properties of my own and educate hundreds of students as well as work with many clients all over Australia! I share my market insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you so that you can buy the best commercial investment property for YOUR own INDIVIDUAL needs! If you want to chat with me you book a time here. BOOK YOUR FREE STRATEGY SESSION HERE Get FREE Access To Up-To-Date Market Insights and Strategies Instagram: instagram.com/helen_tarrant_commercial Facebook: facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty Purchase My Book: ORDER NOW! Thank you for joining us on the Commercial Property Podcast - Australia, where you get to learn all about Investing in Positive Cash-flow Commercial Properties. Helen Tarrant is Australia’s leading expert in commercial property investing. With more than 20 Commercial properties of her own, educating hundreds of students, and working with many clients all over Australia, she happily shares her insights, strategies, and valuable experience with you, on buying the best commercial investment property for your needs. In this podcast series, you will learn from Helen, how everyday Australians can get started with their first, or their next commercial investment property, whether that be to generate cashflow for their lifestyle or to build wealth and plan for retirement. Helen also shares her own case studies and those of her students and clients, so you can get deeper insights into the vast possibilities that commercial property offers. She also shows you how to avoid potential pitfalls, in your investing journey. We invite you to subscribe to this podcast so you don’t miss any of her valuable tips and strategies.