Inside Commercial Property

Hosted by Rethink Investing

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Inside Commercial Property podcast, where we bring you monthly episodes on the most significant changes in the world of commercial property investing. Delve into the inner workings of property, markets and strategies, all geared towards helping you become a better investor. Join Scott O’ Neill and Phil Tarrant, as they sit down to share the latest property changes. If you want to stay ahead in the game, this podcast is for you. Want to go deeper? Check out our new book ”Rethink Property Investing” and become financially free with commercial property investing.

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June 4, 202655 min

#73 New Zealand commercial property: Why the yields stack up | Matt Harris and Michael Vincent

New Zealand commercial property is drawing serious attention from Australian investors, and the yields are a big part of why. In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Scott O’Neill is joined by Matt Harris and Michael Vincent of Lighthouse Financial to unpack what’s making the New Zealand market so compelling right now. Lighthouse is one of New Zealand’s leading financial services firms, guiding more than 4,000 Kiwis toward financial freedom since 2014 with holistic advice spanning accounting, lending, and investment. The conversation covers the forces shaping New Zealand property in 2026. New Zealand has moved through the interest rate cycle ahead of Australia, with the official cash rate easing significantly from its peak, and that shift is changing how investors think. For an everyday Australian investor, the combination of a favourable exchange rate, no stamp duty, and a maturing commercial market makes a genuine case for diversification. Matt and Michael also explain the practical side of buying across the Tasman: how the structures, lending, and tax considerations work for a foreign investor, and why the experience is more familiar than most Australians expect. In this episode, we cover: - Why New Zealand’s position in the interest rate cycle is reshaping investor behaviour. - How the shift toward income-driven assets is opening the door to commercial property. - What the exchange rate, stamp duty, and lending environment mean for an Australian buyer. - How New Zealand’s commercial market is maturing, and where the opportunities sit. - The structures, tax, and first steps for an Australian investing in New Zealand. Explore New Zealand commercial property with Rethink Investing: - New Zealand: https://www.rethinkinvesting.co.nz/ - Australia: https://www.rethinkinvesting.com.au/ Book a Consultation: https://www.rethinkinvesting.com.au/lets-talk Explore Lighthouse Financial: https://lighthousefinancial.co.nz/

May 1, 20261 hr 0 min

#72 Navigating the next phase of property investing

With sentiment turning cautious, interest rates remaining elevated, and major policy changes looming ahead of the Federal Budget, many investors are sitting on the sidelines. But as this podcast episode explores, market hesitation often creates the best opportunities for those willing to act with conviction. On Inside Commercial Property, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Scott O’Neill to unpack the current state of the property market, and why we may be entering one of the most important investment periods of the decade. In this episode, we cover: Why negative sentiment isn’t always a bad thing for investors. The impact of the upcoming Federal Budget and potential tax changes. Why affordability policy could reshape how and where people invest. The growing importance of cash flow versus capital growth. How commercial property differs structurally, and why it’s gaining attention. The risks of poor advice in an unregulated buyer’s agent market. How business principles (cash flow, margins, risk management) apply directly to investing. With potential changes to capital gains tax, negative gearing, and broader housing policy, the rules of the game may be shifting. But one thing remains constant: The investors who succeed are those who focus on fundamentals, not headlines.

April 2, 20261 hr 12 min

#71 Chaos creates deals

With rising interest rates, geopolitical tension in the Middle East, and potential changes to capital gains tax, investors are facing a perfect storm of uncertainty. But while some are sitting on the sidelines, others are moving decisively – creating a clear two-speed market. In this Inside Commercial Property podcast episode, Phil Tarrant is joined by Scott O’Neill to discuss one of the most complex market environments in recent memory. The pair explore how global events are flowing through to Australian and New Zealand property markets, what higher rates mean for asset selection, and why income-focused investing is becoming more critical than ever. They also break down real, on-the-ground deals – highlighting where value is being found, how investors are negotiating in today’s market, and why fundamentals matter more than ever. If you’re trying to make sense of where the market is heading and where the opportunities lie, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

March 5, 202658 min

#70 Why mindset matters more than the property you buy

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Scott O’Neill, CEO of Rethink Group, and Margie Baldock, senior buyer’s advocate at Rethink Investing, for a candid conversation on what really drives successful commercial property investing, beyond just yields and headlines. The discussion opens with the latest interest rate movement and its unexpected impact on investor behaviour. Scott explains why rising rates may actually strengthen the commercial case, as capital shifts away from low-yielding residential portfolios and towards higher-income, long-term assets. The episode also touches on the capital gains tax debate and why structural differences between residential and commercial ownership vehicles may further increase commercial property’s appeal. Margie’s perspective reframes the buyer’s agent role entirely: not just sourcing assets, but helping high-performing investors define “how much is enough”, align investments with life goals, and protect long-term strategy from emotional decisions. Also discussed in this episode: Why commercial property can still be accessed later in life, even when residential lending becomes restrictive. The structural advantages of lease-backed lending and self-managed super fund (SMSF) purchasing strategies. How to reframe vacancy as an opportunity rather than a failure, and how short leases can be leveraged into equity gains. Why most high-net-worth investors don’t actually know their required passive income number and how reverse engineering that number simplifies portfolio planning. The behavioural differences between overconfident and underconfident investors, and why sometimes “doing less” leads to stronger compounding outcomes. This episode is essential listening for investors who want a deeper understanding of how experienced commercial buyers think – from negotiating risk and pricing problems, to resisting short-term temptations, to structuring portfolios that genuinely support lifestyle freedom over decades.

January 22, 20261 hr 14 min

#69 2026 market moves

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Scott O’Neill, CEO of Rethink Group, to kick off 2026 with a comprehensive outlook on where commercial property markets are heading and how sophisticated investors should be positioning capital in the year ahead. Building on the momentum of a strong 2025, the conversation unpacks the major structural forces shaping commercial property today – from constrained development pipelines and rising construction costs to increased private and offshore capital flowing into Australian and New Zealand markets. Drawing on hundreds of active buyers and transactions across the Rethink platform, Scott provides a real-time, ground-level view of how investors are deploying capital and where competition is intensifying. The episode delivers a detailed asset-by-asset outlook for 2026, including industrial, retail, and office markets. Scott explains why secondary industrial assets are expected to deliver some of the strongest risk-adjusted returns, supported by owner-occupier demand, replacement cost pressures and yield expansion. Retail is also assessed, with neighbourhood shopping centres and large-format retail emerging as standout performers due to severe supply constraints, resilient tenant demand and improving investor sentiment. Listeners will gain practical insight into: - How to think like a family office when allocating capital. - Why blended portfolios across asset classes outperform concentrated strategies. - Setting minimum yield thresholds to protect downside risk. - Balancing income security with long-term capital growth. - Which asset types and deal structures to avoid in the current cycle. Scott also shares a disciplined perspective on interest rates, reinforcing why short-term movements should not drive long-term investment decisions, and how investors can build portfolios that remain resilient across changing economic conditions. This episode is essential listening for investors seeking clarity on where value exists in commercial property today, how professional capital is being positioned, and what a disciplined, long-term investment strategy looks like as markets move through the next phase of the cycle. Learn more: https://www.rethinkinvesting.com.au/ https://www.rethinkinvesting.co.nz/ https://www.rethinkresidential.com.au/Book a consultation: https://www.rethinkinvesting.com.au/l...

January 1, 202655 min

#68 How the best investors won 2025

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, host Phil Tarrant sits down with Scott O’Neill, CEO of Rethink Group, to review the performance of the Australian commercial property market in 2025 and unpack what investors should be preparing for as the market moves into 2026. This in-depth discussion revisits early-year predictions and holds them to account, analysing how interest rate cuts, supply shortages, lending conditions and investor sentiment shaped outcomes across key asset classes, including retail property, industrial property, and office assets. Drawing on insights from hundreds of transactions completed throughout the year, Scott provides a ground-level view of how capital has actually been deployed in the commercial market. Key commercial property trends from 2025 The episode explores why large format retail and neighbourhood shopping centres emerged as some of the strongest-performing commercial asset classes, supported by yield appeal, limited new supply, and resilient tenant demand. Scott also explains how secondary industrial assets continued to outperform prime industrial stock, driven by higher yields, owner-occupier demand, and replacement cost pressures. Office markets are also assessed, with commentary on stabilising conditions in select suburban and freehold office assets, contrasted against ongoing challenges in secondary CBD office stock. The conversation extends to regional and residential property markets, highlighting which capital cities delivered the strongest growth and how government incentives influenced late-year momentum. Investor strategy, portfolio construction, and risk management Beyond market performance, this episode dives into commercial property investment strategy, focusing on how experienced investors are: Consolidating portfolios rather than accumulating smaller assets. Prioritising cash flow resilience over speculative growth. Diversifying across asset classes and geographies, including New Zealand commercial property. Actively refinancing to improve servicing and capital efficiency. Scott also shares practical lessons from 2025 around asset management, due diligence, development feasibility, tenant risk, and knowing when to exit underperforming properties – reinforcing why commercial portfolios must be managed like businesses, not passive investments. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to understand where commercial property sits in the current cycle, how professional investors are positioning capital, and what disciplined commercial property investing looks like in a maturing market. What to expect in episode 69 In Episode 69, listeners will gain clarity on which asset classes are expected to deliver the strongest risk-adjusted returns, how interest rate cuts and lending competition are reshaping opportunities, and the strategic considerations disciplined investors should be making as they optimise portfolios and protect downside risk heading into 2026.

December 4, 202559 min

#67 The legal edge in commercial property

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Phil Tarrant is joined by Sam Saad, managing director at Rethink Property Lawyers, for a detailed exploration of the legal frameworks that underpin successful commercial property transactions. This conversation breaks down the essential legal safeguards investors must establish before committing capital, from contract conditions and heads of agreement, through to lease analysis, outgoings, title searches and statutory compliance. Drawing on real transaction examples, Sam illustrates how specialist commercial property legal advice strengthens investor protection, prevents hidden risks from slipping through due diligence, and stops costly surprises emerging after settlement. This episode underscores the tangible value of tight clauses, accurate documentation and comprehensive legal reviews – all of which materially influence risk exposure, valuation and long-term cash flow. Listeners will gain practical guidance on: • Why commercial investors must engage a specialist property lawyer rather than relying solely on a conveyancer. • How to structure heads of agreement and due diligence clauses to maximise flexibility and reduce exposure. • The line between legal due diligence and commercial due diligence – and the distinct roles of a lawyer versus a buyer’s agent. • Key lease mechanics that influence returns: outgoings, make-good provisions, incentives, options, retail leasing legislation and cost allocation. • The critical searches required before purchasing (title, PPSR, environmental, planning, notices, asbestos, cladding, flooding, and more). • How to avoid common pitfalls with security deposits, bank guarantees and settlement handover to ensure legal protections hold up when needed. From interpreting complex lease packs to identifying gaps in recoverable outgoings and strengthening contract conditions, Sam explains how rigorous legal due diligence can protect hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a commercial asset. This is essential listening for any investor seeking to acquire commercial property with full clarity, robust protections and the right legal structures in place long before settlement.

November 6, 202559 min

#66 Hidden risk that could cost you thousands

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Scott O’Neill and Phil Tarrant break down one of the most critical yet misunderstood aspects of commercial property investing: due diligence. Drawing from thousands of transactions completed through Rethink Investing, Scott explains how a structured and independent due diligence process can safeguard investors from financial risk and strengthen long-term portfolio performance. Listeners will gain practical insights into: • How to conduct commercial property due diligence that goes beyond the surface numbers. • The importance of separating acquisition and due diligence to avoid bias. • Key lease, tenant and legal checks every investor should understand. • Common red flags hidden in contracts and rent statements. • Why detailed financial verification can be the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. From analysing outgoings and tenant ledgers to understanding lease terms and market-based yields, Scott shares how Rethink Investing’s due diligence framework ensures every property is thoroughly assessed before purchase. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about commercial property investment. You’ll learn how to approach due diligence like a professional, with structure, objectivity, and the right data to make confident investment decisions.

October 2, 20251 hr 0 min

#65 Banks v private credit: Who wins?

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Phil Tarrant and Scott O’Neill sit down with Dan Gallen, executive director and CIO of Pallas Capital, to discuss one of the biggest shifts in commercial investing: the rise of private credit. With banks tightening lending and investors demanding faster, more flexible solutions, private credit has surged as a key funding option in the commercial property market. But does it always serve investors best, or does it add too much risk? Dan shares his perspective from more than $10 billion in structured transactions, while Scott explains how financing decisions can transform long-term investor outcomes, from cash flow and yields to equity growth and risk exposure. Key topics covered: The commercial property funding landscape: Banks retreat versus private credit expansion. Private credit explained: Flexibility, higher leverage, and where it beats the banks. Risks investors must weigh before relying on non-bank lending. Real-world examples of deals made possible by private credit. Why financing strategy is central to long-term wealth creation. Listen now to discover how the right funding strategy can accelerate growth and safeguard your portfolio.

September 4, 20251 hr 0 min

#64 The truth about regional v capital city property

In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Scott O’Neill and Phil Tarrant tackle one of the most hotly debated topics in Australian property investment: regional versus capital city property. Investors are often told that regional markets promise higher yields, while capital cities offer long-term growth, but is that really the full story? Drawing on real client examples and market data, Scott and Phil explore the strengths and pitfalls of both strategies. From the cash flow benefits in regional centres to the capital appreciation trends in metro markets, they unpack the truth behind the headlines and expose the risks investors often overlook. Key topics covered in this episode include: Why regional properties appear attractive on yield but can lack long-term growth consistency. How infrastructure spending and population migration are reshaping regional opportunities. Why capital city assets remain the cornerstone of many high-performing portfolios. The investor profiles best suited to regional versus metro strategies. The overlooked costs and risks that can turn a “bargain” regional property into a poor investment. Whether you’re weighing up your next purchase or rethinking your portfolio strategy, this episode provides clarity on the regional versus capital city debate. Packed with sharp insights and grounded in real-world investing experience, Scott and Phil cut through the noise to show you how to align your property strategy with your financial goals. Listen now to discover the truth about regional versus capital city property, and learn how the right strategy can position you for stronger returns.