Newcastle Unlocked

Hosted by Knight Frank Newcastle

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-AU

About the show

Newcastle Unlocked is a podcast that focuses on the current state of Newcastle's real estate market, hosted by Brent Sinclair, Partner and Head of Agency at Knight Frank Newcastle. The show covers trends in commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, and provides insights into the economic outlook for Newcastle, also discussing the impact of national and global economic trends on the local economy and what it means for investors. The show features guests from a range of industry backgrounds, providing a diverse range of perspectives and insights. Tune in to Newcastle Unlocked to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in Newcastle's real estate market.

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20 recent

June 5, 2026Episode 2032 min

The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous: Following Global Wealth with Liam Bailey

Where the World's Wealth Is Moving in 2026 with Liam Bailey Global wealth is evolving rapidly, and the way ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals are investing is reshaping property markets around the world. In this episode, Brent Sinclair sits down with Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank, to unpack insights from the latest Wealth Report and explore where money is moving, why it matters, and what it means for Australia. From global capital flows and the rise of new wealth markets, to shifting lifestyle preferences and the increasing mobility of the ultra‑rich, this conversation provides a valuable lens on the forces influencing real estate today. What we cover: The continued growth of ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals globally Why wealth is outpacing broader economic growth Where the world's wealth is concentrated, including the US, China and Australia Australia's projected growth in wealth and why it's outperforming globally How political and tax changes are influencing investment decisions The rise of global mobility and multi‑home ownership Key growth markets including Tokyo and Mumbai Luxury investment trends across art, wine, watches and collectibles The shift towards experiences, hospitality and lifestyle‑driven assets Demand for turnkey, move‑in ready trophy homes The impact of construction costs and supply constraints on luxury property Geopolitical uncertainty and how investors are responding How family offices are approaching real estate in the current cycle Why "inevitable demand" is shaping future investment strategies Australia's outlook and where it sits on the global stage Hit play to stay ahead of the curve in Lake Macquarie and the broader Hunter region. Join Brent on Instagram as he shares regular content from his podcasts, along with up to date news on the Commercial Property space in the Hunter. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

May 19, 2026Episode 1931 min

Lake Macquarie Unlocked: Growth, Grants & Game-Changers with Mayor Adam Shultz

Newcastle Unlocked – Lake Macquarie's Growth, Density & Development Future with Mayor Adam Shultz Lake Macquarie is one of the fastest-growing regions in the Hunter, with an additional 38,000 people forecast by 2046 and a clear strategic direction now shaping how that growth will unfold. In this episode, Brent Sinclair sits down with Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz to unpack the region's planning framework, housing challenges, and the opportunities emerging for developers and investors. From housing diversity and density to infrastructure, incentives and major growth corridors, this conversation provides a clear view of where Lake Macquarie is heading over the next decade. What we cover: Population growth trends and why Lake Macquarie continues to attract migration How shifting demographics are driving demand for new housing type Council's Local Strategic Planning Statement and what it means for development Developer contribution reductions and incentives to stimulate housing supply Key strategic centres including Charlestown, Glendale, Belmont and Morisset Emerging growth areas like Cockle Creek and the north-west corridor The role of infrastructure, including transport-oriented development and rail Repurposing former mining land and what it unlocks for future development How Council is working with State and neighbouring regions to support growth Why Lake Macquarie presents a compelling opportunity for developers and investors The 10-year outlook and what success looks like for the region Hit play to stay ahead of the curve in Lake Macquarie and the broader Hunter region. Join Brent on Instagram as he shares regular content from his podcasts, along with up to date news on the Commercial Property space in the Hunter. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

March 8, 2026Episode 1827 min

Hotels, Heritage and Hard Decisions: Jerry Schwartz on the Post Office Showdown and Newcastle's Future

Newcastle Unlocked – Inside Newcastle's Hotel and Tourism Future with Dr Jerry Schwartz As Australia's largest private hotel operator and a long term investor in Newcastle and the Hunter, Dr Jerry Schwartz has played a major role in shaping the region's accommodation and tourism landscape. In this episode, Brent Sinclair sits down with Jerry to unpack the performance of the hotel market post COVID, major development projects, and the outlook for investment across the region. What we cover: How Jerry built one of Australia's largest privately owned hotel portfolios Post COVID recovery across leisure and corporate travel How Newcastle's occupancy and room rates compare with other regional and metro markets The impact of inflation, interest rates and global uncertainty on tourism demand The personal and commercial toll of COVID on the hospitality industry The current status of the Newcastle Post Office redevelopment Jerry's long term vision for the Post Office and its role in activating the CBD Working with Council and navigating development timing Wharf Road holdings, future hotel opportunities and the conditions needed for delivery Whether Newcastle has reached a new level of market maturity The five to ten year outlook for hotel, tourism and development activity in the region Hit play and stay ahead of the curve in Newcastle property. Join Brent on Instagram as he shares regular content from his podcasts, along with up to date news on the Commercial Property space in the Hunter. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

February 8, 2026Episode 1738 min

Newcastle Unlocked: From Boring to Booming: What 2025 Set Up for 2026

Newcastle Unlocked – 2026 Commercial Property Market Outlook with Dan Barry & Matt Shaw After a calmer 2025, the Newcastle and Hunter commercial property market is entering a pivotal year. In this episode, we break down the stabilisation of last year and the emerging opportunities for 2026. What we cover: • Why 2025 was steady, and why that was a good thing • Tenanted investment performance, including key sales and yield trends • Industrial land demand at Heatherbrae, Black Hill and Mayfield West • Vacancy, incentives and supply dynamics • Major developments: One National, Chapter Apartments, The Store, Dairy Farmers and the NGM 10,000sqm lease • Market sentiment as we enter 2026 • Inflation, interest rates and the "insurance hike" narrative • Construction cost movements and returning feasibility • Why built stock is trading 30–40 percent below replacement cost • Buyer behaviour above $3M and $5M • Growth in strata, medical and value‑add opportunities • Increase in receivership sales Hit play and stay ahead of the curve in Newcastle property. Join Brent on Instagram as he shares regular content from his podcasts, along with up to date news on the Commercial Property space in the Hunter. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

December 8, 2025Episode 1628 min

Building Billion Dollar Storage with Sam Kennard

Welcome to Newcastle Unlocked. Host Brent Sinclair sits down with Sam Kennard, rich lister and CEO of Kennards Self Storage, the family-owned pioneer of self-storage in Australia since 1973. Under Sam's leadership, Kennards has scaled to 126 locations across Australia and New Zealand, offering ~101,000 storage spaces and ~920,000 m² of rentable space, including a recent $400M NZD acquisition of 13 sites in Auckland. We unpack: 1. How Kennards started as a side hustle and became a national powerhouse 2. Sam's journey to CEO at 25 and lessons from decades of growth 3. Development DNA vs acquisition: what makes a site "Kennards quality" 4. The state of the self-storage market (competition, oversupply risk, digital marketing, dynamic pricing) 5. Why Kennards is investing in the Hunter (6 local sites) and how vertical storage is evolving 6. Macro trends: housing constraints, life-event demand, resilience across cycles 7. The next 5–10 years: overbuilding risks, institutional capital, and long-term outlook Hit play and stay ahead of the curve in Newcastle property. Join Brent on Instagram as he shares regular content from his podcasts, along with up to date news on the Commercial Property space in the Hunter. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

October 7, 2025Episode 1546 min

Open Homes, Open Mindset: Mat Steinwede on Selling the Dream

In the latest episode of Newcastle Unlocked, Brent Sinclair sits down with one of Australia's most recognised real estate figures, Mat Steinwede, Partner at McGrath Central Coast Group and ranked among the Top 25 agents nationally. From being homeless as a teenager to building a multimillion-dollar business and personal brand, Mat's story is one of discipline, purpose, and resilience. Together, we explore: The evolution of the Central Coast prestige market How mindset and health fuel high performance The role of social media and personal brand in modern real estate What's next for the market over the next five years This episode also marks a milestone partnership between Knight Frank and McGrath - an alliance designed to elevate real estate nationally. Hit play and stay ahead of the curve in Newcastle property. Join Brent on Instagram as he shares regular content from his podcasts, along with up to date news on the Commercial Property space in the Hunter. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

August 24, 2025Episode 1440 min

All Aboard: Fast-Tracking Newcastle with Nuatali Nelmes

In this episode of Newcastle Unlocked, Brent is joined by Nuatali Nelmes, former Lord Mayor of Newcastle and now Hunter & Central Coast Director for the Property Council of Australia. Nuatali has been at the heart of Newcastle's transformation for over a decade. In this episode, she shares: What she's working on in her new Property Council role Why the Broadmeadow Place Strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity The push for Sydney–Newcastle fast rail Reflections on a decade leading the city through major change How Newcastle and the Hunter remain one of Australia's most exciting investment markets Whether you live here, work here or are looking to invest, this episode is packed with insights on where Newcastle is headed and how we can all help shape its future. Hit play and stay ahead of the curve in Newcastle property. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

June 1, 2025Episode 1333 min

Rate Cuts, Resilience & Real Returns. FY25 Unlocked

In this episode of Newcastle Unlocked, we wrap up the 2025 financial year with a deep dive into the Hunter's commercial, industrial, and residential markets. Brent Sinclair is joined by Dan Barry, Director of Industrial, and Matt Shaw from our Commercial Sales team to unpack a pivotal few weeks — including the latest 25 basis point rate cut from the RBA and a federal election that surprisingly didn't slow transaction activity. We explore: Key movements in commercial leasing, industrial sales, and development land Investor confidence post-election How recent RBA decisions may signal the start of a new market cycle With yields holding firm and enquiry levels steady, is the Hunter ready for a rebound in FY26? Hit play and stay ahead of the curve in Newcastle property. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

May 11, 2025Episode 1227 min

Deepwater Dreams: Newcastle's Port Powers from Coal to Clean, Unlocking New Waves of Opportunity

Join us on the latest episode of Newcastle Unlocked as Brent Sinclair sits down with Kate McArthur, Executive Manager of Business Development at the Port of Newcastle. Kate shares her insights on the Port's strategic vision, its role in driving economic growth in the Hunter region, and exciting development opportunities, including leasing surplus land for commercial projects. If you're interested in commercial property or the future of the Port, this episode is a must-watch! Subscribe and stay tuned for more insights into Newcastle's thriving business landscape. Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website

April 28, 2025Episode 1134 min

From Fairways to Skylines: Building Through the Chaos with Thirdi Group

Dive into the latest episode of Newcastle Unlocked as we sit down with Luke Berry, co-founder of Thirdi Group, a powerhouse in innovative property development. With a $3B+ international project pipeline, Luke shares exclusive insights on transformative projects like Dairy Farmers Towers and the Merewether Golf Club redevelopment in Newcastle. Discover national housing trends, buyer behaviour, and how Thirdi is shaping the Hunter region's future amidst industry challenges. From urban redevelopment to tackling housing supply, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in property and Newcastle's growth! Find Knight Frank Newcastle at: Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Knight Frank Website Videography & editing courtesy of BC Images Instagram BC Images Website