The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)

Hosted by Cate Bakos, David Johnston and Mike Mortlock

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

367

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor, our show rebranded in 2023 to The Property Trio. Residential property is the only asset class we live in, it is where we raise our families, and it is our most expensive investment, yet property advice remains unregulated. Our objective is to educate time-poor professionals through deep insights from our experts who have provided thousands of Australians with personalised advice and education spanning two decades. In a climate where we are overloaded with information and one size fits all recommendations from the media, well-meaning friends and family and so-called advisers, we will distill the raw truth from the ill-informed. So join the Property Planner, David Johnston, The Property Buyer, Cate Bakos and the Quantity Surveyor, Mike Mortlock as they take you on a journey of discovery through the maze of property, mortgage, and money decisions to empower you to create your ideal lifestyle! Links to your hosts: https://www.catebakos.com.au/ https://propertyplanning.com.au/ https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202650 min

#366: Market Update May 2026 – Flat National Growth Masks Big City Moves, Budget Nerves Build & Rents Keep Rising

May's property market delivered a fascinating mix of results, with Melbourne and Sydney recording price declines while Perth and Darwin continued their remarkable growth.In this month's market update, Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the latest data and discuss what's really happening beneath the headlines.They explore the impact of proposed investor tax changes, shifting buyer sentiment, rental growth, housing supply challenges and the implications for investors, homeowners and first-home buyers.The episode also examines listings activity, gross rental yields, interest rate expectations and broader economic indicators influencing property markets around the country. Join The Property Trio as they cut through the noise, analyse the trends and share their insights on what buyers and investors should be watching in the months ahead.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/15/ep-366-may-2026-market-update/

June 8, 202646 min

#365 - Reviewing Your Home Loan - Negotiating Interest Rates Like a Pro, Offset Strategy & Refinancing Without Regret

With interest rates rising and household budgets under pressure, many borrowers are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their home loans. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explore practical strategies to improve cash flow, including negotiating with lenders, refinancing, reviewing loan structures and making better use of offset accounts.The Trio explain why advertised rates don't always tell the full story and highlights the value of working with a strategic mortgage broker. Whether you're an owner-occupier or investor, this episode offers actionable insights to help ensure your lending is working as hard as possible.Download your free copy of Dave’s Money Management Principles – the 7 Steps to Success: https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/money-management-principlesThe Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes are here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/08/reviewing-your-home-loan/

June 1, 20261 hr 1 min

#364: Budget Aftershock - What Comes Next for Property Prices and Yields?

Dave, Cate and Mike unpack the post-budget landscape through a listener question from Liam, highlighting the uncertainty facing investors.With proposed changes to negative gearing and CGT not yet legislated, many buyers are pausing, while owner-occupiers are benefiting from reduced competition. The Trio explores whether a surge in listings could create buying opportunities, but notes that property markets adjust slowly despite rapid sentiment shifts. With less reliance on tax incentives, the focus turns to cash flow, borrowing capacity and strategy. This is a market recalibrating, and for well-prepared buyers, changing conditions may present opportunity rather than risk.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes are here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/01/listener-question-budget-2026/

May 25, 202656 min

#363: Market Update April 2026 - Capital City Divergence Widens, Investor Demand Wobbles, Rents Accelerate & Budget Fallout Begins

April’s market revealed a clear split. Mike, Cate and Dave highlight declines in Sydney and Melbourne, while Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide continue strong growth, largely fuelled by investors. That momentum may not last. Investor-heavy, lower-priced markets could soften if policy changes reduce demand, while tightly held family homes in established suburbs may prove more resilient.Rents remain under pressure, with low vacancy rates driving ongoing increases. Buyer sentiment has dropped sharply, and lending activity is easing, signalling caution.Overall, the market is shifting, with policy and confidence set to shape what happens next.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/25/ep-363-april-2026-market-update/

May 13, 20261 hr 0 min

#362: The Federal Budget Property Shake-Up – The Fall Out and Proposed Changes for Buyers, Investors, Renters, Negative Gearing and CGT

The 2026 Federal Budget has delivered one of the most significant property policy shake-ups Australia has seen in decades. The headline changes include winding back negative gearing for established homes, replacing the 50% capital gains tax discount with an inflation-indexed model, and extending incentives for new housing supply.The government’s aim is clear: slow investor demand for existing stock and improve affordability for first home buyers.However, with all significant changes, there are often unintended consequences. The Trio recorded this special release the morning after budget night to clarify, explain and anticipate what it all means for the property industry in Australia.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ Shownotes are here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/14/budget-night-2026/

May 11, 202653 min

#361: Are Government Property Incentives Helping Buyers or Heating the Market?

In this episode of The Property Trio, Dave, Mike and Cate unpack one of the biggest questions facing Australian property buyers right now: do first home buyer incentives genuinely improve affordability, or do they simply create more competition?The episode examines the mechanics behind these incentives and why reducing deposit hurdles can accelerate demand faster than supply can respond. For buyers, investors and anyone trying to understand Australia’s evolving housing market, this episode delivers a grounded and insightful discussion about policy, competition and the long term supply issues sitting underneath today’s affordability debate.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/11/government-property-incentives/

May 4, 202642 min

#360: The Landlord Trap - When Chasing More Rent Backfires & How to Balance Cash Flow, Vacancy and Tenant Quality

🎧 In this episode of The Property Trio, we tackle a great landlord question from Lukasz.Is it better to chase maximum rent or secure a high quality tenant? Cate, Dave and Mike explain why pushing rent too high can lead to longer vacancies and poorer applicant pools. The Trio highlight hidden costs such as vacancy, leasing fees and tenant issues, and why a stable, respectful tenant often delivers a better long term result. They also explore strategic pricing, rent review timing, lease staggering and the value of a great property manager. The message is simple; sustainable returns beat short term rent chasing every time.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/04/the-landlord-trap/

April 27, 202651 min

#359: The Refinance Playbook - The Numbers, Strategy & Timing Explained

🎧 This week, The Property Trio unpacks whether refinancing is really worth it. This listener question was sent through by a loyal listener, Greg.Cate, Dave and Mike explain how to weigh savings against switching costs, including break fees, discharge fees, package costs and possible LMI. They also discuss why refinancing should be about strategy, not just rate chasing, and how offsets affect the numbers.Most importantly, they explore the risk of becoming a “mortgage prisoner” if future rate rises reduce borrowing capacity and limit your options.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/27/the-refinance-playbook/

April 20, 202650 min

#358: Market Update March 2026 – National Growth Near 10% and Opportunity Knocks Amid Weakening Sentiment & Buyer Hesitation

This month’s update highlights a resilient property market amid weakening sentiment.Strong growth in Perth, Brisbane and Darwin contrasts with softer results in Sydney and Melbourne.Tight rental conditions persist, while cautious buyers and falling confidence are reshaping demand.The Trio note that this shift may create a rare window of opportunity for strategic buyers to act with less competition.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/20/ep-358-march-2026-market-update/

April 13, 202654 min

#357: Investor Tax Trap - The Costly Depreciation Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making

🎧 In this episode, the Property Trio unpack the often misunderstood world of tax depreciation. Cate, Dave and Mike explain the difference between Division 43 and Division 40, and why structuring depreciation correctly can significantly impact early cash flow.They also explore the 2017 rule changes, the role of quantity surveyors, and overlooked opportunities like common property in apartments. From costly mistakes to unusual tax cases, the key message is clear: it’s not about being clever with tax... it’s about a having clear strategy and being informed.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/ Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/ Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/ 📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/ You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/13/investor-tax-trap/