Wealth Coffee Chats

The City Showdown: How Brisbane, Perth & Adelaide Are Catching Up to Sydney and Melbourne

In this data-rich Wealth Coffee Chats session, we unpack the latest capital city performance trends - revealing how Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are gaining serious ground on traditional powerhouses Sydney and Melbourne. Using long-term data from the ABS, Tim explains how property price “catch-up cycles” work - where cities lag behind the leaders, then surge as affordability, infrastructure, and migration rebalance the market. He dives into house vs. unit correlations, showing how national macro factors drive house prices while units respond to local microeconomic forces. You’ll also learn why Brisbane is evolving into a global city, what that means for volatility and yields, and how investors can use non-correlating assets like units to diversify risk. Tim wraps up with key statistical insights - from downside volatility to price distribution - helping investors understand how city behavior changes as markets mature.   Episode Highlights: 1. Overview of capital city price performance — Adelaide and Perth rising fast. 2. How Sydney and Melbourne’s price “catch-up” cycles influence national trends. 3. Why Melbourne is currently undervalued compared to Sydney. 4. Comparing long-term city relationships — Darwin, Hobart, Canberra, and more. 5. Houses vs. units: macro vs. microeconomic influences on price movement. 6. Correlation analysis — how closely Australia’s cities move together. 7. Brisbane’s transformation into a global city and what it means for investors. 8. Understanding downside risk and volatility across major and smaller markets. 9. How unit investments offer diversification through non-correlating growth. 10. Final takeaways: read the data, know your market, and invest with precision.

Macquarie Bank Pulls Out of Trust & Company Loans - What It Means for Investors

In this Friday edition of Wealth Coffee Chats, we dives into two major updates shaking up the lending world. First, the ongoing speculation around interest rates — with inflation stuck above target and unemployment ticking up, the RBA faces a tough call ahead of its Melbourne Cup Day meeting. But the bigger story this week is Macquarie Bank’s surprise move to stop accepting loans under trusts or companies. Once known for handling complex lending structures efficiently, Macquarie has now paused these applications, citing rising volumes, new anti–money laundering regulations, and social media–driven lending strategies. Cherie explains what this means for investors who rely on trusts or companies for asset protection, tax benefits, or borrowing flexibility, and why this could signal a shift across the broader lending industry. Despite the changes, she reassures investors that solutions always exist — and that smart structuring with expert advice remains key to building a strong, protected property portfolio.   Episode Highlights: 1. “Mortgage brokers are like bartenders” — a fun analogy to start the chat. 2. Quick market update: inflation, employment, and RBA’s looming rate decision. 3. The big news — Macquarie Bank exits trust and company lending. 4. Why Macquarie made the move: rising loan volumes and tighter AML rules. 5. The pros and cons of borrowing under a trust or company structure. 6. How asset protection and servicing flexibility benefit certain investors. 7. What this could mean for the broader banking sector and lending policies. 8. Why investors shouldn’t panic — alternative lenders and strategies still exist. 9. Final thoughts: staying adaptable and proactive through every market shift.

Inflation’s Back! How It Impacts Your Cash, Property, and Investments

In this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, Alex breaks down the latest inflation numbers — what a 3.2% headline rate and 3% trimmed mean really mean for your wallet. He dives into how inflation affects different asset classes — from cash and bonds to equities, property, and gold — and shares his predictions ahead of the next RBA meeting. Grab your coffee and join Alex as he helps you understand what these changes could mean for your financial strategy and investments.

Victoria’s New Rental Reforms Explained: What Investors Must Know Before November

In this week’s Wealth Coffee Chats, property management expert Kat Schostit breaks down Victoria’s incoming rental reform laws taking effect this November — and what every property investor needs to know to stay compliant (and avoid costly fines). From the ban on rental bidding and rental price ranges to the extended 90-day notice period and the end of no-fault evictions, Kat explains how these changes impact landlords and property managers alike. He also covers updates to minimum standards, compliance checks, and the importance of keeping your property strategy aligned with the latest legislation. With more than $600,000 in fines already issued to non-compliant landlords and agencies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to keep their portfolio protected, profitable, and future-proof.   Episode Highlights: 1. Overview of the new Consumer Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. 2. Ban on rental bidding — why price ranges are now illegal in property ads. 3. Extended notice-to-vacate period from 60 to 90 days. 4. The end of no-fault evictions and what that means for investors. 5. Why minimum standards and compliance checks matter more than ever. 6. Real fines and penalties — over $600,000 issued to non-compliant landlords. 7. Tips to keep your investment safe and strategy aligned with new laws. 8. Update on CPD requirements for property managers coming to Victoria by 2026–2027. 9. Final advice: stay informed, stay compliant, and keep your long-term property goals on track.

Selling Your Home? This Capital Gains Tax Trap Could Cost You $290K

In today’s Wealth Coffee Chat, tax expert Anthony Wolfenden unpacks the hidden tax traps around selling your principal place of residence—especially for Aussie expats and non-residents. Learn how the 6-year CGT exemption works, why being overseas could cost you hundreds of thousands in tax, and what timing strategies can protect your profits. If you’ve ever moved out of your home, rented it, or lived offshore—this is a must-watch episode.