Defence Property Podcast

From Army Mechanic to a $3M+ Property Portfolio: Benjamin’s Defence Investing Journey

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Benjamin Welsh, a former Australian Army vehicle mechanic who turned an Afghanistan deployment into the foundation of a multi-million-dollar property portfolio. Ben shares how he purchased his first home while serving, using deployment savings and Defence housing entitlements to get into the market sooner. What started as a simple owner-occupier purchase eventually evolved into a strategic property portfolio spanning multiple states and valued at more than $3 million. We also discuss the realities of investing while serving, managing interstate properties, dealing with nightmare tenants, and why market selection can make a bigger difference than most investors realise. If you're a current or former Defence member looking to build wealth through property, Ben’s story is packed with practical lessons, hard-earned experience, and valuable insights. Topics covered: • Growing up in a Defence family and joining the Army • Serving as a vehicle mechanic and deploying to Afghanistan • Using deployment savings to buy a first property • How HPAS and DHOAS helped accelerate his property journey • Buying a principal place of residence while serving • Turning an owner-occupied home into an investment property • Lessons learned from a nightmare tenant experience • Transitioning from Defence into civilian employment • Selling, upgrading, and building a larger family home • Why Ben chose to work with a buyer’s agent • Building a portfolio across multiple states • Townsville and regional market success stories • The importance of market selection and timing • Why opportunity cost is one of the biggest risks investors face • Ben’s thoughts on property investing in today’s market Today, Ben’s portfolio sits at more than $3 million in value: a result of consistent action, long-term thinking, and making the most of the opportunities available to Defence members. Want help building your own property strategy? Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/ [https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury [https://www.facebook.com/kanedury] Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

DVA Claims Explained: What Every Defence Member Should Know Before They Discharge

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Zach Plath, co-founder of VetComp and former Australian Army infantry soldier, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the Defence community — DVA claims and veteran compensation. Zach shares his journey from serving in the Army to building one of Australia’s fastest-growing veteran advocacy businesses, helping thousands of current and former Defence members navigate the DVA claims process. We discuss the common myths that stop people from claiming, why waiting can cost veterans both time and money and how compensation, medical support, and long-term benefits can play a significant role in a veteran’s financial future. For serving members, this episode provides valuable insight into the importance of documenting injuries early, understanding your entitlements, and avoiding the misinformation that can circulate within Defence. Topics covered: • Zach’s journey from infantry soldier to VetComp co-founder • What VetComp does and how it supports veterans • Why many Defence members delay DVA claims (and why they shouldn’t) • Common myths around compensation and medical discharge • The importance of reporting injuries while serving • How the DVA claims process actually works • Current serving members vs veterans: who can claim? • Age-adjusted compensation and why timing matters • Understanding White Cards and Gold Cards • Mental health support available through DVA • Long-term medical and financial benefits veterans may be entitled to • How veterans are using compensation payments to improve their future • Practical advice for Defence members preparing to separate Whether you're currently serving, transitioning out of Defence or have been out for years, this episode provides important information that could help you better understand your entitlements and make more informed decisions about your future. Want help building your own property strategy? Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/ [https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury [https://www.facebook.com/kanedury]  Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

Military Discipline Meets Property Investing: The Strategy Most Investors Ignore

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we explore a topic we’ve never covered before: how military discipline, planning and decision-making frameworks can be applied to building a successful property portfolio. Host Kane Dury sits down to discuss the lessons learned from nearly 13 years in the Australian Army, building a multi-property portfolio and helping Defence members navigate the often-complex world of property investing. With market sentiment shifting, interest rates remaining a hot topic and headlines dominated by uncertainty, this episode focuses on the fundamentals that matter most: strategy, patience, process and execution. We also discuss some of the biggest mistakes investors make, why time on the sidelines can be incredibly costly and how Defence members can use their unique experience and mindset to create long-term financial success. Topics covered: • Applying military planning and discipline to property investing • Why strategy should come before market selection • Building and scaling a property portfolio over time • Supply, demand and the real drivers of Australian property prices • Why market sentiment often creates opportunity • The dangers of constantly changing your investment strategy • Time in the market vs timing the market • Lessons learned from buying, holding and selling property over 20 years • Common investor mistakes that can cost hundreds of thousands of $ • The true cost of waiting on the sidelines • Using Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) as a strategic tool • How Defence members can leverage their unique advantages • Why patience is one of the most valuable investing skills Whether you're buying your first investment property or working towards a larger portfolio, this episode will help you think more strategically about your property journey and avoid many of the mistakes investors often make along the way. Want help building your own property strategy? Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/ [https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury [https://www.facebook.com/kanedury] Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

22, Infantry Soldier, $100K Equity Gain in 10 Months: Kacy’s Property Story

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Kacy, a 22-year-old serving infantry soldier in the Australian Army, to unpack how he purchased his first investment property and built over $100,000 in equity in less than a year. Kacy shares how growing up around business and property sparked his interest in investing, why he chose the rentvesting strategy instead of buying a home in Brisbane and how getting clear guidance helped him move from “thinking about it” to actually taking action. We also discuss buying with a 10% deposit, using Lenders' Mortgage Insurance (LMI) as a tool to enter the market sooner and balancing property investing with the realities of Defence life, including field exercises, courses and deployments. If you’re currently serving and waiting for the “perfect time” to buy, Kacy’s story is a powerful reminder of how costly delays can be when opportunity is right in front of you. Topics covered: • Kacy’s journey from school leaver to serving infantry soldier • Growing up around business and property investing • Why he chose rentvesting over buying in Brisbane • The importance of having a clear property strategy • Buying his first investment property with a 10% deposit • Using LMI to get into the market sooner • Managing the buying process while in the field • Purchase price, rental income and early performance • Building more than $100K in equity in under 12 months • Opportunity cost and why waiting can be expensive • Leveraging equity for future property purchases • Kacy’s advice for young Defence members wanting to invest Whether you're a new recruit, a junior soldier or someone who has been putting off buying a property for years, this episode offers practical lessons on taking action and building long-term wealth while serving. Want help building your own property strategy? Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/ [https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury [https://www.facebook.com/kanedury]  Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency

Australian Property Market 2026: Interest Rates, Housing Crisis & Where Growth Is Next

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, we sit down with Terry Ryder from Hotspotting to unpack what’s really happening across the Australian property market: from interest rates and inflation to supply shortages and the next growth regions investors should be watching. We discuss the impact of rising rates, government policy, migration, and global instability on Australian real estate, and why local supply and demand fundamentals still matter far more than media headlines. Terry also shares his thoughts on where investor activity is shifting around the country, why some previously “hot” markets may be cooling, and which regions are beginning to show early signs of recovery and opportunity. This episode is packed with insights for investors trying to cut through the noise and make smarter long-term decisions in a changing market. Topics covered: • Why global events rarely impact Australian property the way headlines suggest • Interest rates, inflation, and the Reserve Bank outlook • The real driver behind Australia’s housing crisis • Supply shortages vs growing population demand • Why first-home buyer incentives may be worsening affordability • Construction costs, red tape, and land banking explained • Proposed changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing • Why lower-priced markets are becoming more competitive • Perth, Brisbane & regional Queensland market updates • Melbourne, regional Victoria & Canberra recovery signs • Darwin market risks and “artificial demand” concerns • Newcastle & the Hunter region long-term outlook • Why research and quality advice matter more than ever Whether you’re buying your first property or building a portfolio, this episode will help you better understand the forces shaping Australia’s property market in 2026. Want help building your own property strategy? Website: https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/ [https://www.discoverbuyersagency.com.au/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanedury [https://www.facebook.com/kanedury] Instagram: @discoverbuyersagency