James Owen: Growth vs Infrastructure: What Investors Don’t See in High-Demand Regions

James Owen: Growth vs Infrastructure: What Investors Don’t See in High-Demand Regions

Julian is joined in the podcast studio by James Owen, a councillor on the Tweed Shire Council in Queensland since 2016 and a residential real estate agent in the region. Originally hailing from the United Kingdom, @councillorjamesowen initially arrived on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, eventually moving up north to the Tweed region of Kingscliff, where he now resides.  In addition to serving on the council and working in real estate, James strongly advocates protecting the natural beauty of the Tweed landscape and volunteers as a surf lifesaver in his spare time. With his unique and unparalleled experience, James’s goal has been to deliver more jobs and infrastructure to the region while balancing this with the need to maintain the natural environment that forms the foundation of the community's identity. James speaks to the current housing supply strain in the region and how they are addressing it, sparking great conversation. 🏠 INVEST SMARTER, GROW FASTER — Australia's Property Investment Podcast Hosted by Julian Khursigara | CEO, Search Party Property | Award-Nominated Buyers Agent Are you a busy Australian professional trying to build real wealth through property — without the guesswork? Invest Smarter, Grow Faster is the go-to podcast for Australian property investors who want a smarter, data-driven path to financial freedom. Every episode cuts through the noise with real strategies, expert conversations, and honest insights you can actually act on. Hosted by Julian Khursigara — CEO of Search Party Property and Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards — this show brings over two decades of customer experience leadership and strategic investment expertise to help you make better property decisions, faster. 🎧 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ How to build a sustainable investment property portfolio from scratch ✅ When to buy, where to buy, and what to avoid in today's Australian market ✅ The difference between emotional property decisions and data-backed strategy ✅ How SMSF investors are using property to grow retirement wealth ✅ Insights into high-growth suburbs across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth & Adelaide ✅ How to work with a buyer's agent — and whether it's right for you ✅ Real stories from investors at every stage of the journey 👤 WHO THIS IS FOR: This show is for time-poor professionals, first-time investors, experienced property buyers, and SMSF trustees who want to stop procrastinating and start building. If you've ever Googled "how to invest in property in Australia" or "best suburbs to invest in 2026", this podcast was made for you. 🏆 ABOUT JULIAN KHURSIGARA: Julian is the founder and CEO of Search Party Property, a nationally operating, data-led buyers agency helping Australians invest with clarity and confidence since 2018. Named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year and Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 and 2026 REB Awards, Julian brings a rare blend of data analytics, client empathy, and on-the-ground market expertise to every conversation. His philosophy: life's no dress rehearsal. Smart property decisions made today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. 📌 SEARCH PARTY PROPERTY — BUYERS AGENCY: National coverage | Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Adelaide · Perth 🏅 2025 REB Awards Finalist — Buyers Agency of the Year AND Buyers Agent of the Year  🔗 CONNECT WITH JULIAN: 🌐 Website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boughtbyjulian/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boughtbyjulian ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@investsmartergrowfaster 📅 Book a free property strategy session: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/free-investment-roadmap-session/ ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: Invest Smarter, Grow Faster provides general information and commentary on property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Always seek independent professional advice before making any financial decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. About Julian: Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards. As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.     Connect with Julian: Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ [https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/]   Follow Julian on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/]   Follow Julian on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ [https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ [https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent [https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent]   Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent [https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent]   If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min [https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min]   Disclaimer Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Jordan de Jong (Gameplans): How AI is shaping the future of property investing

Most property investors are following someone else's playbook, and it's quietly costing them years of compounding growth. Julian is joined by longtime friend of the podcast and collaborator Jordan de Jong, a serial entrepreneur building some of Australia's leading AI apps tailored to specific business audiences, most notably Gameplans, a tool built specifically for buyer's agents to construct better property plans for their clients. In the midst of building these companies, Jordan has accumulated an ever-growing property portfolio. After buying his first property at 21, he has fast become one of Australia's most trusted property advisors, helping people rethink how they build wealth through property. In this conversation, Julian and Jordan deep dive into how the investing landscape is changing in real time with AI, how to position yourself according to real estate cycles, and why your strategy needs to be built around your actual goals rather than someone else's ideas of what success looks like. Jordan shares invaluable insight into the mistakes and learnings from his own journey, and how those lessons have shaped the way he helps others construct portfolios aligned to what they are genuinely trying to achieve. Borrowing capacity, the trade-off between cash flow and equity growth, and where we sit in the economic cycle all play crucial roles in determining the right strategy for any individual. Jordan also unpacks how AI can make parts of the property investing process more efficient, while making the case that it should be treated as a helpful addition rather than a one-stop solution. IN THIS EPISODE · Jordan's path from buying his first property at 21 to building a portfolio · The mistakes and learnings that shaped his investing approach · Why most property strategies fail: building around someone else's goals · How to design a portfolio around your actual lifestyle and outcomes · Borrowing capacity as the real ceiling on your investing potential · Cash flow vs equity growth: the trade-off every investor must face · Reading the economic cycle and positioning accordingly · How AI is changing property investing in real time · The story behind Gameplans and why buyer's agents need better tools · Where AI genuinely adds value in the investing process · Why AI is a helpful addition, not a replacement for strategy · Common patterns Jordan sees in investors who get stuck · How to think about property as a long-term wealth vehicle · Aligning your strategy to your goals, not market noise ABOUT JORDAN DE JONG Jordan de Jong is a serial entrepreneur and one of Australia's most trusted property advisors. He is the founder of Gameplans, an AI tool built specifically for buyer's agents to construct stronger, more tailored property plans for their clients, alongside a portfolio of other AI apps targeting specific business audiences. Jordan bought his first property at 21 and has since built an extensive personal portfolio while helping countless others rethink how they approach wealth creation through property. CONNECT WITH JULIAN 🌐 Website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ [https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/] 💼 LinkedIn: /buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adel... 📸 Instagram: /juliankhursigara_buyersagent 📘 Facebook: /investmentpropertybuyersagent 🎵 TikTok: /julian_buyersagent 📅 Book a personalised property strategy session with Julian: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min [https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min] DISCLAIMER Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. About Julian: Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission, to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards. As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life's no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future, one property at a time. Connect with Julian: Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ [https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/] Follow Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/] Follow Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ [https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/] Follow Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ [https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/] Follow Julian on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent [https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent] Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent [https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent] If you'd like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey, including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom, book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min [https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min] Disclaimer Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. About Julian: Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards. As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.     Connect with Julian: Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ [https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/]   Follow Julian on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/]   Follow Julian on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ [https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ [https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent [https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent]   Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent [https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent]   If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min [https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min]   Disclaimer Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Sarah Megginson (Finder): The Property Myths Costing Investors Real Money

Property investing is full of “common knowledge” that quietly costs people money.  Sarah Megginson, Head of Editorial at Finder, one of Australia’s most recognised personal finance experts and author of How to Raise Rich Kids, joins us to break down the biggest property myths that are holding investors back.  With over 20 years in property and finance journalism, Sarah has seen firsthand how misinformation spreads : from media headlines to social media to everyday “barbecue conversations” : and how these beliefs lead to poor decisions, delayed action, and missed opportunities.   We unpack why “you can’t go wrong with property” is dangerously misleading, why waiting for interest rates to drop can cost you more than acting now, and how negative gearing has been misunderstood as a strategy rather than a tool.  We also dive into mindset : fear of debt, analysis paralysis, and why most investors focus on the wrong time horizon. Sarah explains why the biggest cost in property isn’t a bad deal : it’s a bad belief held for too long. If you’re buying, investing, or sitting on the sidelines, this episode will help you replace outdated assumptions with frameworks that actually build wealth.  IN THIS EPISODE · Where property myths actually come from (and why they stick) · How media, social and "barbecue talk" distort investing decisions · Why "you can't go wrong with property" is false · The real cost of waiting for interest rates to drop · Why timing the market is less important than fundamentals · Negative gearing: what investors get wrong · The myth of the family home as your best investment · Rentvesting and thinking differently about ownership · Fear of debt vs. understanding "good debt" · How misinformation leads to analysis paralysis · Why long-term thinking beats short-term noise · The one mindset shift that changes everything · How to think about investing 20 years ahead · What investors should actually believe instead CHAPTERS 00:00 The Most Expensive Mistake in Property Investing 00:35 Introducing Sarah Megginson 02:10 Sarah's Money Story & First Property at 21 05:00 From Journalism to Finance & Finder 08:30 The Myth Factory: Where Misinformation Comes From 12:15 Barbecue Talk, Social Media & Confirmation Bias 16:40 "You Can't Go Wrong With Property": Truth vs Reality 20:50 Losing Money & Learning as an Investor 24:10 Waiting for Rates to Drop: The Hidden Cost 28:30 Why Timing the Market Keeps You Stuck 32:00 Negative Gearing Misconceptions 36:10 Thinking in 20-Year Outcomes (Not Today's Noise) 40:20 The Family Home vs Investment Strategy 44:00 Rentvesting & Alternative Paths into the Market 47:30 Fear of Debt vs "Good Debt" 51:20 Worst-Case Thinking & Risk Management 55:10 Who Should You Trust? Navigating Advice 59:30 Cash Flow vs Capital Growth Trade-Offs 01:03:20 What Investors Should Actually Believe 01:07:00 The One Mindset Shift That Changes Everything 01:10:30 How to Raise Financially Smart Kids 01:13:30 Final Principle: Bad Beliefs vs Bad Deals 01:15:00 Disclaimer ABOUT SARAH MEGGINSON Sarah Megginson is Head of Editorial at Finder and one of Australia's leading personal finance experts. With over 20 years in property and finance journalism, she's a regular media commentator across TV, radio, and print, helping Australians make smarter money decisions. She is also the author of How to Raise Rich Kids, a practical guide to building financial literacy and long-term wealth for the next generation. CONNECT WITH JULIAN 🌐 Website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ 💼 LinkedIn: / buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adel... 📸 Instagram: / juliankhursigara_buyersagent 📘 Facebook: / investmentpropertybuyersagent 🎵 TikTok: / julian_buyersagent 📅 Book a personalised property strategy session with Julian: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min DISCLAIMER Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. About Julian: Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards. As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.     Connect with Julian: Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ [https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/]   Follow Julian on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/]   Follow Julian on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ [https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ [https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent [https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent]   Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent [https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent]   If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min [https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min]   Disclaimer Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Australia's Property Market in 2026: Rate Hikes, Housing Shortages & What Investors Need to Know | Diana Mousina, AMP

The RBA just raised the cash rate to 3.85% — the first hike since November 2023 — and national property prices hit a record $912,465 in January. So what does 2026 actually hold for Australian property investors? In this episode of Invest Smarter, Grow Faster, Julian sits down with Diana Mousina, Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, to cut through the noise and get into the real economic mechanics shaping the property market right now. Diana brings 15 years of financial markets experience and a rare gift for translating complex macro data into plain language — and in this conversation, she does exactly that. In this episode: * Why the RBA hiked rates and whether more increases are coming * What inflation at 3.8% really means for your borrowing power * The two-speed property market — which cities will outperform and why * Australia's structural housing shortage: 200,000–300,000 dwellings and counting * The global wildcards (US trade policy, China, gold) that could shift everything * What smart investors should actually be doing in 2026 — and the biggest mistake to avoid Whether you're considering your first investment property or looking to expand your portfolio, this episode gives you the macro foundation to make a well-informed decision. Diana Mousina is Deputy Chief Economist at AMP, a regular commentator on Bloomberg, CNBC and ABC News, and one of Australia's most trusted voices on interest rates, inflation, and housing markets.     Chapters: 00:00 The State of Australian Property Right Now 00:34 Meet Diana Mousina: 15 Years Decoding Financial Markets  04:46 The Macro Landscape: What's Really Happening in 2026  07:34 Inflation: Why It's Not Going Away Anytime Soon  09:59 Is Australia at Risk of Recession?  11:45 Interest Rates: How Many More Hikes Are Coming?  14:26 What Rate Rises Mean for Property Buyers and Borrowing Power  17:58 Property Price Forecasts: City by City Breakdown  20:34 The Housing Shortage: Supply, Construction and the 1.2M Homes Target  24:17 Immigration, Student Visas and Rental Demand  29:37 Global Wildcards: US Policy, Gold and Where to Invest  33:16 The China Factor and Australian Exports  35:38 Should You Buy, Hold or Wait in 2026?  39:57 SMSFs and Superannuation: What's Changing  43:05 The Biggest Mistake Investors Make in This Market 🎧 Subscribe to Invest Smarter, Grow Faster for weekly conversations with leading economists, investors, and financial experts. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial adviser before making investment decisions. About Julian: Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards. As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.     Connect with Julian: Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ [https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/]   Follow Julian on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/]   Follow Julian on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ [https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ [https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent [https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent]   Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent [https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent]   If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min [https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min]   Disclaimer Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Lending in 2026: Borrowing Power, DTI Caps & Smart Strategy

IN THIS EPISODE * Why borrowing feels harder even for strong, equity-rich investors * How APRA's DTI caps work and where the 6× income ceiling bites * Why investors feel the squeeze before owner-occupiers do * How multiple properties compound DTI risk faster than most people realise * Why loan structure now matters more than the asset itself * The decisions that quietly cap your future borrowing capacity * What separates successful investors in this lending environment * The one principle: preserving borrowing capacity over time, not maximising it once CHAPTERS 00:21 — Welcome & Introduction  00:52 — Chris Bates: The Origin Story  05:10 — Building Wealthful & the Elephant in the Room Podcast  07:23 — Why One-Stop Shops Are a Problem  13:41 — What Has Changed in Australian Lending?  15:06 — The Royal Commission & Tightening Lending Standards  16:03 — Trust Lending, DTI Warnings & the Banks' Response  17:39 — Investment Lending Is Still Strong — Here's Why  18:13 — The 5% Deposit Scheme & What It's Actually Doing to Prices  19:28 — Apartments: What's Worth Buying and What Isn't  21:58 — What Is DTI and Why Does It Matter Now?  24:16 — Trust Lending, SMSF Lending & What's Coming Next  25:38 — SMSF Lending: The Risks Most People Ignore  28:00 — Capital Growth vs Yield: What Actually Makes You Money  29:14 — Market Cycles & What the Industry Hasn't Been Through Yet  34:14 — DTI + Rate Cuts: The Combined Effect on Borrowing Capacity  35:34 — The Future of Lending: Longer Terms, Interest Only & Tighter Policy  36:40 — The Bank of Mum and Dad: Why It's Now Structural, Not Optional  39:18 — Rate Cuts: Who Benefits and Who Doesn't  41:21 — Ignoring the Banks' Rate Forecasts (And Why You Should Too)  44:23 — Great Advice Starts with Life Decisions, Not Property Decisions  47:45 — Asking Better Questions Before You Buy  50:07 — Playing the Long Game: Trust, Referrals & Client Outcomes  53:31 — Closing Reflections & Where to Find Chris  54:54 — Disclaimer ABOUT CHRIS BATES Chris Bates is the founder and CEO of Alcove, a specialist lending advisory helping Australians structure debt safely and intentionally to support long-term wealth creation. He is one of Australia's most respected mortgage and lending strategists, known for translating complex credit policy, APRA guidance, and real-world bank behaviour into clear, practical strategy. 🎙 Listen to Chris on the Elephant in the Room podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=121e9b6f3ca54865  🌐 Find out more at https://www.alcove.com.au/ CONNECT WITH JULIAN 🌐 Website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/  🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent  ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent 📅 Book a personalised property strategy session with Julian: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min DISCLAIMER Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. About Julian: Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards. As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.     Connect with Julian: Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ [https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/]   Follow Julian on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/]   Follow Julian on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ [https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ [https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/]   Follow Julian on Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent [https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent]   Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent [https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent]   If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min [https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min]   Disclaimer Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser. While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.