The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate Veronica Morgan & Chris Bates

Wondering how the 2024 property forecasts are stacking up so far? Tune in to our mid-year review as we dive into the real estate predictions that nailed it and the ones that missed the mark. In this episode, we dissect the key trends, market shifts, and unexpected twists that have shaped the housing landscape in the first half of the year.

Today, we have Louis Christopher with us again to share his insights from the much-anticipated “Boom or Bust” report. Louis has a knack for making accurate predictions, but he’s also refreshingly honest about where he’s gone astray. We explore his methodology and the factors he weighs when making his forecasts. This episode is a must for anyone keen on understanding property market predictions and figuring out which ones to trust.

We also peek into what the rest of the year might hold, including potential surprises and how elements like inflation and geopolitical tensions could sway the market. Tune in to get a better grasp of the 2024 property market trends 'cause whether you're buying, selling, or investing, this episode offers vital insights into the current property market dynamics and what to keep an eye on in the months ahead.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:01 - Who is Louis Christopher?

01:43 - Discussion on the national market performance and overall trends observed in 2024

03:07 - Analysis of the market slowdown and how it compares to previous years

07:32 - Why the lack of major surprises in the property market despite economic uncertainties

12:15 - Discussion on Perth’s growth trajectory and contributing factors

16:53 - Projected rise of unemployment in Perth and its potential effects on property prices

19:00 - Brisbane’s growth and how it compares to other major cities

22:16 - How the number of property listings in Brisbane has changed over recent years

28:43 - Trend of declining property listings and transaction volumes in various locations

30:35 - The influence of stamp duty on property prices and market activity

35:08 - Louis’ analysis on the Australian Capital Territory

37:00 - The potential impact of upcoming elections on housing market forecasts

41:13 - The importance of creating scenarios to anticipate future developments in real estate

42:27 - How does media coverage influence public perception of real estate forecasts?

47:27 - Louis Christopher’s property dumbo

About Our Guest:

Louis Christopher established SQM Research in 2006. He was Head of Research and General Manager of the property statistics agency, Australian Property Monitors (APM) for six years. During his time at APM, Louis constructed key residential property market indexes published by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Prior to APM Louis spent three years at the Securities Institute of Australia as a Technical Editor. Louis previously spent 18 months at MLC working in the investment services. He is widely respected for the quality and accuracy of his market outlooks, ratings philosophy and forecasts for the Australian residential property market.

Connect with Louis Christopher:


Connect with Louis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louischristopher/
Visit SQM’s website: https://sqmresearch.com.au/
Connect with Louis on X: https://x.com/LouiChristopher

Resources mentioned in this episode:


Download Louis Christopher's 2024 Housing Boom and Bust Report here: https://sqmresearch.com.au/boombustreport.php

Resources:


Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au
Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us fo

How can you distinguish the trustworthy buyer’s agents from the rest in a market flooded with options? With so many buyer’s agents vying for your attention, it's easy to fall prey to misleading promises and hidden agendas.

In this episode, we delve deep into the world of buyer’s agents, uncovering the essential red flags every prospective property buyer should be aware of before making that crucial hire. With the real estate market booming and buyer’s agents popping up left and right, it’s more important than ever to discern who can truly save you money and secure the best property assets.

If you're looking to buy a property but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of buyer’s agents out there, this episode's for you. Tune in to uncover the red flags every property buyer must know before selecting and hiring a buyer's agent.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

03:49 - Why should clients be more careful in selecting a buyer’s agent today?

06:56 - How regulatory disparities impact the credibility of financial advisors and buyer's agents

13:43 - What challenges arise in managing relationships between clients and buyer's agents?

19:14 - Why you need to be cautious in engaging buyer's agents for property investment

23:40 - Understanding the true value proposition of buyer's agents in property transactions

29:24 - What should clients know before engaging buyer's agents for off-market transactions?

35:31 - Why inexperienced buyer’s agents should be treated like first home buyers

37:48 - What are the crucial factors to consider when choosing a buyer's agent?

40:19 - The importance of local market knowledge in property valuation

42:50 - What's the true cost of being a buyer's agent?

46:00 - The pitfalls of rose-colored glasses when it comes to property investment

49:25 - Qualities to look for in a buyer's agent for an advantageous home purchase

53:18 - Final words of advice for those in search of an effective buyer’s agent

Resources:


Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au
Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!


Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you curious about what Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is and how it actually works? Do you wonder if it's necessary and worth considering when purchasing a property, or do you think it's just an additional cost you can avoid?

In this episode, we sit down with Strachan Taylor from Helia, Australia’s leading provider of LMI, to delve into the details.

We aim to clarify how often claims are made and why, despite its additional cost, LMI can be a beneficial safeguard rather than something to avoid. By breaking down these aspects, we help you make better decisions about LMI in your home buying journey.

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of LMI and discover why it might just be the safety net you need.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:01 - Who is Strachan Taylor?

01:33 - The history and evolution of Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) in Australia

05:56 - Who else are the competitors of Helia in the LMI space?

06:27 - How has the federal government's 2019 first homebuyer guarantee impacted Helia?

08:43 - Could future regulatory changes potentially blindside your business operations?

10:06 - Do lenders evaluate the potential for property appreciation or depreciation?

12:14 - Is there industry-wide pressure for insurance companies to offer cheaper prices?

14:39 - Is the bank of relatives another competitor in the LMI space?

18:24 - The role and perception of LMI in the home buying process

21:29 - Strachan’s thoughts on new policies where banks are more willing to self-insure

24:19 - How are the LMI premiums calculated?

27:18 - What’s the riskiest type of property for first home buyers?

30:42 - Thoughts on Fintech, Proptech, and etc…

36:54 - Strategies and initiatives by Helia to address the housing affordability crisis

40:15 - How has Helia's share price evolved from its lows to its current levels?

43:30 - How does Helia view customer behaviour regarding home insurance and refinancing?

45:27 - Do borrowers continue paying LMI after refinancing their mortgages?

46:51 - Considering various options including reusing LMI benefits before refinancing

51:15 - Stop looking at LMI as just and additional cost

56:33 - Strachan Taylor’s property dumbo

About Our Guest:

Strachan Taylor serves as Helia's Strategic Partnership Leader, where he spearheads a dynamic partnership team dedicated to collaborating closely with lender customers in pursuit of helping more Australians achieve financial security through home ownership, expedited by LMI solutions. With a comprehensive skill set encompassing team leadership, communication, and business development, Strachan brings tertiary-level qualifications and extensive expertise in sales, marketing, distribution, and risk management to the helm, constantly striving to enhance risk and capital management solutions and provide valuable market insights for Helia's customers to bolster their risk-writing capabilities.

Connect with Strachan Taylor:


Visit their company website: https://helia.com.au/
Follow Strachan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/strachantaylor/

Resources:


Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast  questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au
Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!


Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnm

Are you curious about the hidden forces driving Brisbane’s property boom? What impact is the upcoming Olympics having on the property market, and is the construction for the games draining resources from other sectors? Beyond these questions, what else could be behind this sustained period of rapidly rising property prices, and is there any sign of a slowdown on the horizon?

Today, we delve into the dynamics at play with Meighan Wells from Property Pursuit. With over 20 years of experience, Meighan offers unparalleled insights into what’s happening on the ground in the Queensland capital. We explore the impact of the upcoming Olympics on Brisbane’s real estate and ask whether the hype around the games is really pushing property prices up? Meighan sheds light on how these dynamics are shaping the current market and what prospective buyers should be aware of.

Beyond the Olympic effect, we examine other factors contributing to Brisbane’s rapid property price growth. Are there deeper, less obvious influences at play?

Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of Brisbane’s property landscape and get expert advice from one of the city’s most seasoned professionals. Let's get started!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:07 - Who is Meighan Wells?

01:48 - What are the latest trends in Brisbane’s real estate market?

05:18 - How has Brisbane’s real estate market changed since 2020

09:32 - What are the reasons behind the shift towards unit living in Brisbane?

13:54 - How is the tightening of borrowing capacity affecting buyer behaviour in Brisbane?

17:33 - Are buyers' desirability of suburbs shifting due to return-to-work changes?

25:45 - What is the current situation regarding rental availability and demand in Brisbane?

30:50 - How does the trend of multi-generational living affect property ownership patterns?

34:38 - What strategies are first-time home buyers employing to enter the market?

36:33 - What differences exist in buyer behaviour in Brisbane?

41:14 - Data on the nature of property transactions in Brisbane,

42:35 - Is the Olympics truly affecting Brisbane’s property market?

47:58 - How does Brisbane's cultural scene stack up against other cities for expatriates?

50:21 - Meighan Wells’ property dumbo

About Our Guest:

Meighan Wells is the Principal of Property Pursuit, co-founder of the Home Buyer Academy, and co-presenter of Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast. She developed the REIQ course Acting as a Buyer’s Agent and was the Chairman of the REIQ Buyers’ Agent Chapter. In 2010, she was named REIQ Buyers Agent of the Year for the third consecutive year. A recognized expert on the Queensland property market, Meighan is frequently featured in major media outlets like The Financial Review and Realestate.com.au.

Connect with Meighan Wells:


LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/
Property Pursuit Website https://propertypursuit.com.au/
Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MeighanPropertyPursuit/

Resources:


Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au
Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!


Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765
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Could increasing housing supply alone effectively address our current affordability challenges, or is the housing crisis more accurately characterised as just a recurring issue with a new label?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cameron Murray, Chief Economist at Fresh Economic Thinking who specialises in property and urban development. We dive into the question of whether the term "crisis" accurately captures the challenges of the housing market, or if it's a situation we've already faced before under different names.

Dr. Murray's new book, "The Great Housing Hijack," takes a critical look at the misconceptions driving up prices for both renters and buyers. We discuss whether simply building more houses is the key to solving the problem, or if there are deeper issues at play that need to be addressed.

We've included a lot of relevant topics in this conversation including zoning changes and alternative solutions to the housing crisis, so tune in to get a clearer picture of the complex issues surrounding these property market issues.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:14 - Who is Dr. Cameron Murray?

02:03 - What motivated Cameron to write the book “The Great Housing Hijack”?

06:06 - How do market equilibria affect the perception of a housing crisis?

14:32 - Why zoning changes won’t immediately create a development boom

17:14 - Who can assist with funding for housing development?

23:24 - Why Cameron disagrees with those who cite Auckland as proof that rezoning works

28:23 - Analysing the interplay between human behaviour and housing market trends

34:36 - Cameron shares his thoughts around NIMBY-ism

38:52 - Assessing factors that could stall long-term housing trends

46:24 - Why is the assumption that supply alone can solve the housing crisis flawed?

51:13 - Should public housing be considered as a potential solution for affordability issues?

55:57 - The importance of government action in ensuring access to affordable housing for all

59:29 - Potential strategies for government intervention to address housing affordability issues

1:01:13 - Cameron Murray’s property dumbo

About Our Guest:

Dr. Cameron Murray - Chief Economist at Fresh Economic Thinking who is a leading voice in Australia's housing conversations. He recently authored the book "The Great Housing Hijack." With experience as both a renter, homeowner, and landlord, as well as in property development, Dr. Murray brings a practical understanding to his analysis of housing issues.

Connect with Cameron Murray:


Website https://www.fresheconomicthinking.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-murray-39b63017/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fresheconomicthinking/

Resources mentioned in this episode:


The Great Housing Hijack: The Hoaxes and Myths Keeping Prices High for Renters and Buyers in Australia https://www.amazon.com.au/Great-Housing-Hijack-keeping-Australia/dp/176147085X

Resources:


Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au
Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!


Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this month's Suburb Trends report for May 2024, we're diving deep into the world of property investment, exploring a critical issue that every investor should be aware of: false positives in property data.

With the property market experiencing upward pressure on prices due to low supply, investors risk being misled by appearances, just like the allure of a dimly lit nightclub before the lights come on. Without the ability to distinguish between promising investments and pitfalls, investors may find themselves making pretty costly decisions based on misleading data.

To shed light on this topic, Kent Lardner joins us to discuss strategies that will help in discerning between genuine opportunities and false positives. Together, we'll explore strategies for evaluating property data, spotting red flags, and making better investment decisions even in the midst of inflated markets.

This is the beer goggles and property episode! Tune in to learn how to spot false positives in property data.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

00:56 - How the "lights-on" moment aims to reveal hidden truths in property investments

03:49 - How can one mitigate the impact of external factors on property market analysis?

05:33 - What core factors should owner-occupiers prioritise when assessing property options?

09:35 - Is the current trend of investors targeting affordable properties sustainable?

14:18 - How can market players anticipate and respond to potential downturn scenarios?

19:01 - What are the real factors behind the increase in housing costs

21:03 - How are affordability ratios and wealth interconnected in suburban markets?

25:01 - The importance of macro and micro-level data when considering property investments

29:24 - Key factors influencing investment decisions in the real estate market

31:57 - Is there a risk of social unrest due to housing inequality?

37:26 - What are the current rental housing challenges in Melbourne and Sydney?

47:34 - What are the implications of the Docklands case study for urban development?

About Kent Lardner:

Kent Lardner is an expert data science and business leader with 30+ years of experience at leading companies like JLL, CoreLogic, and General Electric. He has led teams of 5 to 200 people across Australia and China, driven by his passion for high-growth digital businesses. Kent is also the founder of Suburbtrends, a leading property research firm trusted by major names in Australian property and featured in mainstream media.

Connect with Kent Lardner:


Kent Lardner’s LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/kentlardner
Kent Lardner’s Website: https://suburbtrends.com/

Resources:


Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au
Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!


Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.