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

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
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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.

As Australia grapples with the ambitious challenge of constructing 1.2 million new dwellings in the next five years, we aim to answer the pressing question: Is this target attainable?

We talk about the implications of this challenge, including the need to address housing pressure and determine suitable locations for new developments. Moreover, we discuss the potential impacts of immigration policies on housing demand and supply dynamics.

Today's guest is Peter Tulip, Chief Economist at the Centre for Independent Studies whose expertise in housing and monetary policies, coupled with his advocacy for high-density living, underscores his credibility as a leading voice in the field, earning him the distinction of Australia’s oldest YIMBY.

Join us in this episode as we dissect these complex issues and brainstorm innovative solutions. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of the conversation shaping Australia’s housing future and urban development.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

00:58 - Who is Peter Tulip?

01:31 - What is the goal of the National Cabinet's housing initiative?

07:18 - What are the challenges associated with this housing initiative?

12:41 - Peter's insights on the heritage aspect of rezoning

16:09 - Primary challenges faced by developers in densely populated urban areas

20:24 - How rezoning and redevelopment could potentially affect property values

27:17 - Peter’s thoughts on RBA's current stance on inflation

35:58 - Considerations to take into account in determining sustainable immigration levels

40:53 - Is reducing student immigration an effective strategy to alleviate housing pressure?

42:50 - Are there tax policies that can be leveraged to incentivise increased housing supply?

46:35 - What are the potential impacts of increased housing supply on property values?

50:07 - Is there a need for an upzoning tax to fund public services and infrastructure upgrades?

55:33 - Peter Tulip’s property dumbo

About Our Guest:

Peter Tulip has been Chief Economist at the Centre for Independent Studies since 2020. From 2011 to 2020 he was Senior Research Manager at the Reserve Bank of Australia. Before that he worked at the US Federal Reserve Board, the OECD and the Commonwealth Treasury. His research has been published in numerous international academic journals. His recent work focuses on Australian housing policy.  He has a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania.

Connect with Peter Tulip:


Visit their website: www.cis.org.au/experts/research-scholars/peter-tulip
Follow Peter on Twitter: https://twitter.com/peter_tulip
Send an email to ptulip@cis.org.au

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.

With property values stagnant amidst a backdrop of soaring prices in other cities, we explore the factors contributing to Melbourne's unique market behaviour. Could the city's prolonged lockdowns have played a significant role in shaping its property landscape? What does the future hold for buyers and sellers? Meanwhile, rising rents beg the question: how does this affect the apartment market?

Today, Jarrod McCabe from Wakelin Property Advisory joins us to unpack these pressing questions. With more than two decades in the property industry – across valuations and investment advisory – Jarrod's expert analysis and insights aim to offer clarity on Melbourne's current property landscape. What could be the culprit behind Melbourne’s unusual property market behaviour?

Tune in to learn all about Melbourne's property market and discover what's coming up next. This episode gives you helpful info you wouldn't want to miss. So hit that play button and let's dive in!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:04 - Who is Jarrod McCabe?

01:22 - Trends observed in Melbourne's property market since the onset of COVID-19

02:44 - The recent trends in Melbourne's property market according to CoreLogic data

04:27 - How has the return to work influenced residential preferences in Melbourne?

06:14 - The shift in investor behaviour amidst rising rents and the rental crisis

10:57 - How does Melbourne's urban lifestyle impact property demand and rental dynamics?

14:25 - The impact of recent changes in land tax legislation on property investment behaviour

21:38 - Key factors contributing to Melbourne's resilience as a property investment destination

23:37 - What is happening with the population of Melbourne?

28:30 - Factors contributing to the disparity in property values between Melbourne and Sydney

30:44 - Can investors still find property investments in Melbourne with a budget of $1M?

35:22 - How Melbourne's property market responds to changing dynamics in house prices

39:08 - Planning controls evolving in suburban areas surrounding Melbourne's city center

42:45 - Jarrod McCabe’s property dumbo

45:33 - What's the impact of super Saturdays on Melbourne's clearance rate?

About Our Guest:

Jarrod McCabe, a property industry veteran with over two decades of experience, excels in valuations and investment advisory. His expertise in Melbourne's inner suburban market, combined with sharp negotiation skills, ensures successful outcomes for clients. As property team manager, Jarrod prioritizes understanding client needs while mentoring colleagues. Since completing his Bachelor of Business (Property) in 2000, he has risen to the role of Director at Wakelin Property Advisory, also serving as an active property educator through webinars, seminars, and media contributions.

Connect with Jarrod McCabe:


LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/jarrod-mccabe-81333034/
Website https://wakelin.com.au/
Podcast https://wakelin.com.au/education/podcasts/

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.