THE SDA HOUSING PODCAST

NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA

The SDA Housing Podcast is a leading voice in the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) sector, delivering in-depth discussions, expert insights, and the latest updates related to housing solutions for people with disabilities. Through interviews with industry leaders, advocates, and lived-experience voices, we explore policy developments, innovative best practices, and real-world stories shaping the future of disability housing.Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on emerging trends, sector challenges, and inspiring success stories, making this podcast an essential resource for investors, providers, advocates, and anyone passionate about inclusive housing. Debbie – General Manager, NDIS Property Australia:With over 20 years of expertise in tourism, finance, and property, Debbie has played a pivotal role in transforming NDIS Property Australia from a two-person team to a 22-member powerhouse. Her leadership drives the successful marketing, sales, and development of SDA properties nationwide, working closely with builders, designers, lenders, and support providers to ensure high-quality, compliant housing solutions.Minh – Founder, NDIS Property Australia:A visionary in the SDA space, Minh is dedicated to accelerating the delivery of purpose-built disability housing across Australia. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, investors, and NDIS participants, he champions choice, control, and dignity for people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to homes that truly meet their needs.Together, Debbie and Minh are committed to ethical, sustainable, and impactful solutions in the SDA sector, bridging gaps and driving meaningful change.Engaging with the SDA Community:Each week, we feature guest speakers from across the sector, sharing their expertise, experiences, and contributions to social impact in SDA. From innovative housing designs to policy advocacy, our conversations highlight how we can collectively improve living options for NDIS participants.As the SDA landscape evolves, we invite you—our listeners—to join us on the journey. Whether you're an investor, provider, advocate, builder, developer, parents of participants, or simply passionate about inclusive housing, this podcast equips you with the knowledge to make a difference in the lives of People with Disabilities (PWDs).Share Your Story:Have an SDA journey you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!📞 Call us: 1300 254 397📧 Email us: podcast@ndis.property🌐 Visit us: www.ndis.propertyJoin the conversation and help shape a more inclusive future in disability housing.

  1. FEB 24

    EPISODE 337 - The importance of aligning OTs/SILs/SDAs to the same vision

    Welcoming back once again Uwe Jacobs from Property Friends, Debbie and Uwe discuss the critical importance of collaboration and alignment among the three main parties involved in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): occupational therapists (OTs), Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers, and SDA providers.  Uwe emphasises the need for a shared vision and cooperative approach to create effective, long-term housing solutions tailored to participants’ specific needs. Uwe shares practical examples of innovative, cost-effective SDA-compliant housing designs that adapt to evolving participant needs, and highlights challenges in SDA design rules and funding complexities.  The discussion underscores the value of relationships, open communication, and flexibility to ensure the success and sustainability of SDA homes and supports, viewing these partnerships like a marriage that requires ongoing effort and understanding. Uwe can be contacted at https://propertyfriends.com.au/info@propertyfriends.com.au0400 417 043--------------------------------- SDA ADVISORY SERVICES https://www.sdaadvisory.com.au SDA RESEARCH REPORTS https://ndis.property/reports EBOOKS: www.robustdesign.com.au www.highphysicalsupport.com.au www.improvedliveability.com.au www.fullyaccessible. Send a text NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA: Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals. FOLLOW US: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook CONTACT: Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more. For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via podcast@ndis.property

    22 min
  2. FEB 9

    EPISODE 336 - Universal-U Staffing Solutions

    In this episode, Debbie is joined by Lianne Friedman, CEO of Universal-U. They explore how ethical and transparent offshoring can serve as a strategic solution for NDIS and broader healthcare providers, including Aged and Veterans Care, facing financial pressures. Lianne draws on her background in management consulting and healthcare to outline which operational roles - from reception, scheduling, administration, to finance and payroll can be effectively supported through offshore teams. She details Universal-U’s model, which ensures fair compensation for overseas staff while maintaining strict data security protocols that keep all client information within Australia. The conversation also addresses common concerns about outsourcing, the evolving role of AI, and increasing compliance demands within the NDIS and aged care sectors. Finally, Lianne provides key considerations for providers looking to establish and manage an offshore team as a sustainable, long-term strategy, enabling scalability while continuing to prioritise quality care and support for on-the-ground caregivers. www.Universal-U.com ------------------------ LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW! SDA ADVISORY SERVICES https://www.sdaadvisory.com.au SDA RESEARCH REPORTS https://ndis.property/reports EBOOKS: www.robustdesign.com.au www.highphysicalsupport.com.au www.improvedliveability.com.au www.fullyaccessible.com.au Send a text NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA: Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals. FOLLOW US: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook CONTACT: Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more. For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via podcast@ndis.property

    32 min
  3. JAN 26

    EPISODE 335 - SDA Property Resales - 2026 update

    In this episode, Debbie & Grace discuss how the SDA resale market is behaving this year. They note that SDA resale activity has increased — more investors are putting their existing SDA homes back on the market compared with previous years.  They talk through primary factors that influence the price at which SDA homes are selling, including: Tenancy certainty: Buyers care about how secure the existing tenant’s lease is (longer secure tenancies = better value).Payment funding certainty: How confident investors and buyers feel about future SDA funding levels/rates.Market demand vs new supply: Shift in investor appetite and the number of alternative properties available.Condition & design of the property: Properties with better SDA design features and compliance command stronger interest. Instead of selling below their original purchase price, the episode highlights other options that SDA property owners might consider, such as: Refinancing and holding longer in anticipation of market recovery.Leasing incentives to improve tenant stability and make the asset more attractive to future buyers.Strategic improvements or upgrades to increase appeal (especially where dwellings fall between design categories). The discussion underscores how SDA is a specialised market — resale pricing isn’t just about MSR or land values; it’s heavily tied to the NDIS funding flows, tenancy quality and participant outcomes. Investors should weigh long-term income certainty versus short-term capital price expectations when evaluating a resale.  ------------------------ LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW! SDA ADVISORY SERVICES https://www.sdaadvisory.com.au SDA RESEARCH REPORTS https://ndis.property/reports EBOOKS: www.robustdesign.com.au www.highphysicalsupport.com.au www.improvedliveability.com.au www.fullyaccessible.com.au Send a text NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA: Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals. FOLLOW US: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook CONTACT: Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more. For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via podcast@ndis.property

    23 min
  4. JAN 12

    EPISODE 334 - Onsite Shared Supports (OSS) - PARAMOUNT DISABILITY HOMES

    In this episode, Debbie & Kevin from Paramount Disability Homes discuss a complex topic - that of OSS - Onsite Shared Supports. Support for care provided in apartment complexes has generally been assumed to operate under the concierge model. However, this involves a complex funding model in addition to a participant's SDA funding, and supports funding and simply put - doesn't always work. Kevin discusses when it can work, when it can't and how innovative SDA Providers and Care providers can find ways to best support participants living in apartment style dwellings that are also financially viable for both the participant, their care team, and the support team providing OSS in the building. Contact Paramount Disability Homes at  https://www.paramounthomes.com.au/ 03 9999 7418 admin@paramounthomes.com.au ------------------------ LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW! SDA ADVISORY SERVICES https://www.sdaadvisory.com.au SDA RESEARCH REPORTS https://ndis.property/reports EBOOKS: www.robustdesign.com.au www.highphysicalsupport.com.au www.improvedliveability.com.au www.fullyaccessible.com.au Send a text NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA: Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals. FOLLOW US: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook CONTACT: Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more. For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via podcast@ndis.property

    22 min
  5. 12/14/2025

    EPISODE 333 - That's a wrap for 2025

    In this final episode for the 2025 year, we take a look back at the year that was. 2025 began with clear signs that the SDA investment landscape was in for a major shift. We saw buyers becoming more sophisticated and lending rules changing significantly. But little did we know just how quickly the impact would hit - from finance challenges and new market dynamics to the pressures on NDIS providers and tenant funding. A direct result of this maturing market? We're now seeing many more property re-sales and far fewer brand-new properties coming to market. We share some thoughts on what might be in store for next year. And, of course, we want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year break. We can't wait to connect with everyone again in 2026. “SDA is no longer about how high the yield is. It’s about how certain the tenancy is.” ---------------------------------- Send a text NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA: Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals. FOLLOW US: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook CONTACT: Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more. For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via podcast@ndis.property

    14 min
  6. 12/01/2025

    EPISODE 332 - SMSF Setup & Considerations

    In this episode, Debbie sits down with Chris Jahn from Jahn Super to discuss Self Managed Super Funds - from fundamentals and setup to administration and compliance. Not just relevant to SDA investment, this episode is for anyone considering setting up an SMSF to manage their superannuation and take control of how and where their money is invested. Contact Chris Jahn on 08 6477 9964 chris@jahnsuper.com.au https://jahnsuper.com.au/ --------------------------------- SDA ADVISORY SERVICES https://www.sdaadvisory.com.au SDA RESEARCH REPORTS https://ndis.property/reports EBOOKS: www.robustdesign.com.au www.highphysicalsupport.com.au www.improvedliveability.com.au www.fullyaccessible. Send a text NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA: Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals. FOLLOW US: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook CONTACT: Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more. For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via podcast@ndis.property

    39 min
  7. 11/17/2025

    EPISODE 331 - Challenges & Opportunities being an SDA Provider

    Uwe Jacobs from Property Friends joins us again to chat with Debbie, focusing on the real-world challenges and opportunities faced by Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) providers in Australia.  The discussion candidly covers the issues of cash flow delays, administrative and compliance burdens with the NDIA/NDIS, pitfalls in payment systems, and the operational difficulties that providers encounter—especially for those considering self-management.  Uwe also covers practical strategies for maintaining sustainable SDA businesses, such as fostering local relationships, adapting property designs through participant feedback, and leveraging flexibility through options like respite and medium-term accommodation.  Key opportunities are discussed, including making a real difference in people’s lives and the importance of treating tenants as individuals, not just numbers, to create genuine “forever homes”. Uwe can be contacted at https://propertyfriends.com.au/info@propertyfriends.com.au0400 417 043--------------------------------- SDA ADVISORY SERVICES https://www.sdaadvisory.com.au SDA RESEARCH REPORTS https://ndis.property/reports EBOOKS: www.robustdesign.com.au www.highphysicalsupport.com.au www.improvedliveability.com.au www.fullyaccessible. Send a text NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA: Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals. FOLLOW US: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook CONTACT: Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more. For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via podcast@ndis.property

    34 min
  8. 11/03/2025

    EPISODE 330 - Infinite Automation - Smart Tech Update

    Back in July 2022, we spoke with Colin Peterson from Infinite Automation on one of our early episodes. Today, Debbie welcomes co-founder Fenil Mangukiya to share the latest in SDA housing tech and the growing need to future-proof properties with built-in automation.  Hear about key product upgrades and why simple, intuitive systems make all the difference for tenants, managers, and investors. Discover practical ways to boost your SDA property’s appeal with Infinite Automation’s local expertise. https://infiniteautomation.com.au/ info@infiniteautomation.com.au 03 9069 2089 ------------------------ LEAVE US A GOOGLE REVIEW! SDA ADVISORY SERVICES https://www.sdaadvisory.com.au SDA RESEARCH REPORTS https://ndis.property/reports EBOOKS: www.robustdesign.com.au www.highphysicalsupport.com.au www.improvedliveability.com.au www.fullyaccessible.com.au Send a text NDIS PROPERTY AUSTRALIA: Our team conducts thorough research on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and provides appropriate technical advice through premium and strategy-based solutions. We also use complex feasibility calculation spreadsheets to help investors understand the expected annual income of an SDA dwelling, the timeline stages of construction of their property, as well as revealing the hidden costs. By staying up-to-date with the latest SDA data and pricing payments information, we help clients make better-informed decisions and achieve their investment goals. FOLLOW US: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook CONTACT: Please feel free to call us on 1300 254 397 to talk to one of our friendly staff, otherwise, just pop on over to our website to find out more. For any podcast related queries or suggestions, please contact our podcast team via podcast@ndis.property

    25 min

About

The SDA Housing Podcast is a leading voice in the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) sector, delivering in-depth discussions, expert insights, and the latest updates related to housing solutions for people with disabilities. Through interviews with industry leaders, advocates, and lived-experience voices, we explore policy developments, innovative best practices, and real-world stories shaping the future of disability housing.Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on emerging trends, sector challenges, and inspiring success stories, making this podcast an essential resource for investors, providers, advocates, and anyone passionate about inclusive housing. Debbie – General Manager, NDIS Property Australia:With over 20 years of expertise in tourism, finance, and property, Debbie has played a pivotal role in transforming NDIS Property Australia from a two-person team to a 22-member powerhouse. Her leadership drives the successful marketing, sales, and development of SDA properties nationwide, working closely with builders, designers, lenders, and support providers to ensure high-quality, compliant housing solutions.Minh – Founder, NDIS Property Australia:A visionary in the SDA space, Minh is dedicated to accelerating the delivery of purpose-built disability housing across Australia. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, investors, and NDIS participants, he champions choice, control, and dignity for people with disabilities, ensuring they have access to homes that truly meet their needs.Together, Debbie and Minh are committed to ethical, sustainable, and impactful solutions in the SDA sector, bridging gaps and driving meaningful change.Engaging with the SDA Community:Each week, we feature guest speakers from across the sector, sharing their expertise, experiences, and contributions to social impact in SDA. From innovative housing designs to policy advocacy, our conversations highlight how we can collectively improve living options for NDIS participants.As the SDA landscape evolves, we invite you—our listeners—to join us on the journey. Whether you're an investor, provider, advocate, builder, developer, parents of participants, or simply passionate about inclusive housing, this podcast equips you with the knowledge to make a difference in the lives of People with Disabilities (PWDs).Share Your Story:Have an SDA journey you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!📞 Call us: 1300 254 397📧 Email us: podcast@ndis.property🌐 Visit us: www.ndis.propertyJoin the conversation and help shape a more inclusive future in disability housing.

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