Finance This, Property That

Dion Fernandes
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Finance This, Property That is your go-to podcast for expert insights and advice on building wealth through property investment. Hosted by, Dion Fernandes, a seasoned finance professional with over 13 years of experience, each episode delves into the intricacies of property purchasing, offering valuable tips and strategies for those looking to create wealth through real estate.From basic questions to advanced technicalities, Dion brings on trusted advisors and specialists in their fields to provide listeners with practical knowledge and actionable steps. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor or simply looking to expand your property portfolio, Finance This, Property That is here to empower and educate you every step of the way.

  1. 1d ago

    How We Overcame a $130,000 Rooming House Valuation Shortfall | Stratega Finance - Episode 103

    A rooming house valuation came in at risk of being approximately **$130,000 below the contract price**—but the deal was not necessarily dead. In this solo episode of *Finance This, Property That*, Dion Fernandes explains why rooming houses are valued differently from standard residential properties and how rental income, market evidence and capitalisation rates can significantly affect the final valuation. Dion breaks down how Stratega Finance worked with an independent property manager, selected an experienced commercial valuer and presented evidence of achievable market rents to support the property’s true income potential. The result? The property was valued at the contract price, allowing the clients to complete the purchase under the original numbers. In this episode: * Why rooming houses are valued based on income * How under-market rents created a potential $130,000 shortfall * Why comparable residential sales carry less weight * The importance of independent rental appraisals * How the right broker and valuer can protect a property deal * Why filling rooms quickly is not always the best financial decision * The importance of beginning with a clear finance strategy A valuation is ultimately an informed opinion. When you have strong evidence, accurate rental data and experienced professionals representing your position, that opinion may be challenged in the right circumstances. Learn more about Stratega Finance: [www.strategafinance.com.au](http://www.strategafinance.com.au) Follow Stratega Finance: @stratega.finance Connect with Dion Fernandes on LinkedIn. The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into consideration your personal objectives, financial situation or individual circumstances. ## YouTube Chapters **00:00** Welcome to Stratega Finance **00:28** The rooming house valuation challenge **01:05** Restructuring the clients’ property portfolio **01:48** Purchasing the $1.435 million rooming house **02:25** Why the valuation was potentially $130,000 short **03:12** How rooming houses are valued differently **04:00** How under-market rents affect property value **04:43** Obtaining an independent rental appraisal **05:27** Selecting the right commercial valuer **06:10** Presenting evidence of achievable market rents **06:52** Getting the property valued at contract price **07:20** The biggest lessons for rooming house investors **07:45** Finance strategy, disclaimer and contact details ## Suggested Thumbnail Text **VALUATION $130K SHORT?** Alternative: **HOW WE SAVED THE DEAL**

  2. Jul 22

    Episode 102: How to Invest When the Market Is Fearful | Property, SMSFs & Strategy

    Suggested YouTube TitleHow to Invest When the Market Is Fearful | Property, SMSFs & Strategy | Ep 102 Part 2 YouTube Episode DescriptionIn Part 2 of Episode 102 of Finance This, Property That, Dion Fernandes brings the panel back together to move beyond the proposed budget changes and discuss what investors should actually do next. Joined by experts across property, accounting and financial planning, Dion explores where opportunities may be emerging, how buyers can negotiate more confidently and why fear in the market can create significant buying opportunities for investors who are properly prepared. The panel also takes a detailed look at self-managed super funds and property investment. They discuss when an SMSF property strategy may make sense, why cash flow and sustainability matter, and the dangers of setting one up simply because someone on social media said it was a good idea. The message throughout the episode is clear: slow down, understand your position and make decisions based on facts rather than fear or FOMO. In This Episode • Where property investors may find opportunities in a buyer’s market • Why properties with tenants, finance issues or building defects may be discounted • How buyers can negotiate stronger prices and safer contract terms • Why buying during periods of market fear can create opportunities • The importance of purchasing the right asset, not simply any asset • Debt recycling, ownership structures and long-term investment planning • When purchasing property through an SMSF may make sense • Why negatively geared SMSF properties can create cash flow problems • The servicing and personal borrowing impacts of supporting an SMSF • SMSF compliance, documentation, auditing and ongoing responsibilities • Why an SMSF is not a shortcut into the property market • The risks of rushing into new builds purely for tax deductions • How oversupplied housing estates can create resale and negative equity risks • Why low-deposit buyers need capital growth to refinance successfully • The importance of knowing your borrowing capacity and investment numbers • How to identify advice that may be influenced by commissions or product sales • Why your accountant, finance broker, financial planner and buyer’s agent need to communicate • The most important financial moves investors should consider over the next 30 to 90 days Key Takeaway There is no single strategy that works for every investor. Before buying property, restructuring your finances or establishing an SMSF, understand: • Your current financial position • Your borrowing capacity • The purpose of the investment • The quality and cash flow of the asset • The ownership structure • Your long-term goal • The risks involved • Whether the strategy is sustainable The best investment decisions are based on cold, hard facts rather than emotion, urgency or fear of missing out. Suggested YouTube Chapter Topics Introduction to Episode 102 Part 2 Moving from proposed budget changes to practical solutions. Finding Opportunities in a Buyer’s Market Identifying discounted properties and overlooked opportunities. Negotiating Better Property Deals Why buyers may now have more flexibility around price, finance and building inspections. Buying When the Market Is Fearful Why periods of uncertainty can create opportunities for organised investors. Choosing the Right Investment Strategy Property, shares, debt recycling and selecting the right ownership structure. Should You Buy Property Through an SMSF? When SMSF property investment may be appropriate and when it may not. The SMSF Cash Flow and Servicing Problem Why some SMSF property purchases require ongoing personal contributions. SMSF Compliance and Administration Audits, receipts, reporting obligations and the importance of staying organised. Avoiding SMSF FOMO Why setting up a fund based on social media advice or seminars can be dangerous. The Risk of Buying New Property Tax deductions, oversupply, resale limitations and negative equity. Low-Deposit Loans and Negative Equity Why capital growth is essential for borrowers trying to refinance out of low-deposit schemes. Know Your Numbers Borrowing capacity, affordability, asset quality and investment performance. Build the Right Advisory Team Getting finance, tax, property and investment professionals working together. The Best Move for the Next 90 Days Reviewing your starting position and identifying your logical next step. About Stratega Stratega helps clients make informed finance decisions by looking beyond the immediate loan and understanding the bigger financial strategy. Whether you are buying your first home, investing in property, restructuring debt or planning your next move, the goal is to ensure the finance supports where you want to go long term. The information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into consideration your personal financial circumstances. Before making financial, property, taxation or investment decisions, seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional. #FinanceThisPropertyThat #Stratega #PropertyInvestment

  3. Jul 15

    Episode 101 - Negative Gearing, CGT & Trust Changes: What Property Investors Need to Know

    Episode Overview In this episode of Finance This, Property That, Dion Fernandes is joined by a panel of experts to unpack the proposed changes affecting property investors, business owners and everyday Australians. Joining Dion are: Morgan – AccountantTroy – Financial PlannerChris – Buyer’s AgentDion Fernandes – Finance Strategist and Mortgage BrokerTogether, they examine how potential changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax and trust distributions could affect property structures, borrowing capacity, retirement planning and future investment decisions. Suggested Episode Structure 00:00 – Welcome to the New Stratega Finance Era Dion introduces the newly launched Stratega Finance brand and explains why this conversation will be divided into two parts. 02:00 – Don’t Make Decisions Based on Headlines The panel discusses why investors should avoid restructuring assets or changing strategies before legislation is officially passed. 05:00 – Proposed Trust Distribution Changes Morgan explains the potential introduction of a 30% minimum tax on trust distributions and why the impact could extend well beyond property investors. 09:00 – How Small Business Owners Could Be Affected The discussion turns to family trusts, operating companies, bucket companies and the structures commonly used by Australian small businesses. 13:00 – The Risk of Double Taxation The panel explores how distributions between trusts and companies could potentially result in tax being applied multiple times. 16:00 – Capital Gains Tax and Retirement Planning How proposed CGT changes could affect business owners and mum-and-dad investors who plan to sell assets and contribute the proceeds to superannuation. 20:00 – Has the Property Market Actually Changed? Chris challenges the idea that it is business as usual, explaining how higher interest rates, reduced investor demand and changing sentiment have shifted the market. 24:00 – Where Property Opportunities May Still Exist The panel discusses existing properties with long leases, motivated vendors and situations where reduced competition may create opportunities for prepared buyers. 28:00 – Lender Policy Changes Are Already Happening Dion explains how some lenders have already changed the way they assess negative gearing and rental income, even though the proposed legislation has not yet passed. 31:00 – Borrowing Capacity Has Dropped for Some Investors Removing negative gearing benefits from servicing calculations could reduce borrowing capacity by hundreds of thousands of dollars for certain borrowers. 34:00 – Getting Approved Doesn’t Mean You Should Borrow It The panel discusses responsible lending, sustainable portfolio growth and why choosing the lender offering the highest capacity may damage the investor’s long-term strategy. 36:00 – Why Property Investors Need the Right Team Finance, tax, financial planning and property strategy must work together. A strong result depends on advisors communicating and understanding the complete plan. 39:00 – What Happens Next? Dion previews Part Two, where the panel will move beyond diagnosing the problems and discuss how investors may be able to adapt their strategies.

  4. Jul 8

    Episode 100: From Mortgage Broker to Founder - Why I Launched Stratega Finance

    What does it take to reach 100 podcast episodes, build an award-winning mortgage broking career and then walk away from the familiar to start something of your own? In this milestone episode of Finance This, Property That, Dion shares the complete founder story behind Stratega Finance. After more than a decade of working towards this moment, Dion explains why he made the decision to leave Emerge Finance, the people who helped shape his career and the vision driving the next chapter. This is not a story about something being wrong with the past. It is a story about becoming clear on the future. Dion breaks down the four biggest lessons he has learned from helping property investors and business owners build their portfolios: ✅ Why structure beats rate every time ✅ Why property is ultimately a finance game ✅ How the right structure can compound across generations ✅ Why clients who think long-term often outperform those looking for fast results He also introduces Stratega Finance and the philosophy behind its name: Strategy. Leverage. Legacy. Strategy comes first because debt needs to be structured correctly before anything can compound. Leverage is about using the right debt against the right assets to grow wealth responsibly. Legacy is about building something that continues beyond your own lifetime. Dion also explains the Stratega Finance process, including why every client begins with a detailed finance strategy before an application is submitted. By the end of that strategy process, clients should understand: • Their borrowing capacity across different lenders • The recommended lending structure • Their logical next move The episode also explores the three things every investor needs to continue growing: income, available cash or equity and a clean credit file. Surrounding those foundations are your finance strategy, property strategy and the team supporting the journey. Dion shares a real client example involving a couple who moved from two properties to five in under two years by working backwards from their long-term goal, structuring each purchase carefully and assembling the right professional team. This episode is about much more than launching another mortgage broking firm. It is about backing yourself, building without regrets and creating financial legacies that can continue for generations. Welcome to Stratega Finance. The podcast continues. The team continues. The strategy is only getting stronger. Please remember that the information discussed in this podcast is general in nature and does not take into consideration your individual financial circumstances.

    Episode 100: From Mortgage Broker to Founder - Why I Launched Stratega Finance

  5. Jun 30

    Episode 99: The Strategy Lessons Investors Can’t Afford to Miss

    In the lead-up to Episode 100, this special recap episode of Finance This, Property That looks back at the biggest lessons from the last 10 episodes. Dion breaks down the difference between a true finance strategy and simply getting a loan, why the “one-stop shop” model can create serious conflicts of interest, and why investors need independent specialists around them if they want to avoid costly mistakes. From wrong ownership structures and serviceability walls to poor due diligence, weak property management and lender sequencing issues, this episode brings together the key messages every property investor needs to understand before making their next move. If you are buying without a number, without a roadmap, or without a team that is actually communicating, this episode is a reminder that property investing is not about collecting assets. It is about building the right structure, in the right order, with the right people around you. Episode Breakdown with Approximate Timestamps 00:00 – The problem with the “one-stop shop” model Dion opens the episode by explaining why vertically integrated property businesses can create conflicts of interest, and why independent specialists are so important. 03:00 – Why Dion does not tell clients what to buy The episode covers the role of a finance strategist, why Dion does not act as a buyer’s agent, and how the right team of specialists should work together. 06:00 – The three questions every strategy needs to answer Dion breaks down the importance of knowing your end goal, what your finance structure can support, and whether your team is actually aligned. 09:00 – The hidden cost of getting advice too late A key lesson from the recap is that many investors only seek proper advice after the damage is done, whether that is the wrong structure, a serviceability wall or an equity problem. 12:00 – Why cheap or free advice can become expensive The conversation shifts into the importance of paying for the right solicitor, buyer’s agent, building and pest inspector, property manager and finance strategist. 15:30 – Strategy versus simply getting a loan Dion explains why a finance strategy is not the same thing as writing a loan, and why every property purchase needs a clear purpose behind it. 18:00 – The value of being told “no” The episode highlights why good advisers are willing to challenge clients, say no when needed, and give context behind every strategic decision. 20:30 – Buying without a number or roadmap Dion recaps one of the biggest mistakes investors make: buying property deal by deal without knowing the end goal, income target or future portfolio roadmap. 23:00 – Why your first property sets the foundation The discussion moves into first-home buyers and why the first purchase should not just be treated as a goal, but as the foundation for future purchases. 25:30 – Lender sequencing and borrowing capacity Dion explains how choosing the wrong lender or structure early can limit future borrowing capacity, and why sequencing matters across multiple purchases. 27:30 – Case study: using structure to unlock the next moves The episode covers a practical example involving debt restructuring, equity release, rooming house strategy, cash flow and setting up future purchases. 29:30 – Rooming house management and due diligence The recap closes with lessons around rooming house property management, entry condition reports, photographic evidence, defects, tenant management and why care factor matters.

  6. Jun 21

    Episode 98: The Rooming House Management Gap

    In this episode, Dion is joined by Rachel Gibb from UpsideAV to unpack what investors often overlook after building or buying a rooming house — the management. Rooming houses are not managed like standard residential properties. With multiple tenants, shared spaces, utilities, house rules and separate leases, the wrong management approach can quickly impact vacancy, tenant harmony, rental income and long-term yield. Dion and Rachel also discuss recent changes in the Brisbane rooming house space, the importance of tenant selection, operational cost reviews, insurance, valuation, and how the right finance and property management team can protect the overall investment strategy. They also share a real client example where a rooming house was rented under market value before settlement, creating potential valuation and finance issues — and why having the right people involved made all the difference.  Key Topics Rooming house management vs standard residential management  Why tenant mix matters  Protecting rental yield  Vacancy and break lease risk  Insurance and operating costs  Brisbane rooming house changes  Valuation and finance structure  Why cheap advice can cost more later Key Takeaway A rooming house is more than a high-yield asset. To make it work long term, you need the right structure, the right management, the right insurance and the right team around you. Dion and Rachel explain how poor management can undo months of work and impact the investor’s overall strategy.  Short Social Caption You can get the build right and still get the strategy wrong. In this episode of Finance This, Property That, Dion sits down with Rachel Gibb from UpsideAV to talk about the rooming house management gap. From tenant selection and vacancy risk to insurance, operating costs, valuation and finance structure — this episode breaks down why the right team matters after the build is complete. #FinanceThisPropertyThat #PropertyInvestment #RoomingHouse #PropertyManagement #PropertyFinance #BrisbaneProperty #AustralianProperty #InvestmentStrategy

  7. Jun 14

    Episode 97: Why Borrowing Capacity Is Misleading Property Investors

    Episode Synopsis In this solo episode of Finance This, Property That, Dion breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in property investing: borrowing capacity. While many investors obsess over how much they can borrow today, Dion explains why that number is only a snapshot in time-not a roadmap for building long-term wealth. Through real client examples, he demonstrates how lender sequencing, debt structuring, and strategic planning can dramatically influence an investor's ability to scale a portfolio over the next five to ten years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a property portfolio, avoid common lending mistakes, and understand why strategy-not borrowing power-is the true driver of wealth creation. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 0:00 – 1:30 | Why Borrowing Capacity Is the Wrong Question The most common question investors ask Why borrowing capacity is only one piece of the puzzle The difference between a number and a strategy 1:30 – 3:00 | Borrowing Capacity Is a Snapshot Why borrowing capacity only reflects today's position How two investors with identical borrowing power can have vastly different outcomes The role strategy plays in future portfolio growth 3:00 – 5:00 | The Lender Sequencing Problem One of the biggest mistakes investors never see coming How using the wrong lender today can limit options tomorrow Why transactional lending can hurt long-term wealth creation 5:00 – 7:30 | Real Client Case Study Restructuring owner-occupied debt through debt recycling Creating an $895,000 investment war chest Why the rooming house had to be purchased first Using trust structures and cash flow strategically 7:30 – 8:45 | Manufacturing Equity & Yield Combining renovation strategies with cash flow improvements Creating value through sequencing and execution Turning a modest portfolio into a multi-million-dollar wealth plan 8:45 – 10:00 | What Borrowing Capacity Should Actually Tell You Understanding your borrowing ceiling Why preserving options beats maxing out borrowing power The difference between investors who stagnate and investors who continue scaling Key Takeaways ✅ Borrowing capacity is a starting point-not a strategy. ✅ The order in which you use lenders matters. ✅ Finance decisions should be made with future purchases in mind. ✅ Debt structuring and sequencing can dramatically impact long-term outcomes. ✅ The most successful investors think 3–5 steps ahead.

  8. Jun 7

    Episode 96: The First Property Mistake That Stops Investors Growing

    Why Your First Property Can Make or Break Your Portfolio In Episode 96 of Finance This, Property That, Dion takes the mic for a solo episode focused on one of the biggest mistakes property investors make early in their journey: treating the first property purchase as the goal, instead of the foundation. Dion explains why your first home or first investment property can shape every decision that follows. From the lender you choose, to the way repayments are structured, whether you pay lenders mortgage insurance, how you use equity, and whether the purchase supports or slows down the next one — property one can either open doors or quietly close them. This episode breaks down why first-time buyers and early-stage investors need to think beyond simply “getting into the market.” Dion shares why it is so important to have the right broker, accountant and buyer’s agent working together from the start, and why your first purchase should be aligned with the bigger picture of where you want your portfolio to go. Dion also shares a real client example where the right strategy, lending policy and property selection helped manufacture around $400,000 in equity, allowing the client to move from their first home into their first investment property with a clear plan already in place for property three. For anyone who feels like they may have bought their first property without the right structure, Dion explains that it is not necessarily fatal — but it does require a full portfolio review before making the next move. The key message is that investors often get stuck not because they bought the wrong property, but because no one helped them choose the right structure or build the right team around them. In this episode, Dion covers: Why your first property sets the structure for everything that follows How purchase one can open or close the door to purchase two Why getting into the market is not enough without a long-term plan The importance of choosing the right lender for where you are going, not just where you are now Why your accountant, broker and buyer’s agent need to be aligned The three key questions every first purchase needs to answer How the wrong finance structure can slow down your portfolio growth What to do if your first property was not structured correctly Why a full portfolio review matters before buying again How Dion’s Portfolio Blueprint helps connect the finance strategy with the property strategy Why the right team can make the process smoother, faster and more strategic Approximate episode timestamps 00:00 — Introduction Dion introduces the topic of why the first property or first investment property is such an important decision. 00:45 — Why the first purchase matters Dion explains how the first property sets the structure for future decisions, including lending, repayments, LMI, renovations and equity use. 02:00 — Property one is the foundation, not the finish line The episode explores why first-time investors need to stop thinking of the first purchase as the goal and start treating it as the foundation of a portfolio. 03:00 — The three questions every first purchase needs to answer Dion outlines the key questions around lending structure, lender choice, and whether the accountant, broker and buyer’s agent are working together. 04:15 — The importance of having the right team Dion explains why many first-time buyers are under pressure, overwhelmed by grants, competing with other buyers, and often missing the strategic support they need. 05:00 — Real client example: manufacturing equity Dion shares a client example where the right location, policy, renovation strategy and lending structure helped create around $400,000 in equity. 06:30 — What if purchase one was structured wrong? Dion explains that a poor first structure is not always fatal, but it does require a proper portfolio review before the next move. 07:30 — Final thoughts Dion wraps up with the reminder that investors often get stuck because no one helped them build the right structure or team from the beginning. Key listener takeaways Your first property should not be treated as a one-off transaction. It should be treated as the foundation of your future portfolio. The wrong lending structure may not hurt immediately, but it can create problems when you try to buy the next property. Choosing the right lender is not just about the best option today. It is about whether that lender supports where you are trying to go. A broker, accountant and buyer’s agent should not be working in isolation. When they understand the same strategy, the whole process becomes clearer and more effective. If your first property was not structured correctly, it does not mean the journey is over. But it does mean you need to review the full picture before making the next move.

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About

Finance This, Property That is your go-to podcast for expert insights and advice on building wealth through property investment. Hosted by, Dion Fernandes, a seasoned finance professional with over 13 years of experience, each episode delves into the intricacies of property purchasing, offering valuable tips and strategies for those looking to create wealth through real estate.From basic questions to advanced technicalities, Dion brings on trusted advisors and specialists in their fields to provide listeners with practical knowledge and actionable steps. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor or simply looking to expand your property portfolio, Finance This, Property That is here to empower and educate you every step of the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Dion Fernandes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Finance This, Property That
  • Show Website
    Finance This, Property That

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