Future Proof Property Podcast

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The Australian property market is constantly evolving. Interest rates shift, technology advances, and the strategies that worked yesterday don’t always work tomorrow. Hosted by Dawn Fouhy, Future Proof Property explores the ideas, strategies and insights helping Australians make smarter property decisions. From buying your first investment property to scaling a portfolio, each episode features expert advice, market analysis and practical guidance designed to help you build long-term wealth through property.

  1. 5d ago

    Stop Buying Cars, Start Buying Property (Harsh Truths for Investors)

    Most people say property is too hard in 2026. But what if the real problem is not the market… it’s your decisions? In this episode of Future Proof Property, Dawn sits down with Harley Giddings (Property With Harley) to break down exactly how he built a multi-property portfolio before 25. We go deep into borrowing power, debt traps, guarantor loans, and the real mindset required to get ahead in today’s market. This is not a theory. This is real strategy, real numbers, and real sacrifices. We cover: How Harley bought 4 properties before 25 Why car loans and credit cards destroy borrowing power The truth about guarantor loans and how to use them safely Why most people stay stuck financially despite earning more The role of a second job in accelerating your portfolio How to structure your first property the right way Why chasing validation keeps people broke The biggest mistakes investors make early Why mindset, discipline, and consistency matter more than timing How to build a long-term plan that actually compounds If you are in your 20s or 30s and want to get into property, this episode will change how you think. This is about playing the long game. Chapters 00:00 Borrowing Power vs Lifestyle Choices 00:49 Meet Harley Giddings01:41 From Small Town to 4 Properties 03:20 Is It Really Hard to Buy Property in 2026? 05:44 Guarantor Loans Explained 08:29 How to Remove a Guarantor 09:46 Timing the Market vs Taking Action 11:14 Why Harley Is Selling One Property 12:22 Portfolio Breakdown (Perth, Bunbury, Townsville) 13:49 Maintenance and Being a Good Landlord 15:05 Investing Plans for 2026 16:29 Mistakes Investors Make Early 18:45 Why Strategy Matters More Than Budget 19:42 Questions to Ask Your Broker 21:02 Delayed Gratification vs Looking Rich 22:01 Social Media and Validation 24:57 Finding Your “Why” 28:44 Increasing Borrowing Power 30:33 Car Loans, Credit Cards and Afterpay 32:10 Using a Second Job Strategically 33:54 Why Harley Became a Broker 37:21 Broker Commissions and Ethics 39:23 Long-Term Plan: Residential to Commercial 42:02 Why Growth Beats Cash Flow Early 43:23 Units, Townhouses and Entry Strategies 45:44 Where Investors Are Buying Now 49:34 What To Do If You Feel Stuck 51:22 Budgeting and Saving Tips 54:43 Lifestyle vs Wealth 56:56 Work, Travel and Balance 58:15 Advice to Your Younger Self

  2. Jul 12

    From Zero to $2.3M by 35 (Without Sacrificing Life) | James’ Investor Story

    What does it actually look like to build a property portfolio… without burning out or sacrificing your lifestyle? No hype.No shortcuts.Just smart decisions, consistency, and time in the market. In this episode, Dawn sits down with James to unpack how he and his partner built a $2.3M portfolio in just a few years while still travelling, working demanding jobs, and enjoying life. This is a real investor story that breaks down what it actually takes to get started, scale, and stay in the game. James shares how he went from spending money on travel in his 20s to building a multi-property portfolio by 35, alongside his partner Rachel. They dive into the decisions behind each purchase, the lessons learned along the way, and why their strategy focuses on freedom, not ego. If you’ve ever thought “I’m too late” or “I don’t know where to start,” this episode will reset your perspective. In This Episode This conversation covers: How James built a $2.3M portfolio starting in 2021 Why starting “late” is still better than not starting at all The reality of buying your first property without overthinking Lessons from buying in a familiar vs unfamiliar market Why rent-vesting can accelerate your portfolio growth How to use equity instead of savings to keep investing Real numbers: growth, rents, and portfolio performance Why simple properties often outperform “perfect” ones The truth about maintenance and property ownership How to invest confidently in markets you’ve never visited The role of mindset and perspective in investing Why lifestyle and investing don’t have to compete Avoiding lifestyle creep (no car loans, simple living) When NOT to buy (Darwin deal they walked away from) How to think about value-add renovations and granny flats Why most investors overcomplicate their goals The importance of aligning with your partner financially What “enough” actually looks like (and why it matters) Chapters 00:00 From 0 to $2.3M at 35 01:29 First property in 2021 05:07 Would he buy differently today? 05:44 Life before investing 06:58 Investing as a couple 09:20 First investment growth story (Townsville) 10:24 Maintenance realities 11:39 Investing fear and mindset 13:05 Using equity to scale 14:05 Why investing matters (freedom) 14:53 Renting vs owning lifestyle 15:38 Value-add strategy (renos + granny flat) 17:10 Alignment with partner 17:47 Avoiding a bad Darwin purchase 19:23 Lifestyle flexibility and location choices 22:13 High-pressure careers and perspective 24:10 Defining financial goals 26:01 Property 3: Bendigo investment 27:16 Rent growth and demand 28:55 Capital growth breakdown 29:30 Mindset shift after investing 30:20 Making money while you sleep 31:02 Why most investors get it wrong 37:55 Rent-vesting advice 38:10 Thoughts on buyer’s agents

  3. Jul 5

    Why Most Investors Get Stuck (And How to Avoid It) | Ben Robinson Part II

    What actually stops people from building a property portfolio? It’s not the market. It’s not timing. It’s the decisions they make early… that quietly limit everything later. In Part 2 of this conversation, Dawn and Ben break down the real reasons investors get stuck  and how to avoid making the same mistakes. This episode dives into the hidden factors that destroy borrowing capacity, stall portfolios, and create long-term financial setbacks. Dawn and Ben unpack real client scenarios, from poor asset selection to overleveraging, and explain why many investors unknowingly limit their own growth before they even begin. They also cover the nuances of lending structures, SMSFs, and lifestyle decisions that impact long-term wealth creation. If Part 1 was about strategy, this episode is about execution  and what can go wrong if you get it wrong. In This Episode This conversation covers: The biggest mistakes that destroy borrowing capacity Why car loans can cost you hundreds of thousands in lost borrowing power The danger of buying high-strata or investor-heavy properties Why emotional purchases (holiday homes) are often poor investments How incorrectly structured commercial loans can limit your growth What cross-collateralisation is and why it can trap you How credit cards impact borrowing more than most people realise Real examples of investors losing money on poor property decisions The risks of NDIS and highly specialised investment properties Why depreciation should never be the reason you buy Lifestyle creep and how it quietly derails portfolios SMSF mistakes and misconceptions investors make How borrowing capacity works inside super vs personal name Why not all brokers act in your best interest How to identify red flags when getting lending advice Why “just because you can borrow it doesn’t mean you should” The importance of long-term planning over short-term wins  Chapters 00:00 What actually kills borrowing capacity 01:38 Car loans vs property investing 06:04 Why some properties don’t sell 07:07 Emotional investing mistakes 09:36 Commercial lending structure explained 11:03 What is cross-collateralisation 14:20 How credit cards reduce borrowing power 15:12 Real investor loss case study 17:09 The risks of NDIS investments 19:57 Why depreciation is misunderstood 22:52 Lifestyle creep and investor behaviour 27:49 SMSF strategy and common mistakes 31:03 How SMSF borrowing works 34:44 Why timing matters in super 40:19 Broker incentives and clawbacks explained 44:26 How to choose the right broker 45:48 Red flags in lending advice 50:32 Why borrowing less can be smarter 52:57 The truth about scaling portfolios 53:53 Slow down to speed up

  4. Jun 28

    Super, Strategy & Building Wealth Inside Your SMSF | Dawn Breaks Down Property, Leverage & Retirement Freedom

    What if the biggest financial mistake Australians are making is the one they never think about? In this solo episode of Future Proof Property, Dawn breaks down the reality of superannuation, why most Australians retire with far less than they expect, and how self-managed super funds (SMSFs) can become a powerful long-term wealth building strategy when used correctly. Dawn shares the exact SMSF property strategy she and Melissa personally use, including real numbers, real purchases, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. This episode explores: Why most Australians retire with nowhere near enough super The difference between industry super funds and SMSFs How concessional and non-concessional contributions work Why super is a structure, not an investment strategy Using leverage inside super to build wealth faster The risks and realities of buying property in super Why timing market cycles matters How Dawn and Melissa built growth inside their SMSF The Australind and Frankston property case studies Why affordability and future buyer demand matter The long-term strategy of residential → commercial property Why financial literacy changes everything This is a conversation about control. About taking ownership of your financial future instead of leaving it on autopilot. And about building freedom long before retirement age arrives. Chapters00:00 Why Most Australians Retire Broke 02:15 Understanding Superannuation Basics 04:50 Why Super Alone Isn’t Enough 07:02 What A Self-Managed Super Fund Actually Is 09:40 Why Dawn Chose The SMSF Route 12:05 Tax Benefits & Contribution Strategies 14:22 The Real Risks Of Buying Property In Super 16:42 The Australind SMSF Property Breakdown 19:10 Leveraged Growth Explained 21:32 Selling Strategy & Long-Term Wealth Building 23:28 Why Frankston Was The Next Purchase 25:40 How Future Proof Approaches Market Cycles 28:02 SMSF Borrowing Capacity Explained 29:44 The Mistakes Investors Make In Super 31:00 Why Strategy Matters More Than Super Itself 32:05 Final Thoughts On Financial Freedom DisclaimerThis podcast is for general information only and reflects the personal views of the host. It does not constitute financial, legal, taxation or investment advice. Always seek advice from qualified professionals before making financial decisions.

  5. Jun 21

    Property Q&A: Market Cycles, Rentvesting & Smarter Investing Decisions

    Is it better to buy regional or metro? Should you chase high-yield properties? Is rentvesting still worth it in today's market? In this Q&A episode of Future Proof Property, Dawn tackles some of the most common questions investors are asking right now. From regional Victoria and self-managed super funds to granny flats, apartments, yield strategies, and market timing, this episode focuses on the fundamentals that actually drive long-term property success. Rather than chasing headlines, hotspots, or the latest social media recommendations, Dawn explains why understanding market cycles, affordability, supply, demand, and buyer behaviour remains the key to building wealth through property. Because great investing isn't about owning the most properties. It's about owning the right properties at the right time. In This Episode West Wodonga vs Sale: which market has more potential? Metro or regional investing inside a self-managed super fund Why market cycles matter more than location labels Diversification vs doubling down on strong fundamentals Should you sell your Sydney home and start investing? Melbourne apartments and the reality of buying for yield Has Frenchville reached its peak? Is rentvesting still a smart strategy in 2026? The truth about granny flats and manufactured yield Why chasing the highest yield can be risky Will properties above $800k continue to grow? Chapters 00:00 Why Property Fundamentals Matter More Than Hotspots 00:45 West Wodonga vs Sale 03:12 Metro or Regional for Self-Managed Super Funds 05:44 Diversification vs Doubling Down 08:27 Should You Sell Your Sydney PPOR? 12:06 Melbourne Apartments & St Kilda Opportunities 18:35 Has Frenchville Reached Its Peak? 20:32 Is Rentvesting Dead? 25:20 Granny Flats: Worth It or Not? 30:12 Chasing High-Yield Property Investments 35:05 Will Properties Above $800k Keep Growing? 38:05 Final Thoughts on Building Wealth Through Property

  6. Jun 14

    Self-Managed Super Funds: The Strategy Most Investors Misunderstand

    Self-Managed Super Funds: The Strategy Most Investors Misunderstand Most Australians retire with around $400K in super. Spread across retirement years, that is roughly $40K per year. That is not financial freedom. In this episode of Future Proof Property, Dawn sits down with Hung Choi from Strategic Brokers to break down the truth about Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSF) and how investors can use leverage, strategy and timing to turn super into a powerful wealth engine. But there is also a warning. SMSFs are one of the most misunderstood and misused investment vehicles in Australia. Done correctly, they can create millions in retirement wealth. Done poorly, they can destroy your nest egg. What a Self-Managed Super Fund actually is How much you realistically need to start investing in property through super Why many accountants and advisers give poor SMSF property advice How borrowing works inside a super fund The difference between borrowing personally vs inside super What limited recourse borrowing actually means Why the property sits in a bare trust structureWhy equity cannot easily be accessed in super Why many investors buy the wrong asset inside their SMSF The hidden risks of buying off-the-plan in super Why renovation strategies rarely work inside SMSFs Why residential growth assets often outperform commercial early How concessional contributions reduce tax dramatically The huge tax advantage of 10% capital gains tax after 12 months Why younger investors are starting SMSFs earlier Why many people sabotage their super with poor commercial purchases The insurance mistake many investors make when rolling over super SMSFs are powerful but complex Property must be chosen carefully inside super Leverage can accelerate retirement wealth Residential often outperforms early commercial strategies Equity access inside SMSF is limited Tax advantages can significantly improve returns Poor advice is common in the SMSF space Insurance planning must not be ignored Growth assets should drive your SMSF strategy In This Episode Key Investor Lessons Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self-Managed Super Funds 02:25 Minimum Balance Needed for SMSF Property 04:00 Why Many Advisers Get SMSF Property Wrong 06:34 How Leverage Works Inside Super 07:31 Limited Recourse Borrowing Explained 08:35 High-LVR SMSF Lending Strategies 09:49 Concessional Contributions and Tax Advantages 11:07 Why Starting Early Matters 15:04 Using Market Cycles Inside SMSF 16:22 Common SMSF Property Mistakes 18:19 Commercial vs Residential in Super 21:29 Off-the-Plan Risks in SMSF 23:27 Growth Strategy for Super Investments 26:07 Selling Property to Your Own Super Fund 27:43 Market Timing and SMSF Investing 29:11 SMSF Lending and Valuation Risks 31:00 Insurance Mistakes When Rolling Over Super

  7. Jun 7

    Geelong Exposed | Where to Buy, What to Avoid & What Actually Drives Growth (with Sophie)

    What if everything you thought about property investing… was slightly off? In this episode of Future Proof Property, Dawn sits down with Sophie, a Geelong-based property investment specialist and director with over 14 years of experience on the ground. This is not a theory.This is what’s actually happening in the market. From migration trends and vacancy rates…To suburb-by-suburb insights and tenant behaviour… Sophie breaks down where investors are getting it right and where they’re quietly losing money. Because buying property isn’t about what looks good on a map. It’s about understanding what drives demand. Why owner-occupier demand matters more than investor trends The truth about Geelong’s growth and “COVID boom” effects Where the most undervalued suburbs are right now Why cheap areas don’t always mean better investment The real difference between houses, units, and apartments How to avoid high-maintenance properties and bad tenants What tenants actually want in today’s rental market Why some investors are leaving money on the table with rent The hidden costs of buying older properties 00:00 Why most investors focus on the wrong data 02:10 Geelong growth, migration and market trends 06:30 The COVID boom and what changed after 10:00 Suburbs with the most potential right now 14:30 Owner-occupier demand vs investor demand 18:00 The truth about “cheap” suburbs 22:00 Property types: houses vs units vs apartments 26:30 Rental demand and tenant behaviour 30:00 Renovation mistakes investors make 34:30 Compliance costs and hidden expenses 38:00 Vacancy rates and rental opportunities 42:00 Suburbs to avoid or approach carefully 46:00 Final advice for investors

  8. May 31

    Q&A: Where to Buy, What to Buy & How to Win in a Fear-Driven Market (2026 Property Strategy)

    What should you actually buy in 2026… and what should you ignore? In this Q&A episode of Future Proof Property, Dawn breaks down the biggest questions investors are asking right now  from where to buy with a $650K budget, to whether war, inflation, and rising interest rates will impact property prices. Because the reality is simple:Most people aren’t losing because of the market.They’re losing because they’re reacting to noise instead of making strong decisions. This episode dives deep into how to invest in today’s uncertain property market. Dawn explains why fear is creating opportunity, how to identify areas before they grow, and what actually matters when building a scalable property portfolio. From Melbourne strategy to land value myths, from residential vs commercial returns to long-term wealth planning  this is a practical, no-fluff breakdown of how to think like a serious investor in 2026. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to buy next, this episode will reset your thinking. Dawn answers real investor questions, including: What to buy with a $650K budget in Melbourne The best asset types in a rising interest rate environment The #1 metric used to identify growth suburbs (ARSAD explained) Thoughts on Albury-Wodonga and second-surge markets Will property prices drop due to war, inflation, or global uncertainty? Why affordability drives long-term capital growth Land vs asset ratio — and why it’s not everything How much property you need to generate $150K passive income Why residential builds wealth but doesn’t create cash flow Mistakes to avoid if starting your portfolio again The truth about land tax in Victoria Whether current conditions mirror COVID-era opportunities Melton land supply concerns and how to assess real risk Future Proof’s long-term vision and investing philosophy 00:00 Why fear is making investors miss opportunities 02:00 What to buy with $650K in Melbourne 04:39 The #1 growth metric: Affordability & ARSAD 07:00 Suburb analysis: Doreen example 08:00 Albury-Wodonga breakdown 10:00 Will property drop due to war and inflation? 13:48 Inflation, debt and long-term strategy 16:04 Land vs asset ratio explained 18:26 Can units outperform houses? 20:41 Residential vs commercial investing 23:07 Mistakes Dawn would avoid starting again 25:22 Land tax myths in Victoria 26:00 COVID vs current market conditions 27:42 Melton land supply explained 30:01 Future Proof’s long-term mission

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The Australian property market is constantly evolving. Interest rates shift, technology advances, and the strategies that worked yesterday don’t always work tomorrow. Hosted by Dawn Fouhy, Future Proof Property explores the ideas, strategies and insights helping Australians make smarter property decisions. From buying your first investment property to scaling a portfolio, each episode features expert advice, market analysis and practical guidance designed to help you build long-term wealth through property.

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