The Property Couch

Ben Kingsley, Opti & The Couch Crew
  • 4.5 (19)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Australia’s top property podcast for everyday investors who want real results, not hype. Originally shaped by long-time hosts Ben Kingsley and Bryce Holdaway, The Property Couch has evolved into a new chapter led by Ben alongside the expanded Couch Crew. The foundations remain the same: practical frameworks, clear thinking, and real stories that help Australians make smarter decisions. Backed by data, banter, and proudly anti-spruiker since 2015! W: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    Should Wealthy Retirees Still Get Government Benefits? | FUNdamental Fridays

    Can Australia continue funding the level of concessions, subsidies and benefits we're currently providing? In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Kingsley is joined by Evan Lucas for a thought-provoking discussion about government spending, welfare, pensions and the growing cost of supporting an ageing population. The conversation explores whether Australia's safety net is targeted in the right places, and whether some government benefits should be better aligned with financial need. They discuss: ✅ Age pensions and means testing ✅ Concession cards and public transport benefits ✅ The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) ✅ Superannuation and retirement funding ✅ The rising cost of welfare programs ✅ Housing, retirement and financial independence ✅ Why future governments may face difficult decisions Whether you agree or disagree, it's a conversation that challenges some widely held assumptions. 🏡 Thinking About Buying A Home? Check out PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series designed to help Australians buy property with greater confidence. From creating a property brief through to auctions, negotiations and settlement, each episode tackles a key stage of the buying journey. 🎥 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase ⌚Timestamps 0:00 Should wealthy retirees receive benefits? 0:24 Why this debate matters 0:52 Government spending and inflation 1:43 Pensions, concessions and welfare 2:24 PRE-Purchase Series 3:07 State concessions explained 4:01 The growing cost of the PBS 5:00 Should pension income be taxed? 5:27 "I worked all my life" 6:12 Why superannuation exists 7:08 Why accessing super early is controversial 7:37 Should the family home be means tested? 8:40 The case for supporting vulnerable Australians 9:03 What is middle-class welfare? 9:29 Australia's $292 billion welfare bill 10:34 Why pensions dominate welfare spending 11:02 The promise politicians made 11:49 Revenue reforms vs spending reforms 12:53 Where should support be targeted? 13:21 Evan's final thoughts #PersonalFinance #RetirementPlanning #Superannuation #PropertyTok #ThePropertyCouch #FUNdamentalFridays LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/      FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube

    Should Wealthy Retirees Still Get Government Benefits? | FUNdamental Fridays

  2. 2d ago ·  Video

    617 | How Is Prime Land Created to Outperform Over Decades?

    Why does land in one suburb command a lasting premium while land somewhere else doesn’t...even when both have houses, shops and transport? 📈 In this special solo episode, Ben shares his latest framework shaped by more than 30 years of property experience. He takes us beyond the headlines and short-term market cycles to explain the forces that can make a location more valuable over decades: jobs, accessibility, scarcity, lifestyle, buyer behaviour and the momentum that builds when these factors come together.  It’s a deeper dive than usual, but the practical question is simple: how do you find the best location and property type your budget can afford?  This episode might just be Ben’s “Magnum Opus”; listen now!   FREE STUFF MENTIONED 📥 FREE INFOGRAPHIC: Why Do Some Locations Outperform?   Ben brings together the foundations of location value, seven core drivers and five engines of momentum in a visual guide you can revisit when weighing up where and what to buy. 👉 Download the free framework   🎧 Guests & Episodes Mentioned:  Episode 418: The Hidden Forces Driving Property Values Cycle Amplifiers: The 7 Forces Moving Property Prices Right Now | Tuesday Toolkit  LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/      FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube

    617 | How Is Prime Land Created to Outperform Over Decades?

  3. 3d ago ·  Video

    (LIVE) RBA Sep 2026 | Rates Hit a 15-Year High. What Happens Next?

    Four rate rises this year. And the RBA may not be finished yet...  The Reserve Bank has unanimously raised the cash rate by another 0.25 percentage points, taking it to 4.60% — its highest level in 15 years.  With property prices falling and the economy showing signs of slowing, could another rate rise be on the cards in November?  Ben Kingsley and economist Evan Lucas unpack today’s decision in this September Economic & RBA Update.  💡 Thinking about refinancing or adjusting your loan strategy? Let the Empower Wealth Mortgage Broking team help you compare your options.    LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/      FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube

    (LIVE) RBA Sep 2026 | Rates Hit a 15-Year High. What Happens Next?

  4. Sep 25 ·  Video

    How To Tell If An Agent Is Legit | FUNdamental Fridays

    How do you know whether you're choosing a good buyer's agent? Following the recent collapse of several buyer's agency businesses, Shane Pope and Ben Thompson tackle an important question: What should property buyers be looking for when selecting a buyer's agent? In this week's FUNdamental Friday, they discuss the red flags, warning signs and key qualities that can help buyers make a more informed decision. They explore: ✅ Why paying large fees upfront may be risky ✅ The importance of proven philosophies and track records ✅ Why "one-size-fits-all" property advice should raise concerns ✅ Questions to ask before engaging a buyer's agent ✅ The dangers of silver-bullet investment strategies ✅ Why longevity and consistency matter ✅ What genuine buyer advocacy should look like Because when you're trusting someone to help build long-term wealth, due diligence matters. 🏡 Buying a home soon? Before your next open for inspection, check out PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series designed to help Australians buy property with greater clarity and confidence. From creating a property brief and researching the market, through to negotiating, bidding at auction and understanding settlement, we've broken the buying journey into easy-to-follow episodes. 🎥 Watch the full series here:  https://thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase 🎁 FREE UPDATED $3,000 A WEEK CASE STUDIES Leave a review for The Property Couch on your favourite podcast platform OR leave a review for the Moorr app. Then: 📸 Screenshot your review 📧 Email it to info@thepropertycouch.com.au We'll send you FREE access to our updated video case studies, refreshed for today's property market, negative gearing and capital gains tax changes. 🕰️Timestamps 0:00 The hill Shane is willing to die on 1:04 Recent buyer's agency collapses 2:19 What to look for in a buyer's agency 3:03 The biggest red flag 3:24 Why business structure matters 4:15 Longevity and consistency 5:00 Why philosophy matters 5:46 Too many hats 7:02 Beware the silver bullet 8:11 The Victorian unit debate 8:50 Why one-size-fits-all doesn't work 10:07 How performance should be presented 11:05 Be critical of marketing claims 11:29 The biggest warning sign 11:55 Why Shane believes fees should be paid at the end #PropertyInvesting #BuyersAgent #PropertyAdvice #PropertyInvestor #PropertyStrategy #InvestmentProperty #WealthCreation #PropertyMarket #ThePropertyCouch #FUNdamentalFridays LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/      FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube

    How To Tell If An Agent Is Legit | FUNdamental Fridays

  5. Sep 24 ·  Video

    616 | Why Chasing Yield Could Cost You - Q&A Day

    With borrowing capacity tightening and negative gearing changes reshaping the numbers, investors are being pushed towards cheaper properties, higher yields and new strategies.  But could adapting to the new environment mean compromising the quality of your assets?  In this jam-packed Q&A episode, Ben, Polly and Luke unpack the post-budget property traps investors need to avoid, before answering listener questions about grandfathering, offset accounts, upgrading the family home and preserving financial flexibility.  Listen now!   FREE STUFF MENTIONED 📊 The Upgraded Case Study Series Explore seven refreshed case studies plus a brand-new Live-Vesting strategy, updated for today’s lending, tax and cash-flow environment.  As thanks for being part of our community, use COUCH17 to access the series for just $17 (RRP $197). 👉 Explore the Case Studies 🎥 The PRE-Purchase Series A free ten-part, bite-sized series designed to guide you through the three key stages of purchasing property—Preparation, Research and Execution. 👉 Access the free series 🐖 Moorr: Your Home for Property, Finance & Money Management Bring your cash flow, properties, loans and overall financial position together, so you can understand your numbers and make more informed decisions. 👉 Get started with Moorr for free 🔎 We’re Looking for a Sydney Buyer’s Agent Empower Wealth is looking for an experienced Sydney-based Buyer’s Agent to help clients purchase quality homes. 👉 Visit Empower Wealth and head to About Us → Careers.   LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/      FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube

    616 | Why Chasing Yield Could Cost You - Q&A Day

  6. Sep 22 ·  Video

    What Should I Do After Watching PRE-Purchase? | PRE-Purchase Conclusion

    Over the past 10 episodes, we've covered the complete home-buying journey. From defining your brief and researching the market through to inspections, negotiations, auctions, settlement and moving in, PRE-Purchase was created to help buyers navigate one of life's biggest financial decisions with greater confidence. This final episode is simply a thank you. Thank you for coming along on the journey, for sending in questions, and for helping shape a series that was built around the real challenges buyers face every day. We hope the series has given you practical tools, useful frameworks and the confidence to make informed property decisions. In This Episode ✅ Why we created PRE-Purchase ✅ The biggest lessons from the series ✅ Why preparation matters ✅ Why research creates confidence ✅ The value of asking questions ✅ When professional advice can help ✅ Next steps for buyers ✅ How to submit questions for the Q&A episode Need Help With Your Property Journey? If this series has raised questions about your own property situation, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading or investing, we're happy to help you understand your options. 👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/ Got A Question? If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode. 📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact Timestamps 00:00 Why we created PRE-Purchase 00:16 Built from real buyer questions 00:24 The goal of the series 00:41 Send us your questions 00:50 When to speak with a buyer's agent 01:01 The value of an initial consultation 01:15 What the series demonstrates about buying property 01:23 What we hope you've learned 01:32 Closing thoughts Hashtags #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyEducation #BuyersAgent #PropertyTips #PropertyResearch #ThePropertyCouch #PREPurchase #PropertyJourney #HomeOwnership LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/      FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube

    What Should I Do After Watching PRE-Purchase? | PRE-Purchase Conclusion

  7. Sep 22 ·  Video

    What Actually Happens On Settlement Day? | PRE-Purchase Ep 10

    Settlement day is finally here. After months of preparation, research, inspections, negotiations and paperwork, ownership of the property is about to transfer into your name. But what actually happens on settlement day? In Episode 10 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain how settlement works, what PEXA is, when you'll receive the keys, and the practical lessons they've learned from years of helping buyers navigate moving day. You'll also learn why settlement times aren't guarantees, how property settlements can become linked together, and how to reduce stress when organising your move. In This Episode ✅ What happens on settlement day ✅ Understanding PEXA ✅ Why settlement times can change ✅ When you'll receive the keys ✅ Why Friday settlements can be risky ✅ Understanding property settlement chains ✅ Moving truck lessons and mistakes ✅ Organising utilities and trades ✅ Why changing the locks matters ✅ Preparing for your first night in the home Need Help With Your Property Journey? Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, investing or preparing for settlement, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation. 👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/ Got A Question? If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode. 📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:12 What actually happens on settlement day? 00:21 Understanding PEXA 00:41 How funds and ownership are transferred 00:56 Why settlement times aren't guaranteed 01:28 When do you get the keys? 02:09 Why Friday settlements can be risky 02:39 Understanding settlement chains 03:20 Moving truck lessons 04:35 Not everything is within your control 04:49 Organising utilities 05:18 When should trades be booked? 05:34 Why changing the locks matters 06:07 The first things to set up 06:19 Survival tips for your first night 07:03 Settlement day recap 07:49 The most important reminder about key collection Hashtags #SettlementDay #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #MovingHouse #PropertySettlement #PropertyTips #BuyersAgent #ThePropertyCouch #PREPurchase #PropertyJourney LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/      FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube

    What Actually Happens On Settlement Day? | PRE-Purchase Ep 10

  8. Sep 22 ·  Video

    What Happens At A Pre-Settlement Inspection? | PRE-Purchase Ep 9

    You've bought the property. You've gone unconditional. Settlement is approaching. Now comes one final check. In Episode 9 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain the purpose of a pre-settlement inspection, what buyers should be checking, and what to do if something isn't working or has changed since the day you purchased the property. Many buyers mistakenly think a pre-settlement inspection is another building inspection. It's not. The purpose is to confirm the property is being delivered in substantially the same condition as when you agreed to buy it. In This Episode ✅ What a pre-settlement inspection actually is ✅ Fixtures vs fittings explained ✅ What should still be working before settlement ✅ What happens if something breaks ✅ The role of your solicitor ✅ Settlement adjustments explained ✅ Why documentation matters ✅ How building inspections can help later ✅ Common pre-settlement issues buyers encounter Need Help Navigating Settlement? If you're approaching settlement and would like personalised guidance around your property journey, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation. 👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/ Got A Question? If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode. 📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact Timestamps 00:04 Introduction 00:24 What happens after you've purchased? 00:50 What is a pre-settlement inspection? 01:09 Fixtures and fittings explained 01:37 What should still be working? 01:54 What if something is broken? 02:12 Contact your solicitor immediately 02:32 Settlement adjustments explained 03:11 Practical uses for your inspection 03:29 What if the vendor disagrees? 03:58 Why evidence matters 04:15 Building inspections and documentation 04:40 What appliances should be checked? 05:11 Episode summary Hashtags #PreSettlementInspection #SettlementDay #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertySettlement #PropertyTips #BuyersAgent #ThePropertyCouch #PREPurchase #PropertyChecklist LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >> MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP: 👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW 👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW 👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/      FREE MASTERCLASS: - How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >> FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS: - The Armchair Guide to Property Investing - Make Money Simple Again FIND US HERE: - Website - Instagram - Facebook - Youtube

    What Happens At A Pre-Settlement Inspection? | PRE-Purchase Ep 9
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Hosts & Guests

4.5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Australia’s top property podcast for everyday investors who want real results, not hype. Originally shaped by long-time hosts Ben Kingsley and Bryce Holdaway, The Property Couch has evolved into a new chapter led by Ben alongside the expanded Couch Crew. The foundations remain the same: practical frameworks, clear thinking, and real stories that help Australians make smarter decisions. Backed by data, banter, and proudly anti-spruiker since 2015! W: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/

Information

  • Creator
    Ben Kingsley, Opti & The Couch Crew
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    913
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Property Couch
  • Show Website
    The Property Couch

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