The Property Couch

Ben Kingsley, Opti & The Couch Crew
  • 0.0 (0)
  • 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. 6 hr ago ·  Video

    Designing Your Property Brief: The Most Important Step Before You Buy | PRE-Purchase Ep 1

    Most buyers start searching for properties before they know exactly what they're looking for. That's where problems begin. In Episode 1 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain why creating a clear property brief is the foundation of a successful property search. Before you start attending inspections, speaking to agents or scrolling property websites, you need clarity around what you're actually trying to buy. In this episode, Ben and Shane introduce the Buyer's Quadrant, discuss the importance of separating needs from wants, and explain how a well-designed brief can save time, reduce stress and help you make better buying decisions. In This Episode ✅ Why most buyers underestimate the importance of their brief ✅ The Buyer's Quadrant explained ✅ Price, location, land and dwelling quality ✅ Needs vs wants ✅ Why couples should complete separate briefs first ✅ Avoiding costly compromises ✅ Creating your ideal starting point before researching the market Need Help With Your Property Journey? If you'd like personalised guidance around buying your first home, upgrading or investing, 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 0:00 Welcome to Episode 1 0:47 Why buyers work with professionals 1:17 Your brief will evolve 2:14 Introducing the Buyer's Quadrant 3:24 Starting with dwelling requirements 3:55 Needs vs wants explained 5:00 Why buyers often ask for too much 6:18 Reality-testing your brief 7:14 Building a practical property brief 8:17 Examples of needs and wants 8:49 The Buyer's Quadrant recap 9:08 Next episode: Property research #PropertyBrief #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyResearch #BuyersAgent #PropertyEducation #HomeOwnership #PropertySearch #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE 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

  2. 6 hr ago ·  Video

    How Do I Negotiate With An Agent? | PRE-Purchase Ep 5

    You've found the property. You've completed your research. You've done your inspections and due diligence. Now it's time to negotiate. In Episode 5 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope unpack one of the most challenging stages of the home-buying journey: negotiating a private sale. You'll learn why understanding the campaign matters, how to work with agents effectively, what "rules of engagement" actually mean, and why the strongest offer isn't always the highest offer. Whether the property is being sold via private treaty, expression of interest or sale by set date, this episode will help you understand how offers are assessed and how buyers can position themselves more effectively. In This Episode ✅ Understanding private sale campaigns ✅ Sale by set date vs expression of interest ✅ Why registering your interest matters ✅ Understanding your competition ✅ Questions to ask the selling agent ✅ Rules of engagement explained ✅ Offer conditions and negotiation strategy ✅ Price vs terms ✅ What actually makes an offer strong Need Help Negotiating A Purchase? Negotiations can be one of the most stressful parts of buying a home. If you'd like personalised guidance around your property search, negotiations, auction strategy or next purchase, 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 00:40 Bringing together the preparation and research phases 01:17 Knowing what the property is worth to you 01:46 Understanding different private sale campaigns 02:44 Why you should always register your interest 03:35 Understanding the campaign 03:53 Understanding your competition 04:06 Questions every buyer should ask 04:29 Understanding the rules of engagement 05:12 Why every agent runs campaigns differently 06:00 What makes an offer strong? 06:47 Example: conditional vs unconditional offers 08:21 Price, settlement and terms 09:09 How buyer's agents negotiate campaigns 09:51 The three things every buyer should understand 10:28 Next episode Hashtags #PrivateSale #PropertyNegotiation #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyTips #BuyersAgent #PropertyEducation #ThePropertyCouch #PREPurchase #PropertyMarket 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

  3. 6 hr ago ·  Video

    How Do I Search For A Home And Avoid Wasting Time? | PRE-Purchase Ep 2

    Most buyers don't lose money because they failed to find a property. They lose money because they didn't spend enough time understanding the market. In Episode 2 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain how to research property properly, set effective search parameters and build the market knowledge needed to buy with confidence. This episode builds on Episode 1 and explores what happens after you've designed your property brief. You'll learn why inspecting properties is one of the most important parts of the buying process, how to use online portals effectively and why the best buyers spend significant time building local market knowledge before making an offer. Ben and Shane also discuss why attending inspections, tracking sale prices and understanding buyer competition can dramatically improve your decision-making. In This Episode ✅ How many properties you should inspect ✅ Why research is critical before making an offer ✅ The importance of market knowledge ✅ Understanding the Buyer's Quadrant in practice ✅ Using search parameters effectively ✅ Why most buyers underestimate the learning curve ✅ The common mistake buyers make on property portals ✅ Why you should attend auctions before bidding Need Help With Your Property Search? Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. If you'd like personalised guidance around your property search, negotiations, auction strategy or next purchase, 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 Why research matters 00:37 The most important stage of buying 01:22 How many properties should you inspect? 02:04 Expanding your search criteria 03:12 Why buyer appeal matters 04:24 Building market knowledge 05:01 Estimating property values 05:47 Why buyer's agents exist 06:17 Property portal search tips 07:07 Why buyers miss opportunities online 08:02 Spotting underquoted properties 08:47 Why Episodes 1 & 2 work together 09:10 Why you should attend auctions early 10:03 Learn the auctioneer before auction day 10:29 Preparation and research create confidence Hashtags #PropertyResearch #FirstHomeBuyer #PropertySearch #BuyersAgent #AuctionTips #HomeBuying #PropertyEducation #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE #PropertyMarket 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

  4. 6 hr ago ·  Video

    How Does Buying At Auction Actually Work? | PRE-Purchase Ep 7

    Auction day can be one of the most exciting and intimidating parts of the home-buying journey. In Episode 7 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope walk through exactly what happens on auction day, from arriving at the property and understanding auction terminology through to bidding strategies, reserve prices and signing contracts after a successful purchase. This episode focuses on what happens when you're buying at auction and successfully purchase the property. You'll learn how auction proceedings work, the terminology you'll hear, and practical strategies buyers use to approach auctions with greater confidence. In This Episode ✅ What to expect on auction day ✅ Why arriving early matters ✅ Introducing yourself to the auctioneer ✅ Understanding auction terminology ✅ Vendor bids explained ✅ Reserve price explained ✅ What "on the market" means ✅ What a passed-in property means ✅ Auction bidding strategies ✅ What happens after you win Need Help Buying At Auction? Auctions can move quickly and often involve significant pressure. If you'd like personalised guidance around your property search, auction strategy or negotiations, 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 00:16 Why auction buying inspired this series 00:59 What this episode covers 01:23 How early should you arrive? 01:41 Why you should introduce yourself to the auctioneer 03:18 Where should you stand? 04:33 Understanding auction proceedings 05:33 What is a vendor bid? 06:40 What does "passed in" mean? 08:03 What is a reserve price? 08:38 What does "on the market" mean? 09:03 Trial closes explained 12:06 How auctions typically reach their end point 13:35 Two common bidding strategies 15:52 Exuding confidence at auction 16:31 Why couples shouldn't stand together 17:32 What happens after you win? 18:06 Signing the contract 19:09 Paying the deposit 20:20 Celebrating your purchase Hashtags #AuctionDay #BuyingAtAuction #FirstHomeBuyer #PropertyAuction #PropertyBuying #AuctionStrategy #BuyersAgent #ThePropertyCouch #PREPurchase #PropertyTips 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

  5. 6 hr ago ·  Video

    The First Home Buyer Guide: Start Here | PRE-Purchase

    Thinking about buying a home but not sure where to start? Welcome to PRE-PURCHASE, a practical step-by-step series designed to help buyers navigate one of life's biggest financial decisions with greater confidence. In this introductory episode, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain why they created the series, share their backgrounds in property, and walk through the framework that will guide the next 10 episodes. Whether you're preparing to buy your first home, upgrading, downsizing or simply looking to better understand the buying process, this series is designed to help you make more informed decisions and avoid common mistakes. Across the PRE-PURCHASE series, we'll cover: ✅ Defining your brief ✅ Researching suburbs and properties ✅ Property inspections and due diligence ✅ Negotiating private sales ✅ Buying at auction ✅ Getting unconditional ✅ Pre-settlement inspections ✅ Settlement day and moving in Got Questions? This series was built from real buyer questions. If there's something you'd like us to cover in the Q&A episode, send it through here: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact/ Need Help With Your Own Property Journey? If you'd like personalised guidance on buying your first home, upgrading, investing or navigating the property market, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation. 📅 Request your free consultation here: https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/ Whether you're still in the planning stage or actively looking for property, a conversation with an experienced professional can help you gain clarity and confidence around your next steps. Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to PRE-PURCHASE 0:17 Why we created this series 0:45 Meet Ben Thompson 1:38 Meet Shane Pope 2:10 What we'll cover throughout the series 2:47 Submit your questions for the Q&A #HomeBuying #FirstHomeBuyer #PropertyEducation #PropertyResearch #BuyersAgent #AuctionTips #SettlementDay #HomeOwnership #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE 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

  6. 6 hr ago ·  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

  7. 6 hr ago ·  Video

    What Due Diligence Should I Complete Before Buying A Home? | PRE-Purchase Ep 4

    You've found a property you like. You've completed your research. Now comes one of the most important questions in the entire buying journey: Are you actually ready to commit? In Episode 4 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope walk through the final checks buyers should complete before making an offer or raising their hand at auction. From building and pest inspections to contract reviews, street inspections, neighbour considerations and risk management, this episode focuses on reducing surprises before you commit to one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Because once you've signed or successfully purchased at auction, backing out can become difficult, expensive or impossible. In This Episode ✅ Why building and pest inspections are essential ✅ Licensed inspectors vs unlicensed inspectors ✅ Why you should visit the property multiple times ✅ Seeing the property at different times of day ✅ Understanding traffic, noise and neighbourhood factors ✅ Contract and solicitor reviews ✅ Risk management before purchase ✅ Why due diligence protects buyers Need Help Evaluating A Property? If you've found a property and want help assessing risk, reviewing your options or navigating the buying process, 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 00:18 What final checks should buyers complete? 00:30 Building and pest inspections explained 01:33 Why inspections are non-negotiable 02:11 Choosing licensed inspectors 02:54 Why licensing matters 03:13 Visit the property more than once 03:42 Inspect at different times of day 04:28 Contract reviews and legal advice 04:58 Why solicitors can be valuable 05:35 Final due diligence checklist 06:03 Working with your building inspector 06:29 Risk management before committing 06:53 Next episode: Negotiating a private sale Hashtags #DueDiligence #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyInspection #BuildingInspection #PropertyResearch #BuyersAgent #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE #PropertyTips 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

  8. 6 hr ago ·  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

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Hosts & Guests

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
    908
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Property Couch
  • Show Website
    The Property Couch

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