The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)

Cate Bakos, David Johnston and Mike Mortlock
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor, our show rebranded in 2023 to The Property Trio. Residential property is the only asset class we live in, it is where we raise our families, and it is our most expensive investment, yet property advice remains unregulated. Our objective is to educate time-poor professionals through deep insights from our experts who have provided thousands of Australians with personalised advice and education spanning two decades. In a climate where we are overloaded with information and one size fits all recommendations from the media, well-meaning friends and family and so-called advisers, we will distill the raw truth from the ill-informed. So join the Property Planner, David Johnston, The Property Buyer, Cate Bakos and the Quantity Surveyor, Mike Mortlock as they take you on a journey of discovery through the maze of property, mortgage, and money decisions to empower you to create your ideal lifestyle! Links to your hosts: https://www.catebakos.com.au/ https://propertyplanning.com.au/ https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

  1. 5d ago

    #366: Market Update May 2026 – Flat National Growth Masks Big City Moves, Budget Nerves Build & Rents Keep Rising

    May's property market delivered a fascinating mix of results, with Melbourne and Sydney recording price declines while Perth and Darwin continued their remarkable growth. In this month's market update, Cate Bakos and Mike Mortlock unpack the latest data and discuss what's really happening beneath the headlines.They explore the impact of proposed investor tax changes, shifting buyer sentiment, rental growth, housing supply challenges and the implications for investors, homeowners and first-home buyers. The episode also examines listings activity, gross rental yields, interest rate expectations and broader economic indicators influencing property markets around the country. Join The Property Trio as they cut through the noise, analyse the trends and share their insights on what buyers and investors should be watching in the months ahead. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/   Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/   Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/   📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/   Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/15/ep-366-may-2026-market-update/

    51 min

  2. Jun 8

    #365 - Reviewing Your Home Loan - Negotiating Interest Rates Like a Pro, Offset Strategy & Refinancing Without Regret

    With interest rates rising and household budgets under pressure, many borrowers are looking for ways to reduce the cost of their home loans. In this episode, Cate, Dave and Mike explore practical strategies to improve cash flow, including negotiating with lenders, refinancing, reviewing loan structures and making better use of offset accounts. The Trio explain why advertised rates don't always tell the full story and highlights the value of working with a strategic mortgage broker. Whether you're an owner-occupier or investor, this episode offers actionable insights to help ensure your lending is working as hard as possible. Download your free copy of Dave’s Money Management Principles – the 7 Steps to Success: https://www.propertyplanning.com.au/money-management-principles The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/   Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/   Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/   📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/   Shownotes are here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/08/reviewing-your-home-loan/

    47 min

  3. Jun 1

    #364: Budget Aftershock - What Comes Next for Property Prices and Yields?

    Dave, Cate and Mike unpack the post-budget landscape through a listener question from Liam, highlighting the uncertainty facing investors. With proposed changes to negative gearing and CGT not yet legislated, many buyers are pausing, while owner-occupiers are benefiting from reduced competition. The Trio explores whether a surge in listings could create buying opportunities, but notes that property markets adjust slowly despite rapid sentiment shifts. With less reliance on tax incentives, the focus turns to cash flow, borrowing capacity and strategy. This is a market recalibrating, and for well-prepared buyers, changing conditions may present opportunity rather than risk. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/   Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/   Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/   📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/   Shownotes are here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/06/01/listener-question-budget-2026/

    1h 2m

  4. May 25

    #363: Market Update April 2026 - Capital City Divergence Widens, Investor Demand Wobbles, Rents Accelerate & Budget Fallout Begins

    April’s market revealed a clear split. Mike, Cate and Dave highlight declines in Sydney and Melbourne, while Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide continue strong growth, largely fuelled by investors. That momentum may not last. Investor-heavy, lower-priced markets could soften if policy changes reduce demand, while tightly held family homes in established suburbs may prove more resilient. Rents remain under pressure, with low vacancy rates driving ongoing increases. Buyer sentiment has dropped sharply, and lending activity is easing, signalling caution. Overall, the market is shifting, with policy and confidence set to shape what happens next. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/   Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/   Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/   📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/   You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/25/ep-363-april-2026-market-update/

    56 min

  5. May 13

    #362: The Federal Budget Property Shake-Up – The Fall Out and Proposed Changes for Buyers, Investors, Renters, Negative Gearing and CGT

    The 2026 Federal Budget has delivered one of the most significant property policy shake-ups Australia has seen in decades. The headline changes include winding back negative gearing for established homes, replacing the 50% capital gains tax discount with an inflation-indexed model, and extending incentives for new housing supply. The government’s aim is clear: slow investor demand for existing stock and improve affordability for first home buyers. However, with all significant changes, there are often unintended consequences.  The Trio recorded this special release the morning after budget night to clarify, explain and anticipate what it all means for the property industry in Australia. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/   Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/   Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/   📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/   Shownotes are here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/14/budget-night-2026/

    1 hr

  6. May 11

    #361: Are Government Property Incentives Helping Buyers or Heating the Market?

    In this episode of The Property Trio, Dave, Mike and Cate unpack one of the biggest questions facing Australian property buyers right now: do first home buyer incentives genuinely improve affordability, or do they simply create more competition? The episode examines the mechanics behind these incentives and why reducing deposit hurdles can accelerate demand faster than supply can respond.  For buyers, investors and anyone trying to understand Australia’s evolving housing market, this episode delivers a grounded and insightful discussion about policy, competition and the long term supply issues sitting underneath today’s affordability debate. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/   Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/   Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/   📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/   You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/11/government-property-incentives/

    54 min

  7. May 4

    #360: The Landlord Trap - When Chasing More Rent Backfires & How to Balance Cash Flow, Vacancy and Tenant Quality

    🎧 In this episode of The Property Trio, we tackle a great landlord question from Lukasz. Is it better to chase maximum rent or secure a high quality tenant?  Cate, Dave and Mike explain why pushing rent too high can lead to longer vacancies and poorer applicant pools. The Trio highlight hidden costs such as vacancy, leasing fees and tenant issues, and why a stable, respectful tenant often delivers a better long term result.  They also explore strategic pricing, rent review timing, lease staggering and the value of a great property manager. The message is simple; sustainable returns beat short term rent chasing every time. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/   Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/   Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/   📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/   You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/05/04/the-landlord-trap/

    43 min

  8. Apr 27

    #359: The Refinance Playbook - The Numbers, Strategy & Timing Explained

    🎧 This week, The Property Trio unpacks whether refinancing is really worth it. This listener question was sent through by a loyal listener, Greg. Cate, Dave and Mike explain how to weigh savings against switching costs, including break fees, discharge fees, package costs and possible LMI. They also discuss why refinancing should be about strategy, not just rate chasing, and how offsets affect the numbers. Most importantly, they explore the risk of becoming a “mortgage prisoner” if future rate rises reduce borrowing capacity and limit your options. The Property Trio is:  David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/   Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/   Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/   📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/   You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2026/04/27/the-refinance-playbook/

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor, our show rebranded in 2023 to The Property Trio. Residential property is the only asset class we live in, it is where we raise our families, and it is our most expensive investment, yet property advice remains unregulated. Our objective is to educate time-poor professionals through deep insights from our experts who have provided thousands of Australians with personalised advice and education spanning two decades. In a climate where we are overloaded with information and one size fits all recommendations from the media, well-meaning friends and family and so-called advisers, we will distill the raw truth from the ill-informed. So join the Property Planner, David Johnston, The Property Buyer, Cate Bakos and the Quantity Surveyor, Mike Mortlock as they take you on a journey of discovery through the maze of property, mortgage, and money decisions to empower you to create your ideal lifestyle! Links to your hosts: https://www.catebakos.com.au/ https://propertyplanning.com.au/ https://www.mcgqs.com.au/

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