Property Investment Australia Podcast

Lachlan Vidler

The Property Investment Australia Podcast is the premier destination for all things property and property investment in Australia. Host Lachlan Vidler unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. Throughout the show, Lachlan will also be joined by a range of industry experts and special guests, bringing deeper insights, real-world experience and practical strategies for investors. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is your must-listen podcast. Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

  1. 52m ago

    Is Property Still the Best Asset Class? Fundamentals Beyond the Headlines

    Whether you're looking to balance your wealth creation journey or wondering how real estate fits into a broader financial picture, understanding how property aligns with holistic financial planning is essential. In this episode, host Lachlan Vidler is joined by financial planner Mike Horan from CA Financial to explore how property can be integrated into a fully diversified portfolio. Mike breaks down the true role of leverage, why financial advice in Australia is often misunderstood, and how to properly protect your assets using risk mitigation strategies like cash buffers and insurance. They also tackle the disconnect between traditional financial planning and property investment, helping you ask the right questions when building a team around your long-term goals. Whether you're starting out or scaling your investments, this conversation delivers practical insights on balancing cash flow, capital growth, and real-world financial security. Key Topics (00:00) Why financial planning is essential for a complete property and wealth creation strategy (02:36) Portfolio diversity: Balancing property, superannuation, and alternative investments (07:11) How property generates capital growth, certain income streams, and long-term stability (11:02) The power and risks of leverage: Using borrowed money to accelerate future gains (15:19) Why some financial advisors hesitate to recommend property and how fee structures work (27:30) Questions to ask a financial planner to ensure they align with your property goals (36:17) Essential risk mitigation: Cash reserves, exit strategies, and personal insurance To Get in Touch with Lachlan at Atlas Property Group: https://atlaspropertygroup.com.au/book-now/ https://www.instagram.com/lachlan.vidler/ About the Show Host of the show, Lachlan Vidler, unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is a must-listen. About Lachlan Vidler Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 11× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

  2. Jul 29

    Why 91% of Investors Get Stuck at Property One or Two

    With changes to negative gearing dominating headlines, new-build property marketing is everywhere. But does a tax benefit automatically make a property a good investment? In this episode, host Lachlan Vidler is joined by Molly Finlayson, Portfolio Strategist at Atlas Property Group. Together, they break down why having a tailored portfolio strategy matters more than chasing short-term market noise, why negative gearing and cash flow shouldn't dictate your investment order, and how getting the foundation wrong can stall your wealth creation. They also dive into real-world data from Townsville to examine the massive structural supply-demand imbalances reshaping Australian real estate. Whether you're buying your first investment property or looking to scale an existing portfolio, this episode provides a clear framework for assessing property fundamentals beyond the latest media headlines and tax policy debates. Key Topics (00:00) Introduction to Molly Finlayson and what a Portfolio Strategist actually does (00:02:43) Why every property portfolio needs a strategy (and the biggest surprises for investors) (00:11:45) The 3 stages of portfolio building: Foundation, Acceleration, and Retirement (00:14:22) The danger of skipping steps: Why chasing yield too early stalls growth (00:20:16) Owner-occupier vs. investor-only demand: How asset selection drives capital growth (00:32:46) Cutting through media noise: What’s really happening in Australian property markets (00:39:44) Deep-dive market analysis: Townsville’s supply shortage and population data (00:48:09) Key takeaways for investors: Long-term fundamentals vs. short-term noise To Get in Touch with Lachlan at Atlas Property Group: https://atlaspropertygroup.com.au/book-now/ https://www.instagram.com/lachlan.vidler/ About the Show Host of the show, Lachlan Vidler, unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is a must-listen. About Lachlan Vidler Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

  3. Jul 22

    Post-Budget Lending Realities: What Property Investors Need to Know

    Following recent federal budget announcements, property investors across Australia are navigating a shifting landscape. With headlines stirring up uncertainty, many are wondering what these tax policy changes mean for borrowing power, property selection, and long-term wealth In this episode of the Property Investment Australia Podcast, host Lachlan Vidler is joined by mortgage broker Pat Noll from Runestone Finance. Together, they cut through the media noise to examine the real-world impact of the budget changes on investor lending. They discuss why negative gearing is a tax byproduct rather than an investment strategy, how banks are adjusting their assessment calculations, the importance of building equity buffers, and why having a tailored individual strategy matters now more than ever. Whether you're looking to adapt your existing portfolio strategy or trying to understand your revised borrowing capacity, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the changing market. Key Topics (00:00) Introduction and catching up post-budget: navigating the immediate market reaction and media noise (03:18) The role of professional advice: why every investor needs an aligned team of accountants, planners, brokers, and buyer's agents (08:08) Unpacking policy changes: political decisions, policy implementation, and dealing with market uncertainty (13:20) Opportunity cost and asset choices: comparing residential real estate to other asset classes post-budget (18:38) Negative gearing and market fundamentals: why negative gearing is a tax outcome - not a strategy - and looking beyond market aggregates (23:12) Managing debt and cash flow risk: why bank approval doesn't always equal personal affordability (28:27) Lending market reality check: how banks are adjusting serviceability calculators and soft-landing borrowing capacities (41:00) Buffer strategies and alternative lending: using equity safety nets and third-tier/alt-doc lenders for ongoing portfolio growth To Get in Touch with Lachlan at Atlas Property Group: https://atlaspropertygroup.com.au/book-now/ https://www.instagram.com/lachlan.vidler/ About the Show Host of the show, Lachlan Vidler, unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is a must-listen. About Lachlan Vidler Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

  4. Jul 15

    From Wagga to Newcastle: Lessons from a 20-Year Property Journey

    With the property market constantly shifting, many investors struggle to look past their own backyards when building a portfolio. But does buying where you live automatically make it a good financial decision? In this episode, host Lachlan Vidler sits down with Atlas Property Group client, Joe, to break down his 20-year property journey. Joe shares his experience transitioning an emotional first purchase into a high-performing asset, navigating a major financial rebuild post-separation, and why he chose to look outside of Sydney to secure his future. He explains the power of regional hubs, the realities of property "faff" and paperwork, and why getting "match fit" for the speed of the modern market is crucial for long-term wealth creation. Whether you're looking to jump onto the ladder for the first time or looking to strategically rebuild an existing portfolio, this episode provides a practical framework for taking the emotion out of investing and trusting the data. Key Topics (00:00) Welcome to the show and introducing Joe, an Atlas client working in government and stakeholder relations at Sydney Airport. (04:54) Infrastructure and demand: How multi-billion dollar airport upgrades reflect broader population, student, and tourism growth trends in Australia. (08:05) The power of regional capitals: Why health, education, and professional service hubs make strong Perry Urban and regional investments. (11:37) Joe’s early property journey: Buying a red-brick home in Wagga Wagga and learning the hard lesson of high maintenance versus emotional attachment. (13:00) Asset recycling: Selling in Wagga to buy a low-maintenance, high-growth new dwelling in Newcastle, which set up a future purchase in Sydney's eastern suburbs. (19:15) Navigating a financial rebuild: Stepping back into property investing post-separation to secure a 5-to-7-year path back into Sydney homeownership. (25:57) "Let the bakers bake the bread": Recognising the limitations of time as a busy parent and outsourcing the heavy lifting to property professionals. (32:53) Getting match fit for speed: Overcoming the shock of fast-paced, off-market property opportunities and learning to manage the transaction process. (37:07) Aligning the numbers: Due diligence on rental appraisals, property managers, and balancing yield with medium-term capital growth. (45:24) Final advice for property investors: The philosophy of renting where you want to live and buying where you can afford. To Get in Touch with Lachlan at Atlas Property Group: https://atlaspropertygroup.com.au/book-now/ https://www.instagram.com/lachlan.vidler/ About the Show Host of the show, Lachlan Vidler, unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is a must-listen. About Lachlan Vidler Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

  5. Jul 7

    The 55% Tax Trap: Why Building Houses in Australia is Such a Hard Slog

    With a shifting economy and housing shortages dominating the headlines, it’s easy for investors to feel overwhelmed by the noise. But what does it actually take to build a multi-property portfolio while navigating the challenges of running a business?   In this episode of the Property Investment Australia Podcast, host Lachlan Vidler sits down with Tim Cullen, co-founder of Tradie Spec. Tim shares his journey from starting a niche commercial vehicle rental business with a single car to managing a national fleet of over 1,100 vehicles. He dives into the realities of being "cash-thirsty" in business and why diversifying into residential property became his go-to move for building secure, long-term wealth.Tim opens up about his first property purchase at age 24 in Wollongong - reflecting on what he wish he’d known about land value and strategy -and how he later partnered with Atlas Property Group to scale his portfolio with massive capital growth in record time. Whether you are a business owner trying to pass restrictive bank serviceability tests or a regular investor looking to tune out the media noise and trust the data, this episode offers a practical look at overcoming speed humps to achieve genuine portfolio scalability.Key Topics(00:00) Welcome to the new studio: Introducing Tim Cullen and the Tradie Spec story.(05:11) The building block of the economy: The realities of the Australian construction sector and upstream/downstream impacts.(07:11) Red tape and government charges: Why tax and regulatory delays account for 55% of new build costs.(12:38) The cash-thirsty business hurdle: Navigating bank serviceability, diluted salaries, and the need to diversify.(18:13) Tim’s first punt at 24: The Wollongong apartment, accidental leverage, and the lesson of buying land.(23:49) The power of compounding time: Why making early judgement errors beats standing on the sidelines.(39:55) Scaling into the top 10%: Trust structures, data-driven strategies, and making $364k in equity over two years.  (51:27) Words of wisdom: Finding the right specialist advisors and surviving the "hot seat" emotions of investing.To Get in Touch with Lachlan at Atlas Property Group:https://atlaspropertygroup.com.au/book-now/https://www.instagram.com/lachlan.vidler/About the ShowHost of the show, Lachlan Vidler, unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is a must-listen.About Lachlan VidlerLachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

  6. Jul 1

    Why More is Not a Strategy: Re-Thinking Your Property Portfolio

    Welcome to a massive refresh of the Property Investment Australia Podcast! We are kicking off in a brand new studio, moving to a weekly format, and getting ready to bring you a huge diversity of guest perspectives over the coming months. In this solo episode, we dive deep into why your ultimate portfolio end game must decide your very first move in the market. Far too many Australian investors drift into property without defining what "done" actually looks like. We break down the three primary exit strategies, uncover the major hidden risks of the default "buy and hold forever" mindset, and explain how to give every single property a clear job so you can successfully reverse engineer your dream retirement. Whether you are just mapping out your first purchase or trying to figure out if an underperforming asset is holding back your borrowing capacity, this episode provides the blueprint for strategic, intentional portfolio planning. Key Topics [00:00] Welcome to the podcast refresh: New studio, weekly episodes, and upcoming guest stories. [03:45] The portfolio end game: Why you can't buy the right asset until you know its role. [06:33] Why "more is not a strategy" and the trap of investing without defining what "done" means. [09:08] The car without Google Maps analogy: The cost of drifting into property without a route. [11:07] Exit Strategy 1: The complete portfolio sell-down, and the pros and cons of moving into lower-risk assets. [13:25] Exit Strategy 2: Holding everything to live off equity versus living off cash flow. [17:51] Exit Strategy 3: Selling down one or two properties to clear debt and own the rest outright. [19:34] Why "holding forever" by default is super dangerous: Concentration, anchor, policy, and forced-sale risks. [24:48] Giving every property a job: Active market management, commercial property transitions, and Barry’s success story. [35:11] Key takeaway: Reverse engineering your portfolio and taking action in today's insane property markets. To Get in Touch with Lachlan at Atlas Property Group: https://atlaspropertygroup.com.au/book-now/ https://www.instagram.com/lachlan.vidler/ About the Show Host of the show, Lachlan Vidler, unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is a must-listen. About Lachlan Vidler Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

  7. Jun 16

    Why New Builds Are a Trap After the Budget

    With proposed changes to negative gearing dominating headlines, new-build property marketing is everywhere. But does a tax benefit automatically make a property a good investment? In this episode, Lachlan Vidler from Atlas Property Group breaks down why he believes many investors are being sold the wrong asset for the wrong reasons. He explains why negative gearing has never been an investment strategy, examines the risks associated with new-build properties, and outlines how factors such as oversupply, valuation shortfalls, limited resale demand, and poor portfolio scalability can impact long-term wealth creation. Whether you're buying your first investment property or looking to grow an existing portfolio, this episode provides a framework for assessing property fundamentals beyond the latest tax policy changes. Key Topics (00:00) Why new-build marketing has exploded following the proposed negative gearing changes (08:51) Negative gearing explained: why it's an outcome, not an investment strategy (12:38) The fundamental flaws of many new-build investments: land value, valuations and replacement costs (19:59) Oversupply, estate development and why demand matters more than tax incentives (23:49) The hidden exit problem: resale challenges, equity growth and portfolio stagnation (31:23) The key takeaway for investors: focus on asset quality, long-term fundamentals and portfolio growth To Get in Touch with Lachlan at Atlas Property Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://atlaspropertygroup.com.au/book-now/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lachlan.vidler/ About the Show Host of the show, Lachlan Vidler, unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is a must-listen. About Lachlan Vidler Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

  8. Jun 2

    The Property Strategy Most Investors Have Never Considered

    In this episode of Property Investment Australia, Lachlan Vidler breaks down the growing surge in SMSF (self-managed super fund) property investing and why more Australians are turning to super as a way to build wealth and expand their property portfolios. Lachlan explains how recent budget changes have increased interest in SMSF investing, why leverage inside super can dramatically change long-term outcomes, and the different investor types who may benefit from this strategy. He also walks through real-world examples comparing leveraged property investing versus traditional super fund investing, while highlighting the risks, rules, and common mistakes investors need to understand. Whether you’re an owner occupier who feels tapped out, an active investor who’s hit a borrowing ceiling, or someone simply wanting more control over your retirement strategy, this episode explores why SMSF property investing is becoming one of the biggest conversations in Australian property right now. Timecodes: (0:07) Why SMSF property investing is exploding after the federal budget(7:25) The three types of investors most suited to SMSF property investing(15:45) How leverage inside super can dramatically increase long-term returns(25:48) Real-world examples comparing shares vs leveraged property investing(34:20) The different SMSF property investing strategies investors are using(40:12) The three biggest mistakes people make with SMSF property investing To Get in Touch with Lachlan at Atlas Property Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://atlaspropertygroup.com.au/book-now/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/lachlan.vidler/ About the Show Host of the show, Lachlan Vidler, unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is a must-listen. About Lachlan Vidler Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.

About

The Property Investment Australia Podcast is the premier destination for all things property and property investment in Australia. Host Lachlan Vidler unpacks insights into the Australian property market, property portfolio building and property investment strategies, along with detailed market analysis on locations across the country. Throughout the show, Lachlan will also be joined by a range of industry experts and special guests, bringing deeper insights, real-world experience and practical strategies for investors. If you love property and are focused on growing your wealth, the Property Investment Australia Podcast is your must-listen podcast. Lachlan Vidler is the Director of Atlas Property Group, one of Australia’s leading national investment-only buyers agencies. Atlas Property Group was named the 2023 National Buyers Agency Champion, and Lachlan and his team are 5× finalists in the REB Awards across Buyers Agent of the Year, Thought Leader of the Year, and Rising Star of the Year. Lachlan is also the author of the best-selling property investment book A Military Guide to Property Investing.