Podcast
The Property Couch
Hosted by Ben Kingsley, Opti & The Couch Crew · EN
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/
86episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When Is It Time to Stop Buying Investment Properties? | FUNdamental Fridays
1w ago00:13:10Tap to summarizeHow do you know when you've bought enough property?In this Friday Fundamentals episode, Polly Chu is joined by mortgage broker Luke Oxenham to tackle a question from listener Andrew:"How do you know you're ready to land the plane?"For many investors, the accumulation phase becomes second nature. The focus is always on the next property, the next equity release, and the next opportunity.But what happens when you've built the portfolio you need?Luke and Polly explore why there is no universal number of properties, why borrowing capacity shouldn't determine your investment goals, and how investors can start thinking about debt reduction, passive income and lifestyle by design.They also unpack:✅ Why "enough" looks different for every investor✅ The role of passive income in defining your finish line✅ Why lenders don't decide when your journey ends✅ The transition from accumulation to consolidation✅ Debt reduction strategies as retirement approaches✅ Balancing wealth creation with actually enjoying lifeBecause at the end of the day, money is a tool, and investing should help fund the life you want to live.Got a question or a "hill" you'd like us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/⏱️ Timestamps00:18 Andrew's question: "When do you land the plane?"01:29 Why there's no universal finish line02:20 Why borrowing capacity shouldn't define success03:19 Working backwards from passive income goals05:05 Defining your ideal retirement lifestyle05:44 Accumulation vs debt reduction06:39 Why paying down debt matters07:41 Interest-only vs principal-and-interest strategies09:17 When should investors start enjoying life?10:15 Money is a tool, not the destination11:34 Just because the bank says yes...12:14 Why enough is personal12:31 Final thoughtsLISTEN 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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609 | Regional vs City Property: Where Should You Buy Next? – Q&A Day
1w ago01:02:29Tap to summarizeRegional markets have boomed. Melbourne's established units are back in the spotlight. And after the government's latest tax changes, many investors are asking the same question: Has the property playbook changed? In this week's Q&A, Ben Kingsley is joined by Polly Chu and Ben Thompson to answer five listener questions from every stage of the property journey. In this episode, we answer: ✔️ Is How to Retire on $3,000 a Week still relevant after the government's tax changes? ✔️ Have regional property markets become too risky? ✔️ Melbourne character unit or affordable house—which offers the better long-term opportunity? ✔️ What's the smartest way to manage your money after buying your first home? ✔️ And if you don't have children, should that change how you build—and eventually spend—your wealth? Tune in now! Free Stuff Mentioned 📊 UPDATED: Polly & Ben.T’s Case Study Series See how the government's latest tax changes impact every case study (Plus an all-new bonus case study) from our best-selling book, “How to Retire on $3,000 a Week.” 👉 Join the Waitlist 🎥 Free Property Webinars Register for upcoming webinars and unlock our library of past property investing sessions. 👉 Be the First to Hear About Our Latest Webinars 📱 Moorr: Revolutionary Money Management Tools Take control of your money with 100+ free tools, including the new Break-Even Calculator. 👉 Create Your Free Account Books: How to Retire on $3,000 a Week Make Money Simple Again Resources from Q5: Somatic mutations impose an entropic upper bound on human lifespan Moonshots with Peter Diamandis 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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The Future of Work in Australia | Throwback Tuesdays
1w ago00:04:05Tap to summarizeEvery week there’s another headline about artificial intelligence, how quickly work is changing, and which jobs might disappear next.But in this Throwback Tuesday snippet, social researcher Mark McCrindle joins Bryce and Ben to unpack a slightly different question: what kind of work can’t AI take away?For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 185 | The Future of Australia’s Population, Retirement Expectations, And Other Things You Thought Were True.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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Would You Pay More For An Energy Efficient Home? | FUNdamental Friday
2w ago00:09:35Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Friday Fundamentals on The Property Couch.In this episode, Shane Pope is joined by Jacob Caine, President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia and Victoria, to unpack a property shift that many homeowners and investors may not be thinking about yet:Home energy ratings.Jacob explains why energy efficiency could become a much bigger factor in how properties are valued, rented and sold — particularly as governments look more closely at the energy performance of existing homes.The conversation covers mandatory disclosure, retrofitting, the former NatHERS system now moving under the Home Energy Rating brand, and why upgrades like solar, insulation, batteries, heat pumps, efficient appliances and decommissioning gas could become part of a property’s future value story.They also explore why this may create a major opportunity for owners of existing homes, especially if buyers and renters increasingly factor energy performance into their decisions.If you own property, rent property, or are thinking about upgrading, this is one to keep on your radar.Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/#ThePropertyCouch #EnergyEfficiency #PropertyValue #AustralianProperty #PropertyInvesting⏱️ Timestamps00:24 – Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals00:36 – Meet Jake Caine00:52 – Why energy efficiency matters for property01:17 – The built environment and net zero targets01:23 – How energy ratings may impact property values01:32 – New builds vs existing homes01:53 – Why retrofitting is the big opportunity02:15 – Mandatory home energy rating disclosure03:02 – Energy ratings at point of sale or lease03:31 – How this could roll out across states04:01 – Victorian rental energy standards04:22 – Energy efficiency and the value premium04:41 – The potential difference in property value04:59 – Solar, batteries, insulation and heat pumps05:18 – Why owners should start thinking about upgrades06:06 – How Home Energy Ratings could guide improvements06:47 – Will upgrades translate into added value?07:38 – Comparing energy upgrades to pre-sale improvements08:39 – Could small upgrades create a larger value premium?08:56 – Final thoughts and webinar reminderLISTEN 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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608 | REIA President: Are Governments Making the Housing Crisis Worse? - Chat with Jacob Cain
2w ago01:10:04Tap to summarizeRecorded just days after Victoria welcomed a new Premier, this conversation couldn't have come at a more pivotal time. Ben and Shane sit down with Jacob (Jake) Caine, President of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) and the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), to unpack one question that's shaping the future of Australia's property market: Are governments solving the right problem... or creating new ones? From Victoria's rental reforms and proposed auction reserve price changes to the Federal Government's new tax policies and anti-money laundering (AML) laws, Jake explains why the industry believes many well-intentioned reforms are producing unintended consequences. Drawing on REIA's Senate evidence, independent modelling and frontline industry experience, the conversation explores what these changes could mean for housing supply, affordability, investor confidence and everyday Australians looking to buy, sell or rent property. If you've been wondering whether the latest reforms are helping or hurting, this episode will be your answer. Listen now! Free Stuff Mentioned Nathan Mawby: Property sector puts Ben Carroll on notice over Allan’s ‘damaging’ reformsREIA:Opening Statement to the Senate Economics Legislation CommitteeProperty prices rise nationally as rental markets tighten further REIV: The 8-Point Blueprint for Marketing of Residential Real Estate in Victoria Jake’s Article for The Age, 11 August 2025, “Peak real estate lobby backs underquoting overhaul” Guests & Episodes Mentioned: 595 | Building Inspections, Hidden Defects & A Risky Govt Proposal (Buying a Home | Part 2) – Chat with Paul Baker & Myles Clark 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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Is “Pay Yourself First” Still the Best Rule? | Throwback Tuesdays
2w ago00:03:09Tap to summarize“Pay yourself first” is one of the most popular rules in personal finance. And to be fair, it’s popular for a reason: it’s simple, memorable, and it works.But what if saving 10% isn’t enough?In this Throwback Tuesday snippet, Bryce and Ben unpack why the classic “pay yourself first” rule might still leave room for lifestyle creep… and how trapping more of your surplus can help you put your money to better use.For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 191| Seven Steps to Make Money Simple Again. 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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Are You Waiting for the Perfect Time to Buy Property? | FUNdamental Friday
3w ago00:11:22Tap to summarizeIn this Friday Fundamentals episode, Luke Oxenham and Polly Chu unpack a common property investing myth:Waiting for the perfect time before you start.From interest rates and market cycles to cost of living, family plans and global uncertainty, there always seems to be a reason to hold off.But as Luke and Polly explain, waiting for perfect certainty can sometimes leave people sitting on the sidelines for years.This episode explores how to plan for uncertainty before buying property, including stress testing your repayments, modelling higher interest rates, allowing for rental changes, planning for holding costs, and keeping cash buffers in place.They also discuss why trying to time the bottom of the market can be difficult, and how big life goals should be considered before building an investment strategy.Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/Timestamps00:23 – Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals 00:41 – The myth: waiting for the perfect time 00:55 – Why people feel they need to wait 01:13 – There’s always another reason to hold off 01:43 – Why uncertainty feels uncomfortable 02:19 – How planning helps manage uncertainty 02:22 – Running the numbers before buying 02:36 – Modelling higher interest rates 03:21 – Planning for worst-case scenarios 03:31 – Rental income, holding costs and maintenance 04:07 – Stress testing your loan repayments 04:39 – Why cash buffers matter 05:06 – The danger of using every dollar to buy 06:20 – Should you wait for a particular time? 06:38 – Why waiting for the market to turn can take years 07:08 – The problem with timing the bottom 08:08 – Waiting for life to settle down 09:24 – Big life decisions vs borrowing capacity 10:04 – The big rocks in the jar analogy 10:26 – Final takeaway: there is no perfect timeLISTEN 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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607 | The Best Lending Structure Today (In the New Negative Gearing Era)
3w ago01:03:58Tap to summarizeTwo months on from the Budget's negative gearing and CGT changes, the data is telling a clear story. In our latest episode, Ben sits down with couch crew Luke Oxenham, investment-savvy mortgage broker, and Polly Chu, Qualified Property Investment Advisor, both fielding real client conversations daily. Together, they're unpacking what's actually happening on the ground: auction clearance rates stuck below 50% for weeks (the worst run since 2018), open home attendance down 43% year-on-year, and the lending data driving it all. How lenders scrambled to rewrite borrowing power calculators within days of Budget night — some borrowers lost up to $160K in capacity overnight Why majors and smaller lenders are treating investment debt so differently What AFG's lodgement data really reveals about first home buyers, upgraders and investors The shift toward interest-only loans as borrowers protect negative gearing and build buffers Why this cautious market might be the smartest time for new investors to prepare — and what "prepared" actually means Tune in to hear the conversations happening behind closed doors right now. RESOURCES MENTIONEDFree Webinar: New vs Established Property — What Should You Buy in Today's Market? 🎙️ The rules have changed. Should your strategy? Join us live to unpack the real numbers behind buying new vs established in today's market. 📅 Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 7:30pm AEST 👉 Register free Free Borrowing Power Calculator 💰 Curious what you could actually borrow right now? Run your numbers through Moorr's latest feature and get clarity in minutes. 👉 Get financial clarity now Free Personalised Lending Chat 📞 Want to know exactly where you stand? Have a free, no-obligation chat with our team and get a lending assessment tailored to you. 👉 Book your free chat today. Between rate rises and rewritten legislation, it's a lot to keep up with. Got a question?👉 We've got you! Send it in for our upcoming Q&A Day >> Resources from this week’s episode Ray White: Open homes are quieter, but attendance may be stabilising Westpac-MI Consumer Sentiment July AFG brokers lodge $28.1 billion in home loans in Q4 FY26 The Advisor: FHB pullback almost as steep as investor retreat Majors’ share slips as Westpac tops AFG lodgements Broker Daily: Westpac forecasts slump in investor activity following budget 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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New or Established Property? THIS Equation Could Help You Choose
3w ago00:09:34Tap to summarize(Webinar) New vs Established Property: What Should You Buy in Today’s Market? - Tuesday, 28 July @ 7:30PM 👉 www.thepropertycouch.com.au/registernowWith the government’s new tax settings encouraging investors towards new property, one big question is starting to dominate the conversation:Does a better tax benefit automatically make a new property the better investment?In this special Tuesday episode, Ben breaks down the equation every property investor should consider before choosing between a new build and an established property.Because while tax savings can make an investment look attractive today, they are only one part of the bigger picture.Free Stuff Mentioned: New vs Established Property WebinarWant Ben to unpack the numbers, historical performance and trade-offs in more detail? Join the free live webinar:📅 Tuesday, 28 July 2026🕢 7:30 pm AESTRegister here:https://thepropertycouch.com.au/registernow/Places are limited, so make sure you register early.Timestamps00:36 – Should tax savings influence your property choice?00:56 – The property investment equation explained01:32 – What happens to carried-forward property losses?02:25 – Comparing two $800,000 investment properties02:51 – New property vs established property growth03:17 – Can tax benefits make up for lower capital growth?04:30 – How to compare total property investment returns05:33 – When buying a new property can make sense07:07 – Property market risks, supply and oversupply07:24 – Free suburb research and property data in MoorrHave a Property Data Question?We will be sharing more Tuesday property data dives. Submit the topics, locations or market questions you would like them to unpack at the comment section below or send it in here: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/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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Have You Ever Been Pressured to Rush a Property Offer? | FUNdamental Fridays
4w ago00:08:22Tap to summarizeIn this Friday Fundamentals episode, Shane Pope and Luke Oxenham share what they wish more clients knew before buying property.Shane starts with the negotiation side, unpacking how agents can create pressure and urgency during a deal — and why buyers often have more space than they realise to make a calm, quality decision.Luke then explains the finance side, including why settlement length is often less important than the finance clause, cooling-off period, and the time needed to secure unconditional approval.Together, they cover the parts of buying property that can feel stressful, confusing or rushed — and how better preparation can help buyers avoid poor decisions.If you’re planning to make an offer, this is a useful episode to listen to first.Got a question or a “hill” you want us to unpack? Send it through here 👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/topics/⏱️ Timestamps00:27 – Welcome back to Friday Fundamentals01:09 – What Shane wishes more buyers knew01:11 – Why agent pressure can feel so intense01:34 – Can buyers push back on offer deadlines?01:59 – Why buyers can be firmer with agents02:24 – Creating space to make better decisions03:01 – Why first home buyers can feel like they’re bidding against themselves03:20 – Going radio silent and using time as a tell03:49 – Why timing matters in negotiations04:06 – Case study: negotiating a lifestyle property04:26 – Four other buyers at the table04:54 – Why a good buyer’s agent can help05:13 – What Luke wishes more buyers knew05:33 – Why unconditional approval matters05:54 – Finance clauses and lender timeframes06:12 – Why brokers plan for the worst-case scenario06:45 – Why the first week matters most07:04 – Buyer pressure before and after settlement07:41 – Final thoughts and send in your questions#ThePropertyCouch #PropertyBuying #BuyersAgent #MortgageBroker #propertytipsLISTEN 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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