REB Podcast Network

Mortgage demand is falling, borrowing costs remain under pressure, and new lending models are emerging, leaving the property finance sector facing a period of major change. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant is joined by Annie Kane and Julian Barnes from Broker Daily to examine the latest developments across mortgages, lending and property finance. The trio looks at the prospect of further rate rises, mortgage affordability and the battle between banks to win a shrinking pool of borrowers, with mortgage demand reportedly down 16 per cent year on year. They also explore bitcoin-backed home loans, with cryptocurrency emerging as a potential source of deposit funding, while volatility and loan-to-value requirements create new risks for borrowers. Private lending comes under the spotlight as the sector expands across development finance, raising questions about the risks building beneath the surface, while mortgage brokers continue to dominate despite banks pushing their proprietary channels. The conversation also examines AI's potential to transform the mortgage process, from applications to decision-making, before turning to the bigger challenge facing property: how to get more housing built.

Breaking into Australia's Top 100 Agents for the first time is a major career milestone, but what does it take to get there without losing your authenticity? On Real Estate Exposed, REB deputy editor Emilie Lauer is joined by Michelle Galletti, sales director at Cunninghams – Northern Beaches, to discuss breaking into the Top 100 ranking for the first time and what it took to get there. Galletti reflects on the moment she realised she needed to stop following scripts and start being herself, with authenticity and directness becoming central to how she works with clients. She also credits her team and the support around her for helping her enter the REB Top 100, while explaining how greater self-awareness has changed the way she manages her time, emotions, and workload. The conversation also looks at what success means after becoming a top agent, with Galletti explaining why she is focused on enjoying where she is rather than chasing a higher ranking.

Australia's property market is moving in different directions, making local knowledge, credible data, and the ability to adapt increasingly important for agents looking to win and retain clients. On REB Discover, Liam Garman is joined by Andrew Stone, director and founder of Property Analytics, to unpack what is really happening across Australia's property markets and how agents can use data to navigate changing conditions. The pair examine the divide between markets including Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane and the more subdued growth seen in Sydney and Melbourne, highlighting why agents need to look beyond broad market headlines. Stone explains how using historical trends, market share, and demographic data can help agents build credibility with buyers and sellers, particularly when uncertainty makes clients more cautious. The conversation also explores how agents can use technology without losing the human element, with data integrity, local expertise, and strong relationships key to standing out and turning opportunities into business. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook , X and LinkedIn . If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

Launching a property management business might seem risky in a tougher market, but the current conditions could create an opening for new agencies willing to do things differently. On The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, Alex Whitlock is joined by Bairave Jeyasothy and Mignon Ahrns from Managed to explore why the current market could be an opportunity for property management start-ups despite the challenges facing the broader real estate sector. The conversation looks at what it takes to stand out, with a clear point of difference, strong relationships and transparency emerging as key ingredients for agencies trying to win and retain owners. Technology is another major focus, with the trio explaining how automation can help start-ups scale their rent rolls without simply adding more people, while the right training can ensure teams get the most from their tools. They also examine the opportunity created when sales and property management teams work together, with stronger collaboration potentially turning existing relationships into new managements and helping agencies grow their rent rolls organically.

Borrowers are switching lenders in search of better deals while proposed trust tax changes could force investors to rethink how they structure their property wealth. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant is joined by Julian Barnes to break down the biggest developments across banking, mortgage lending, and property finance. The pair look at AI's growing role in banking and what it could mean for mortgage brokers, despite brokers now accounting for 81.6 per cent of the home loan market. They also discuss the surge in refinancing, with 1,800 borrowers switching lenders each day. The conversation then turns to proposed trust tax reforms, including a 30 per cent minimum tax on discretionary trusts and changes planned for 2028, which have left advisers working through the potential impact. With inflation, unemployment, and interest rate uncertainty adding to the pressure, the pair consider what these changes mean for borrowers and property investors.

Reaching the top of the real estate industry takes more than chasing gross commission income (GCI), with resilience, relationships, and knowing when to step back proving critical to long-term success. On Real Estate Exposed, REB deputy editor Emilie Lauer is joined by Matthew Smythe from Belle Property Neutral Bay to discuss what it takes to build a successful career and remain competitive after two decades in the industry. Smythe reflects on starting out at 30, entering a relatively unknown brand and building his name through relentless prospecting and cold calling. He explains how his definition of success has changed over time, with family, great clients, and enjoying the journey becoming just as important as GCI. The conversation turns to the changing role of the agent, with Smythe arguing that sales data alone no longer creates a point of difference. Instead, agents need to understand what the numbers mean for each client, uncover their motivations, and help them make decisions around the next stage of their lives. Smythe also explains why building a strong team has been critical to his longevity, allowing him to focus on relationships while others handle administration and prospecting. He shares the importance of working efficiently rather than simply working longer hours, while maintaining balance and enjoying the highs and lows of the industry.

In a tougher property management market, agencies can't rely on gut instinct alone. The data behind their rent roll could reveal where clients are at risk of leaving, and where the next growth opportunities lie. On The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, Alex Whitlock is joined by Michael Johnson, director at Agile Market Intelligence, to explore why agencies need to become more evidence-based to protect their rent roll and keep growing. The pair look at the warning signs that could signal owner churn, from slow call-backs and email response times to a lack of proactive communication, and why tracking these measures could help agencies fix service issues before clients walk. The conversation turns to organic growth, with client surveys, net promoter scores (NPS), and investor profiling helping agencies understand what they do well, identify their strongest advocates, and turn existing relationships into referral opportunities. Johnson also explains why agencies don't need to spend big to build their local profile, with targeted marketing, community sponsorships, signage, and regular digital updates helping businesses stay visible and build familiarity in the markets they serve.

Australia's property market is becoming increasingly divided, with falling prices, rising rents, rate pressures, and government policy creating both challenges and opportunities for investors. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant is joined by Tom Panos to discuss changing market conditions, the mood among Australia's top agents, and what the shift means for both property professionals and investors. The pair look at vendor management and the need for agents to be honest about market conditions, from weaker clearance rates and declining prices to the sharp divide between premium and more affordable properties. The conversation turns to government policy, housing supply, and the broader economy, including the potential impact of higher interest rates and growing pressure on small businesses. For investors, the picture looks different, with decreasing prices and rising rents creating opportunities for those with the borrowing capacity and cash flow to act, while Panos argues Australia's underlying appeal remains strong.

Making it to the top of real estate takes more than listings and sales, with resilience, consistency, and relationships proving critical to building a lasting career. Live from the REB Top 100 Agents event in partnership with Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Emilie Lauer is joined by Suzanne Hibberd from Abode Property on Real Estate Exposed to discuss what it takes to reach the top of the real estate industry and stay there. Hibberd reflects on more than 30 years in the industry, including the hard work, rejection, and relationships behind her success, as well as what it meant to be recognised among Australia's leading agents. The conversation looks at competing in a tougher market, managing high listing volumes, and working across different price points, with Hibberd sharing why strong vendor relationships and realistic expectations remain central to her approach. Hibberd also shares the mindset and skills she believes separate top agents from the rest, from resilience and consistency to listening, finding strong mentors, and backing yourself through the highs and lows of real estate. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook , X and LinkedIn . If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

A 700-property acquisition has tripled Belle Property's rent roll in one move, putting the agency's growth strategy, team structure, and appetite for further expansion in focus. On The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, Alex Whitlock is joined by Alistair Shearer, soon-to-be director, officer in effective control at Belle Property, to discuss the acquisition and what comes next. Shearer explains why Seaford was the right market for Belle Property, bringing a stronger investor presence while fitting within the agency's existing Mornington Peninsula footprint. The pair look at what it takes to be acquisition-ready, from having the right technology and team structure in place to integrating hundreds of properties without letting service levels slip. They also discuss managing a rapidly growing team, from communicating the business vision and defining new roles to keeping staff engaged as the agency expands. With the Seaford deal expected to be one of many, the conversation turns to what makes an acquisition worth pursuing and why geographic alignment matters when building a larger property management business.

Higher inflation, a struggling construction sector, and falling listings are raising fresh questions about where the property market goes next. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman examine the latest inflation figures and what they could mean for interest rates, mortgages, and property prices. The pair look at why several major banks are tipping higher rates, and whether another hike could put further pressure on households already dealing with rising living costs. They also unpack the collapse of a major building company, with thousands of homes left in limbo, and what the fallout could mean for Australia's already stretched housing supply. With new listings sitting below the five-year average, the conversation turns to affordability, construction costs, and whether weaker conditions could eventually create opportunities for buyers and investors.

AML rules have changed the game for real estate, with agencies now facing new compliance obligations, serious penalties, and a learning curve that could catch many off guard. On the REB Discover podcast, Liam Garman is joined by John Nguyen, founder and managing director of AML Partners, to break down what the new rules mean for real estate professionals. The pair look at the new AML obligations facing agents, property managers, and strata managers, including risk assessments, compliance programs, compliance officers, and suspicious activity reporting. They also examine where agencies could come unstuck, from relying on conflicting advice to failing to properly identify and assess the risks within their own business. The conversation then explores how agencies can approach AML without letting compliance become another operational headache, including the role of technology, outsourcing, and specialist expertise. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook , X and LinkedIn . If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

A landmark court case has cracked open a legal grey area around outsourced trust accounting in property sales, while a wave of poor buyer's agent deals is dumping problem properties straight into property managers' laps. This week's episode unpacks what this means for PMs across Australia. The buyer's agent sector is in the middle of a shake-up, and many PMs are copping the fallout. In this episode of The Property Management Excellence Podcast, REB's Alex Whitlock, Liam Garman, and Emilie Lauer dig into why so many BA-sourced properties are landing on PMs' desks with overvalued rental CMAs. A last-minute rush to buy through SMSFs ahead of superannuation changes has also flooded the market with suboptimal purchases: properties bought in haste, now needing to be leased in a market that won't necessarily deliver the returns investors were promised. The trio then unpack a recent legal flashpoint: an NSW court case that has thrown outsourced trust accounting for sales into question, with particular reference to client disclosure.

From rising debt and unemployment to migration, gig workers, and buyer's agents, Australia's economic shifts are creating fresh questions about the strength of the property market and what comes next. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman examine the week's biggest property and economic developments, connecting the dots between policy, jobs, migration, and what they could mean for the market. The pair discuss Australia's growing debt, pressure on state budgets and a cooling jobs market, questioning what weaker economic conditions could mean for interest rates, house prices, and household wealth. They also turn to migration and remittances, the gig economy, and rising labour costs, examining how broader policy decisions could flow through to consumers, businesses, and the property market. The conversation wraps with a look at the buyer's agency sector, including the prospect of consolidation and why investors may need to look beyond bold market predictions when choosing who to trust with their next property move.

With more data at their fingertips than ever, agents who know which numbers matter can gain an edge. From pipeline health and competitor performance to sharper vendor conversations and better decisions, here's how to turn data into a competitive advantage On the REB Discover podcast, Liam Garman is joined by Damian Merchan, founder and CEO of Sonar AI, to explore how AI and data are changing the way real estate businesses measure performance and compete. The pair look at why having more data does not necessarily mean better decisions, and which numbers agents should actually be watching: from pipeline health and conversion rates to listing performance. They examine how competitor data can show agents where they sit in the market, who they are up against, and where there may be opportunities to improve their performance. The focus then shifts to vendor conversations, with data giving agents stronger evidence when discussing pricing, market shifts, and listing performance rather than relying on instinct alone. For principals and sales managers, the duo looks at how better data can reveal performance gaps across a team, identify where coaching is needed, and give leaders a clearer picture of what is driving results. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook , X and LinkedIn . If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

Property management can be easy to commoditise, but the fastest-growing agencies are finding ways to stand out. From customer experience to culture and systems, the right foundations can change the growth trajectory. On The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, Alex Whitlock is joined by Nick Georges from Wingman Group to explore what separates fast-starting property management businesses from the rest. The pair look at why having a clear customer proposition matters, how agencies can define their X factor, and why landlords need to feel they are getting more than a basic service. They also discuss the foundations of a high-growth property management business, from hiring the right people and building strong processes to using technology and offshore support without losing the customer focus. The conversation also explores leadership, proactive communication, and the role of culture in creating a property management operation that can scale.

A government bailout, banks fighting harder for borrowers, and buyer activity falling: Australia's property market is showing cracks as economic pressure starts to build. On Property Buzz, Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman tackle the government's decision to support the Tomago aluminium smelter, questioning whether taxpayer money should be used to rescue struggling businesses. The conversation then turns to property, including the growing debate around third-party trust accounts and what a recent NSW court case could mean for the industry. The pair also look at banks ramping up refinancing offers and cashbacks as mortgage volumes soften, while buyer activity and property prices come under pressure across parts of the country. They then discuss whether a deeper property correction could spill into the broader economy, including household wealth, consumer spending, and the prospect of future rate cuts.

A North Sydney agent brawl, a $1.2 million cyber scam near miss, and a court battle over property deposits: the latest real estate drama goes well beyond the auction floor. On Real Estate Exposed, Liam Garman and Emilie Lauer examine some of the industry's most contentious stories, from alleged agent misconduct to cyber security threats and the fight over who should hold property deposits. The pair discuss an alleged altercation involving rival agents on Sydney's Lower North Shore, and what public incidents like this can mean for professional reputations in an increasingly competitive market. They also look at a near miss involving a $1.2 million settlement redirection scam, highlighting how a sophisticated email fraud was stopped before the funds disappeared and why real estate businesses remain vulnerable to cyber crime. The conversation then turns to the growing debate around third-party trust accounts and "deposit flicking", following an NSW Supreme Court case that has reignited questions over transparency, consent, and the handling of property deposits. With regulators reviewing the rules, the episode examines what the case could mean for agencies and the future of third-party arrangements. Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (REB Podcast Network) and by liking and following Real Estate Business on social media: Facebook , X and LinkedIn . If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend a voice to the show, email editor@realestatebusiness.com.au for more insights.

A month on from "AML Day", most agencies have ticked the visible boxes: enrolled with AUSTRAC, named a compliance officer, and sent staff through initial training. But ticking those boxes isn't the same as running a program that actually holds up and keeps your business safe. On this REB Business Empowerment Showcase, Liam Garman sits down again with Kaan Yuksel, managing director and founder of Visibl, to explore the gap between compliance on paper and compliance in practice, and how agencies can close it. Yuksel explains what "paper compliance" really looks like in reality: an AML program written once and left on a shelf, staff who've done the bare minimum training, and a compliance officer who hasn't built the habit of actually engaging with their own program. The conversation turns practical, covering how agencies can build compliance into everyday workflows, from sending KYC verification alongside listing agreements, to making AML a standing item in team and business meetings, and why encouraging staff to raise red flags, even ones that turn out to be nothing, matters more than getting it right every time. Garman and Yuksel also revisit the penalties for getting it wrong, from AUSTRAC fines through to the reputational fallout in a trust-based industry, before Yuksel shares his advice for agencies still finding their feet a month into the regime.

Growing a property management business from 50 to more than 1,000 properties takes more than winning rent rolls. It requires systems, specialised teams, and a strategy built to scale. Here is how this Melbourne agency did it. On The Property Management Excellence (PMX) Podcast, Alex Whitlock sits down with H & B Real Estate's head of property management Tim Oldenburg to reveal how the agency transformed its approach to growth. Oldenburg shares how H & B Real Estate moved away from the traditional property manager-does-everything model, instead building specialised teams and systems designed to make the business less dependent on individual staff. The conversation also looks at growth through acquisition, including the due diligence required before taking on a new rent roll and the opportunities that can emerge from improving underperforming portfolios. Whitlock and Oldenburg discuss the landlord relationship, why understanding the customer proposition matters, and how agencies can build a property management operation that continues to perform as it grows. With H & B Real Estate targeting further expansion over the next five years, the pair share the lessons behind its growth journey and what other property management businesses can learn from its approach.