Welcome to First Time Property Investor!

Episodes

S2E17 - Changes To SMSF Lending: Why the New Rules Might Be a Blessing in Disguise
17
July 7, 2026

S2E17 - Changes To SMSF Lending: Why the New Rules Might Be a Blessing in Disguise

The episode explains recent changes that will shut off new borrowing through SMSFs for residential property, while noting what hasn’t changed: SMSFs still exist, commercial property lending via SMSF remains possible, and residential property can still be bought outright with cash. The hosts argue the change affects less than 1% of lending and is being catastrophised by industry players who profit from SMSF property transactions, warning listeners not to rush due to FOMO-driven marketing like “45...
S2E16 - The Dark Side Of Investing: How A One-Stop Property Shop Lost Our Client $350,000 Of Equity (Part 2)
16
June 29, 2026

S2E16 - The Dark Side Of Investing: How A One-Stop Property Shop Lost Our Client $350,000 Of Equity (Part 2)

This is part two of Julia's story - a cautionary tale about a seasoned property investor who built $350,000 in equity across two properties, only to find herself in a situation that could cost her everything. In part one, the hosts walked through the story at a high level. In this episode, they slow it right down: breaking apart each of the 10 red flags in Julia's purchase journey - not just what they were, but why they felt completely reasonable in the moment, what the real risks are, and how y...
S2E15 - The Dark Side Of Investing: How A One-Stop Property Shop Lost Our Client $350,000 Of Equity (Part 1)
15
June 22, 2026

S2E15 - The Dark Side Of Investing: How A One-Stop Property Shop Lost Our Client $350,000 Of Equity (Part 1)

What happens when a successful investor follows advice from people they thought they could trust? In this episode, the team unpacks the real-life story of Julia, a migrant who worked tirelessly to build wealth through property, only to find herself locked into two unconditional contracts that put more than $350,000 of equity at risk. From community referrals and educational seminars to referral commissions, house-and-land packages, SMSF property purchases, and unconditional contracts, this episo...
S2E14 - Should You Buy New Or Established? (Part 2)
14
June 15, 2026

S2E14 - Should You Buy New Or Established? (Part 2)

With recent property tax changes reshaping the investment landscape, many first-time investors are asking the same question: should you buy established property or consider a new build instead? In this episode, the team breaks down a practical five-step framework covering the recent budget changes, investment timeframes, borrowing capacity, cashflow, and risk. Learn how each factor can influence your decision, the hidden trade-offs of both strategies, and why your personal circumstances matter m...
S2E13 - Should You Buy New Or Established? (Part 1)
13
June 8, 2026

S2E13 - Should You Buy New Or Established? (Part 1)

With more investors considering new builds, knowing how to separate opportunity from marketing hype has never been more important. In this episode, the team breaks down a practical framework for researching new build investment properties, including what makes a location attractive, the key data points to analyse, and the red flags that often signal trouble ahead. Learn why established suburbs continue to outperform many new estates, how supply and demand really impact growth, and the simple che...
S2E12 - Investor Confessions: What Property Investing Really Looks Like
12
June 1, 2026

S2E12 - Investor Confessions: What Property Investing Really Looks Like

In the first episode of our new Investor Confessions series, Pete shares the real stories behind his eight-property journey—the wins, the mistakes, and the lessons he learned the hard way. From selling a Perth property too early and missing out on hundreds of thousands in growth, to the hidden costs of self-managing tenants and sitting on the fence when opportunities appeared, this is an honest look at what property investing actually feels like behind the numbers. Connect with us → https://link...
S2E11 - 12 Questions First-Time Investors Ask About Buyers' Agents
11
May 26, 2026

S2E11 - 12 Questions First-Time Investors Ask About Buyers' Agents

Thinking about using a buyer’s agent but unsure if it’s actually worth it? In this episode, the team answers 12 common questions first-time investors ask, covering a range of topics from off-market deals and hidden commissions, to fees, red flags, hotspots, and whether buyer’s agents really improve long-term outcomes. Learn how good buyer’s agents structure their process, where investors often get stuck in analysis paralysis, and what questions you should be asking before signing with anyone. Co...
Budget 2026 | Tax changes, clickbait headlines and how to invest in the new world [Video]
11
May 14, 2026

Budget 2026 | Tax changes, clickbait headlines and how to invest in the new world [Video]

Imti here — this was originally a client briefing, but it was too important not to share more broadly. Inside, I break down what the 2026–27 Federal Budget actually means for property investors: what’s changed, what hasn’t, who’s protected, and the moves worth thinking about now. It covers the big shifts around negative gearing, CGT, trust structures, debt recycling, and the six investor profiles most people will fall into. You can also download the full slide deck here: https://hackmortgages.my...
S2E10 - Twelve Things You Can't Do As A Landlord, That You Probably Thought You Could
10
May 11, 2026

S2E10 - Twelve Things You Can't Do As A Landlord, That You Probably Thought You Could

If you think owning an investment property means you can do whatever you want with it, this episode might surprise you. The team breaks down 12 common landlord assumptions that regularly catch first-time investors off guard, from ending leases and increasing rent, to pets, renovations, repairs, and tenant rights. Learn what landlords legally can’t do, where investors often get themselves into trouble by accident, and how to avoid costly mistakes while still protecting your investment in this qui...
S2E9 - So You've Found A Property... Now What?
9
May 4, 2026

S2E9 - So You've Found A Property... Now What?

This episode breaks down the critical gap between finding a property and confidently making an offer, giving first-time investors a clear 5-step framework to follow. Learn how to assess location and value, avoid emotional decision-making, and set a “sleep at night” price that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance. The team also unpacks how to handle agents, understand offer campaigns, and structure a strong offer without getting caught in a bidding war. If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelm...
S2E8 - Debunking 7 Property Myths: What First Time Investors Need to Know
8
April 27, 2026

S2E8 - Debunking 7 Property Myths: What First Time Investors Need to Know

In this episode, your hosts debunk seven common myths that trip up first-time property investors, from chasing big blocks to trusting the wrong people. If you're just starting out on your property journey, save, download or bookmark this episode - it'll help frame the decisions you make along the way. Want to connect with us? ➜ https://linktr.ee/ftpi.pod
S2E7 - Deep Dive On Diversification: Should You Buy One Expensive Property, Or Two Cheap Ones?
7
April 21, 2026

S2E7 - Deep Dive On Diversification: Should You Buy One Expensive Property, Or Two Cheap Ones?

This week, your hosts break down a real client scenario: a dual-income family on $160k with two kids deciding between buying two ~$400k investment properties or one ~$800k property to build wealth and retire early. Want to connect with us? ➜ https://linktr.ee/ftpi.pod
S2E6 - The Cost Of Waiting: When Playing It Safe Quietly Becomes Risky
6
April 14, 2026

S2E6 - The Cost Of Waiting: When Playing It Safe Quietly Becomes Risky

This episode of the First Time Property Investor podcast is for Australians who want to invest in property but feel stuck between analysis paralysis, conflicting advice, and the fear of making an expensive mistake. In this episode, your hosts unpack why waiting feels safe, the hidden costs of delaying, and how the market can move while you’re on the fence. You’ll learn the difference between a healthy pause and waiting by default, plus practical ways to pressure test risk, buffers, and remember ...
S2E5 - How To Build A Portfolio Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle
5
March 31, 2026

S2E5 - How To Build A Portfolio Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle

This week's episode introduces the “Go To Sleep Framework,” a five-step process to help first-time property investors decide if they’re ready to invest in a way that feels safe and sustainable as property gets more expensive. Want to connect with us? ➜ https://linktr.ee/ftpi.pod 00:00 Introducing the Go To Sleep Framework 00:50 Step One: Vision 03:58 Step Two: Lifestyle Tradeoffs 07:15 Step Three Cash Flow Reality Check 11:34 Step Four Savings Buffer 13:54 Step Five Insurance Basics 18:35 Final ...
S2E4 - The Top 20 Questions First-Time Investors Are Asking ChatGPT
4
March 17, 2026

S2E4 - The Top 20 Questions First-Time Investors Are Asking ChatGPT

Today we speed-run 20 of the most common questions first-time investors are asking ChatGPT, cutting through the fluff with real-life insights you can use today. Want to connect with us? ➜ https://linktr.ee/ftpi.pod 00:12 Buy Now or Wait 00:48 Negative Gearing Reality 01:16 Borrowing Power Basics 02:05 Using Home Equity 02:59 IO vs P and I Loans 04:40 True Holding Costs 06:33 Estimating Rent Properly 08:02 Deposit and LMI Strategy 09:12 Tax Claims and Deductions 11:22 Depreciation Schedule Value ...
S2E3 - Interest Rate Hikes, CGT Rumours, and Analysis Paralysis: How Potential Investors Can Look Beyond The Headlines
3
March 3, 2026

S2E3 - Interest Rate Hikes, CGT Rumours, and Analysis Paralysis: How Potential Investors Can Look Beyond The Headlines

The episode unpacks how interest rate hikes and proposed capital gains tax discount changes may affect first-time property investors, arguing many headlines create unnecessary fear. Skye warns landlords against matching rate rises with sharp rent increases because tenants now have more choice and even short vacancies hurt returns. Pete explains preparing investors with conservative cashflow planning, stress-testing rates above current levels, and keeping at least six months’ buffer. They also di...
S2E2 - Four Flags That Aren't Necessarily Red
2
Feb. 18, 2026

S2E2 - Four Flags That Aren't Necessarily Red

The hosts discuss why first-time investors often miss good opportunities in a fast market by panicking over “red flags” that are frequently manageable. They explain how items flagged in building and pest reports can often be costed and negotiated while stressing the importance of using an independent, reputable inspector. They also cover financial conditions that may not be red flags: a slightly more expensive home loan can be worth it if a faster lender improves your chances in competitive offe...
New Year, New Podcast! Pivoting From Debunking Toxic Property To Mentoring First (and Second) Time Property Investors
1
Feb. 3, 2026

New Year, New Podcast! Pivoting From Debunking Toxic Property To Mentoring First (and Second) Time Property Investors

Welcome to the First Time Property Investor Podcast! In this reboot episode, the hosts unveil their exciting new direction, transitioning from the 'Toxic Property' podcast to the 'First Time Property Investor' podcast, or FTPI for short. They discuss the motivation behind the rebrand, aiming to cater specifically to first-time and relatively new property investors. The hosts emphasise the importance of realistic expectations, financial choice over financial freedom, and the value of having the r...
EP34 - Real Estate Reality Check: Three Expensive Lessons We Learned The Hard Way (So You Don't Have To)
34
Nov. 29, 2025

EP34 - Real Estate Reality Check: Three Expensive Lessons We Learned The Hard Way (So You Don't Have To)

With over 15 property purchases between them, our hosts share hard-earned lessons from their property investment journeys. From avoiding emotional investments and having a solid debt strategy, to diversifying your portfolio, they spill the beans on the costly mistakes they've made - saving you potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. Featuring personal stories and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about jumping into property investment. 00:00 Introduction 00...
EP33 - Rents Are Going Down: What You Need To Know To Protect Your Investment
33
Nov. 8, 2025

EP33 - Rents Are Going Down: What You Need To Know To Protect Your Investment

Rental Yields Under Pressure: Strategies for Property Investors in a Changing MarketThe podcast episode discusses the unexpected decline in rental yields and provides actionable advice for property investors to protect their investments. Key topics include the definition and importance of rental yield and vacancy rates, the impact of current market changes on rents, and the importance of strategic pricing. With input from industry experts, the episode emphasises the need for realistic rental app...
EP32 - Unmasking Auction Price Guides: The Truth Behind the Strategy
32
Nov. 2, 2025

EP32 - Unmasking Auction Price Guides: The Truth Behind the Strategy

Price guides for properties are often misleading and can create unrealistic expectations for buyers. In this episode, the hosts take listeners through a recent live auction involving a mutual client. They explain why most bidders were unable to place a bid and share strategies on how to secure a home in a hot market. The episode covers pre-auction preparation, including client expectations, property valuations, and managing nerves. The hosts also discuss the psychology of auctions, including dea...
EP31 - First Home Guarantee Scheme Changes: Insights From The Front Line
31
Oct. 21, 2025

EP31 - First Home Guarantee Scheme Changes: Insights From The Front Line

This episode dives deep into the first two weeks of the First Home Guarantee Scheme changes - the imminent property price surge, increasing open house attendances, and fierce competition among first home buyers and investors alike. We discuss strategic tips for navigating the competitive market, from shortening finance clauses to staying realistic about rental yields. Hear firsthand accounts of current market dynamics and gain insights into effectively preparing for your property journey.00:00 I...
EP30 - Selling Season (Part 5): Using The LOANS Framework To Get Finance Ready
30
Oct. 10, 2025

EP30 - Selling Season (Part 5): Using The LOANS Framework To Get Finance Ready

Delving into part five of the selling season series, this episode explores crucial steps to get finance ready using the LOANS framework: Live Clean, Organize Evidence, Affordability Check, Nail the Structure, and Secure Pre-Approval. The discussion covers managing financial hygiene, gathering necessary documents, matching borrower profile to suitable lenders, choosing appropriate loan structures, and the significance of obtaining a fully assessed pre-approval. Insights into common pitfalls and p...
EP29 - Selling Season (Part 4): Nine Things You Need To Know About Negotiation
29
Sept. 30, 2025

EP29 - Selling Season (Part 4): Nine Things You Need To Know About Negotiation

Mastering Property Negotiation: 9 Essential Tips for Buyers In part four of our spring selling season series, we delve into the art of negotiation with nine key strategies for buying a property. Learn how to read an agent's energy, leverage conditions, use silence to your advantage, and understand the best timing for placing an offer. Discover the importance of odd numbers in bids, the power of a heartfelt letter, and how to utilise pest and building inspections for negotiation. Finally, uncover...