Imagine this: you’ve built a career, perhaps even become an expert in your field, and yet in the next 10 or 15 years, you will find yourself doing something entirely different.

Not just working for a new boss or switching companies, but stepping into a completely new career.

That’s not science fiction, it’s the forecast for the average Australian worker.

On current trends, we’ll completely change occupations more than twice in the next 20 years.

This raises some important questions: what’s driving this shift? How can we prepare for it?

And perhaps most importantly, how can we ensure these changes become opportunities rather than disruptions?

For weekly insights subscribe to the Demographics Decoded podcast, where we will continue to explore these trends and their implications in greater detail.

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Why this matters

Once upon a time, work was predictable.

You studied, entered a profession, stuck with it for decades, and retired with a handshake and maybe a gold watch.

Today, that idea looks as outdated as a typewriter.

As Simon Kuestenmacher, leading demographer and my co-host on Demographics Decoded, points out:

“Change is a good thing. It is scary, which is why we don’t do it. But ultimately, as individuals, we’re cheating ourselves out of opportunities when we avoid it. And as a country as a whole, we’re cheating ourselves out of productivity.”

This is about more than personal careers, it’s about national competitiveness.

If Australians can adapt, reskill, and reinvent, our economy thrives.

If we resist change, we risk falling behind.

What’s driving career change?

Several powerful forces are reshaping the world of work:

1. Technology and AI

Automation is already replacing routine tasks in industries from banking to retail.

Roles like data entry clerks, postal workers, and even some accounting jobs are shrinking rapidly.

At the same time, entirely new roles are emerging: AI specialists, big data analysts, fintech engineers, and developers in fields we haven’t even named yet.

Simon draws the parallel to the Internet revolution:

“In the late 90s, everyone had an email address, but we hadn’t conceptualised social media or online retail yet. We are now at this point with AI. We know it’s big, but we don’t yet know all the jobs it will create.”

2. Demographics

Australia’s workforce is ageing.

As baby boomers retire, they’ll leave a huge vacuum of roles to be filled.

With fewer younger workers coming through, industries will increasingly welcome career shifters.

Healthcare and aged care, for example, are doubling in size and will need vast numbers of new workers, many of them transitioning from other industries.

3. Economic Shifts

As the economy restructures, workers must follow the opportunities.

The decline of manufacturing and fossil fuels contrasts with the rise of renewable energy, logistics, and technology.

Career pivots aren’t optional, they’re survival.

4. Globalisation & Migration

Changes to global supply chains, plus Australia’s migration policies, will continue to shape the job market.

If managed well, migrants can fill skills shortages while locals pivot to new roles.

But if handled poorly, it can create unnecessary competition and tension.

The barriers holding Australians back

Ironically, even though the economy needs more labour mobility, Australians are less likely to change jobs today than in the 1990s.

Why? Housing affordability.

“In the past, changing jobs often meant changing cities,” Simon explained. “But with housing being so hard to come by, and people being stuck in mortgages for 30 years, we’re less willing to take risks.”

Add to that the fact that most households now rely on two incomes.

Moving cities doesn’t just mean one person finds a new job; it means two people do. That level of uncertainty keeps many families locked in place.

So while technology is pushing us towards change, structural realities are pulling us back.

Preparing for the future of work

The message is clear: career change is no longer the exception; it’s the rule.

Here’s how to prepare:

1. Adopt lifelong learning

Gone are the days when a degree set you up for life.

Workers need continuous, bite-sized upskilling.

Simon argues for “micro-trainings and bootcamps” that let workers pivot quickly without taking years out of the workforce.

2. Develop Human Skills

Technical knowledge expires quickly.

The real differentiators are human skills: adaptability, communication, creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and proactive time management.

“Always double down on human-centric skills,” Simon advised. “Figure out what humans do better than machines, and focus on those.”

3. Combine Disciplines

The most valuable workers will be those who can bridge industries, bringing medical expertise into tech, for example, or combining data analytics with social sciences.

These hybrids stand out.

4. Leverage AI for Learning

Rather than fearing AI, we should use it.

Schools and companies are already experimenting with personalised learning journeys tailored to each student or employee.

This will make reskilling faster, cheaper, and more effective.

Who risks being left behind?

Not everyone is equally prepared for this future.

Workers in regional towns, those with lower formal education, and older workers are at greater risk of being stranded as industries evolve.

Simon doesn’t sugarcoat it:

“If a certain kind of industry becomes obsolete and you don’t pivot, you sit there economically unproductive, frustrated, and left behind. You must change.”

That’s why governments, employers, and education providers need to work together to smooth transitions.

A fragmented system that leaves mid-career workers without quick reskilling options will only deepen inequality.

The role of employers

At Metropole, I’ve always said our biggest asset is our people.

Employers must invest in their teams, not just for productivity, but for retention.

Some worry about training staff who might leave.

My view is the opposite: I’d rather train them and give them a culture worth staying for.

As Simon put it:

“If improving your staff makes them want to leave, that doesn’t speak well for your organisation.”

In today’s tight labour market, being an employer of choice is no longer optional, it’s survival.

The upside of career change

For all the fear around disruption, there’s a strong silver lining.

Many people who’ve been forced into a new career later admit it was the best thing that ever happened to them.

Younger generations, shaped by the pandemic, are arguably more resilient and adaptable than ever.

They expect change, and that mindset may prove to be their greatest asset.

And perhaps most importantly, employers and society are beginning to value non-linear career paths.

Having a zigzagging resume is no longer a weakness, it’s a strength.

Final thoughts

The future of work in Australia will be defined by movement, between roles, industries, and even entire professions.

It’s no longer realistic to expect a straight-line career.

The real question is: will you resist the shift and risk being left behind, or will you embrace it as a chance to reinvent yourself?

Because while career change may be unavoidable, it doesn’t have to be negative.

With the right mindset and preparation, it could well be the best thing that happens in your working life.

 

If you found this discussion helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and share it with others who might benefit.

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About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

A new apartment complex planned for Oxford Street in Bondi Junction should be a textbook example of smart city development.

Sixteen storeys of housing, right next to a train line and bus routes, within walking distance of Centennial Park, Bondi Beach, shops, jobs, schools, and even the harbour.

On a site currently occupied by a car rental yard, it would convert low-value land into dozens of homes where people actually want to live.

And yet, this project is shaping up to be a case study in why Australia struggles so badly to build enough homes.

The approvals maze

Despite there being no historic or cultural heritage concerns on the site, the developer still has to secure approval not just from the NSW planning system, but also the Federal Government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Environment Minister Murray Watt has acknowledged the Act is cumbersome and outdated, promising reform by year’s end.

At last count, around 30,000 housing and construction projects were waiting on approvals under this federal law.

That’s tens of thousands of homes delayed while Australia faces a rental crisis, soaring house prices, and widespread affordability pressures.

NIMBY pushback from wealthy areas

The second major hurdle is local opposition.

Sydney’s eastern suburbs are among the wealthiest in the country, but they’re also among the most resistant to change.

Residents argue the towers will cast shadows over Centennial Park and hurt local character.

Former Sydney Morning Herald editor Darren Goodsir, now a senior university executive, submitted that such developments “favour profit-driven ventures” and risk creating a housing market for the wealthy.

But let’s be blunt: Sydney’s eastern suburbs are already one of the wealthiest housing markets in Australia.

Blocking new housing there doesn’t create affordability,  it entrenches exclusivity.

The official custodians of Centennial Park themselves said the impact would be minor: a sliver of extra shadow for about an hour on one winter morning. Hardly a biodiversity crisis.

The YIMBY response

This fight has triggered a sharper response from Sydney’s emerging YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement.

Their argument, backed by economists like former RBA researcher Peter Tulip, is straightforward: every new home helps.

Even if a new apartment isn’t cheap, the person who moves in frees up another home for someone else.

Over time, that chain reaction eases pressure across the whole market.

Limiting supply, on the other hand, only drives up prices and rents further.

As one Sydney YIMBY post put it: “Step 1: Engineer a housing crisis by blocking new homes. Step 2: When somebody proposes building homes, complain they’re not affordable. It’s just so unbelievably self-serving.”

Governments are still fuelling demand

The supply bottleneck wouldn’t be so severe if governments weren’t simultaneously pouring fuel on the demand side.

Recently the federal government brought forward its first-home buyer subsidy program.

What was once capped and income-tested is now open-ended, no income test, no limit on places.

That means more buyers with extra purchasing power competing for the same stock of housing.

In fact, it is suggested that 70,000 new first-home buyers will take advantage of this scheme in the first year.

And as economist Saul Eslake dryly observed, governments keep doing this because voters want house prices to rise faster than incomes.

It’s a political cycle: homeowners vote for higher property values, governments deliver, and affordability for younger generations slips further out of reach.

The social cost of Nimbyism

The bigger picture is stark. Sydney lost over 41,000 residents last financial year, many of them young people priced out of their birthplace.

They’re moving to more affordable parts of the country, taking their skills and spending power with them.

Meanwhile, councils like Woollahra continue to oppose densification, even arguing that new apartments would be “unaffordable.”

But refusing to build more homes in high-demand areas ensures prices stay elevated everywhere.

As NSW Premier Chris Minns put it, too many communities have embraced a “culture of no.”

The result is fewer people living in well-connected suburbs than in the 1970s, despite decades of population growth.

Some final thoughts

The Bondi Junction saga highlights everything wrong with our housing system: over-regulation, self-interested local opposition, and political incentives that prioritise rising values over affordability.

If we’re serious about fixing the housing crisis, we can’t just throw subsidies at buyers or leave planning power in the hands of those who already own homes in exclusive postcodes.

We need planning reform, faster approvals, and a willingness to build more homes in the places where people want to live.

Because without change, Sydney and other capitals will keep losing their young people, and with them, their future.

About Chris Dang
Chris Dang is an accountant by training and has worked in the Financial Planning industry for many years. Chris brings together property, accounting, and financial planning experience to help clients of Metropole Wealth Advisory create a holistic plan for their wealth.

Median apartment rents are likely to grow by 24% between 2025 and 2030, across Australian capital cities, according to the latest report by International Property Consultancy, CBRE.

By 2030, 92% of 2-bed apartments are forecast to have rents exceeding $700/week (33% exceeding $1000/week).

CBRE expect that capital city vacancy rates will fall further to 1.1% by 2030 from 1.8% in 2025.

These tight conditions will endure as vacancy stays at around half of the previous decade’s average of 2.5%.

The report highlights how newly built apartments trade at a premium to older vintages.

For example, newly built two-bedroom apartments are at a 30% price premium to older apartments.

High construction costs and better amenities have also put upward pressure on rents for new builds.

Over the next 10 years, demand for housing is expected to benefit from a triple boost: rising population (+4.1 million), rising jobs (+2.8 million), and rising income (+$39k).

CBRE estimates around $960 billion of additional income in the system to support mortgage, rent, and other living expenses.

According to the report, after accounting for on-costs such as municipal rates and strata fees, it is cheaper to rent in all precincts across Australia.

Monthly rents are 30-40% cheaper than alternative buy options at current prices.

CBRE forecasts the future supply of apartments is likely to hover around 60,000 p.a. over 2025-30.

However, Australia’s projected population growth necessitates an apartment supply of approximately 75,000 annually to prevent further declines in vacancy rates.

• Sydney: Apartment delivery will average 11,700 p.a. over 2025-30, well below 30,000 p.a. demand for total housing stock. Vacancy rates are set to fall from 2.0% to 1.2%.
• Melbourne: Apartment delivery to average 9,000 p.a. over 2025-30, nearly 25% below Sydney. Demand for housing stock (apartments and communities) is expected to average 38,000 units per annum over the next five years. This should continue to drive down city-wide vacancy from 2.1% to 1.4%.
• Brisbane: Apartment delivery to average 4,600 per annum over 2025-2030. Demand for housing stock (apartments and communities) is likely to average 16,000 p.a., which will drive down city-wide vacancy from 1.1% to 0.7%.

About Leanne Jopson
Leanne is National Director of Property Management at Metropole and a Property Professional in every sense of the word. With 20 years’ experience in real estate, Leanne brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to maximise returns and minimise stress for their clients.

What happens when your dream holiday destination turns into a staging ground for gridlock, sky-high rents, and near-invisible housing options?

Welcome to the Gold Coast—a city fighting to catch up with its own popularity.

It was once known for its glittering beaches, holiday resorts, and laid-back lifestyle, but today, the Gold Coast has earned a very different title: Australia’s most overpopulated city.

According to new research from the Monash Institute of Transport Studies, the Gold Coast has grown well beyond its “ideal” size.

The study measured 655 Australian cities and found that the Coast is currently sitting at around 14% above its sustainable capacity.

In practical terms, that means clogged highways, longer commutes, skyrocketing rents, and a housing market that’s almost outpacing Sydney.

What was once Australia’s playground has now become a city under strain.

What makes a city “too big”?

The researchers weren’t just counting heads.

They looked at four factors that make cities tick:

• Whether it’s a capital city,

• Access to jobs,

• The mix of services available,

• And how well-connected the city is.

They found that when a city grows too big, the warning signs are obvious: traffic jams, overcrowded services, and housing that becomes unaffordable for the very people who keep the city running.

But interestingly, cities that were closer to their “just right” size delivered tangible benefits.

Renters saved an average of $1,560 a year, more people could walk to work, and hundreds of thousands of households needed fewer cars.

So, it’s not about size alone; it’s about balance.

Growth outrunning infrastructure

On the Gold Coast, demand has simply run ahead of supply.

Population growth, fuelled by lifestyle demand and interstate migration, has outpaced the infrastructure meant to support it.

Property prices tell the story clearly.

The median house price on the Gold Coast has surged to $1.32 million; the only regional market in Australia where prices outstrip its capital city.

Over the past year, prices have jumped nearly 9%, more than double the pace of Sydney.

And it’s not just buyers feeling the squeeze. Renters are under severe stress too.

A recent report revealed “close to zero affordable options” for low-income earners, with conditions deteriorating further over the past 12 months.

Note: The Gold Coast is now the least affordable rental market in Queensland.

Why this matters beyond the Gold Coast

You might be thinking: “Well, that’s the Gold Coast, what about the rest of the country?”

But the truth is, this isn’t just a local problem.

Other areas like the NSW Central Coast, Murray Bridge, Sydney, Melbourne, and even the Sunshine Coast are all over capacity according to the report. .

Meanwhile, Perth and Port Pirie are closer to their “ideal size.”

This tells us something important about urban growth: Australia’s population distribution is increasingly lopsided.

Some cities are bursting at the seams, while others aren’t reaching their potential.

What needs to change?

Associate Professor Liton Kamruzzaman, who led the study, suggests practical solutions:

• Smarter transport links to reduce congestion,

• Better balance of jobs across regions (not just clustered in one CBD),

• Fairer land-use rules that encourage sustainable development.

In other words, we need policies that don’t just encourage growth but also manage it.

If we get it right, we can build cities that are big enough to thrive, but not so big that they collapse under their own weight.

What it means for property investors

For property investors, the Gold Coast remains a market underpinned by strong demand and limited supply; a combination that usually pushes prices higher.

With the Olympics on the horizon, infrastructure investment underway, and interstate migration still flowing, it’s hard to see demand easing anytime soon.

But affordability pressures, rental stress, and liveability challenges are flashing red lights.

Investors are likely to find better investment options in Brisbane where significant growth potential remains, without the same structural pressures.

But, as always, will need to be selective, focusing on locations that benefit most from infrastructure upgrades and lifestyle demand.

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

Over the last 50 years in property, I’ve seen this play out time and time again…

The real fortunes in property aren’t made during the boom.

They’re made before the main property boom by investors who recognise the signs, trust the process, and have the courage to act while everyone else is sitting on their hands.

Right now, we’re at the beginning of a new property Super Cycle. I’m not suggesting this will be a boom, but a period of prolonged property price growth.

It might not feel like it – there’s still a lot of noise, headlines about Australia’s economic problems, affordability issues, productivity issues, and a heap of mixed economic messages.

But experienced investors know… this is when the real opportunities emerge.

Looking back, I’ve noticed something interesting.

The most successful property investors didn’t just work hard, or time the market perfectly, or get every decision right.

They got lucky—and they were ready to take advantage of it.

Now, luck in property might look like stumbling across the right property at the right price,
meeting the right advisor at the right time, or having the discipline to hold onto an asset others were too nervous to buy.

But that’s not the luck that made them wealthy.

It was their ability to see the opportunity and take action—even when others were hesitating.

I’ve watched this unfold at the start of every property cycle.

Some investors wait and worry… others prepare and pounce.

Guess which group ends up looking like geniuses five years later?

So here’s the mindset shift: Don’t wait for perfect conditions—they don’t exist. Get clarity. Get a strategy. Get in position.

Because the new cycle has already begun earlier this year when interest rates started to fall, and this is exactly when the next generation of property millionaires quietly start building their wealth.

Now’s the time to get ready for your next move.

And if you’re unsure where to begin—or want a second opinion on your strategy – why not organise a complimentary Wealth Discovery Chat with our team at Metropole?

We’ll help you cut through the noise, identify your opportunities, and create a personalised plan to build lasting wealth—safely and strategically.

Click here and lock in a time for your chat with a Metropole Wealth Strategist

Remember: the luck will come.

The real question is… will you be ready to act on it?

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

Australia’s middle-ring suburbs are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a combination of state-led rezoning initiatives, the introduction of medium- and high-density developments, and a strategic shift towards creating “20-minute neighbourhoods.”

This evolution presents both opportunities and challenges for existing homeowners and investors.

Embracing the ‘missing middle’ in urban planning

The term “missing middle” refers to the lack of medium-density housing options, such as townhouses, duplexes, and low-rise apartments, that bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-rise towers.

Historically, Australia’s housing landscape has been characterised by either low-density outer suburban sprawl or large-scale apartment blocks in urban cores, resulting in a stark divide in housing availability and affordability.

To correct this imbalance, various state governments – particularly in New South Wales Victoria, and the ACT – are introducing planning reforms that encourage medium-density infill housing in established suburbs designed to unlock underutilised land near existing infrastructure, create more housing choice, and reduce urban sprawl.

However, not everyone is on board.

Local councils, under pressure from vocal constituents who don’t want their neighbourhood character to change, are often pushing back against these proposals.

These constituents – often labelled NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) – fear increased traffic, parking shortages, loss of privacy, and changes to the “leafy” character of their streets.

In turn, councils are implementing height restrictions, design overlays, and delaying rezoning approvals in an effort to appease existing residents.

This tension between state government objectives and local council resistance continues to slow down the rollout of much-needed housing diversity across our middle-ring suburbs.

Nonetheless, the push for the missing middle is gaining traction, as the need for more housing and better land use intensifies, especially in suburbs well served by transportation and amenities.

The rise of 20-minute neighbourhoods

The concept of the 20-minute neighbourhood is central to contemporary urban planning strategies, particularly in Melbourne’s “Plan Melbourne 2017-2050.”

The idea is to create communities where residents can access most of their daily needs, such as shops, schools, parks, and public transport, within a 20-minute walk or cycle from their homes.

This approach promotes local living, reduces reliance on cars, and fosters healthier, more connected communities.

Pilot programs in suburbs like Strathmore, Croydon South, and Sunshine West have demonstrated the potential of this model to enhance liveability and sustainability.

Implications for property owners

1. Increased Land Value Through Rezoning

Properties located near transport hubs or shopping strips that are rezoned for higher density will experience significant value appreciation.

Developers often seek to amalgamate such sites for larger projects, offering premiums to current owners.

2. Enhanced Local Amenities and Gentrification**

New developments often bring improved infrastructure, retail outlets, and public spaces.

This influx will revitalise neighbourhoods, making them more attractive to a diverse demographic, thereby increasing demand and property values.

3. Rising Demand for Established Apartments

With construction costs escalating, new apartments are entering the market at higher price points.

This scenario makes well-maintained existing  family friendly apartments more appealing due to their relative affordability, potentially boosting their market value.

Challenges to consider

There is no doubt that the middle ring suburbs of our capital cities will look very different over the next decade, and while this will bring many benefits, there will also be challenges.

1. Potential Oversupply in Certain Areas

Rapid development can lead to an oversupply of apartments in specific locales, potentially stabilising or even reducing prices in the short term.

We saw this during the property construction group of 2014 – 17, when some locations just had too much speculative development.

While it’s likely new apartment development will roll out more slowly this time round, investors should monitor local development pipelines and vacancy rates to make informed decisions.

2. Impact on Low-Density Residences

Homes adjacent to new high-density projects might experience increased traffic, noise, and reduced privacy.

However, properties slightly removed from these developments will benefit from improved amenities without the immediate drawbacks.

3. Necessity for Property Upgrades

To remain competitive, owners of older apartments will need to consider renovations to match the appeal of newer constructions.

There’s nothing new about this – modernising interiors and amenities enhances rental yields, gives you a wide selection of potential tenants and improves the value of your property.

A golden opportunity for strategic investors

While some homeowners may worry about the changes medium- and high-density developments bring to their suburbs, strategic property investors see the bigger picture, and it’s full of upside.

Rezoning in middle-ring suburbs is creating significant opportunities.

Properties close to transport hubs and vibrant local centres are becoming development hotspots.

As land becomes more valuable, savvy investors are acting decisively, unlocking the potential of these areas by buying older homes on sizeable blocks and building two townhouses where there was once just an old home.

But here’s the key difference: they’re not doing it to flip for short-term profit – they are  holding onto these new townhouses as part of a long-term “build-to-hold” strategy.

This approach allows them to manufacture equity through development while also benefiting from growing rental yields, long-term capital growth, and depreciation benefits.

And because many of these projects are in gentrifying suburbs with improved amenity, growing populations, and increased demand for quality housing, the long-term upside is incredibly compelling.

This is exactly the sort of strategy Metropole has specialised in for decades- guiding clients from property selection, through development feasibility, planning approvals, and construction, all the way to managing the end investment.

We’re not in the business of selling properties – we’re in the business of helping our clients build lasting wealth.

In this new phase of urban transformation, where the ‘missing middle’ is finally being built and the 20-minute neighbourhood becomes a reality, the investors who understand the power of location, timing, and strategic development will be the ones who benefit most.

Even if you’re not sitting on a development site, these changes are driving more people into previously overlooked suburbs, breathing new life into local economies and increasing demand for well-located established properties.

And with construction costs still high, the price gap between new and existing apartments will remain wide, pulling the value of quality older stock upwards.

In short, Australia’s urban evolution isn’t a threat—it’s an invitation.

For those who understand the trends and invest with strategy, the next wave of growth will come not from chasing hotspots, but from riding the structural shifts reshaping our cities.

So rather than resisting the changes sweeping through our suburbs, the question investors should be asking is: how can I ride this wave of transformation to build intergenerational wealth.

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

Let’s be honest—playing the lottery feels like harmless fun. A couple of bucks for a shot at financial freedom, right?

But here’s the problem: it’s not harmless when people actually believe it’s a strategy to build wealth.

It’s not. It never was. In fact, I’d argue that playing the lottery is just a tax on people who don’t understand maths.

As someone who’s spent decades teaching Australians how to achieve financial independence through property and smart money habits, it pains me to see people throw away their dreams chasing scratchies and Powerball fantasies.

So let’s have a bit of fun and reality-check this.

The Odds Are Wildly Against You

You know the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot in Australia? 1 in 134,490,400.

Let me repeat that. One in 134 million.

You are literally more likely to do just about anything else in life—including some things that sound like plot points in a bad movie—than win the lottery.

Here Are 20 Things That Are More Likely Than Winning the Lottery

1. Being struck by lightning – Odds are about 1 in 1.6 million in your lifetime. It’s rare—but still nearly 100 times more likely than winning Powerball.

2. Becoming a billionaire – According to Forbes, your odds are about 1 in 409,000. You’re over 300 times more likely to become a billionaire than win the lottery.

3. Dying in a plane crash – About 1 in 11 million. Still more likely than winning.

4. Getting attacked by a shark in Australia – Around 1 in 3.7 million. (So yes, go ahead and swim at Bondi, you’ve still got a better shot than winning lotto.)

5. Crushed by a vending machine – Around 1 in 112 million. Silly? Sure. But still a higher probability.

6. Becoming a movie star – The odds? About 1 in 1.5 million. In other words, Hollywood is more accessible than your dream lotto lifestyle.

7. Bowling a perfect 300 game – About 1 in 11,500 for regular league bowlers.

8. Becoming an astronaut – NASA accepts about 1 in 12,000 applicants. Start training!

9. Dating a supermodel – Depending on how you define it (and your charm), studies suggest it’s around 1 in 88,000.

10. Being dealt a royal flush in poker – 1 in 649,740. Vegas is calling.

11. Having identical quadruplets – About 1 in 15 million. Not impossible.

12. Writing a New York Times bestseller – About 1 in 220,000 if you finish your book. Better odds than lotto!

13. Finding a four-leaf clover on your first try – 1 in 10,000.

14. Becoming Prime Minister of Australia – Around 1 in 8.9 million. Even that’s more achievable.

15. Getting hit by a meteorite – 1 in 74 million.

16. Winning an Olympic gold medal – 1 in 662,000 (if you train full-time from a young age).

17. Solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded – 1 in 50 for serious cubers. Still easier than picking the winning numbers.

18. Becoming a professional AFL player – Roughly 1 in 89,000.

19. Being born with 11 fingers or toes – Happens to about 1 in 500 babies. No ticket required!

20. Living past 100 – Around 1 in 5,000. Better start eating your veggies.

But Michael, What If I Win?

Yes, someone eventually does win. That’s how the system keeps running.

But here’s the catch: most lottery winners lose their money anyway.

A 2010 study from the National Endowment for Financial Education in the US found that 70% of people who suddenly receive a windfall – like lottery winners- lose it within a few years.

Why?

Because money doesn’t make you financially free. Financial literacy, discipline, and smart investing do.

What You Should Be Doing Instead

If you’re hoping for a better financial future, don’t rely on a system designed to take your money.

Instead:

• Educate yourself about finance and the psychology of money
• Spend less than you earn and save the balance

• Create a strategic wealth plan—this is what we do at Metropole for our clients

• Invest in assets that grow in value (like residential property)

• Surround yourself with good advisors, not lucky tickets

So, Is the Lottery Really Just a Tax?

Yes. And here’s the kicker: it’s a tax on those who can least afford it.

Lower-income earners are statistically more likely to buy lotto tickets, hoping for a miracle. That’s heartbreaking.

But wealth isn’t built on miracles. It’s built on mindset, strategy, and time.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing wrong with a bit of fun.

If you want to throw a few bucks at a Powerball ticket every now and then, go for it. Just treat it as entertainment, not a wealth plan.

But if you’re serious about becoming financially independent, forget the lotto. It’s time to stop hoping—and start planning.

Because while you may never win the lottery, you can absolutely build a life that feels like you did.

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

I don’t know about you, but I’m seeing a lot of so-called “experts” on social media confidently forecasting the direction of our real estate markets and property prices for the balance of 2025 and well into next year.

However, if they really knew how to predict our markets, these individuals would likely be enjoying a luxurious lifestyle, reaping the rewards of their market insights.

The reality is that most predictions are, at best, educated guesses and, at worst, misleading information.

Now it’s not just the social media experts.

Just look at those failed predictions from bank economists, financial institutions and research houses over the last few years.

And what about the interest rate cliff or the unemployment cliff or all those other dire press that didn’t eventuate?

For instance, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, some predicted a significant market downturn, which didn’t materialize.

Then many predicted price falls of 20 to 30% because of rising interest rates and that didn’t happen.

Sure we’ve just experienced a year of falling property prices when the interest rates started rising,  but almost anyone who bought a well-located property over the last couple of years ago is sitting on some significant equity gains.

So what should an investor do?

For the majority of us mere mortal investors who don’t have a crystal ball, rather than trying to time the market it’s essential to adopt a long-term perspective for your property investment.

There is no “best” time or “worst” time to buy property because property investment is a process, not just an event.

So rather than just talking about going out and buying a property in 2025 or 2026, the right time for you to consider investing is when you have all your ducks in a row.

For some of you who are reading this right now will absolutely be the worst possible time you could consider buying a property.

For others there is a window of opportunity because it’s likely when looking back next year, many will recognise the the market boomed as falling inflation, increasing consumer confidence, lower interest rates, and first homeowner grants were a stunning combination that fuelled the flames of our housing market.

Many people who mistimed the last upswing missed out on profitable opportunities.

They are now cashed up and ready to buy and will hop into the market as the media changes its message.

This means attempting to time the market could lead to missed opportunities.

Investors who wait for the “perfect” moment to invest may find themselves competing with other buyers who return as the market slowly picks up.

Remember the fundamental economic principle of supply and demand?

If you wait for the market to “improve,” you’ll likely face a more competitive market, making it harder to find a quality property in a desirable location, and potentially at a higher price.

Isn’t it too early to get into the market?

Throughout the years, countless investors have regretted not purchasing high-quality properties earlier.

All the major research houses, are now suggesting significant property price growth over the next two years.

Here is what ANZ Bank forecasts for house prices:

These are Domain’s property price forecasts.

You need to plan

So while the property markets will create significant wealth for many Australians, statistics show that 50% of those who buy an investment property sell up in the first five years.

And of those who stay in the investment game, 92% never get past their first or second property.

That’s because attaining wealth doesn’t just happen, it’s the result of a well-executed plan.

Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now!

Just to make things clear…buying an investment property is NOT a strategy!

It’s important to start with the end game in mind and understand what you need and what you want to achieve.

And then you have to build a plan, a strategy to get there.

The property you eventually buy will be the physical manifestation of a whole lot of decisions that you will make, and they must be made in the right order

That’s because property investment is a process, not an event.

If you’re a beginner looking for a time-tested property investment strategy or an established investor who’s stuck or maybe you just want an objective second opinion about your situation, I suggest you allow the team at Metropole to build you a personalised, customised Strategic Property Plan.

When you have a Strategic Property Plan you’re more likely to achieve the financial freedom you desire because we’ll help you:

• Define your financial goals;
• See whether your goals are realistic, especially for your timeline;
• Measure your progress towards your goals – whether your property portfolio is working for you, or if you’re working for it;
• Find ways to maximise your wealth creation through property;
• Identify risks you hadn’t thought of.

And the real benefit is you’ll be able to grow your wealth through your property portfolio faster and more safely than the average investor.

Your Strategic Property Plan should contain the following components:

1. An asset accumulation strategy
2. A manufacturing capital growth strategy
3. A rental growth strategy
4. An asset protection and tax minimisation strategy
5. A finance strategy including long-term debt reduction and…
6. A living off your property portfolio strategy

Click here now and learn more about this service and discuss your options with us.

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

Remember when owning a home was considered a rite of passage? A marker of stability and success?

Today, for many Australians, that milestone feels more like a distant fantasy than a realistic goal.

What was once seen as the cornerstone of financial security has become an uphill battle, with soaring property prices, stricter lending rules, and wages that simply haven’t kept pace.

Owning a home has always been the cornerstone of the Australian dream.

But for younger generations, that dream is slipping further out of reach.

“Affordable” homes are becoming unaffordable

According to research by Domain, houses priced in the 25th percentile – typically purchased by first home buyers – have increased in price at a greater rate than premium houses (those in the 75th percentile) across most major capitals since 2022 – as the figures below show.

Cumulative difference in house price growth for entry-level homes compared with premium homes:

The deposit mountain

The biggest barrier for first-home buyers isn’t servicing the loan—it’s scraping together the deposit.

According to Domain, a median-income household now needs more than eight years to save for a 20% deposit, compared to just six years in the early 2000s.

Source: Domain

Dr Nicola Powell, Domain’s Chief of Research and Economics, says this has reshaped the entry point into the market:

“The time it takes to save a deposit has blown out dramatically.

For many first-home buyers, it’s not the repayments that keep them out of the market, it’s the sheer challenge of getting a foothold with such a large upfront cost.”

Mortgage stress at record highs

Even once buyers leap the deposit hurdle, they face much tougher repayments.

A typical new loan now consumes around 54% of disposable household income, the highest level in more than 20 years.

Source: Domain

This shift has been driven by the double blow of rapidly rising property prices and the sharp lift in interest rates after 2022.

While rate cuts in 2025 offered some relief, prices kept surging, offsetting much of the benefit.

Dr Powell notes:

“We’ve moved into a world where home ownership is becoming more exclusive.

Lower interest rates in recent years did help with repayments, but because prices rose even faster, the affordability equation actually worsened for many.”

A widening generational divide

The impact is starkest among younger Australians.

Home ownership rates for under-34s have dropped across every state, with the sharpest falls in New South Wales and Victoria.

Source: Domain

The data shows that those born in the late 1980s and early 1990s are far less likely to own a home than those born just a generation earlier.

In contrast, many Baby Boomers benefited from decades of rising values, cheaper credit, and lower deposit hurdles.

Source: Domain

As Dr. Powell puts it:

“The generational divide in home ownership is the widest we’ve seen in modern history.

Younger Australians are being locked out, while existing owners see their wealth grow.”

A global trend with local consequences

This isn’t just an Australian story.

Studies show similar declines in home ownership among younger households across the UK, US, and Europe.

Contributing factors include later marriage, fewer children, greater income volatility, and the rise of insecure work.

Here in Australia, affordability pressures are also changing buyer behaviour.

Lower-priced homes have outperformed premium properties in price growth since 2022, particularly in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

Source: Domain

Search trends reveal more Australians now looking for “dual”, “granny” and “duplex” properties, reflecting rising interest in higher-density and more affordable housing options.

What needs to change?

The affordability challenge is structural, not cyclical.

It’s not just about where interest rates sit today.

Barriers like stamp duty, restrictive lending standards, and surging deposit requirements are locking more people out each year.

Potential reforms flagged by Domain include:

• Replacing stamp duty with a broad-based land tax, to reduce upfront costs and improve mobility.

• Expanding shared-equity and low-deposit schemes, to bridge the deposit gap for first-home buyers.

• Reviewing lending standards, to strike the right balance between stability and access to credit.

Dr Powell concludes:

“If we want to restore the Australian dream of home ownership, we need coordinated reform.

Without it, the divide between the housing haves and have-nots will only deepen.”

Final thoughts

The numbers are clear: affordability has reached breaking point.

For first-home buyers, the challenge isn’t just paying off a mortgage, it’s finding a way to even get in the game.

And unless structural reforms are made, home ownership risks becoming a privilege for the few, rather than the foundation of financial security it has long been in Australia.

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

It’s human nature to compare.

We compare homes, cars, holidays, and yes, we compare wealth.

But most Australians don’t talk openly about money, so it’s hard to know where we really stand.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking: “Am I doing okay financially?”

Whether you’re a Baby Boomer enjoying retirement, a Gen Xer in your prime earning years, a Millennial juggling work and family, or a Gen Z just starting out, it’s only natural to want to know how you stack up.

So in this episode of Demographics Decoded, leading demographer Simon Kuestenmacher and I take a closer look at the wealth profiles of each generation in Australia.

The numbers may surprise you, but more importantly, the lessons they reveal can help you chart your own financial future.

For weekly insights subscribe to the Demographics Decoded podcast, where we will continue to explore these trends and their implications in greater detail.

Subscribe now on your favourite Podcast player:

The disappearing middle

Once upon a time, we thought of Australia as a land of three clear groups: the rich, the poor, and a big, stable middle class.

But as Simon Kuestenmacher explains in our latest episode of Demographics Decoded, that’s no longer the case:

“Instead of the old bell curve of wealth with a big bulge in the middle, today we see a U-shape. There are plenty of households with relatively low wealth, plenty with high wealth, but fewer in between.”

That shrinking middle has real consequences.

In the past, governments could design policies for “the middle class” and reach most Australians.

Today, policies tend to tilt either to the lower-income or higher-income groups.

The middle doesn’t carry the same weight it once did.

Baby Boomers: the asset-rich generation (born 1946–1964)

Boomers have had time on their side.

They bought homes when property prices were modest relative to incomes, benefited from decades of growth, and have ridden the long bull run in property and shares.

On average, boomer households today hold:

• $1.3 million in property assets
• $641,000 in superannuation or business assets
• $206,000 in shares
• $240,000 in cash savings

That totals around $2.3 million in net wealth, with relatively little debt (about $82,000).

Boomers hold roughly half of Australia’s housing wealth, much of which will flow to younger generations in the coming decades.

As Simon reminds us:

“We’re heading into a once-in-a-lifetime wealth transfer. In the next 10 to 15 years, somewhere between $3 and $6 trillion will shift from boomers to their children, mostly millennials. But not every millennial will inherit, so the divide between those who do and those who don’t will widen further.”

Gen X: the sandwich generation (born 1965–1980)

If you’re a Gen Xer, you’re probably in your 40s or 50s, earning well, but also carrying some heavy financial burdens.

Gen X households average:

• $1.3 million in property assets
• $586,000 in superannuation
• $256,000 in shares
• $176,000 in cash

That equates to $1.88 million net wealth, but with close to $450,000 in debt.

They’re called the “sandwich generation” for a reason.

Many are still supporting kids at home (often into their 20s), while also helping ageing parents.

Add in big mortgages taken on during the pandemic’s ultra-low interest rate period, and Gen X feels the squeeze.

Simon points out the risks:

“This is the cohort banks are most worried about. They borrowed heavily during the boom, and now, with higher rates, some jobs at risk of automation, and households relying on two incomes, it could become fragile.”

Yet the future looks brighter. Within a decade, many of these pressures will lift.

Children will move out, mortgages will be paid off, and parents will pass on inheritances.

Gen X may move from stress to surplus almost overnight.

Millennials: playing catch-up (born 1981–1996)

Millennials are often the most frustrated generation.

They’ve worked hard, studied harder, and many are raising families, yet feel locked out of the financial security their boomer parents enjoyed.

Their averages:

• $750,000 in property
• $260,000 in superannuation
• $51,000 in shares
• $104,000 in cash

That gives them a net wealth of about $757,000, well below Gen X and boomers.

Millennials make up 15% of households, but hold only 5% of Australia’s wealth.

It’s not hard to see why they’re frustrated.

Property is far more expensive relative to incomes than it was for their parents.

University, once a ticket to a secure and high-paying job, now often comes with years of debt.

As Simon explains:

“Millennials compare themselves to their boomer parents and feel left out. Their parents could buy a house on a single income. Today, you need two incomes and still stretch to the limit. So millennials look for alternatives: ETFs, shares, even crypto.”

But that search for shortcuts comes with risk.

“Most millennials holding crypto are what I call ‘squiggly line investors’ – hoping a few thousand dollars will magically turn into millions. A few got lucky with Bitcoin, but it’s speculation, not strategy.”

The positive? Millennials still have decades ahead to grow wealth the traditional way,  step by step, year by year, through disciplined investing.

Gen Z: just getting started (born 1997–2012)

Gen Z is only just entering the workforce, yet already has an average net wealth of $96,000, largely thanks to compulsory super contributions, which start accumulating even in teenage jobs.

But they also carry around $49,000 in debt, mostly student-related.

As Simon notes:

“It’s too early to judge. They’re still at the starting line. Their challenge will be getting onto the property ladder, which is tougher than ever.”

Many will look to alternative investments, but as always, the fundamentals of wealth creation remain the same: spend less than you earn, invest wisely, and give it time.

The bigger picture

So what can we learn from all this?

1. Averages hide as much as they reveal. You’re not your generation’s average. Some will be far ahead, while others will be far behind. Don’t fall into the comparison trap.
2. Wealth takes decades to build. Baby Boomers didn’t get rich overnight; they accumulated wealth steadily. Millennials and Gen Z can too.
3. Lifestyle inflation is the real enemy. More income is meaningless if you simply spend more.
4. Property remains Australia’s cornerstone of wealth. Our residential property market is valued at around $11.4 trillion, with debt totalling just $2.4 trillion. That’s why real estate, combined with superannuation, continues to underpin household net worth.

And as Simon wisely says:

“Don’t be discouraged. The key is to be deliberate and strategic – in how you earn, spend, and invest. That’s what’s in your control.”

Final thoughts

If you’re ahead of the averages, well done.

Just remember: preserving wealth is as important as creating it.

If you’re behind, don’t panic.

The best time to start was 20 years ago.  The second-best time is today.

At Metropole, we help Australians of all generations build, protect, and pass on their wealth safely and strategically.

With the right plan, you can set yourself up not just to “stack up” against your generation, but to move ahead of the curve.

If you found this discussion helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and share it with others who might benefit.

Subscribe now on your favourite Podcast player:

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

Each one of the 233 millionaires in my five-year study of rich and poor people was lucky.

Fifty-six (24%) were born into it and 177 (76%) created it.

The type of luck those 24% received was random good luck.

The type of luck those 76% received was self-made.

Luck, whether random or self-made, is a common denominator of all wealthy people.

If you want to be rich, you need luck.

While you have no control over the circumstances you are born into, you do have control over the circumstances you manufacture after birth.

Depending on the study or survey, about 67%-80% of all millionaires are self-made.

They start out either poor or middle class.

That’s a good thing.

Success, when you think about it, really boils down to a game of hide and seek.

Luck does the hiding — you have to do the seeking.

But you must look for luck in the right places.

So where exactly do you look for luck?

Fortunately, success leaves clues.

Luck hides outside your comfort zone

Successful people are very much like scientists.

They love to experiment.

But in the case of self-made millionaires, they experiment with new things, new ideas, and new people.

Finding luck requires that you step outside your comfort zone.

It requires an open mind; one which is curious and receptive to possibilities.

When you expand your comfort zone you also expand the opportunity for luck to occur.

Luck hides inside positivity.

Opportunities have to be seen in order to be embraced.

Positivity opens the mind to opportunities.

Positivity means having a positive mental outlook.

It is the springboard of all creativity and insight.

Problem-solving requires creativity and insight, and self-made millionaires are, by default, problem-solvers.

Their optimistic outlook enables them to see possibilities for solutions.

Positivity also creates a higher level of confidence and an expectation that good things will happen.

Positivity is the fertiliser in which good luck grows.

Luck hides behind courage

Creating luck requires that you take risks.

Taking risks requires courage.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the pursuit of something while in the throes of it.

Overcoming fear is something you must cultivate as a habit.

Luck hides inside new relationships.

Meeting the right person at the right time requires that you … meet people.

People do not just drop in your lap and, voilà, luck happens.

You have to go out and find them.

You find them by joining networking groups, by volunteering at non-profits, by taking seminars, at fund-raisers, and when you take up tennis or golf.

You find the right person at the right time by doing new and novel things.

Luck hides inside intuition.

Intuition is the means by which the subconscious communicates with the conscious.

Your subconscious knows all and sees all.

It is constantly taking in sensory data and information that is below the radar of the conscious mind.

As a result, it knows things the conscious mind does not.

It exists to not only help you survive but also to thrive.

You need to listen to your gut.

Those who do find luck.

About Tom Corley
Tom is a CPA, CFP and heads one of the top financial firms in New Jersey. For 5 years, Tom observed and documented the daily activities of wealthy people and people living in poverty and his research he identified over 200 daily activities that separated the “haves” from the “have nots” which culminated in his #1 bestselling book, Rich Habits – The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals.


Visit the website: www.richhabits.net

If there’s one thing property investors learn over time, it’s that no two cycles are ever the same.

The past decade has reminded us of this lesson again and again.

Since 2015, Australia has been through three major interest rate cutting cycles.

Each of these has played out very differently, with entirely different market segments benefiting depending on the broader economic backdrop and who was active in the market at the time.

As  Ray White’s Chief Economost Nerida Conisbee has noted: “Every cycle is different.”

And the way buyers respond to interest rate cuts is shaped just as much by affordability and demographics as it is by the cost of money itself.

Let’s take a look at a recent report by Nerida Conisbee explaining how these cycles unfolded—and more importantly, what lessons we can draw for the future.

Source: Ray White

The First Cycle (2015–2016): coastal lifestyle markets rise

When the RBA eased rates from 2.25% down to 1.50% between May 2015 and May 2016, the biggest winners weren’t blue-chip suburbs but affordable coastal lifestyle locations close to Sydney.

The Central Coast was the standout, with Avoca Beach–Copacabana (8.0%), Wamberal–Forresters Beach (8.2%), and The Entrance (8.9%) all showing strong growth.

Conisbee explains:

“This was when the lifestyle shift really began.

People were seeking coastal living within commuting distance, and cheaper borrowing costs made that possible well before COVID accelerated the trend.”

These markets, priced between $800,000 and $1.2 million at the time, highlight how rate cuts can amplify emerging lifestyle preferences.

The Second Cycle (2019–2021): premium Sydney suburbs surge

The next phase was far more aggressive according to Conisbee.

From mid-2019 through the pandemic, rates plunged from 1.50% to just 0.10%.

This time, the response was concentrated in Sydney’s premium suburbs.

Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills West–Bella Vista, and Northern Beaches areas like Collaroy and Freshwater all recorded double-digit growth.

Baulkham Hills West–Bella Vista alone swung from -7.2% to +12.4% growth, a 19.6 percentage point acceleration.

According to Conisbee:

“Ultra-low rates and fiscal stimulus created a pronounced wealth effect.

Established property owners, particularly in Sydney’s premium markets, were able to upgrade or expand their portfolios.

It wasn’t first home buyers driving this cycle, it was the affluent.”

This was a clear reminder that rate cuts don’t always make property more accessible, they can just as easily amplify demand where wealth is already concentrated.

Source: Ray White

The Third Cycle (2024–2025): affordable outer suburbs take the lead

Fast forward to today, and we’re in another cutting cycle; this time from the highest interest rates seen in over a decade.

But instead of boosting premium markets, affordability has become the driving factor.

Perth’s Midland–Guildford (15.6%), Mandurah (15.5%), and Balga–Mirrabooka (15.4%) are leading national growth.

In Adelaide, Smithfield–Elizabeth North is up 14.4%.

These are outer suburban markets priced between $550,000 and $750,000—very much first home buyer territory.

Conisbee notes:

“Unlike the COVID cycle, today’s cuts are most effective for buyers on the margins of borrowing capacity.

Affordable outer suburbs are where interest rate reductions translate directly into stronger demand.”

In other words, the affordability crisis has fundamentally reshaped who benefits when monetary policy loosens.

The consistent performers

While the beneficiaries have shifted from lifestyle seekers, to wealthy upgraders, to first home buyers, some regions have shown enduring sensitivity to rate cuts.

Conisbee highlights:

“The Central Coast is fascinating. Across all three cycles, it’s shown consistent growth.

That tells us some markets retain a structural advantage, whether that’s lifestyle appeal, location, or ongoing affordability relative to Sydney.”

Key lessons for investors

What should investors take away from this decade-long story?

1. Each cycle has its own winners. As Conisbee says, “We can’t assume that because one group benefited in the past, they’ll benefit again.”

2. Affordability now matters more than ever. Today’s rate-sensitive suburbs are not the million-dollar enclaves, they’re the $550k to $750k markets.

3. Some markets have lasting resilience. Places like the Central Coast show that structural appeal can cut across multiple cycles.

4. Context is everything. Fiscal stimulus, global shocks like COVID, and demographic shifts shape how rate cuts flow through the market.

Final thoughts – a new window of opportunity

The past decade of rate cycles proves just how dynamic and unpredictable Australia’s property market really is.

Conisbee sums it up well:

“Every cycle is different.

The beneficiaries shift depending on affordability, economic conditions, and who’s active in the market.

Understanding that context is critical for investors.”

As we look ahead, it’s clear that today’s easing is delivering the greatest benefits to outer suburban, affordable markets.

That’s a profound shift from the wealth-driven gains of the COVID cycle, and a reminder that strategy, not just timing, is what separates smart investors from the rest.

However, one thing is clear: there’s currently a window of opportunity for property investors with a long-term focus.

Right now, we’re seeing what some would call a “perfect storm” of fundamentals that are aligning to support strong property markets in the years ahead:

1. Continued rapid population growth is putting pressure on housing.
2. An acute undersupply of dwellings,
3. A chronic shortage of skilled labour, making new development slower and more expensive.
4. Inflation has moderated, now sitting within the RBA’s target range.
5. Interest rates will keep falling – bringing more buyers into the market
6. Government first homebuyer incentives will pour fuel on the flames of our undersupplied housing market.

As interest rates keep falling and confidence returns among both buyers and sellers, we’ll enter the next phase of the property cycle.

And historically, this stage has delivered some of the best capital growth for those who act early.

Are you clear on how to take advantage of these market conditions — or are you still waiting for “certainty”?

That’s where our Complimentary Wealth Discovery Chat comes in. We’re offering you a 1-on-1 chat with a Metropole Wealth Strategist to help you:

• Clarify your financial goals
• Understand how macro trends affect your position
• Build a personalised, data-driven property strategy
• Get ahead of the curve — before everyone else piles in

There’s no cost, no obligation — just practical, tailored guidance based on decades of experience.

Click here now to book your free Wealth Discovery Chat

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

One of the biggest shifts quietly reshaping Australia is the rise of people living alone.

While our headlines are dominated by talk of housing shortages, migration, and interest rates, the reality is that who lives in those homes, and how, is just as important as how many homes we need.

Today, single-person households are the fastest-growing household type in the country.

And this isn’t just a temporary blip; it’s a deep demographic trend that will have ripple effects across the property market, the economy, and even how we build our communities.

For weekly insights subscribe to the Demographics Decoded podcast, where we will continue to explore these trends and their implications in greater detail.

Subscribe now on your favourite Podcast player:

Why living alone is on the rise

Several forces are driving this trend, and together they’re reshaping what a “typical” household looks like.

1. We’re living longer lives.
   Australians enjoy some of the longest life expectancies in the world.That means more widows and widowers living alone for 10, 20, even 30 years after their partner passes away. What once might have been just a few years in older age has stretched into decades of solo living.
2. Marriage and children are delayed.
   Young Australians are waiting longer to settle down.In decades past, the life cycle was straightforward: leave your parents’ home, get married, start a family.Today, there’s often a 10–15-year gap during which people live on their own, either in shared houses that evolve into solo apartments or directly in single-person dwellings.

As Simon Kuestenmacher puts it in our latest Demographics Decoded podcast:

“It’s not just that more people are living alone; it’s that they’re living alone for longer stretches of their lives. The traditional life cycle of moving from your parents’ house straight into a family home just doesn’t apply anymore.”

3. Lifestyle preferences are changing.
   Independence, privacy, and personal freedom are valued more highly than ever.Many Australians simply prefer living alone, and that choice is easier now thanks to technology, delivery services, and digital social connections.

The housing market impact

Here’s the paradox: even though our household sizes are shrinking, demand for dwellings actually increases.

A single-person household consumes as much housing stock as a family, sometimes more.

Two singles living apart need two kitchens, two bathrooms, two laundries, and two sets of bills.

This is why smaller households drive more housing demand, not less.

And it’s why we’re seeing a structural undersupply in certain types of dwellings.

The biggest areas of demand will be:

• Compact apartments and townhouses in desirable, walkable locations.
• Downsizer-friendly homes for older Australians who want less maintenance but still need space for family visits.
• Well-designed studios and one-bedroom apartments that aren’t just “cheap entry-level” stock, but genuinely liveable, high-quality homes.

The suburban four-bedroom home still has its place, of course, but it no longer fits the fastest-growing demographic.

Simon highlights the structural mismatch:

“We keep building family-sized homes on the urban fringe, but demand is increasingly for smaller, more central dwellings. If we don’t realign supply with reality, affordability and accessibility will only worsen.”

Social and economic implications

Living alone isn’t only a housing story, it’s also a social one.

As more people spend extended periods of their lives without a partner or housemates, the risks of loneliness and social isolation increase.

This has knock-on effects for health, well-being, and even productivity.

Neighbourhood design will matter more than ever.

We’ll need communities that strike a balance between privacy and opportunities for connection; think mixed-use precincts with cafés, libraries, gyms, and green spaces that encourage people to leave their homes and engage with others.

Technology will help, but it can’t fully replace human interaction.

Governments, developers, and investors all need to think not just in terms of “roofs over heads” but also about fostering livable, supportive, connected communities.

What it means for property investors

For investors who understand how demographics drives our housing markets this is an opportunity.

The challenge is that many of our existing dwellings don’t fit future demand.

The opportunity lies in anticipating what tomorrow’s buyers and renters actually want.

The key characteristics of in-demand properties will include:

• Smaller, efficient homes with clever design to maximise comfort for one or two people.
• Locations that prioritise lifestyle: proximity to cafés, shops, healthcare, and public transport.
• Properties suitable for ageing in place, particularly those that appeal to downsizers who want to stay in their local area.
• Quality over quantity: one-bedroom apartments that are well-designed and in the right location will outperform cookie-cutter high-rise stock.

The future property winners will be those who match these lifestyle shifts, not just the raw numbers of population growth.

The bigger picture

Australia is still in the midst of strong population growth, but demographics aren’t just about how many people we have; they’re about how those people live.

And as more Australians live alone, the property market will need to evolve.

To me, the bottom line is this: investors who understand these shifts will be better positioned to own the kinds of properties that remain in demand, no matter how our lifestyles change.

As Simon Kuestenmacher wisely said:

“The rise of single-person households isn’t a problem, but it is a challenge. It requires us to rethink how we design housing, cities, and services to ensure these Australians live well, not just alone.”

Australia’s property market has always adapted to change, from the post-war boom to the rise of dual-income households and the apartment surge of recent decades.

The rise of solo living is the next frontier. And those who anticipate it will be the ones who thrive.

 

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About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

Here’s a strange truth that trips up many well-intentioned investors…

The more you try to control every aspect of your property portfolio, the less influence you actually end up having.

Yes, I know—it sounds completely backwards.

Most people believe the secret to building a successful portfolio is being hands-on. After all, if you want things done right, shouldn’t you be the one doing them?

It’s an appealing idea. But also a dangerous one.

Let me explain.

When “hands-on” becomes handcuffs

This is how many smart, ambitious property investors begin their investment journey: with sleeves rolled up and calendars packed to the brim.

Weekends are filled with open homes.

Lunch breaks become frantic calls to agents.

After dinner? Time to fire up Domain or Realestate.com.au and hunt for deals.

I get it. That was me, too, early on.

And to be honest, at first it feels great. You’re in charge. Every decision is yours. You feel like you’re making progress.

But soon enough, the cracks appear.

That ‘perfect’ property you saw during a rushed inspection turns out to have structural issues you didn’t catch.

That suburb you skimmed in a 10-minute Google search is plagued with oversupply.

That tenant you approved between meetings starts missing rent.

And here’s what’s really going on -every new property adds a disproportionate load.

One investment might be manageable, but two or three, perhaps just barely.

But beyond that? You’re not building a portfolio. You’re building yourself a second job.

And spoiler alert: it doesn’t pay nearly as well as your first one.

Real control is strategic, not operational

The big mindset shift for me came when I realised that doing everything yourself isn’t control—it’s chaos.

The kind of control that leads to success is strategic.

It means knowing what levers move the needle on your wealth, and having the clarity and mental bandwidth to pull them.

For example:

• Instead of inspecting 20 properties, you assess the pre-vetted opportunities from a trusted buyer’s agent like the team at Metropole.
• Instead of dealing with leaky taps and late rent, you review monthly reports from your property manager like the professional team of Metropole Property Management.
• Instead of chasing tasks, you make time for decisions – big picture decisions like where to invest next, when to refinance, or whether to diversify.

That’s where the real gains come from.

The delegation transformation

Here’s a reframe that changed everything for me:

Stop being the person who does everything. Start being the person who decides what matters most.

You don’t need to be on the tools. You need to be on the strategy.

You’re not negotiating leases – you’re setting your team’s standards for tenant selection, rental returns, and customer service.

You’re not running spreadsheets every night – you’re deciding on the financial metrics that guide your growth and risk appetite.

The irony? This “hands-off” approach tends to lead to better results.

Why? Because you’re not bogged down in the weeds.

You’re free to zoom out, see the full picture, and act with purpose.

And when your team is made up of trusted professionals – a property strategist, buyers’ agents, property managers, finance strategists, accountants – you’re not letting go of control.

You’re exercising it more effectively.

Busy professionals: this is your secret weapon

Look, I work with high-performing professionals every day -lawyers, doctors, business owners, entrepreneurs.

They’re used to being in control. But they also realise their time is their most valuable asset.

The most successful ones?

Note: They build wealth in property without burning out because they delegate the execution but own the strategy.

They’re not chasing shiny objects.

They have a plan, a team, and a rhythm that lets them make smart decisions without micromanaging every detail.

That’s why they scale faster, avoid costly mistakes, and actually *enjoy* the process.

So how do you make this work?

Here’s a simple framework to put this into practice:

 1. Build your “property A-team”

Start with a property strategist who truly understands your goals – not just someone flogging stock.

Add a property manager who treats your property like a business. Bring in a savvy mortgage broker and a proactive accountant.

2. Set your investment criteria in stone

Your strategic property plan will become the compass for your team.

This clarity reduces decision fatigue and keeps you focused.

3. Systemise reviews, not tasks

Don’t get caught in day-to-day admin. Schedule regular portfolio performance reviews  strategy, say annually for major decisions like refinancing or acquiring.

4. Own the decisions that matter

Let your team handle the 80% of activity that delivers 20% of results.

You focus on the 20% of decisions that drive 80% of your outcomes.

Doing less isn’t laziness—it’s leverage

You don’t need to see every property.

You don’t need to take every tenant call.

You don’t need to read every council report or run every rental appraisal yourself.

What you do need is vision, discipline, and the right people around you.

If you get that right, you’ll find something powerful happens…

You’ll build more wealth by doing less.

That’s the control paradox – and it’s the secret to winning at property without losing your life in the process.

Your next steps:

So, if you’re ready to step out of the daily grind and take control of your financial future the smart way – not by doing more, but by focusing on what truly matters – then now’s the time to act.

At Metropole, we’ve helped thousands of investors just like you build high-performing property portfolios without sacrificing their careers, families, or sanity.

Why not start with a complimentary, no-obligation Wealth Discovery Chat with one of our experienced Wealth Strategists?

We’ll help you clarify your goals, assess your options, and map out a personalised plan to grow, protect, and pass on your wealth.

Click here now to book your free Wealth Discovery Chat, and let’s take the first step together.

About Adam Hubbard
Adam Hubbard is a senior Wealth Strategist at Metropole and his many years of real estate and wealth creation experience gives him a holistic perspective with which he helps his clients safely grow their wealth through property.

When it’s time to start looking for your next property purchase, you’ll come across a lot of jargon you might not have heard before.

Saving for a deposit or house hunting is time-consuming enough, so when it comes to deciphering some of the real estate market code and industry lingo you could probably do with a little help.

Here is an A to Z of all the real estate jargon terms that you need to know before embarking on your next purchase.

Absentee landlord

An owner or sub-lessor who does not reside in the place or area in which he/she owns real estate from which he/she derives rental income.

Abstract of auction  

A summary of the auction advertisements which appear on the property page of a newspaper.

Abstract of title

A chronological summary of conveyances, mortgages or leases and other deeds giving the names of the parties and the description of the land, arranged to show the continuity of ownership of general law land not under the Torrens system.

Acceleration clause

A clause in a mortgage document that requires the immediate repayment of the entire balance due under the said mortgage at any given time should there be a breach of the conditions of the mortgage e.g. repayment default.

Accessible housing

A dwelling designed to allow easier access for physically disabled or vision impaired persons.

Acquiring authority

A government department, local authority or other body empowered by statute to acquire land compulsorily.

Adjustments

Apportionment of rates, taxes, body corporate fees, rent, insurances etc up to the date of possession or settlement on a sale or letting.

Agent

A person authorised to act for another (usually for the owner) in the selling, buying, renting or management of a property.

Commonly used to refer to licensed real estate agents and real estate representatives.

Agents in conjunction

Two or more agents are employed by a principal to sell or let real estate and share commission.

Amortisation period 

This is the length of time it would take to pay off a mortgage in full, based on regular payments at a certain interest rate.

A longer amortisation period means you’ll pay more interest than if you got the same loan with a shorter amortisation period.

Appraisal

A property appraisal is when a real estate agent determines and quotes the estimated sale price of your property based on their experience of the area, similar sales, and their knowledge of buyer demand.

It will typically take into consideration things like ‘street appeal’, the property’s interior and exterior, and the size of the land.

The real estate agent will compare these factors to similar homes that have recently sold in the area and give an estimated figure.

Appreciation 

The appreciation is the amount the property value has increased over time.

Arrears

Arrears are unpaid debts.

Auction

An auction is a property sale held by an auctioneer and sold to the highest bidder.

These are usually done in public (either on- or off-site), virtually or on the phone.

Auction agency agreement

An agreement that the vendor must sign when a property is listed for auction.

Details the reserve price and the costs of the auction, including advertising and the agent’s commission.

Usually includes a condition that one agent will have the exclusive right to sell the property for a period during and after the auction.

Auctioneer 

A professional who is licensed to sell, or offer for sale, real estate where persons become purchasers by competition, being the highest bidders.

Basis point

One per cent (1%) is the equivalent of 100 basis points.

Bid

A verbal or written offer to purchase.

Body corporate

This is the managing body that administers common property or common areas in multi-unit developments.

Common property or common areas can include things such as the driveway, facilities, foyer and stairwell, gym, pool or any other common area in the building.

By buying an apartment, townhouse, or duplex the owner is automatically part of the Body Corporate for that complex.

A treasurer, secretary, and chairperson are then elected, and these spots can be filled by any owner.

Bond

A bond is used for rental properties and acts as a security deposit to give landlords some financial security in the event that something is damaged or the rent isn’t paid.

The bond is usually 4 times the weekly property rent, paid upfront.

Bridging finance

A bridging loan bridges the gap between securing a mortgage for a new property before an existing property is sold.

They offer short-term access to funds at a sometimes higher rate of interest or more likely, just at the standard variable rate, with no discounts applied.

Your credit history will go a long way when it comes to securing a bridging loan with your lender but there are a number of other factors that will affect approval.

These factors include the risk associated with the loan, the value of the property you currently own, the amount of the one you’ll be purchasing and the amount of time the loan needs.

Building code of Australia (BCA ) 

Sets minimum community standards for buildings in terms of health, safety and amenity in buildings for regulatory purposes.

Produced by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), refer to www.abcb.com.au

Building inspector

An authorised person who is responsible for checking buildings in the course of construction and completed buildings to ensure that they have been constructed in accordance with building control provisions.

Building line 

The setback from the site boundary is required by statutory authorities for buildings.

Building regulations

The Building Code of Australia and other regulations stipulated by local authorities relating to the design and construction of buildings.

Building restrictions

Planning and development controls that limit the use, size and location of buildings or other improvements on land.

Business broker

An estate agent licensed and certified to sell businesses.

Buyer’s agent

A buyer’s agent is a real estate professional who represents the buyer and helps secure them the right property at the lowest price.

This includes negotiating with the vendor or their agent.

Buyer’s market

A buyer’s market is simply a market condition where there is high supply and low demand, driving down prices in favour of the buyer.

Capital gains and capital gains tax (CGT) 

A capital gain or capital loss on an asset is the difference between what it cost you and what you receive when you dispose of it.

You pay tax on your capital gains but not a separate tax by itself.

Instead, the capital gain you make is added to your assessable income in whatever year you sold the property.

Caveat

A caveat is a legal claim of interest on a property.

It’s a notice on the title which alerts you to the fact a party other than the owner has an interest in the property.

Caveat emptor 

‘Caveat emptor means ‘buyer beware’ in Latin and alerts the buyer that the risk in a property transaction lies with them.

Certificate of title

A document issued under the Torrens System of Title, showing ownership and interest in a parcel of land.

Commission

A commission is a fee or payment, usually calculated as a percentage, made to an agent for their services in selling a property.

Typically it is only collected after a property sells.

Conveyancer

A solicitor who specialises in the property law of conveyancing.

They are licensed professional who ensures you meet all the legal obligations involved in your property transaction, including the settlement and title transfer process.

Conveyancing 

The definition or meaning of conveyancing and conveyancing services is the part of the law involved with preparing documents for the conveyance of property.

In other words, it’s the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from the current owner (vendor or seller) to a new owner (purchaser or buyer).

Generally, a conveyancing transaction consists of three main stages:

1. Pre-contract
2. Pre-completion
3. Post-completion

These three steps include any work needed when buying or selling a property, subdividing land, updating a title, or registering or changing an easement.

This can include assisting the transfer of ownership, including home loans and any other conveyancing activity.

Contract of sale

This is an agreement about the sale of property, which lists the terms and conditions of sale.

Cooling off period

When you buy a residential property there is a five business-day (for NSW, although it may differ by state) cooling-off period after you exchange sale contracts.

During this period, which starts as soon as you exchange,  you have the option to get out of or withdraw the offer with no legal repercussions – as long as you give written notice.

A cooling-off period does not apply if you buy a property at auction or exchange contracts on the same day as the auction after it is passed in.

Counteroffer

A counteroffer is a ‘new’ offer made in reply to a prior unacceptable offer – usually, the counter offer terminates the previous offer.

Deed

A document executed under seal. For example, a conveyance.

Deposit

Percentage of total consideration, or an agreed amount, paid on exchange of contract for the purchase of an asset.

Depreciation

Depreciation is the reduction in the value of an asset over time.

Development approval

Approval from the relevant planning authority to construct, add, amend or change the structure of a property.

Disbursements

Recoverable costs.

For example, in the case of real estate sales, expenses paid by an agent on behalf of an owner, such as advertising, rates and taxes.

Display home 

A building that represents a completed example of a dwelling type offered for sale.

Equity

This is the value accrued on an asset over and above the debt owing.

Encumbrance 

A charge or liability on a property; for example, a mortgage or a special condition on the use to which it may be put (e.g. easements, restrictions and reservations).

Eviction

Eviction is the action of expelling a tenant from a rental property.

Exchange of contracts

The legally binding part of the sale process is where two contracts are drawn up and signed by each party and then exchanged so the buyer has the contract with the vendor’s signature and vice versa.

A deposit is usually paid at this time.

Expressions of Interest (EOI)

An expression of interest is like a silent auction or bidding approach, in which the real estate agent will set a due date from the time the property is listed.

By that date, any interested parties are asked to submit their best offer, often with any conditions requested (e.g. the length of the settlement period).

First refusal (right of)

The right granted to a person to have the first privilege to buy or lease real estate, or the right to meet any offer made by another.

Fittings

Installed items that may be removed from real estate without causing irreparable damage to the land, structure or use of the premises.

Fixed interest rate

An interest rate that remains unchanged for a set period, for example, for the whole term of the loan, or the first year of a loan.

Fixtures

Those parts of a property are affixed to structures or land, usually in such a manner that they cannot be independently moved without damage to themselves or the property housing supporting or pertinent to them.

Fixtures are usually included in a sale and commonly include items such as carpets and awnings.

Guarantor

The person is liable to pay your loan if you default on the mortgage.

Gazumping 

A situation where a vendor and buyer agree on a price but then the vendor sells to another party at a higher price/more favourable terms.

Interest 

The amount paid by a borrower to a lender over and above the main amount borrowed ( also known as the ‘principal’).

The interest rate can be fixed, variable or a combination of the two.

Investment-grade property

An investment-grade property is a property that is suitable for investment.

The things I look for in any investment (including property) are:

• strong, stable rates of capital appreciation;
• steady cash flow;
• liquidity – the ability to take my money out by either selling or borrowing against my investment;
• easy management;
• a hedge against inflation; and
• good tax benefits.

Interest rate

The rate of return earned on an investment or charged by a lender is expressed in the form of a percentage per annum.

Investment property

Property (land or a building – or part of a building – or both) held (by the owner or by the lessee under a finance lease) to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both.

Land tax

A tax payable annually in respect of the beneficial ownership of land, the rate of which is determined by the assessed valuation.

Usually based on the unimproved value of land.

Lease

A lease is a legally binding contract or rental agreement between the lessor (owner) and lessee (renter) where the lessee can occupy the lessor’s property for a set time in exchange for payment under certain terms.

Also known as a tenancy agreement.

Listing

(a) A term commonly used by agents for obtaining an instruction to sell or lease real estate;

(b) The recording of properties as being available for sale.

LMI

Lender’s Mortgage Insurance or LMI is a non-refundable, one-off fee added to your home loan in an instance where you’re wanting to borrow more than 80 per cent of your home’s value.

It protects the lender against higher-risk borrowers.

LVR

Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) is your loan amount relative to the value of your home.

For example, a $500,000 home loan secured against a property that is worth $1,000,000 = 50 percent LVR. The higher the LVR, the higher the risk for the lender (which is why when LVR is 80 per cent or more, you’ll be charged Lender’s Mortgage Insurance).

Market value

Market value is the estimated amount for which an asset should exchange on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing, wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion.

Median

The middle number is when data is arranged from the lowest to the highest in sequence.

If there are two median scores, they are averaged to provide the true median.

The median is also known as the 50th percentile.

Mediation

The process by which a third party assists two disputing parties to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

A recommendation made by the mediator is not necessarily binding on the parties.

Mortgage

A type of loan where real estate is used as collateral.

It allows the borrower to buy property or land and is a written and binding contract that provides security to the lender.

Mortgage protection insurance

Insurance is paid by the borrower to protect the lender in a situation where they may not be able to meet their repayments.

Negative gearing

When the expenses (including interest repayments) associated with an investment property are higher than the earnings from the property, it is considered ‘negatively geared’ and can reduce tax liability in Australia (for now).

Offer

The consideration offered to purchase or lease an asset.

Off-market

Property sold without public advertising.

On the market

A term used during an auction when the vendor’s reserve price has been reached and the property is now officially for sale to the highest bidder.

Passed-in

If a property is not sold at auction because the owner’s reserve price has not been reached, it is passed in.

Periodic lease

Where a tenant continues to rent/occupy the property after the lease has formally expired.

Planning approval

Approval from the relevant authority to use the property for a specified use.

Pre-approval

Also known as conditional approval, this is when a lender has agreed to loan you a particular amount in principle, but nothing has proceeded to final approval.

Pre-approval allows you to know how much you have to bid or offer on a home.

Private treaty

What we traditionally associate with a sale of a property, is where a seller sets their price and begins negotiating with potential buyers through their agent.

Cooling-off periods are part of private treaty sales unless the buyer removes this condition to secure the property.

Principal

(a) A term used in most Australian contracts in lieu of ‘client’ or ‘proprietor’;

(b) A licensed estate agent holding responsibility for an agency’s legislative compliance activities including legal responsibility for trust accounts.

Private sale

Where an owner offers a property for sale without engaging an agent.

Private treaty sale

A sale is negotiated directly between the parties or their agents.

Property manager

A person or firm who manages the upkeep of a property on behalf of its owner.

Reserve

The minimum price a vendor has agreed to accept during an auction but can be tweaked during the auction process.

Reverse mortgage

A mortgage over a residential property owned by a person (usually over 55 years of age), where repayments are not required until the property is sold or the last homeowner dies.

Seller’s market 

A situation in which supply is scarce and demand for property is high, leading prices to remain high.

Settlement date

The date when the property sale is finalised and paid and the buyer becomes the official owner of the property.

Stamp duty

A government tax is applied to transfers of property and mortgages.

Calculated as a percentage of the contract value, stamp duty varies from state to state, and discounts are available for certain parties, including first-home buyers.

Strata title

Strata title is a method of facilitating individual ownership of part of a property – generally an apartment, unit, or townhouse.

Uniquely, strata title allows for individual ownership of an actual lot or unit whilst sharing ownership of the common grounds on which it is built.

Title

A property title holds a bundle of legal information about a piece of property, including details about the land and who owns it or has a mortgage on it.

Title deeds

Documents evidencing the ownership of property.

Torrent title

This is the title to land by registration.

Originating in South Australia under the stewardship of R.R.Torrens (later Sir Robert Torrens) and enacted in 1858.

The Torrens titles have superseded the ‘Common Law Title’ system throughout Australia.

Under the Torrens system dealings and ownership of land are managed by registration with the Titles Office.

Trust account 

A separate bank account managed by a real estate agent where funds (such as deposits and rental income) are held on behalf of another party.

Unconditional offer

An offer for property not subject to any other conditions (things like building and pest inspections or organising finance).

The buyer accepts the property unconditionally. All auction sales are unconditional.

Under offer

When both parties have agreed on the purchase price and applicable terms and conditions, but the contract hasn’t yet been finalised, a property is ‘under offer’.

Once the conditions have been met, the property is unconditional and then sold.

Normally when a property is under offer no further offers can be made or accepted.

Valuation

A property valuation is a formal, detailed report undertaken by a certified practising valuer (CPV) that determines a property’s market value and examines the property beyond its size and location.

After a valuer inspects the property in person, they’ll compile a valuation report with details of the zoning, the condition of the property, a review of the property’s land title and identify easements or encumbrances, highlight the highest and best use of the property and address any adverse features about that property which might affect its value.

A big part of the valuation process includes risk ratings, which the bank relies on as part of its decision-making process.

Vendor

One who sells anything.

In real estate transactions, the person(s) or entity selling the property.

Vendor bid 

A bid that is set by the auctioneer on behalf of the vendor during an auction, to establish a fair starting price.

Without reserve

An auction term signifying that a reserve price has not been set, such that the highest bid will prevail.

Yield

The derived percentage return of a property is assessed from the net income and the market value or price.

It is calculated by dividing the net income by the opening market value or price.

Zoning

A local planning tool to control the present and future development of land including residential, business and industrial uses.

 

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

In 1966, homeownership in Australia hit “peak home ownership” as 73 per cent of dwellings were owned outright or with a mortgage.

That figure has been drifting downward ever since, sitting at 66–67 per cent in recent years, and just 63 per cent at the 2021 Census if you count occupied dwellings only.

On the surface, the change might seem modest – a drop of around 10 percentage points over six decades – but the generational breakdown reveals a more dramatic story.

Generations tell the real story

The significant shift is in the timing of when Australians are buying homes.

• 25–29-year-olds: Homeownership fell from 50 per cent in 1971 to 36 per cent in 2021.
• 30–34-year-olds: From 64 per cent to 50 per cent over the same period.
• Even 50–54-year-olds saw a decline from 80 per cent in 1996 to 72 per cent in 2021.

This means younger Australians are getting on the property ladder later, if at all, while older Australians hold onto homes for longer.

Successive cohorts since the Baby Boomers have recorded progressively lower ownership rates.

Why the shift? The usual suspects, and some new ones

1. Affordability squeeze
   Median house prices are now nearly 8 times the average income, up from around 4 times in the 1980s. Wages growth has been sluggish while property prices, especially in our capital cities, have surged over that time.
2. Changing life patterns
   Marriage, children, and long-term job stability now occur later in life, delaying home purchase decisions. More Australians live alone, which increases per-capita housing demand .
3. Policy environment
   Post-war decades featured pro-ownership policies including public housing sell-offs, war service loans, and generous tax settings. Today’s system still offers incentives to first-home buyers incentives but they are competing in a tighter, more expensive market.

The Bank of Mum and Dad and the Great Wealth Transfer

Enter one of the most significant forces shaping tomorrow’s ownership landscape: the Bank of Mum and Dad (BoMaD).

• Around 60 per cent of first-home buyers now receive financial help from family, most often for deposits.
• BoMaD is Australia’s ninth-largest mortgage lender if ranked alongside banks.
• Productivity Commission data suggests inheritances and giftsvalued at $120 billion in 2018—could quadruple by 2050.

As Baby Boomers pass on property and financial assets, the “great intergenerational wealth transfer” will be both an opportunity and a challenge.

It could help some younger Australians enter the market, but it will almost certainly widen inequality between those with property-owning parents and those without.

Interventions – do they work?

Federal and state governments are well aware of declining ownership rates and have rolled out numerous schemes to help first-home buyers.

• Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS): Allows deposits as low as 5 per cent (2 per cent for single parents) without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
• Help to Buy (Shared Equity): Government takes up to a 40 per cent equity stake in new homes, reducing upfront costs.
• State grants and stamp duty concessions: From $10,000 grants in NSW to $30,000 in QLD, plus exemptions or discounts for eligible buyers.

These policies certainly help some people buy sooner, but in my mind, all they are doing is inflating demand in price brackets that meet the grant criteria, pushing up prices for the very buyers they aim to help, as well as future buyers down the line.

What lies ahead

Three converging forces will shape the future of homeownership in Australia:

1. Demographic change – As Boomers age and estates transfer, ownership rates could lift for those who inherit property or cash.
2. Wealth inequality – Those without access to BoMaD or inheritance may find ownership slipping even further out of reach.
3. Policy direction – Government incentives will need to be paired with meaningful supply-side reforms to avoid simply shifting prices upward.

Forecasts suggest the national ownership rate could slip to 63 per cent by 2040, with under-55s possibly falling below 50 per cent.

Without reform, we could face not just a housing crisis, but a retirement poverty crisis for future renters.

Final word

Australia’s homeownership story has moved from a universal expectation to a mixed reality – part aspiration, part privilege.

Whether the coming decades reverse that trend or entrench it will depend on how we manage wealth transfers, design housing policy, and address affordability head-on.

However, what I do see is the ongoing need for property investors to provide rental accommodation for the larger cohort of Australians who will be renting for longer (or even all their lives).

While some argue that this is taking advantage of those who can’t afford to buy a home, I view it differently.

Property investors are providing a service.

They are then providing accommodation that, in other countries, the government would typically provide.

If the Australian government had to provide this rental accommodation, it would have to find the money somewhere, and we know that it is currently short of funds.

So if the government was to take the role that property investors currently provide, it would have to raise significantly more taxes from those who are complaining about property investors’ tax incentives.

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

First home buyers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are set to benefit from a major shake-up to federal housing policy, with expanded access to the 5% deposit scheme arriving three months ahead of schedule.

From October, the federal government’s expanded First Home Buyer Guarantee will kick in, allowing eligible buyers to purchase a property with just a 5% deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance.

For many prospective home buyers, it means shaving years off the time it takes to save for a deposit and potentially saving tens of thousands in rent along the way.

The property price caps have also been lifted significantly. In Sydney, the cap jumps from $900,000 to $1.5 million. Melbourne’s rises to $950,000, and Brisbane’s to $1 million.

These new thresholds open the door to a much wider range of homes, including those in desirable suburbs that were previously out of reach under the old scheme.

For Sydney buyers, this could mean access to well-located apartments or townhouses in growth corridors like the Inner West or parts of the Northern Beaches.

In Melbourne, it brings suburbs like Preston, Bentleigh and even parts of the inner north into play.

And in Brisbane, buyers can now consider areas like Carindale, Wilston or even apartments in some riverfront pockets that were once off-limits.

Of course, this isn’t a silver bullet for housing affordability, but it’s a meaningful step – and one that aligns with broader market trends.

We’re seeing a shift in buyer behaviour, with more first-timers prioritising lifestyle, proximity to work, and long-term capital growth over sheer size. This scheme supports that shift.

At Metropole, we always advise clients to buy strategically, not emotionally. With the new deposit scheme, first home buyers have a rare opportunity to enter the market sooner and smarter.

But the key is to choose locations with strong fundamentals, including good infrastructure, employment hubs, and future growth potential.

If you’re considering buying your first home, now’s the time to get your finances in order, understand your borrowing capacity, and start researching suburbs that offer both affordability and upside.

The window of opportunity is opening and it’s looking brighter than it has in years.

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

Once upon a time, Australians would chat over the fence, borrow sugar from their neighbours without hesitation, and keep an eye out for each other’s kids.

But according to the Real Neighbours Report 2025, those days may be numbered, and as property investors, we’d be unwise to ignore the implications.

We’ve often talked about the intangible value of a neighbourhood, the community vibe, the safety, the feeling of “home.”

Well, those social threads are starting to fray, especially among younger Australians.

The question is: what does this mean for liveability, desirability, and long-term capital growth?

Australians are becoming less neighbourly, and the numbers are stark

This latest report, based on a national survey of over 5,000 Australians, confirms what many of us have sensed anecdotally – we’re becoming less connected to the people next door.

• 62% of Australians admit to living next to someone for over six months without meeting them.

• For Gen Z and Gen Y, that figure jumps to over 70%.

• And 72% of respondents believe we’re less interested in knowing our neighbours than we were two decades ago.

You might be tempted to shrug this off as a cultural shift, but as I see it, this erosion of local social capital could signal deeper changes in the types of locations people choose to live in and invest in.

The most (and least) neighbourly places in Australia

Of course. not all areas are created equal when it comes to community cohesion.

• Regional and rural communities still lead the way, with 32% of locals knowing all their neighbours’ names, compared to just 24% in metro areas.

• The Mid North Coast of NSW topped the nation for friendliness, while Latrobe and Sydney’s Outer Southwest ranked as the most child- and family-friendly zones.

• On the flip side, Melbourne’s inner suburbs and Brisbane’s north saw the lowest rates of basic neighbourly interaction like greetings.

This matters because neighbourhood character is increasingly becoming a factor in homebuyer and renter decisions,  especially among families and downsizers.

People are craving safety, connection, and familiarity, and they’ll pay a premium for it, both as owner occupies and as tenants.

Generational shift: Boomers still value the front fence chat

The report also highlights a generational divide in how Australians engage with their neighbours:

• Only 18% of Gen Z see knowing their neighbours as “very important,” compared to 36% of Baby Boomers.

• 73% of Boomers always greet neighbours, while only 30% of Gen Z do the same.

• Boomers are far more likely to lend a hand (or a cup of sugar), while younger Australians prefer digital channels or formal community events to build relationships.

So what’s happening here? Is the neighbourhood dying?

Well… not quite, it’s just evolving.

Younger people are still seeking connection, but they’re looking online.

Community is being built in Facebook groups, Discord servers, and WhatsApp chats. The front fence has gone digital.

That has implications for how we evaluate “desirable” neighbourhoods.

It’s no longer just about walkability or cafes; now it’s also about connectivity, both online and offline.

The rise of passive-aggressive neighbourhoods: a warning sign?

Interestingly, the report also uncovers a spike in friction between neighbours:

• 26% of Australians have received passive-aggressive messages from neighbours.

• 37% feel their privacy has been invaded — with concerns over surveillance cameras, boundary issues, and even eavesdropping.

• Alarmingly, 1 in 5 people have considered moving due to neighbour conflicts. Among Gen Y, that figure hits 41%.

This is more than just juicy backyard gossip. I see it as a red flag.

Neighbourhood tensions, whether from noise complaints or disputes over fences, affect liveability.

And that directly impacts rental demand, tenant satisfaction, and long-term value.

What this means for property investors

There are a few clear takeaways here if you’re investing for the long term:

1. Don’t underestimate the power of community

Suburbs with a strong sense of community often have more stable tenancies, lower turnover, and better capital growth.

These are the “sticky” suburbs people don’t want to leave, and that’s worth its weight in gold.

2. Choose neighbourhoods, not just properties

Once you’ve chosen the right suburb, it’s also important to find the right street and neighbourhood where you invest.

Proximity to parks, schools, and local events still draws people in, but increasingly, online community groups and local digital engagement are shaping suburban sentiment.

Look for areas with high local involvement, both physical and virtual.

3. Be aware of the red flags

High levels of noise complaints, privacy issues, and neighbourhood disputes can depress property values over time.

Before you buy, you can just dig deeper into the local culture.  Are people connected, or combative?

4. Family-friendly still wins

The study shows that family-friendliness and traditional values around neighbourhood interaction still carry weight.

These regions are likely to remain in demand across market cycles, particularly as more young families flee high-density city life.

Final thoughts

The neighbourly chat over the fence might be fading, but Australians haven’t stopped seeking connection; it just looks different now.

As investors, we need to understand these social shifts if we’re serious about identifying future hotspots.

People don’t just buy or rent a property.

They buy into a community, even if that community now lives partly online.

The savvy investor’s job is to find where both the lifestyle and the liveability align with the values of the next generation of buyers and renters.

Because ultimately, it’s not just bricks and mortar that drive property prices, it’s people.

About Joseph Ballota
Joseph is a Property Coach who put hundreds of people on the road towards wiping away their mortgage in under 5 years through expert Property Investment Plans.

While homes along Sydney’s Metro line carry a substantial premium, a year after the opening, growth in housing values along Sydney’s Phase 2 metro has generally lagged the broader Sydney region, according to a recent Cotality analysis.

Cotality researchers undertook a spatial analysis of housing values along the Sydney Metro line, defining primary catchment areas as within 1km of a station and secondary areas as 1–5km away.

The analysis was also segmented by phase, with Phase 1 including the Metro North-West Line, from Tallawong to Chatswood, which opened in May 2019, and Phase 2 covering the City & Southwest Line, from Chatswood to Sydenham, which opened in August 2024.

Despite the upgraded transport infrastructure, the catchment areas of both phases have generally seen a softer growth outcome for housing values relative to the Greater Sydney benchmark.

These weaker growth results were evident over both the past 12 and 24 months, with the exception of houses in the primary (<1km) catchment area for Phase 2 metro stations, which showed a subtle outperformance, rising 10.9% over the past two years compared with a 9.6% rise across Greater Sydney.

Part of the lower growth rate in home values is likely due to the catchments value premium over the Greater Sydney benchmark.

House values are highest across the secondary (1-5km) catchment of Phase 2, with a median house value of $3.62m, almost $2.1m above the Greater Sydney median of $1.52m.

The primary and secondary catchments (<1km) for Phase 2 metro stations also showed a significant premium for units, with median unit values around $1.42m, about $550k higher than the Greater Sydney median.

At a time of stretched affordability and reduced borrowing capacity, the higher price points within the Sydney Metro catchments are likely a key factor limiting growth.

House values

Housing cycles across the Sydney Metro catchments have followed a similar pattern as the Greater Sydney trend, with turning points occurring around the same time, albeit with different growth rates through the cycles.

Phase 1 Sydney Metro catchments recorded substantially stronger growth conditions following the commencement of project works in October 2013 but also showed a larger correction in 2015 and 2017/18 as credit tightening impacted the market (aligning with APRA macroprudential rules targeting investment and interest only loan originations, followed by the Royal Commission), suggesting investor demand may have been a key factor driving growth in the upswing.

Phase 2 Metro catchments have recorded a higher 12-month and 24-month growth rate relative to their Phase 1 counterparts, with the primary Phase 2 catchment recording the strongest growth outcome, up 2.3% over the past 12 months and 10.9% over the past two years.

However, the gains were slightly lower than the Greater Sydney average over the past 12 months (2.9%) and only marginally higher than the past 24 months (9.6%).

Some suburbs within the Sydney Metro’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 catchments have actually seen declines in house values over the past 12 months, including Chatswood and Cherrybrook, down -2.3%, and -1.2% respectively.

Growth in house values has been substantially higher outside of the metro catchments, favouring more affordable markets located in Sydney’s West and South-West regions.

Many of these more affordable areas also have access to rail transport, as well as housing options at substantially lower price points.

This skew towards more affordable markets has been evident across most of the capital cities.

These higher growth outcomes across lower priced markets are likely associated with affordability and debt serviceability factors, seen during the recent period of high interest rates and high cost of living pressures.

Unit values

Despite severe affordability challenges, the Sydney unit market has seen a relatively weak trajectory of growth over recent years, and units in the Sydney Metro catchment areas have not been immune.

Unit values have recorded a softer outcome than house values across both primary and secondary Phase 1 and Phase 2 catchments over the short-term and longer-term periods.

Across the Greater Sydney benchmark, the unit sector recorded flat (0.0%) growth conditions over the 12 months to August.

Over the same period, the Metro’s Phase 1 catchments have shown falling trends, with unit values across the primary and secondary catchments down -1.4% and -0.4% respectively.

Phase 2 metro catchments were also soft. Unit values across the secondary catchment were down -1.7% over the past 12 months, while primary catchment unit values fell -2.0%.

Over the past two years, unit values across the Sydney Metro catchments reported a similar softer performance, relative to the Greater Sydney benchmark (3.7%), with Phase 1 and 2 unit values across the primary catchments falling or flat (-4.9% and 0.0%), while secondary catchment values rose 0.2% and 1.4% respectively.

One possible reason for the differing unit growth performance across these catchments is their compositional make up.

Units make up a significant share of housing in these areas, comprising 65% of stock across the primary catchment of Phase 1 markets and 89% of dwelling stock across the primary catchment of Phase 2 markets.

The share of units drops to 32% and 66% across the respective secondary catchments.

Across the Phase 1 catchments, most of the unit supply is concentrated to the east, close to stations like Chatswood, Macquarie University and North Ryde where units make up around 70% or more of these suburbs dwelling stock.

Units comprise a substantially larger portion of housing stock across the Phase 2 catchments, which is unsurprising given the proximity to major working nodes such as North Sydney and the CBD.

Similar to house values, these catchments show a substantially higher median unit value relative to the Greater Sydney average, which may help to explain the lower rate of growth.

Rental markets

The cost of renting is substantially higher across Sydney’s Metro catchments relative to the Greater Sydney median.

Given the efficient commuting times and access to amenities, it seems renters are willing to pay a premium for accommodation close to metro stations.

Across all dwellings, median rents ranged from a 21.4% ($172/wk) premium for the primary catchment of Phase 1 to a 46.9% ($375/wk) premium for rental costs across the secondary catchment of Phase 2 relative to the Greater Sydney median.

This premium is even larger for house rents, ranging from 33% ($275/wk) across the primary Phase 1 catchment to almost 80% ($660/wk) for rentals in the secondary catchment of Phase 2.

Unit rents are showing a faster growth rate, especially across the primary catchment of Phase 2 where unit rents have jumped 5.0% higher over the past 12 months and 9.7% higher over two years.

About Tim Lawless
Tim is Research Director at Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), analysing real estate markets, demographics and economic trends across Australia. Visit www.corelogic.com.au

If you’ve ever felt that everyone around you seems to be a millionaire these days, you’re not imagining things.

According to the latest UBS Global Wealth Report and reported by ABC news, Australia now boasts one of the highest concentrations of millionaires in the world, and much of that wealth is tied directly to property.

Source: ABC News

The New “Everyday Millionaire”

Once upon a time, the title of millionaire was reserved for captains of industry, celebrities, and elite professionals.

Today, one in ten Australians finds themselves in that category, at least in US dollar terms, which means a net worth of about $1.55 million AUD.

That translates to about 1.9 million Australians,  a staggering figure given our population of just 25.8 million.

And UBS expects this number to rise by another 20% by 2028.

In other words, another 400,000 Australians will cross that threshold in just a few years.

But here’s the catch: the vast majority of these “millionaires” are not sipping champagne on yachts.

They’re “Everyday Millionaires”, homeowners whose wealth is largely locked up in real estate.

Why Property Is Doing the Heavy Lifting

Australia stands out globally because property makes up more than half of our personal wealth (53%).

That’s far higher than in countries like the UK, US, or most of Europe.

It’s not surprising when you consider that the average house price now exceeds $1 million, according to the ABS.

Combine that with our compulsory superannuation system, and you have a recipe where middle-class Australians,  particularly long-term property owners, suddenly find themselves sitting on seven-figure balance sheets.

And it’s not just the ultra-wealthy driving this trend.

UBS notes that the real growth has been in the “middle bands” of society, where rising real estate values have pushed everyday families into millionaire territory almost by accident.

The Global Comparison

Australia now ranks:

• 8th in the world for the number of millionaires

• 2nd in the world for median wealth ($411,000 AUD), just behind Luxembourg

• 5th in the world for average wealth per adult (close to $1 million AUD)

In terms of balanced wealth distribution, Australia also performs well compared to many nations, with the top 10% holding 44% of wealth.

Still, it’s worth remembering that property ownership patterns are driving inequality.

For instance, households earning over $100,000 are nearly three times more likely to own multiple properties compared to middle-income households.

And on a generational level? Baby boomers and Gen Xers are far ahead of Gen Z when it comes to multiple property ownership.

That’s not just a statistic, it’s a challenge for younger Australians trying to break into the market.

What Does This Mean for Investors?

While the headline is that Australia is creating millionaires at record pace, the story beneath the surface is more important for strategic investors.

Here’s what stands out:

1. Property remains the cornerstone of Australian wealth. The UBS data shows what we already know,  owning real estate isn’t just about providing shelter, it’s the primary vehicle for wealth creation in this country.

2. Wealth is skewed by timing and asset choice. Those who bought property in the right locations over the past couple of decades are now the “everyday millionaires.” Those who didn’t are finding it harder to catch up.

3. Inequality is being amplified by real estate. Property continues to be the dividing line, between generations, between income groups, and between those who own multiple assets versus those who don’t.

4. The millionaire label is misleading. Much of this wealth is illiquid, tied up in the family home or investment properties. Being “asset rich, cash flow poor” is a very real situation for many of these newly minted millionaires.

Final Thoughts

The UBS report confirms what I’ve been saying for years: if you want to build long-term wealth in Australia, you can’t ignore property.

But it also highlights the importance of being strategic.

Simply buying “any” property is not enough, you need investment-grade assets that will outperform over time.

So yes, Australia is minting millionaires at a record pace, but the real question is: are you positioning yourself to be one of them?

Or are you sitting on the sidelines, watching property continue to shape the wealth of the nation?

About Adam Hubbard
Adam Hubbard is a senior Wealth Strategist at Metropole and his many years of real estate and wealth creation experience gives him a holistic perspective with which he helps his clients safely grow their wealth through property.

Median house prices could soar by up to $154,000 by the end of 2026 as buyers pile in over the next year at a time of limited supply. 

Sydney’s median house price could jump by more than $150,000 over the next 15 months.

Melbourne’s median house price may climb past the $1 million mark.

Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide are also tipped to see six-figure gains in house values.

That’s according to Canstar’s analysis of Westpac’s latest property price forecasts.

If these projections hold true, the conversation about housing affordability is about to get even tougher.

 Of course, it’s not only Westpac that’s forecasting a number of strong years of property price growth. All major research houses and banks are forecasting similar levels of growth.

What the forecasts are saying

Westpac expects Sydney house prices to rise 5% this year and another 8% in 2026, which would lift the median to nearly $1.68 million, an extra $154,000 compared to today.

Melbourne, after a few quieter years, is forecast to stage a comeback with a hefty 10% jump next year, pushing its median above $1.05 million.

For first-home buyers, that’s yet another psychological hurdle.

Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are also tipped to see gains between $70,000 and $100,000, while Hobart looks set for a more modest $30,000 rise.

A tale of two realities

As Sally Tindall, Canstar’s data insights director, put it:

“Sydney’s median house price could rise by up to $154,000 by the end of next year if house prices rise in line with Westpac’s dwelling price forecast.

For those already in the market, that’s welcome news for their equity.

For those still saving, the deposit hurdle is likely to get a whole lot steeper, not to mention the difficulty in clearing a bank’s serviceability test”

This is the classic divide in our property market.

If you already own a home, your wealth compounds.

But if you’re still saving, it feels like the finish line is moving further away just as you’re about to cross it.

And while falling interest rates might give buyers a little more borrowing power, there’s a risk those gains get swallowed up by higher prices.

Final note

I’m not surprised by these forecasts.

With population growth strong, rental markets tight, and construction costs elevated, the supply-demand imbalance remains ,which naturally fuels higher property prices.

Add to that the 70,000 new first-home buyers that have been forecast to enter the market over the next 12 months with the introduction of the new first-home buyer incentives, and that will only add fuel to the flames of our housing markets.

But forecasts are not strategies.

Successful investors look beyond next year’s numbers and focus on the long term fundamentals; buying well-located, investment-grade properties that deliver long-term growth.

That’s how you build lasting wealth.

Not by chasing forecasts, but by sticking to proven principles, ignoring short-term noise, and playing the long game.

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

Two-thirds of property investors make the mistake of buying in their own backyard.

Now we know that most property investors never achieve the financial freedom they’re looking for.

Of the 2.1 million property investors in Australia, 1.9 million never get past their first or second property while only around 20,000 investors around Australia own 6 or more properties.

A while ago a report published by University of Tasmania economics lecturer Dr. Maria Yanotti and University of Sydney finance lecturer Danika Wright found that two-thirds of Australians buy an investment property picked one close to where they live, rather than in another location that could outperform their home town in the long run.

Dr. Yanotti said:

“The explanation for that home bias … is a familiarity bias, lack of sophistication, knowledge or education and momentum behaviour.”

But there was no evidence that location familiarity gave these buyers an information advantage.

As I’ve often said, knowing your local area is not the same as understanding the dynamics of the local property markets and understanding what does or does not make a good investment property.

Sure proximity is an opportunity for property investors to cut down on time and effort, but to become a successful investor does require time and effort – but maybe not yours.

That’s why more and more investors are turning to buyers’ agents who have more widespread market knowledge.

Another interesting, but scary, statistic that came from this report was that one-fifth of investors were self-managing their properties.

Now that’s a recipe for disaster in my mind because employing a proficient property manager is not a cost, it’s an investment and a form of insurance to protect your asset.

Not a good idea

I’m sure these investors who bought locally and putting all their eggs in one basket thought they were doing the right thing because it felt safe, but Dr. Yanotti said:

“The problem is housing assets are one of the biggest assets …By having all your assets in the same geographical location, the risks are much higher.”

The report also found the inclination to invest in property close to home meant investors were paying a lot more to own a second or third property in the same postcode.

“We found, to our surprise, that investors who invest in their own area pay much higher prices, although we don’t control for the quality of the house,” Dr. Yanotti said.

“We argue that they may not be getting the highest return.

They’re over-confident of their local area, and that’s where the home bias comes in.”

About Adam Hubbard
Adam Hubbard is a senior Wealth Strategist at Metropole and his many years of real estate and wealth creation experience gives him a holistic perspective with which he helps his clients safely grow their wealth through property.

Will today’s younger generations end up wealthier, happier, and more secure than their parents?

That used to be a no-brainer.

For much of Australia’s modern history, each generation climbed the economic ladder higher than the one before it. More education, better jobs, bigger homes, longer lives.

But that narrative is now being questioned, especially by the very people meant to live it.

So, are young Australians still on track to be better off? Or has the promise of generational progress quietly slipped away?

Let’s take a closer look at what the evidence really says—and what it means for us as property investors and wealth builders.

Let’s start with some context

According to the 2025 UBS World Wealth Report, our wealth increased by 11% in 2024, and Australia ranks second globally in terms of median wealth per adult.

However, most of Australia’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of Baby Boomers, and there are a few clear reasons why.

Firstly, Boomers have simply had time on their side.

Many entered the workforce during an era of strong wage growth, affordable property prices, and generous superannuation reforms.

They were able to buy homes in the 1970s, 80s and even early 90s—when median house prices were just a few times the average income, not 8 to 10 times like they are today.

As the decades rolled on, rising property values and favourable tax policies supercharged the wealth of owner-occupiers and investors alike.

Secondly, Baby Boomers benefited from stability.

They lived through a period of economic expansion, lower education costs, and more secure full-time employment.

Many now have built up sizable equity in their homes, often being mortgage free.

Add to that the rise in share market participation through superannuation, and for some, inheritances from their own parents, and it’s easy to see why this generation holds a disproportionate slice of the nation’s wealth.

Today, Boomers control more than half of Australia’s private wealth, despite representing only a quarter of the population.

This isn’t unfair – it reflects a lifetime of accumulation, but it raises important questions about intergenerational equity and how that wealth will be transferred in the decades ahead.

So back to the original question – will young Australians be better off than their parents?

E61 Institute looked at this and came up with some interesting findings…

A generation that’s more educated and more indebted

There’s no doubt that young Australians are the most highly educated generation in our nation’s history.

They’re more than twice as likely to hold a university degree as their parents were at the same age, and they’re far less likely to drop out of school early.

That’s a win.

But education hasn’t come cheap.

More than 30% of Australians under 35 now carry a student debt, up from 20% a decade ago, and the average HELP debt has ballooned to over $26,000.

Many are still paying off that debt well into their mid-30s, right when they’re trying to save a deposit or start a family.

It’s not just the size of the debt—it’s the timing.

And it’s holding them back.

Earning more… but taking home less?

Young Aussies are earning similar real wages to those who came before them.

In fact, early-career earnings are broadly comparable to those of Gen X.

But after the Global Financial Crisis, income growth for under-40s has fallen dramatically behind that of older Australians.

Add to that a shift toward insecure, lower-paid work and reduced job mobility, and you get a generation struggling to build financial momentum.

And while older Australians enjoy tax-free gains on their homes and capital gains discounts on their investments, younger workers carry the growing burden of income tax, courtesy of bracket creep.

And while some Gen Zs will benefit from the largest wave of inheritances in Australian history, as I mentioned above, these windfalls often come too late, usually in their 50s.

That doesn’t help much when you’re 30, renting, and trying to raise kids.

The homeownership dream is fading

Nowhere is the generational gap more visible than in housing.

Homeownership rates among 25–34-year-olds have plummeted.

Even many professional millennials now view homeownership as a pipe dream, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.

As a result, more young adults are staying in their family home longer – nearly 60% of 18- to 24-year-olds still live with their parents, and fewer are forming relationships or having children before the age of 30.

This isn’t just a lifestyle choice.

It’s a response to affordability pressures and economic precarity.

The traditional life path – job, partner, home, kids – is being delayed, or in some cases, rewritten entirely.

Diverging experiences: gender and geography matter

There’s no single “youth” experience in Australia anymore.

For example , young women are earning more than their male peers in early careers, driven by higher educational attainment and growth in female-dominated sectors like healthcare.

But they’re also experiencing declining mental health and higher levels of loneliness and hospitalisation.

Meanwhile, some young men, particularly in regional locations, are falling behind, facing higher unemployment, lower education rates, and rising rates of disengagement.

And the divide doesn’t stop there.

In some remote areas, up to 30% of 20–24-year-olds are not in employment, education or training. That’s a massive pool of untapped potential.

The mental health and technology double-whammy

Young Australians are also the first generation to grow up fully online.

They’ve gained access to more information, more choice, more opportunity.

But they’ve also inherited a suite of new problems: social media addiction, increased anxiety, and declining mental well-being.

Mental health scores for young women have fallen significantly over the last decade.

And young men are showing signs of risky behaviour in other areas – gambling, for instance, has doubled among young men since 2015, and surprisingly, it’s not just online betting – it’s pokies.

In other words, technology has reshaped how young Australians interact, form relationships, and take risks, but not always for the better.

The inheritance economy but only for some

Australia is on the brink of the biggest wealth transfer in its history.

Inheritances are expected to quadruple by 2050.

However, these gains will be unevenly distributed; many will receive little or nothing, and they often arrive too late to support early financial milestones.

JBWere estimates that some $5.4 trillion of this wealth will be transferred to younger generations over the next two decades.

However, this won’t be passed on to Gen Z or millennials anytime soon – it will be passed on to their parents.

And while some young Australians will eventually catch up through bequests and asset appreciation, others won’t.

And that could cement a new kind of inequality, not just between generations, but within them.

So… are they better off?

That depends.

If we’re measuring in raw education levels, life expectancy, or access to digital tools – yes, young Australians have got an edge.

But if we’re talking about financial independence, homeownership, relationship stability, or mental wellbeing, many young Australians are facing a much rougher road.

In reality, the story isn’t one of decline, but delay.

Life milestones are being pushed back, reshaped, and in some cases, reimagined.

According to the E61Institute report , the challenge for policymakers is understanding these shifts and preparing for what comes next.

Final thoughts for property investors and business owners

Why does this matter to you as a property investor or business owner?

Because understanding generational change gives you insight into tomorrow’s housing market, workforce, and economy.

Young Australians may be buying later, renting longer, and starting families in their 30s- but that doesn’t mean they won’t build wealth.

They’ll just do it differently. Some will inherit, some will invest, others will co-buy or rentvest.

But they’ll still need homes. They’ll still chase financial independence. And they’ll still be looking for opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

Your job is to see the trends early, adapt, and invest accordingly.

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

It’s been a dynamic month across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with fresh data from Cotality’s August Cordell Construction Monthly revealing a surge in project activity, and some compelling signals for homebuilders and investors alike.

In Sydney, there has been a strong uptick in mixed-use developments.

The $105 million Elizabeth Street project and the $99.6 million Grand Hotel redevelopment in Warwick Farm are prime examples of how residential, hospitality, and community spaces are converging.

For investors, these signals growing demand for lifestyle-driven precincts and opportunities to tap into high-yield accommodation assets.

Melbourne’s momentum is equally impressive.

According to Cotality, the $100 million East Village build-to-rent precinct in Bentleigh East is a standout, reflecting the city’s push toward long-term rental solutions.

With a new boutique office tower in Richmond also in play, developers should note the appetite for premium commercial spaces that blend heritage with sustainability.

Melbourne’s master-planned communities and early learning infrastructure projects also offer fertile ground for family-focused housing.

Southeast Queensland continues to shine, with Southport’s $300 million mixed-use precinct and Caloundra’s $300 million triple-tower development leading the charge.

Residential towners in Wynnum and South Brisbane also point to strong demand for medium-density living with shared amenities – which could be ideal for young professionals and downsizers.

Cotality’s data doesn’t just track projects, it tells a story and it’s a story of shifting demographics, evolving buyer preferences, and the rise of integrated living.

For those of us in development, it’s a roadmap to smarter decisions and sharper investment strategies.

About Greg Hankinson
Greg and his team have successfully built and renovated in excess of 500 homes throughout Melbourne and are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Being a Gold member of the Housing Industry Association and National Kitchen and Bathrooms Association, Greg’s focus is on Continued Professional Development, not only for himself, but his team of industry experts.

There’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in the Australian economy, and it’s not getting the attention it deserves.

More than half of Australian voters now rely on government support for their primary income.

Whether it’s through public sector wages, welfare payments, disability support, childcare subsidies, or aged care funding, over 50% of voters are dependent on government largesse to get by.

That’s not just a statistic, it’s a warning light blinking on our economic dashboard.

According to a recent report by the Centre for Independent Studies reported by the Australian Financial Review , this growing reliance is fuelling the biggest public spending spree we’ve seen since World War II.

And it’s not just about cost.

In my mind, it’s about culture because we’re not just spending more, we’re building a system where dependency is becoming institutionalised.

Government spending is at a post-war high, and it’s not about to slow down

According to the article in the AFR, Federal and state government spending has surged to 39% of GDP: well above the 34–35% range that held steady before the Global Financial Crisis.

And the major driver is social programs and the so-called “care economy.”

Let’s look at just one piece of the puzzle: the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Originally envisioned as a compassionate support net, the NDIS has ballooned beyond expectations.

At $52 billion, it now exceeds spending on the age pension, defence, and even Medicare.

Add to that:

• $14 billion a year for childcare subsidies (more than double the 2018 figure)

• $90+ billion in total disability-related payments (NDIS + support pensions + carer payments)

• A push for universal childcare that could add another $13 billion annually

• Hidden off-budget items, including green energy investments and reduced student debt, totalling $104 billion over five years

This kind of fiscal expansion is unprecedented in peacetime.

Dependency isn’t just financial, it’s cultural

The biggest issue here isn’t the dollars. As I said, it’s the mindset.

When more than half of voters depend on government spending to pay their bills, it creates a political environment hostile to restraint.

Politicians aren’t incentivised to cut spending or reform entitlements.

Why would they, when voters have come to expect more, not less?

As CIS senior fellow Robert Carling put it, we’re entering a “feedback loop”, a political and social system that rewards ever-growing entitlements.

Now don’t get me wrong, I believe support for those in genuine need is part of a civil society. It’s what we pay our taxes for.

But when support morphs into systemic reliance, we’ve crossed a line from empowerment to entitlement.

What does this mean for our economic future?

This culture of dependence has real economic consequences:

1. Rising public debt

As borrowing costs climb (no thanks to interest rates reverting to long-term norms), our ballooning debt will become harder to service.

Interest payments alone are expected to rise by almost 10% a year for the next decade.

That’s money that won’t be spent on productive investments.

2. Weaker productivity growth

Four out of every five new jobs created in the past two years were in the non-market sector: health, education, and public admin.

These roles are often necessary, but they don’t typically drive productivity gains.

More bureaucracy, less innovation.

3. Higher taxes on the horizon

With spending outpacing revenue, the inevitable question is: who pays?

The answer, as always, is the taxpayer. And that’s probably you and me

Whether it’s bracket creep, higher GST, or new taxes on investment, those creating wealth will be asked to carry a growing burden.

Why this matters for property investors and wealth builders

Now, you might be wondering, what does all this have to do with property?

Everything.

When a growing share of the population is reliant on government support, economic resilience weakens.

The government’s capacity to invest in infrastructure, housing supply, or tax reform gets squeezed.

At the same time, wealth creators, investors, business owners, skilled professionals, face higher taxes and tighter regulations.

The Albanese government’s ambitions include universal childcare, free TAFE, expanded Medicare, sound attractive on paper.

But they come at a cost.

And if those costs aren’t matched with reforms that lift productivity or unleash private sector growth, the result is slower economic momentum and more pressure on future taxpayers.

For property investors, this shift implies:

• A more constrained fiscal future, which could reduce government capacity to stimulate housing.

• More interventionist policies (think rent caps, land tax hikes, and regulatory creep) as governments try to “fix” affordability via levers that often backfire.

• Increased reliance on immigration to prop up growth and demand, supporting long-term property fundamentals, but possibly straining infrastructure and housing supply.

The bottom line: growth must come from productivity, not subsidies

As I see it, Australia faces a choice.

We can continue down the path of dependency, expanding government programs, inflating the public sector, and deferring tough decisions.

Or we can return to a model that rewards productivity, encourages self-reliance, and fosters economic resilience.

Jim Chalmers’ upcoming economic reform summit is a timely opportunity to ask some hard questions.

But let’s hope it leads to more than a reshuffling of subsidies and a few tweaks to the tax system.

Real reform means reshaping incentives, trimming bloated programs, and focusing government spending where it truly adds long-term value.

Because in the end, prosperity doesn’t come from what the government gives you, it comes from what you create, build, and invest in yourself.

About Joseph Ballota
Joseph is a Property Coach who put hundreds of people on the road towards wiping away their mortgage in under 5 years through expert Property Investment Plans.

Australia’s housing market is under pressure from many directions, but one of the most overlooked barriers is stamp duty.

Once a relatively modest transaction cost, stamp duty has ballooned into one of the biggest financial hurdles for homebuyers.

Just to give you an idea – in Sydney, stamp duty on a median-priced house has gone from around 45% of a household’s disposable income in 2000 to 120% today.  

And it’s not just buyers who are suffering.

Stamp duty distorts housing decisions, locks people into homes that no longer suit them, and acts as a handbrake on productivity. 

Today, I’m joined by Dr Nicola Powell, Chief of Research and Economics at Domain, whose recent report makes a compelling case for replacing stamp duty with a fairer, broad-based land tax. 

Whether you’re a property investor, a home buyer, or just somebody who’s interested in the housing markets, I’m sure today’s chat with Dr Nicola Powell will give you a new perspective as I also want to discuss their latest report on who has profited from property over the last few years. 

Takeaways

• A growth mindset is essential for success in property investment. 

• Stamp duty presents significant financial barriers for home buyers and investors. 

• The burden of stamp duty has increased over time, affecting housing mobility. 

• Capital gains tax on family homes could discourage movement and exacerbate housing issues. 

• Stamp duty is economically inefficient, costing more in lost activity than it raises. 

• Housing misallocation is a significant issue in Australia, with many living in homes that exceed their needs. 

• Consumer confidence is a key driver of property market trends and price growth. 

• Longer holding periods for properties generally lead to greater capital gains. 

• Location plays a crucial role in property investment success. 

• Reform of stamp duty is necessary for improving housing mobility and economic productivity. 

Links and Resources: 

 Answer this week’s trivia question here- www.PropertyTrivia.com.au  

• Win a hard copy of Michael Yardney’s Guide to Investing Successfully. 

 Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What’s ahead for property for 2026 and beyond. 

 Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan Click here and have a chat with us 

Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here  

Dr Nicola Powell, Chief of Research and Economics at Domain   

Domain’s property profit and loss report 

Domain’s Stamp Duty suggestions:  

Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at www.PodcastBonus.com.au  

Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for  Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future. 

With the Reserve Bank finally starting to ease monetary policy, I’m getting a flood of calls from homebuyers and investors. The RBA has now cut the cash rate three times in 2025, bringing it down to 3.60%. And with every cut, the same question comes up:

“Jayden, should I buy now or wait for rates to fall even further?”

As a mortgage broker at Hunter Galloway, I see the logic. Cheaper repayments feel good, and a higher borrowing capacity is always welcome. But from my vantage point of seeing hundreds of property-buying journeys unfold, I can tell you this is often the wrong question to be asking.

Note: Focusing too much on timing the interest rate cycle is a classic mistake that can leave you worse off.

Successful, long-term property investors understand a crucial truth: you don’t time the market; you prepare to act when you find the right asset. Your finance strategy shouldn’t be about chasing an extra 25 basis point cut. It should be about getting yourself ready to buy a high-quality, investment-grade property that will grow in value for decades to come.

Let’s break down the strategic way to think about your finances in this new environment.

Figure 1: Major banks project continued property price growth through 2025-2026, with CBA forecasting 6% growth in 2025

The Unbreakable Link Between Credit and Prices

There’s a fundamental reason why waiting for lower rates can backfire: the price of the asset you want to buy doesn’t stand still.

Figure 2: The RBA has delivered three consecutive rate cuts in 2025, bringing the cash rate down to 3.60%

Lower interest rates make money cheaper. Cheaper money increases borrowing capacity. As PropTrack data suggests, even a single 0.25% cut can boost a typical buyer’s budget by around 2-3%.

Figure 3: Each 0.25% interest rate cut increases borrowing capacity by approximately 2-3%

When that extra firepower meets a market with a low supply of quality homes for sale—which is exactly the situation in many of our capital cities—prices are inevitably forced upward. We’re already seeing this play out, with national values recording their sixth straight month of gains in July, according to Cotality.

Figure 4: Housing supply remains tight across major capital cities with low vacancy rates and decreasing days on market

This creates a dangerous illusion for those on the sidelines. You might feel prudent waiting for a cheaper mortgage, but the purchase price of the property you want is quietly drifting further out of reach.

The Real Cost of Waiting: A Worked Example

Let’s look at a simple scenario. Imagine you’ve found an investment-grade property for $1,000,000. You have your deposit, but you’re thinking of waiting six months in the hope the cash rate falls by another 0.50%.

• Risk of Waiting: The market moves by a modest 5% over that period (below the CBA’s forecast). The property you wanted is now priced at $1,050,000. You have to borrow an extra $50,000.
• The “Benefit” of Waiting: Your interest rate is 0.50% lower. On an $800,000 loan, this might save you around $250 per month in repayments.

Figure 5: It would take over 16 years of monthly interest savings to offset the higher purchase price after waiting just 6 months

The problem? You’ve paid $50,000 more for the asset to save a few hundred dollars a month on repayments. It would take over 15 years of those monthly savings just to break even on the higher purchase price you paid.

This is the trap. Buyers become so focused on the cost of the debt that they forget the far more powerful impact of the price of the asset. Seasoned investors know that paying less for a quality asset is the single most important financial lever you can pull.

The Strategic Buyer’s Finance Playbook for 2025

Instead of trying to time the RBA, a better approach is to control what you can. As a broker, this is what I advise my most successful clients to do.

Get “Investor Ready”

Before you even look at properties, get your financial house in order. This means having a stable income, a healthy emergency buffer (at least 3-6 months of living expenses), and a clear deposit strategy. Don’t be a spectator; be a prepared buyer ready to act.

Forge Your Finance Strategy

Don’t just get a loan; get the right loan structure. An offset account is non-negotiable for maximising your cash flow and reducing non-deductible debt. Consider a variable or split-rate loan to ensure you benefit from any future rate cuts. Most importantly, get a fully assessed pre-approval. A simple online calculator won’t cut it. You need the confidence of knowing the bank is ready to back you when you find the right property.

Asset Selection is Your North Star

Your finance is only as good as the asset it’s buying. This is the core of the Property Update philosophy, and from a finance perspective, I couldn’t agree more. Banks lend more willingly against quality properties in desirable locations because they represent a lower risk. Focus your search on A-grade homes or investment-grade properties with proven long-term performance and strong demographic drivers. Let this be your non-negotiable.

Read the Real Market Signals

Ignore the dramatic media headlines. Watch the leading indicators in the suburbs you’re targeting. Are days-on-market falling? Is vendor discounting shrinking? Is the number of new listings low? These are the real-time signs of rising competition and a market that won’t wait for you.

The Bottom Line

Trying to pick the bottom of the interest rate cycle is a seductive but ultimately distracting game. For serious homebuyers and investors, the playbook should be simple and disciplined.

If your finances are organised and you find an A-grade asset in an investment-grade location, the evidence suggests you should act. A conversation with a mortgage broker can help you take the next step with confidence.

In an environment of tight housing supply and easing rates, the cost of the asset rising will likely eclipse any small savings you might get from a lower rate in the future.

If you’re not financially ready, then wait—but wait with intent. Use the next few months to aggressively build your deposit, clear consumer debts, and work with a broker to get your loan strategy locked in.

The real edge isn’t found in guessing the RBA’s next move. It’s found in buying the right property with the right finance structure, and then letting time and compounding do the heavy lifting.

About Guest Expert
Apart from our regular team of experts, we frequently publish commentary from guest contributors who are authorities in their field.

Money doesn’t discriminate; it doesn’t care who you are or where you come from.

No matter what you did yesterday, today begins anew and you have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else to become wealthy.

Yet the sad reality is that the majority of Australians will never achieve financial freedom.

On the other hand, a small group of Australian property investors are becoming very wealthy.

Today I want to begin exploring the common myths about money that hold many people back from achieving their financial goals and part 2 of this series will be published in a few days.

Myth # 1: It takes money to make money

Despite what some people believe, it doesn’t really take a lot of money to make money.

Many Australians have untapped equity in their homes that they can use as seed capital for investments, while others will have to learn the discipline of saving to get some start-up capital.

Then all they need to do is invest in high-growth investments such as residential real estate and use the magic of compounding, leverage and time to grow their asset base.

You don’t need a fortune to begin making your first million; you just need to commit to making a start and stick with it.

Myth # 2: I don’t make enough money

Almost everyone makes enough money to become an investor.

The truth is most people don’t have an income problem, they have a spending problem.

Look at your current wage and ask yourself; how much am I likely to earn over my lifetime?

For most of us, the answer will probably be over a couple of million dollars.

The problem is most of us spend as much as we earn.

You’ve got to start living within your means, paying yourself first, saving a deposit for a property and investing in order to break your current pattern.

Myth # 3: My job and superannuation will take care of my financial future

If you accept my definition of financial freedom as having enough passive income to finance the lifestyle you desire, without having to work; you will never achieve this through your job or superannuation.

Instead, you will need to take control of your financial future by investing.

Even if you try to save 5 or 10% of your income as many financial planners suggest, you’ll find it won’t give you a big enough nest egg to fund your retirement.

You just can’t save your way to wealth

Myth # 4: I’m not smart enough

In our country, everybody has the ability and opportunity to become rich.

Successful people come from different backgrounds and while some have university degrees, others never finished high school.

To reassure you that education doesn’t equal a financial fortune, here are a few multi-millionaires who never graduated from college: Bill Gates (Microsoft), Michael Dell (Dell Computers) and Steve Jobs (Apple).

The truth is you can do whatever you want; not being smart enough is just another excuse.

Myth # 5: Investing is complicated

Developing your own financial freedom is only as complicated as you make it.

Sure gaining the knowledge to become financially independent is challenging, but many new things seem more difficult than they are until you develop an understanding of them.

Investing is no different.

It’s easier than ever before to learn the fundamentals of wealth creation, with limitless tools available in today’s high-tech, info-laden world.

The key is to learn from the right people – those who’ve already achieved what you want to achieve.

The process is also simplified when you select an investment niche such as residential property investment and develop specialist knowledge in that area.

Myth # 6: Investing is risky

The dictionary definition of “invest” is: “To commit (money or capital) in order to gain a financial return.” The word “risk” doesn’t even get a look in.

However many people speculate when they think they are investing – they buy a property in a secondary location or off the plan “hoping” it will increase in value. Speculation is risky.

On the other hand, finding a property with an element of scarcity so it will always be in strong demand, in an area that has always outperformed the averages and buying it below its intrinsic value, is a proven investment strategy that minimises your risk.

Myth # 7: You have to know how to time the investment markets

It’s often said that timing is everything when investing, but that’s not really the case.

Sure timing matters – you don’t want to buy property at the peak of the boom, but successful investors find that timing isn’t really that important.

Have you noticed how some investors do well in good times and do just as well in bad times, while others do poorly in good times and even worse in bad times?

The truth is, successful investors, know how to create wealth at any point in the property cycle while unsuccessful investors manage to lose money at the same stages of the cycle.

This suggests to me that it’s not our external world that determines whether we make money; it’s something inside us – our mindset.

Another 8 Myths…

In part two, which will be published in a few day’s we’ll bust eight more myths—including the ones even seasoned investors fall for. You won’t want to miss it.

Note: The good news is that, as you become aware of these myths, you can do things differently.

You can choose to change your beliefs and produce outrageous results and reach every goal you set by investing wisely in the right type of property.

Of course, while property investing may be simple it’s not easy.

And that’s not a play on words.

The fact is, around 20% of those who get involved in property investment sell up in the first year and close to half sell their property in the first 5 years.

And of those investors who stay in property, about 90% never get past their second property.

So if you want financial freedom from property investment to fund your dreams, you’re going to have to do something different to what most property investors are doing.

You’re going to have to listen to different people, to whom most Australian property investors listen.

You’re going to need to set yourself some goals and follow a strategy that’s known, proven and trusted.

Then you grow your property investment businesses one property at a time.

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

With their prominence on the rise across the country, buying a strata unit may be the next step in your property journey – and the fact that strata titles now make up more than 20% of living arrangements in New South Wales is further testament to this.

But there’s more to owning a body corporate than just a new income stream. Strata buildings require round-the-clock maintenance and vigilant management to run efficiently and maintain compliance with local building codes and regulations, as well as minimum rental standards.

So what trades contacts should you expect a quality strata manager to have in their address books? Here are just the top essential tradespeople that your strata manager should have handy in the event that your strata building suddenly becomes in need of urgent repairs or essential maintenance to ensure ongoing compliance.

Electricians

Strata managers likely have their electrician’s phone number on speed dial, and for good reason. Strata buildings often face unique electrical issues given their scale and age. A good building manager will have connections with reliable electricians for strata properties who know what they are doing and, most importantly, are local.

Trusted electricians, like Approved Electrix in Melbourne, for instance, have been serving their neighbourhoods for over 20 years. In the Melbourne city centre, where change is a constant, calling upon an electrical service provider who knows the area like the back of their hand is preferable since they’ll be better equipped to handle any older electrical systems and infrastructure.

In Australia’s larger city centres (like Melbourne and Sydney), where construction often marries the old and the new, experience working with and modernising outdated electrical systems becomes essential. This keen understanding of the area’s history will make electrical repairs, routine inspections, and upgrades more dependable – no matter how old or how large your strata complex may be.

Being down the street helps, too, so any emergencies can be addressed as quickly as possible. The closer the working relationship between strata managers and their electricians, the better, since they can be tapped for services beyond repairs, like pre-sale electrical inspections and routine fire alarm servicing.

Plumbers

It cannot be overstated just how important a role plumbers play in helping manage a strata building. Like electricians, building managers are probably calling upon their services every week—every day, even. Compliant residential buildings require ongoing servicing by experienced professionals, from routine plumbing maintenance to emergency repairs.

Plumbing services run the gamut, from a leaking shower head or slowly draining kitchen sink to an exploded toilet cistern or burst pipe. Unresolved plumbing issues can also spell disaster down the line for strata managers, quickly ballooning into unsafe and costly problems with ripple effects throughout the building, even impacting the electrical and fire alarm systems.

Note: Good plumbing requires proactive maintenance and speedy response times.

Unaddressed plumbing issues worsen and are a fast way to drain a strata building of its value, so your manager might even have multiple local plumbers under their employ to address the variety of problems that can come up. Otherwise, your body corporate may be at risk of flushing money down the toilet.

Locksmiths

Locksmiths are another essential group of tradies your strata manager will likely employ often. According to rental laws across most, if not all, Australian states and territories, keys must be provided for every door in a rental unit. For strata complexes, this responsibility will fall upon your building manager, who will need to oversee every door and every lock—old, new, and in-between. Body corporates will need to cut new keys for new residents, make copies for tradies, replace any broken or lost keys, and service existing locks in the building regularly.

We’ve all been there personally, either locking ourselves out of our apartment or losing a key (or two). When strata title owners and tenants in strata properties are in the same situation, they can be referred to the building’s local locksmith at the manager’s behest, who can ideally provide speedy service.

Tip: Working with a reliable, local locksmith is ideal since they will have an intimate understanding of the building and can offer 24/7 help when stuck.

Strata managers who are able to take after hours requests and offer access to these emergency locksmith services are naturally going to be able to offer a greater level of support to title owners.

Landscapers & Gardeners

The property’s exterior is just as important as its interiors. Gardening and landscaping can impact a strata building’s performance on the market, so another crucial tool in your manager’s belt is an excellent gardening team. Well-kept gardens, neat hedges, healthy lawns, and creatively designed flower beds can help create a strong first impression for residents, visitors, and potential buyers.

Note: A skilled gardener or landscaper will work strategically to enhance the property’s appearance, improve outdoor functionality, and ensure plants are thriving year-round with regular upkeep.

Your manager will employ a local gardener who can appreciate the area’s unique climate and season to plan accordingly to spruce up shared spaces like shared courtyards, barbecue patios, or walking paths.

For strata managers, having a reliable landscaping professional on call is a powerful asset. They help maintain a consistent appearance for the building, supported with ad hoc work that contributes to residential satisfaction. In the strata building world, a well-kept exterior isn’t just decoration, but a long-term investment.

Window Cleaners

Here’s one tradie you may have forgotten about, but your strata manager surely hasn’t: the window cleaners! For many people, the façade of a strata building offers their first impression, and nothing ruins a good first impression more than dirty or broken windows.

Like thoughtful landscaping and gardening services, managers understand that keeping windows clean and presentable comes with good building management. Professional window washers will reach out to managers in advance of their servicing so that residents can mark cleaning days on their calendars.

Caring for the windows with regular cleaning keeps things polished, presentable, and compliant, and helps allow more natural light in for residents. During a routine cleaning, damages or faults may also be brought to light. Your manager may even employ window washers whose company can also offer repairs, which reflects well on the building

Strata Managers Protect Investments with Reliable Tradies

Strata buildings are living, breathing communities, and keeping them safe, functional, and appealing to buyers requires good management. A good strata building manager will employ a trusted network of skilled tradespeople to get the jobs done and help owners save money on their levies.

From electricians and plumbers, who keep the lights on and prevent costly disasters, to landscapers and window cleaners who maintain the property’s appearance, every tradie plays a vital role in a manager’s efforts to support the building.

But the list goes on! This is by no means an exhaustive list of every tradie working in a strata building. There are also painters, carpenters, roofers and tilers, all of which play a vital role in maintaining and performing repairs as they’re needed.

Note: By working with reliable, local professionals, strata managers can respond quickly to emergencies, stay on top of maintenance, and ensure compliance, thus safeguarding your investment and making it a place anyone would be proud to call home.

About Guest Expert
Apart from our regular team of experts, we frequently publish commentary from guest contributors who are authorities in their field.

National home prices rose 0.5% in August, marking the eighth consecutive month of growth and taking home values to a fresh record high, according to PropTrack.

PropTrack data shows that national home prices lifted in August, rising 0.5% to a new record high.

This marks eight straight months of growth as the housing market gains momentum following the series of interest rate cuts this year which have boosted borrowing capacities, improved sentiment and drawn buyers back.

As a result, the housing upswing, once narrowly led by a handful of cities, is broadening and closing the gap between outperformers and laggards, ushering in a more uniform phase of price recovery across the capital cities.

Eleanor Creagh, Senior Economist at PropTrack explains:

“Demand has re‑accelerated in Sydney and Melbourne marking a turnaround from the slower conditions observed in late 2024.

Melbourne is closing in on its 2022 peak, with relative affordability and strong population growth restoring its appeal.

Darwin has swung from inertia in 2024 to leading annual growth amongst the capitals. Over the past year, among the capitals, Darwin (+10.4%) has recorded the strongest gains  amid a surge in investor interest.

Lending data from the ABS shows the number of investor loans in the Northern Territory in the 2nd quarter of 2025 has double compared to the same period in 2024.

By contrast, Adelaide and Perth are still growing briskly, but at a slower pace compared to the same period last year.”

House and unit prices lift in August

The report also shows that nationally, house and unit prices lifted 0.48% in August.

National house prices have lifted 5.43% over the past year, a rise equating to almost $55,000.

Growth in unit values (5.04%) has been comparable through the same period, with annual growth of $33,600.

Key findings from the August 2025 Report:

• National home prices rose 0.5% in August, marking the eighth consecutive month of growth and taking home values to a fresh record high.
• National home prices are up 5.3% over the past year, adding around $47,900 to the value of the median home, and have surged 50.4% in the past five years.
• Prices in capital city markets rose 0.5% in August and are up 4.9% year-on-year, with values at record highs.
• Among the capitals, Darwin (+0.8%) and Sydney (+0.7%) led monthly growth, while Hobart was the only capital market to record a fall (-0.5%).
• Over the past year, regional South Australia (+13.3%), Darwin (+10.4%), regional Queensland (+9.9%) and regional Western Australia (+9.9%) recorded the strongest gains.
• Prices in Melbourne rose 0.3% in August and are now just 0.6% below their previous 2022 peak, almost fully recovered after several years of underperformance.
• Regional prices climbed 0.3% in August and are up 6.6% year-on-year, outpacing the capitals and maintaining a stronger five-year growth record (65.2% vs 46.0%), bolstered by affordability and lifestyle appeal.

Outlook

Proptrack reports that with three RBA rate cuts delivered this year and further reductions expected, borrowing costs are easing, sentiment has improved, and demand is rebuilding as we head into the spring selling season.

Auction clearance rates have strengthened and nationally enquiries per listing are at a three-year high, signalling renewed competition.

Ms Creagh further said:

“Buyer interest is accelerating in Melbourne, Darwin and Hobart, with enquiries surging and competition broadening across suburbs. Melbourne is now closing in on its 2022 peak, supported by relative affordability and strong population growth. In the regions, demand is strengthening most in Victoria and New South Wales, where affordability and lifestyle appeal are drawing buyers.

By contrast, buyer demand is normalising in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane after several years of outperformance, aided by a lift in listings. This stabilisation suggests price growth in these markets is likely to moderate, while previously lagging markets gather momentum.

Stretched affordability continues to limit the depth of the upswing, but population growth, constrained new housing supply and the expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme from October will maintain upward pressure on prices.

As we enter spring, conditions point to continued price growth, though the pace will vary across markets.”

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

There are two types of people in the world:

1. Those who hate the success of others
2. Those who let the successes of others fuel them toward their own greatness.

Most people fall into the first group.

It’s why we have “tall poppy syndrome.”

Here’s my free tip for you:

Be in the second group.

That’s the way the rich think, while the poor revel in the failures of others

Some people look at others’ successes and failures as a way to validate their own greatness.

They pick apart the reasons why certain people achieve or they relish the moment when others fail.

Both paths lead to mediocrity.

It’s easy to spot these types of folks because they use words like luck.

This is an ugly truth in life.

There’s a long list of people who would rather complain than actually do something about it.

As for luck, I’ve always thought that hard work creates good luck.

Take a quick assessment of how you respond to the success of others.

Does it discourage you?

Do you envy them?

Don’t allow yourself to be brought down by those hopeless emotions.

Instead, allow others’ success to fuel your fire to achieve your own level of greatness.

Today, pick out someone who is doing a great job and compliment them for it.

Muster up your sincerest praise and generously pour it out on someone else.

The sooner you’re able to recognize and praise greatness, the better chance you’ll have at replicating it.

And when you succeed, know that some people will hate you for it.

When you fail, some people will cheer.

In fact, there’s not a successful person out there who isn’t, in some way, hated for their success.

But the truly successful folks are the ones who can build something remarkable with the insults that are hurled their way.

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

Cotality’s national Home Value Index (HVI) rose 0.7% in August, the strongest month on month gain since May last year.

The result pushed the annual change higher for the second month in a row, to 4.1%.

The growth cycle has been gradually building momentum since the February rate cut, with buyer demand spurred by a lift in borrowing capacity, real wages growth, rising confidence and what is likely to be a growing sense of urgency as advertised stock levels remain tight.

Once again, we are seeing a clear mismatch between available supply and demonstrated demand, placing upwards pressure on housing values.,

The annual trend in estimated home sales is up 2% from last year and is tracking almost 4% above the previous five-year average.

At the same time, advertised supply levels remain about -20% below average for this time of the year.

Vendors are in a strong position as we head into spring.

Auction clearance rates rose to 70% in late August, the highest since February last year, and competition amongst sellers is relatively mild amid such low advertised stock levels.

We are starting to see the usual start of spring upswing in new listings coming to market, but from a low base.

A pickup in the flow of stock coming to market through spring will be good news for buyers, who generally have limited choice at the moment.

While housing values are rising across most regions, the pace of growth remains modest relative to recent upswings.

During the pandemic, the monthly change in the national index peaked at 3.1% in March 2021, and the upswing commencing in early 2023 climbed quite rapidly, reaching a 1.3% high in May 2023.“I would be surprised if we saw the monthly rate of change in the national HVI getting anywhere near these earlier cyclical peaks, given how stretched housing affordability has become,” Mr. Lawless added.

What is more likely is that home values will rise at a more sustainable pace, with demand dampened by affordability constraints, more normal rates of population growth and cautious lending policy.

While interest rates are falling, the cash rate is still 350 basis points higher than the 0.1% low that underpinned growth in the pandemic.

The growth trend remains geographically broad-based, with almost every region recording a rise in values over the month.

Tasmania remains the exception, with Hobart values down -0.2% over the month.

The mid-sized capitals are once again leading the growth trend, with Brisbane (+1.2%) and Perth (+1.1%) recording the highest monthly gains. Adelaide wasn’t far behind with a 0.9% lift in values.

Darwin has also recorded a solid gain, with a 1.0% rise in August, taking values 10.8% higher through the first eight months of the year, by far the highest year-to-date gain across the capital cities.

It seems that investors are willing to look through the volatile history of Darwin housing trends, with investors attracted to the low price points and high yields. Lending to this segment has more than doubled over the past year.

Additionally, listings are extraordinarily low, down about 50% on the five-year average.

 

The broad-based rise in housing values is set to continue into spring, a period where we usually see a seasonal uplift in listings.

While a rise in advertised stock levels will test the depth of housing demand, there is a good chance purchasing activity will continue to outpace available supply.

Buyer demand is supported by an increasingly healthy household sector:

• Consumer sentiment reached a 3 ½ year high in August, supported by lower interest rates and easing cost of living pressures. Historically, consumer sentiment and housing activity have shown a close relationship.
• After drawing down on savings accumulated through the pandemic, households are once again managing to accrue savings, with the household saving ratio trending towards pre-pandemic averages in March. While higher savings also imply less consumption, a return to an accrual of savings should help prospective buyers access the credit necessary for a home purchase. 
• Real wages growth, at 1.3% per annum, is at its highest level since June 2020 and about 2 ½ times the pre-COVID decade average of just 0.5%. Stronger wages growth, alongside lower debt servicing costs, should help to support purchasing activity and sentiment.
• The jobs market remains tight, with the unemployment rate holding around the low 4% mark or less since the end of 2021, while the underemployment rate, at 5.9% in July, is well below the decade average of 7.9%. Such strong labour market conditions are supporting confidence and the ability to prove up loan serviceability. Furthermore, these conditions, along with very low levels of negative equity, are another reason why mortgage defaults remain so low.

There’s been a clear turnaround for households relative to 2024 when high interest rates and cost of living pressures were weighing on balance sheets and the housing market.

While interest rates are still some way from a stimulatory setting, and cost of living pressures remain, the household sector is now on a much better footing, which is flowing through to the housing sector.

The expanded Home Guarantee Scheme is another factor set to support housing demand.

With unlimited places, no income restrictions and higher price caps, we expect this stimulus measure to be popular with first time buyers from October 1st.

Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest hurdles for accessing home ownership.

Saving a 5% rather than a.20% deposit could shave around 10 years off the time it takes to accrue a deposit in an expensive market like Sydney.

While the scheme is likely to be popular, it doesn’t do anything to address the underlying factors that have caused housing to be so unaffordable in the first place.

Although the outlook for housing markets is looking increasingly positive, some headwinds remain that will likely keep the rate of growth in check.

Stretched affordability is arguably the most significant factor keeping a lid on value growth, but also elevated levels of household debt, a focus on prudent lending standards and normalising population growth are all factors that are also likely to keep the rate of growth below recent cyclical peaks.

 

About Tim Lawless
Tim is Research Director at Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), analysing real estate markets, demographics and economic trends across Australia. Visit www.corelogic.com.au

One thing many of the world’s most successful people have in common is their ability to inspire others.

I hope these motivational quotes inspire you on your journey to achieving success.

1. “The more you praise and celebrate your life the more there is in life to celebrate” – Oprah Winfrey

2. “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

4. “Courage is grace under pressure.” — Ernest Hemingway

5. “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” — Albert Einstein

7. “It does not matter how slowly you go, so long as you do not stop.” — Confucius

8. “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” — Warren Buffett

10. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West

11. “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” — Christopher Reeve

13. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller

14. “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” — Mahatma Gandhi

16. “When you cease to dream you cease to live.” — Malcolm Forbes

17. “May you live every day of your life.” — Jonathan Swift

19. “If you’re not stubborn, you’ll give up on experiments too soon. And if you’re not flexible, you’ll pound your head against the wall and you won’t see a different solution to a problem you’re trying to solve.” — Jeff Bezos

20. “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” — Coco Chanel

Bonus for the week:

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

Australia’s housing market is showing its usual resilience, but the landscape is shifting in some important ways.

The latest Mortgage Insights Report from Money.com.au reveals that while overall lending growth has slowed, investors are roaring back into the market and, for the first time in years, are almost neck and neck with homebuyers when it comes to new loans.

This obviously has significant implications for affordability, housing supply, and the balance of power between investors and owner occupiers.

Investor lending back in force

Investor lending rose 12% in the year to June 2025, easing from last year’s 19%, but still expanding at three times the pace of owner-occupier lending, which managed just 4% growth.

Source: Money.com.au

In fact, investors accounted for 38% of all new lending, the largest share since 2021.

With 196,699 loans issued, volumes are close to their 2022 peak, clear evidence that investors see opportunity as interest rates come down and rental yields rise.

Tip: This shouldn’t surprise us. Property investors tend to move faster than owner-occupiers when they see a window of opportunity.

With falling rates, tighter rental markets, and expectations of capital growth, investors are moving in while many first home buyers remain on the sidelines.

Homebuyers shift back East

One of the more interesting shifts in the report is geographic.

Queensland stood out with the strongest annual growth in owner-occupier loans at 7%, while Western Australia,  the darling of the market over the last few years, recorded no growth for the first time since mid-2024.

Source: Money.com.au

We’re also seeing momentum in smaller markets like Tasmania (+13%), the Northern Territory (+10%), and the ACT (+8%).

This reflects both affordability constraints in the bigger cities and the ongoing search for liveability and value.

Note: In simple terms: WA is cooling, the East Coast is heating up again, and the smaller states are attracting buyers who can’t or won’t stretch for Sydney or Melbourne.

New builds still in trouble

If you’re hoping that new construction will solve Australia’s chronic housing shortage, the data isn’t encouraging.

Loans for new dwellings fell sharply,  down 8% in the year to June 2025.

Construction loans slowed from 9% growth to just 3%, and land loans slid further into negative territory.

This is the reality of our supply problem: even as demand rebounds, supply-side constraints remain.

Without a major turnaround in construction capacity, increased demand risks driving prices higher rather than bringing balance to the market.

Refinancing returns, but with a twist

Refinancing is back near record highs, with 585,317 loans over the year, just shy of the 2023 peak.

But here’s the twist: borrowers are increasingly refinancing with their existing lender, rather than shopping around.

Internal refinancing jumped 31% compared to just 2% growth externally.

Source: Money.com.au

That suggests banks are working harder to hold onto their customers, while many borrowers prefer the convenience of staying put rather than switching lenders.

The bottom line

Australia’s property market is entering a new phase.

Investors are back in force, owner-occupiers are re-emerging, but without an improvement in housing supply, we risk repeating the same cycle of rising prices and affordability challenges.

For seasoned investors, this environment represents opportunity with strategic property investment being the key to building long-term wealth while contributing positively to the broader housing market.

About Joseph Ballota
Joseph is a Property Coach who put hundreds of people on the road towards wiping away their mortgage in under 5 years through expert Property Investment Plans.

I’ve found that becoming wealthy is not a fluke.

I spent five years studying the habits of 233 millionaires — 177 that were self-made — in order to find out how they spent their time from the moment they woke up in the morning, to the moment they put their head on the pillow.

Based on my research, which I share in my book, “Change Your Habits, Change Your Life: Strategies that Transformed 177 Average People into Self-Made Millionaires,” I identify seven principles they all shared that helped them build wealth.

The best part is that anyone can implement these in their life and start working towards the goal of becoming a self-made millionaire.

1. Self-made millionaires are constantly learning.

The millionaires in my study made a concerted effort to learn something new every day, whether it was reading for pleasure or developing a marketable skill.

For example:

• 61% of the skill-based self-made millionaires practised their skill, a minimum of two hours a day.
• 22% wrote technical research articles in online/hard copy trade publications, related to their particular field.
• 49% of the self-made millionaires devoted time, every day, to learn new words in order to improve their vocabulary and ability to effectively communicate.
• 81% of self-made millionaires sought feedback from others, in order to learn and improve.
• 71% of self-made millionaires read self-help books and 68% read biographies of other successful people, in order to learn how to be successful in life.

2. Self-made millionaires develop good habits

Some of the unusual daily habits the millionaires in my study adopted included the following:

• Control Emotions – 81% of the millionaires in my Rich Habits Poor Habits study stated that they made a habit of never losing their temper. Even more important, they said that when they found themselves under great stress, they intentionally forced themselves to remain calm under pressure. Many of the millionaires in my study were decision-makers within their organizations. They made a habit of never making an emotional decisions are always bad decisions. Because they knew that emotional decisions were always the wrong decision. Negative emotions shut down your prefrontal cortex, the logical part of the brain, which causes you to make poor decisions. Also, you can destroy, in an instant, years of work in growing valuable, long-term relationships with influencers, in a moment of uncontrolled rage. Successful people like to do business with individuals who are on an even keel and in control of their emotions. They avoid individuals who they perceive to be emotionally up and down simply because they have not made a habit of controlling their emotions.
• 5:1 Listening Rule – Self-made millionaires forged the daily habit of listening for five minutes and talking for one minute. This not only helps build strong relationships, but it is critical to learning more about other people and acquiring more knowledge.
• Never Gamble – 94% of the millionaires in my study made a habit of never gambling.
  
  
• Good Goals vs. Bad Goals – I learned from interviewing millionaires that this is such a thing as a bad goal. Saving for two years to buy a luxury car is a bad goal because it is a depreciating asset. Saving for two years to buy a rental property is a good goal because it is an appreciating asset that produces cash flow. Millionaires set good goals and avoid bad goals.
• Daily Aerobic Exercise – One of the self-made millionaires in my study was 67 years old when I interviewed him. He was worth approximately $17 million. I asked him why he was still working and not retiring and enjoying his life. He said that he had been exercising every day since age 35 because he believed the last five years of his career would be his highest earning years. He was right. He eventually retired at age 73 and in the last five years of his career, he made more in those five years than he had made in all of the previous 35 years combined.  One of the millionaire women in my study was obese. She decided to walk 1 mile a day, every day. After one month, she increased this to 2 miles, then 3 and then began jogging. That one aerobic exercise habit helped her to stop smoking and she also began eating healthy, nutritious food. When I interviewed this woman, she weighed 135 pounds and continued to run every day. She even ran three marathons.
• Listen to Audiobooks – 63% of the millionaires in my study said they made a daily habit of listening to audiobooks while commuting to work. The books were typically related to their industry, some dream they were pursuing, learning a new skill or learning about something they knew nothing about.

3. Self-made millionaires are intentional

In my study, I found that the majority, 86%, of the self-made millionaires worked an average of 50 hours or more a week.

But the important thing to remember is that the quality of the work is more important than the quantity.

The millionaires I interviewed characterized their work as focused and intentional.

They did this by doing something I call Dream-Setting – writing a script about their ideal, perfect life, ten years into the future.

This Dream-Setting script helped them gain clarity on the direction of their life and the goals they pursued.

When you have a clear vision of the destination, the how becomes unimportant.

You eventually figure out how to reach your destination – your ideal, perfect life.

Another discovery I made in my study was that millionaires, became millionaires because they intentionally focused on their strengths and figured out a way to outsource their weaknesses.

If they did not possess a particular skill or were weak in that skill, they outsourced it in order to become more efficient in what they did for their career.

4. Self-made millionaires build great teams.

Many of the self-made millionaires in my study revealed that their ability to create strong teams with people who shared their vision was instrumental in helping them go the distance with them to pursue their dreams.

They were not particularly great leaders, at least in the beginning, but they all did have in common a very strong belief in the importance of the dreams and goals they were pursuing.

Their passion was contagious and infected other people who came within their orbit and eventually joined their team.

Another common trait among the millionaires who built teams, specifically the Big Company Climbers and the Dreamer-Entrepreneurs, was that they had the ability to see the invisible.

They had a unique ability to visualize solutions, opportunities and alternate routes towards success, that seemed invisible to everyone else.

It turns out, this talent was actually a habit that took them many years to forge.

One of the criteria for seeing the invisible was maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook on life.

When you have a positive mental outlook, you open up your mind.

The famous Broaden and Build Study validated this unique neurological power of the brain.

Positivity broadens and opens up the mind to solutions to problems that are otherwise invisible to everyone else.

5. Self-made millionaires are passionate dreamers

Many of the millionaires I studied were highly ambitious when it came to achieving their goals, even if it seemed unlikely that they could achieve their goals.

A real-time example of this is Elon Musk.

People ridiculed Musk when he said he told them he was going to settle on Mars.

People aren’t laughing anymore.

One of the millionaires in my study said that he was going to make millions investing in wine.

Most of his family and friends simply laughed at him.

Over the course of fifteen years, he became an expert in the wine industry.

In 2001, he liquidated a small fraction of his wine collection and was able to buy an expensive home on the beach in Florida thanks to his crazy wine idea.

No one’s laughing at him anymore.

Ultimately, they loved what they did, and they felt that any sacrifices they made were worth it.

What is the dream you would like to pursue?

6. Self-made millionaires prioritize their health

But while much of their time was focused on work, the millionaires in my study talked often about the importance of putting their mental and physical well-being first.

What good is wealth, if you aren’t healthy enough to enjoy it?

Eighty-six per cent of the millionaires in my Rich Habits Poor Habits study worked in excess of fifty hours per week, week in and week out, for many years before they became wealthy.

Success takes time and eating nutritious food combined with daily aerobic exercise boosts your energy, which translates into more productivity.

Plus, good health increases your life expectancy, which means you can extend your career, giving you more time to accumulate wealth.

Even something as simple as a healthy diet and 20 minutes of exercise a day can help improve your health and life expectancy.

7. Self-made millionaires make their own luck

While hard work is a huge reason why the self-made millionaires in my study were able to strike it rich, all of them said they wouldn’t have gotten to where they are without some luck.

But luck in this context isn’t happenstance, but determination.

Persistence creates opportunities.

Those who refuse to quit, eventually get lucky.

Luck eventually visits those who simply refuse to quit on their dreams and goals.

One of the millionaires in my study changed careers in their mid-forties.

As I mentioned above, they decided to become a wine expert.

It took them fifteen years and a lot of hard work, but eventually, this individual was able to realize his dream and accumulated approximately $4 million in wealth.

About Tom Corley
Tom is a CPA, CFP and heads one of the top financial firms in New Jersey. For 5 years, Tom observed and documented the daily activities of wealthy people and people living in poverty and his research he identified over 200 daily activities that separated the “haves” from the “have nots” which culminated in his #1 bestselling book, Rich Habits – The Daily Success Habits of Wealthy Individuals.


Visit the website: www.richhabits.net

Imagine the world tuning in to the sun-drenched banks of the Brisbane River, the roar of crowds echoing through state-of-the-art stadiums, and the global spotlight firmly fixed on Australia’s third-largest city.

That’s exactly what’s coming our way with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and it’s set to be a once-in-a-generation catalyst for transformation.

But this isn’t just about medals and athletes.

It’s about what happens before and after the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and what this means for those with foresight, especially property investors ready to take action during a once-in-a-generation transformation.

Brisbane isn’t just hosting a sporting event.

It’s undergoing a strategic overhaul that will reshape Southeast Queensland’s economy, population patterns, infrastructure, and global image, positioning it in the same league as Sydney and Melbourne in the world arena.

And if you’re a property investor looking for capital gains driven by real economic fundamentals, now’s the time to start paying attention.

Let’s look at what’s happening, what’s coming, and how you can position yourself to benefit.

The Olympic legacy starts now: infrastructure as the catalyst

First, let’s be clear…the Olympic Games aren’t just about sport, in my mind, they’re also about legacy.

In fact, instead of focusing on the short-term spectacle, the Queensland Government and Olympic organising bodies have made legacy and long-term infrastructure the centrepiece of the plan.

This will be Brisbane’s opportunity to accelerate its transformation into a truly world-class city, one that can rival Melbourne and Sydney not just for liveability, but for economic clout and global recognition.

According to Delivering2032.com.au, the Games are the launchpad for:

• $7.1 billion in new and upgraded venue infrastructure
• More than 30 sports and transport projects across SEQ These legacy venues will serve community needs well beyond 2032, further boosting liveability and local amenity.
• A coordinated 10-year runway of development across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast

In other words, this is not just an Olympic plan – it’s a city-building blueprint.

Infrastructure fuels economic activity, creates jobs and drives demand for housing, which underpins property values. And the best part?

These aren’t speculative promises — they’re government-backed, shovel-ready projects already in motion.

Key infrastructure projects to watch

• Cross River Rail – $5.4 Billion (Under Construction)

This is Brisbane’s biggest transport project in decades,  a new 10.2km rail line with a 5.9km twin tunnel under the CBD. It delivers:

• Four new underground stations: Boggo Road, Woolloongabba, Albert Street, and Roma Street
• Upgrades to eight existing stations
• Direct access from outer suburbs to the heart of Brisbane

Tip: Investor Tip: Areas around these new stations – particularly Woolloongabba, Dutton Park, and the CBD fringe – are primed for growth.

• Brisbane Metro – $1.7 Billion

A fast, high-frequency electric bus system running through the CBD and connecting key inner-city locations, including South Brisbane and the University of Queensland and further south on the M1 Route.

• Moves up to 22,000 people/hour per direction
• Reduces congestion and improves commute times
• Complements Cross River Rail to provide an integrated mass transit

Tip: Investor Tip: Inner-western suburbs like Toowong, St Lucia, and Highgate Hill and middle ring suburbs to the south like Greenslopes and Holland become even more investable.

• The Gabba Redevelopment – $2.7 Billion

The Gabba will be rebuilt into a 50,000-seat, Olympic-ready stadium and anchor a major mixed-use precinct including:

• Public plazas and green space
• Retail, entertainment, and lifestyle precincts
• New residential and commercial developments

Tip: Investor Tip: This is not just a stadium upgrade,  it’s a suburb-defining transformation of Woolloongabba and East Brisbane. However, I believe there are better investment opportunities in adjacent suburbs within a short walk, which will be quieter but still have access to all the benefits.

• Green Bridges and Active Transport Projects

Green bridges across the Brisbane River are linking key inner suburbs, encouraging cycling and walking:

• Kangaroo Point to CBD
• Toowong to West End
• St Lucia to West End
• Breakfast Creek and Bellbowrie bridges

Tip: Investor Tip: Accessibility drives value. Suburbs like Kangaroo Point, West End, and New Farm will benefit from improved walkability and lifestyle appeal.

• Northshore Hamilton Olympic Village

The Olympic Village will later be repurposed into a thriving new waterfront suburb, with parks, residential housing, retail, and public spaces.

This will be a signature renewal zone stretching along the Brisbane River.

Tip: Investor Tip: Keep an eye on adjacent suburbs like Ascot, Albion, and Hamilton, where ripple effects are already visible.

More than Brisbane: the Olympic opportunity spreads across SEQ

What makes this Olympic transformation so unique is its decentralised model.

Unlike past Games concentrated in a single location, the Brisbane 2032 Olympics is a regional Games.

And that means infrastructure and economic benefits will spread across the entire Southeast Queensland region.

Notable Regional Infrastructure Projects:

• Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre (Kawana)
• Upgraded Sunshine Coast Stadium
• New venue development in Logan and Redlands
• Upgrades to the Gold Coast’s existing 2018 Commonwealth Games facilities
• Transport improvements connecting Brisbane to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast

Tip: Investor Tip: This makes it possible to invest in outer-metro areas and still benefit from Olympic-led growth, with often lower entry prices and stronger yields.

A population boom: migration and growth accelerate

People move to where the jobs, infrastructure, and opportunities are.

And Brisbane is shaping up as Australia’s next major growth magnet, with Queensland’s population projected to hit over 6 million by 2032, with the bulk of growth concentrated in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

With the Olympic spotlight drawing global attention, we can expect to see increased interstate and international migration.

Many families priced out of Sydney are already choosing Brisbane’s more affordable lifestyle, and this will only accelerate.

The Games will also drive skilled migration, especially in construction, engineering, hospitality, and tourism, adding to population growth in the lead-up to and beyond 2032.

This means increased demand for homes, both to buy and to rent, especially in suburbs with upgraded transportation links, new infrastructure, and proximity to employment hubs.

Combine that with historically tight vacancy rates, which have been around 1% in Brisbane for much of the last few years, and you’ve got strong tailwinds for capital growth and rental yields.

Brisbane’s economy steps onto the global stage

We’ve long known Brisbane’s potential, but now the world is about to discover it.

With billions of eyes on Brisbane during the Games, it’s not just athletes that will compete – Brisbane’s economy will be showcased to investors, tourists, and businesses worldwide.

Expect a surge in international investment, a rise in tourism, and a more diversified economy, with a greater emphasis on technology, services, and advanced manufacturing.

At the same time, major development projects, including new hotels, commercial precincts, and mixed-use hubs, will turbocharge the city’s GDP and create long-term economic resilience.

Put simply, Brisbane is transitioning from “big regional city” to global contender.

This economic diversity will improve housing demand, underpin capital growth, and boost investor confidence.

What does it all mean for property investors

Let’s talk strategy.

The Olympic tailwind is very real, but not every property will benefit equally.

The key for investors is to follow the infrastructure, understand the demographic shifts, and think long-term.

So here’s what I recommend smart investors should do now:

1. Identify infrastructure corridors

Suburbs that will benefit from new train stations, metro lines, and upgraded roads, especially those previously underappreciated, will see an uplift in both capital values and rental demand.

Think of areas near the Cross River Rail stations, or along the Brisbane Metro spine.

2. Target gentrifying inner-ring suburbs

Brisbane’s inner ring is undergoing a transformation.

Areas like Woolloongabba (home to the Gabba Stadium redevelopment), Dutton Park, Albion, and even pockets of Red Hill and Annerley are being revitalised.

They offer strong potential for capital growth and increasing rental yields as they become more desirable places to live and invest.

So strategic investors will buy into these locations before the upgrades are fully priced in.

3. Focus on inner- and middle-ring Suburbs

These offer the ideal mix of lifestyle, transportation, and proximity to employment opportunities.

They’re also where young professionals and downsizers are moving.

4. Look for new job hubs

With the Olympics serving as a catalyst for development, new employment hubs are expected to emerge – from health and education precincts to innovation corridors.

Savvy investors will track where people will work, not just where they’ll live.

5. Play the long game

I’m not suggesting a buy now and “flip” strategy.

Sure, the biggest gains will come between now and 2032, but they will continue in the decade after.

This means that investors who buy quality, hold for the cycle, and ride the wave will be rewarded.

Final thoughts: this is Brisbane’s moment

The Brisbane 2032 Olympics isn’t just a sporting event; it’s a catalyst.

It will reshape a city, redefine a region, and deliver legacy infrastructure that unlocks opportunities for decades.

Just as Sydney saw lasting uplift after the 2000 Games, Brisbane will enter the 2030s with better transport, stronger economic foundations, global recognition, and a vastly improved urban experience.

And those who invest today, before the rest of the world catches on, will be the ones holding gold.

Why now is a window of opportunity for strategic property investors

I believe we’re in a window of opportunity for property investors who take a long-term view.

Right now, we’re seeing what some would call a “perfect storm” of fundamentals that are aligning to support strong property markets in the years ahead.

As interest rates keep falling and confidence returns among both buyers and sellers, we’ll enter the next phase of the property cycle around Australia

And historically, this stage has delivered some of the best capital growth for those who act early.

But why not take advantage of this as well as the underlying fundamentals that will likely see Brisbane property prices double between now and the Olympics?

That’s where our Complimentary Wealth Discovery Session comes in. We’re offering you a 1-on-1 chat with a Metropole Wealth Strategist to help you:

• Clarify your financial goals
• Understand how macro trends affect your position
• Build a personalised, data-driven property strategy
• Get ahead of the curve — before everyone else piles in

There’s no cost, no obligation, just practical, tailored guidance based on decades of experience.

Click here now to book your free Wealth Discovery Session.

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

Australia’s inflation story just took an interesting twist.

After months of trending down, headline inflation nudged higher in July: lifting to 2.8% from June’s 1.9%.

That may not sound like much, but it’s the first rise we’ve seen in the monthly CPI series since late 2024.

So, what’s driving it?

Electricity prices surged by over 13% in the past year, partly thanks to July’s price hikes and the delay in government rebates for NSW and ACT households.

Add in pricier holiday travel during the school holidays, and suddenly inflation has momentum again.

For property investors and homeowners, the question is: what does this mean for interest rates and, therefore your mortgage?

Why a September rate cut is off the table

The Reserve Bank was never expected to rush into another move at its 30 September meeting, but this uptick in inflation has shut the door completely.

As Sally Tindall, Canstar’s Research Director, puts it:

“The possibility of a September cash rate cut was a long shot at best, however, this round of monthly data squashes pretty much all hope of back-to-back moves.”

The RBA Board has already signalled it prefers a gradual easing cycle.

They’ll want to see the September quarter CPI numbers (due 29 October) before taking action.

If the trend is still under control, then the November 3–4 meeting is shaping as the next opportunity.

The big banks agree. CBA, NAB, Westpac and ANZ all expect November to be the month, though their forecasts for how far cuts will go vary.

Westpac sees three more cuts, potentially taking the cash rate to 2.85%.

Source: Canstar

Mortgage rates keep falling anyway

Here’s the real twist: despite inflation ticking higher, mortgage rates are still drifting lower.

Since the RBA’s August cut, 88 lenders have trimmed their variable rates, with most passing on the full 0.25% reduction.

Easy Street has dropped to 4.89%, the lowest variable rate on the market right now. That’s ultra-competitive, but the offer is time-limited, available only for applications lodged before 10 October and settled by 10 December.

It’s not just Easy Street. Almost 30 lenders are now offering at least one variable rate under 5.25%, which is great news for borrowers willing to shop around.

What this means for property investors

If you’re a property investor waiting for the RBA to hand you another cut, don’t hold your breath, at least not until November. The RBA is being cautious, and rightly so.

I believe this offers a window of opportunity for property investors as we’re seeing what some would call a “perfect storm” of fundamentals that are aligning to support strong property markets in the years ahead:

1. Continued rapid population growth is putting pressure on housing.
2. An acute undersupply of dwellings,
3. A chronic shortage of skilled labour, making new development slower and more expensive.
4. Inflation has moderated, now sitting within the RBA’s target range.
5. Interest rates will keep falling – bringing more buyers into the market
6. Government first homebuyer incentives will pour fuel on the flames of our undersupplied housing market after October.

Are you clear on how to take advantage of these market conditions – that’s where our Complimentary Wealth Discovery Session comes in. We’re offering you a 1-on-1 chat with a Metropole Wealth Strategist to help you:

• Clarify your financial goals
• Understand how macro trends affect your position
• Build a personalised, data-driven property strategy
• Get ahead of the curve — before everyone else piles in

There’s no cost, no obligation — just practical, tailored guidance based on decades of experience.

Click here now to book your free Wealth Discovery Session

About Dorian Traill
At Metropole, Dorian helps develop a tailored, individualised wealth plan specifically for the client’s circumstances. A wealth plan is a client’s road map to a successful financial future and with professional expertise and guidance, clients can unlock the full potential of their assets to achieve their financial freedom at retirement.

Every year, spring breathes new life into Australia’s property markets. It’s the season that shapes how the year closes and often sets the tone for the year ahead.

New analysis from Domain indicates that recent cash rate cuts, boosted buyer confidence, and spending power are setting the stage for a supercharged spring selling season.

The data, which looks at the last decade of market trends, reveals:

• Spring price surge: Houses sell for a 2.6% premium in spring compared to winter.

• Strong winter momentum: July clearance rates for 2025 have reached their strongest point in a decade, primarily driven by Sydney and Melbourne (69.1% and 68% respectively, Table 2). Sydney and Melbourne’s clearance rates for winter 2025 have already surpassed spring 2024, demonstrating the renewed momentum in the market.

• Sustained growth in 2025: The combined capital median house price rose 9.2% between January and July 2025 (Table 3), marking the third-highest January-July growth in the last decade.

As Dr Nicola Powell, Chief of Research and Economics at Domain, puts it:

“Spring is the season that sets the tone for the year’s close. It delivers more choice for buyers, greater activity for sellers, and firmer price growth. But with more listings comes more competition, so strategy and presentation matter more than ever.”

The numbers don’t lie: Spring’s seasonal power

Looking at 10 years of data Domain’s research reveals that four patterns stand out:

1. Listings always surge.

On average, the number of homes for sale jumps 5.9% between winter and spring.

By summer, stock typically falls back 7.1%. It’s the sharpest seasonal lift of the year.

10 year average difference in Spring vs Winter performance (2015-2025)

2. Sales volumes follow.

Nationally, transactions rise 8.4% in spring compared to winter, making it the busiest season despite autumn sometimes offering more total listings.

Cities like Canberra (+12.8%), Hobart (+12.2%), and Perth (+10.7%) lead this charge.

3. Auctions dominate.

Auction volumes rise by a staggering 31% compared to winter, and nearly 65% above summer.

While autumn has the highest clearance rates (61.5%), spring’s sheer volume cements it as the auction season.

4. Prices strengthen.

The average price bump between winter and spring is 2.6%, compared to just 0.4% from autumn to winter, and 0.2% from spring to summer. Brisbane, Canberra, and Hobart consistently record the largest spring price gains (around 3%).

In short, spring reliably means more stock, more activity, and higher prices.

A tale of two markets: supply splits the capitals

However, Spring 2025 isn’t starting on level ground. Supply trends have diverged across the country, reshaping local dynamics:

• Sydney: Listings remain strong, up 14.6% year-on-year, keeping buyer choice high. This sustained supply may temper runaway price growth but also signals healthy, competitive conditions.

• Melbourne: Listings are down 10.2% after peaking at record highs in late 2024. Reduced choice is swinging conditions back towards sellers and firming prices.

• Adelaide & Perth: After strong supply earlier in the year, stock has tightened again. This will likely reignite competition and put pressure back on prices.

• Brisbane: Inventory is marginally lower (-1.7%) but remains well below its five-year average, keeping the market tight.

• Hobart & Darwin: Both cities have seen sharp falls in listings (-16.2% and -36.3% respectively), suggesting limited choice and likely upward price pressure.

Dr Powell notes:

“Supply is the hidden lever in market performance. Where listings fall, competition heats up quickly, and where they rise, buyers regain some power. This spring will expose just how uneven conditions are across our capitals.”

Clearance rates: demand proves its strength

If auctions are the pulse of demand, then 2025 is beating strongly. Domain’s auction results show…

• July recorded the third-highest national clearance rate for that month in a decade.

• Sydney (69.1%) and Melbourne (68%) have delivered some of their strongest winter results in 10 years, setting the stage for a buoyant spring auction season.

• Adelaide and Brisbane are also trending near the top of their historical ranges, while Perth has been the outlier, with a very low winter clearance rate of 16.4%.

That resilience tells us something important: despite higher stock levels earlier in the year, underlying buyer demand remains robust, fuelled by cheaper borrowing costs.

Prices: momentum already building

While spring usually delivers the strongest seasonal bump, this year prices are already running hot according to Dr. Powell.

Between January and July 2025:

• Combined capital city median house prices rose 9.2%, the third-highest January–July growth in the past decade.

• This growth comes despite higher inventory early in the year,  a sign that demand is deep enough to absorb stock and still push prices higher.

Dr Powell adds:

“We’re already seeing momentum build in house prices thanks to multiple rate cuts. The big question is whether spring’s seasonal surge will add fuel to the fire.”

Why Spring 2025 could be a turning point

Put it all together and you have a fascinating setup:

• Rate cuts have revived borrowing power and buyer confidence.

• Supply dynamics are uneven, tilting markets differently across capitals.

• Clearance rates show buyers are active and ready to compete.

• Price momentum is already running strong.

If the usual spring surge in listings collides with reinvigorated demand, we could see one of the strongest spring markets in years.

For investors, this means bracing for heightened competition, but also recognising that well-chosen assets in undersupplied cities may accelerate in value.

Key takeaways for buyers, sellers, and investors

• For buyers: Expect more choice, but also more competition. Be finance-ready and decisive when the right property comes up.

• For sellers: Presentation and pricing strategy are critical. Spring delivers the most eyeballs, but you’ll also face the fiercest competition from other vendors.

• For investors: Watch city-specific supply trends. Melbourne and Hobart are tightening, while Sydney still offers deep stock — but both dynamics can work in your favour depending on strategy.

The bottom line

Spring always matters in Australian real estate.

But this year, with rate cuts amplifying demand, supply diverging across capitals, and momentum already building, it could matter more than ever.

As Dr Nicola Powell sums it up:

“Spring 2025 is more than just another seasonal lift, it’s a critical test of whether the housing market’s strongest seasonal patterns will combine with policy tailwinds to reshape momentum heading into the new year.”

In my view, this spring is not just about renewal; it’s about reset.

And those who understand the nuances of supply, timing, and competition will be the ones who benefit most.

About Brett Warren
Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.

Australia’s housing market isn’t just about affordability, wealth creation, or investment returns.

Believe it or not, it’s also quietly reshaping some of the most personal aspects of our lives: love, relationships, marriage, and family stability.

We’ve long discussed how demographics influence housing. But what’s less often recognised is how housing costs, in turn, influence our personal choices.

In fact, new research suggests that soaring house prices may be locking people into relationships, even unhappy ones, not because couples are more in love, but because they can’t afford to split up.

As demographer Simon Kuestenmacher explained in the latest episode of our Demographics Decoded podcast:

“The financial economic argument is rock solid. Divorce comes with obvious costs: lawyers, moving, and most significantly, running two households instead of one. Even if housing was cheap, two households cost more.”

In other words, the property market isn’t just about where we live. It’s influencing whether we stay together.

For weekly insights subscribe to the Demographics Decoded podcast, where we will continue to explore these trends and their implications in greater detail.

Subscribe now on your favourite Podcast player:

The economics of separation

While on paper, separating sounds simple: two people decide to go their own way, in practice, the costs quickly mount.

• Legal fees: Divorces involve lawyers, mediators, and paperwork, none of which are cheap.
• Moving expenses: Finding and furnishing another property comes with significant upfront costs.
• Running two households: Rent or mortgage repayments, utilities, internet, furniture, and even small things like buying another toaster or fridge.

These costs are manageable when housing is affordable.

But today, when median house prices are many multiples of income and rents are at record highs, doubling your housing needs can be financially crippling.

As Simon pointed out, “It is always cheaper to run one household than two. Even if the dwellings are smaller, the costs accumulate. It’s a massive disincentive to leave.”

This helps explain why Australia’s divorce rate has been steadily declining, now at its lowest level since no-fault divorce was introduced in 1976.

In big cities, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where housing is most expensive, divorce rates are even lower.

Why now is different

Interestingly, this trend contrasts with what happened during previous periods of financial stress.

During the 1990s recession, divorce rates actually rose as household stress spilled into relationships.

We also saw a small uptick during the COVID-19 pandemic, when couples were forced into close quarters under stressful conditions.

So why are today’s high-cost times different?

It comes down to the type of stress.

A sudden crisis like COVID or a recession can push simmering tensions to breaking point. But today’s pressures, mortgages, rents, and day-to-day costs are long-term, structural challenges.

They don’t cause sudden fights; they quietly wear couples down.

Yet they also trap them, because leaving requires even more financial resources.

Later marriages, stronger unions, sometimes

Another factor in declining divorce rates is shifting demographics.

Australians are marrying later, often after years of cohabitation.

That means couples have already tested their relationship through multiple life stages before tying the knot.

Simon reflected on his own experience: “Sarah and I got married after we lived together for 14 years. By then, we’d lived through a gazillion crises. If it wasn’t working, we would have split earlier. So by the time we married, the foundations were solid.”

This trend means that fewer marriages happen, but those that do are generally stronger.

It also means people are more mature and self-aware when they marry, reducing the likelihood of impulsive choices that lead to regret.

Still, this doesn’t mean love is flourishing everywhere.

Many couples are together less because of affection and more because of economics.

The mental health trade-off

Staying together for financial reasons comes at a cost: well-being.

Census data consistently shows that the happiest people are those in stable, happy marriages.

Singles report lower average well-being, but the worst mental health outcomes come from those who are separated but not yet divorced.

Simon summarised it well:

“It is best to live in a happy marriage. But if your marriage isn’t working, it’s actually better for your mental health to break it up than to stay trapped.”

This suggests that while property prices may be lowering divorce rates, they may also be worsening mental health for those trapped in unhappy relationships.

Renting vs. owning: different pressures

The story looks a little different for renters.

Financially, separating is easier when you’re not tied to a mortgage; you simply end a lease and move out.

Renting also offers greater flexibility for those who anticipate lifestyle changes.

But here’s the catch: in tight rental markets, finding a new home isn’t easy.

A lack of supply can mean couples stay together longer than they’d like, simply because there’s nowhere else to go.

The gender shift in divorce economics

Historically, divorce tended to disadvantage women, who often had lower incomes and super balances.

Courts tried to compensate for this by adjusting asset splits in their favour.

But as Simon pointed out, this is changing:

“Women are outperforming men in education at every level, and in younger age brackets, they are already out-earning men. That means in 30 years, we may see the gender roles flip: men becoming the ones more disadvantaged in divorce.”

This reversal will reshape power dynamics within households and challenge long-held assumptions about financial vulnerability.

The bigger picture: housing as the silent influencer

This discussion is about more than relationships.

It highlights how deeply housing costs influence society.

High property prices don’t just delay homeownership.

They delay marriage, reshape family formation, influence fertility decisions, and even alter who has power in relationships.

Housing is quietly dictating who we love, how we live, and when we separate.

As Simon put it:

“Sooner or later, the housing angle pops up in almost every social issue. And usually, it’s in a disadvantageous way.”

Final thoughts

Choosing a life partner remains the most important decision we ever make; it shapes everything from our happiness to whether we have children.

But increasingly, that decision is being entangled with another: the housing market.

It’s a reminder that property is never just about bricks and mortar.

It’s about culture, relationships, and wellbeing.

As housing affordability continues to strain Australians, we’ll see more unintended consequences on the way we form and dissolve our most intimate bonds.

 

If you found this discussion helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast and share it with others who might benefit.

Subscribe now on your favourite Podcast player:

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.

It has been said that the most important factors that will change where you are in 12 months’ time compared to where you are today in your life are the books you read and the people you hang around with.

If you want to improve your life, I believe you need to build the foundations of success by honing three sets of fundamental skills.

1. Mindset skills
2. People Skills
3. System skills – the techniques you require for whatever investment system you choose, such as Real Estate or share market skills, or the internet skills you need.

So, let’s look at some of the books you should read over the next few months to help you improve those 3 sets of skills.

These are the foundational books that you need to read or reread to help set yourself up for the future.

Mindset Skills Books

1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This book is on the bookshelf with every successful investor and entrepreneur

While this is a very old book now, and a little bit difficult to read, you will find most successful people will say this was one of the foundational books that got them going having sold over 100 million copies.

2. Rich Habits, Poor Habits – Tom Corley and Michael Yardney

Sure, this is one of my books, but it has become an international bestseller and translated into 5 foreign languages.

Rich people think a certain way and poor people think a completely different way, and those ways of thinking determine their actions and therefore determine their results.

Then all you have to do is copy how rich people think.

Just study the Rich and copy their Rich Habits is the advice of my co-author Tom Corley and me.

We explain that we are where we are because of the things we do day in, and day out.

Our old ways of thinking, and our old habits brought us exactly to where we are and if we want something to be different in our lives, we need to do something different.

This book debunks the myths and “common wisdom” about how to get rich.

Read it to unlock the secrets to success and failure, based on Tom Corley’s five years’ study of the daily activities of 233 rich people and 128 poor people as the authors expose the immense difference between the habits of the rich and the poor.

Since the release of Rich Habits Poor Habits in 2016, I’m proud to say that Tom Corley and I have gone on to share the mindset secrets of the rich and successful to new and bigger audiences and this book has become an international bestseller and is being translated into 5 foreign languages.

Why not click here now and get your copy today?

It will help you understand how the rich think very, very differently from the poor.

Tom Corley and I explain how the way your life looks today is a result of the choices you have made which are the results of the often unconscious habits you’ve developed.

People Skills Books

3. How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

You probably have heard of this book, have you read it?

It’s one of the classic books on people skills.

4. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People – Steven R Covey

This is another classic, and an example of why you don’t need to read brand-new books.

How many of the habits of highly effective people have you incorporated into your life?

5. Influence – by Robert Cialdini

I still remember buying the tape set of this back in the early 1990s.

This was long before they were audiobooks.

I listen to the audio and it changed my life, how I deal with people and how I negotiate influence and persuade.

Dr Cialdini taught me the six fundamentals of influence which are part of my DNA today and which I just got in more detail in my book – Negotiate Influence Persuade.

6. Negotiate, Influence, Persuade

This is another one of my books which has been translated into 5 languages and is an international best seller,  where I teach you how to get other people to want to do what you want them to do because of your ability to interact, communicate, negotiate, influence and persuade.

In every transaction there is a buyer and a seller: they either buy what you’re saying, or you buy what they’re saying.

But this book is not just for salespeople, it’s also for you as a consumer because we all negotiate every day of our lives. Not just in business but in day-to-day life with your spouse, your children, your work colleagues, your customers or your clients.

While plenty of books teach sales and negotiation techniques, this one explains the fundamentals and the psychology behind why these techniques work and how to use them most effectively. It’s more than just a book about negotiation. It’s about persuasion and influence, and more importantly, how to wield those two important traits to meet your goals.

It will change how readers will do business, and how they will interact with their family and friends and hopefully give them a greater understanding of why people behave and are motivated to act, the way they do.

Click here now and buy your copy. Imagine how different your life will be when you develop your skills, realise your full potential and make your life work.

System Skills Books

7. Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money – That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki

While this book was more than 20 years ago, its insights stand the test of time.

Kiyosaki also offers personal finance advice and breaks down money misconceptions across a broad spectrum.

Robert’s story of growing up with two dads — his real father and the father of his best friend, his rich dad — and the ways in which both men shaped his thoughts about money and investing.

The book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.

However, be careful – some of Kiyosaki’s property strategies don’t translate well to Australia where the rules are different to the USA, because in Australia investing for capital growth is the way to go.

8. How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio – In your Spare Time – Michael Yardney

This new totally updated, 20th-anniversary edition of the best seller is a must for all property investors as it outlines a framework to build financial freedom in the new economic climate.

This book has become the property investment classic and is on the bookshelf of almost every successful Australian property investor.

Readers receive a time-proven step-by-step action plan showing how to achieve real wealth through property investment and learn how to live the life of a property multi-millionaire using my pyramiding system to buy more properties with no money out of your own pocket.

This book is suitable for beginners, yet has advanced strategies for experienced investors.

It’s full of time-tested fundamental strategies for these challenging times so click here now and order your copy.

There you have it, a list of books that you should read and reread to build up your skill set.

And yes, I am touting some of my books, but having said that I know the success so many readers have achieved from the lessons they have learned in these books, so I’d be wrong if I didn’t give you the opportunity of getting the same great results by changing your skill sets.

I believe you should read these books, or re-read them before you read any of the new books.

If you haven’t incorporated the fundamental principles you’ll learn from these books into your life, what can you book teach you?

You need strong foundations to build your multi-million dollar property portfolio.

If you don’t have strong foundations the whole thing could topple over.

About Michael Yardney
Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.