Inside Commercial Property

• #67 The legal edge in commercial property

  In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Phil Tarrant is joined by Sam Saad, managing director at Rethink Property Lawyers, for a detailed exploration of the legal frameworks that underpin successful commercial property transactions. This conversation breaks down the essential legal safeguards investors must establish before committing capital, from contract conditions and heads of agreement, through to lease analysis, outgoings, title searches and statutory compliance. Drawing on real transaction examples, Sam illustrates how specialist commercial property legal advice strengthens investor protection, prevents hidden risks from slipping through due diligence, and stops costly surprises emerging after settlement. This episode underscores the tangible value of tight clauses, accurate documentation and comprehensive legal reviews – all of which materially influence risk exposure, valuation and long-term cash flow.  Listeners will gain practical guidance on: • Why commercial investors must engage a specialist property lawyer rather than relying solely on a conveyancer. • How to structure heads of agreement and due diligence clauses to maximise flexibility and reduce exposure. • The line between legal due diligence and commercial due diligence – and the distinct roles of a lawyer versus a buyer’s agent. • Key lease mechanics that influence returns: outgoings, make-good provisions, incentives, options, retail leasing legislation and cost allocation. • The critical searches required before purchasing (title, PPSR, environmental, planning, notices, asbestos, cladding, flooding, and more). • How to avoid common pitfalls with security deposits, bank guarantees and settlement handover to ensure legal protections hold up when needed. From interpreting complex lease packs to identifying gaps in recoverable outgoings and strengthening contract conditions, Sam explains how rigorous legal due diligence can protect hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a commercial asset. This is essential listening for any investor seeking to acquire commercial property with full clarity, robust protections and the right legal structures in place long before settlement.

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• #66 Hidden risk that could cost you thousands

  In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Scott O’Neill and Phil Tarrant break down one of the most critical yet misunderstood aspects of commercial property investing: due diligence. Drawing from thousands of transactions completed through Rethink Investing, Scott explains how a structured and independent due diligence process can safeguard investors from financial risk and strengthen long-term portfolio performance. Listeners will gain practical insights into: • How to conduct commercial property due diligence that goes beyond the surface numbers. • The importance of separating acquisition and due diligence to avoid bias. • Key lease, tenant and legal checks every investor should understand. • Common red flags hidden in contracts and rent statements. • Why detailed financial verification can be the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake. From analysing outgoings and tenant ledgers to understanding lease terms and market-based yields, Scott shares how Rethink Investing’s due diligence framework ensures every property is thoroughly assessed before purchase. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about commercial property investment. You’ll learn how to approach due diligence like a professional, with structure, objectivity, and the right data to make confident investment decisions.

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• #65 Banks v private credit: Who wins?

  In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Phil Tarrant and Scott O’Neill sit down with Dan Gallen, executive director and CIO of Pallas Capital, to discuss one of the biggest shifts in commercial investing: the rise of private credit. With banks tightening lending and investors demanding faster, more flexible solutions, private credit has surged as a key funding option in the commercial property market. But does it always serve investors best, or does it add too much risk? Dan shares his perspective from more than $10 billion in structured transactions, while Scott explains how financing decisions can transform long-term investor outcomes, from cash flow and yields to equity growth and risk exposure. Key topics covered: The commercial property funding landscape: Banks retreat versus private credit expansion. Private credit explained: Flexibility, higher leverage, and where it beats the banks. Risks investors must weigh before relying on non-bank lending. Real-world examples of deals made possible by private credit. Why financing strategy is central to long-term wealth creation. Listen now to discover how the right funding strategy can accelerate growth and safeguard your portfolio.

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• #64 The truth about regional v capital city property

  In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Scott O’Neill and Phil Tarrant tackle one of the most hotly debated topics in Australian property investment: regional versus capital city property. Investors are often told that regional markets promise higher yields, while capital cities offer long-term growth, but is that really the full story? Drawing on real client examples and market data, Scott and Phil explore the strengths and pitfalls of both strategies. From the cash flow benefits in regional centres to the capital appreciation trends in metro markets, they unpack the truth behind the headlines and expose the risks investors often overlook. Key topics covered in this episode include: Why regional properties appear attractive on yield but can lack long-term growth consistency. How infrastructure spending and population migration are reshaping regional opportunities. Why capital city assets remain the cornerstone of many high-performing portfolios. The investor profiles best suited to regional versus metro strategies. The overlooked costs and risks that can turn a “bargain” regional property into a poor investment. Whether you’re weighing up your next purchase or rethinking your portfolio strategy, this episode provides clarity on the regional versus capital city debate. Packed with sharp insights and grounded in real-world investing experience, Scott and Phil cut through the noise to show you how to align your property strategy with your financial goals. Listen now to discover the truth about regional versus capital city property, and learn how the right strategy can position you for stronger returns.

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• #63 Financial planners got it all wrong

  In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, we welcome Patrick Casey, managing director of the newly launched financial planning business, Rethink Wealth, for an in-depth discussion about the future of strategic financial advice and why it’s time property played a leading role. With a career spanning traditional financial planning and a track record as a commercial investor, Patrick joins Scott and Phil to discuss how Australia’s financial advice landscape has failed to evolve alongside the country’s property market. Together, they explore why most financial planners still overlook real estate in favour of stocks and insurance, and why that’s no longer good enough for today’s investors. Key topics covered in this episode: - How the advice model is broken, and what a truly tailored wealth plan looks like. - Why unregulated property advice and influencer culture are putting Australians at risk. - The truth about “getting rich slow” and how to build long-term wealth with confidence. - How Rethink Group’s ecosystem empowers clients from their first investment to full financial independence. - Why younger investors are arriving with unrealistic expectations and what they actually need. Whether you’re a seasoned property investor hitting a fork in the road, or a high-income earner seeking clarity on your next move, this episode is a must-listen. With sharp insights, practical examples, and a refreshing take on holistic wealth planning, Patrick and Scott highlight how the right advice, grounded in property strategy, can change everything.

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