Property Investment & Wealth Creation Australia | The Michael Yardney Podcast

You've probably heard the media, politicians and economists talking about "the inflation rate" as though every Australian is experiencing the same increase in their cost of living.
 
But the official CPI figure may bear little resemblance to what is happening in your household.
 
Because here's the uncomfortable truth. That headline number is an average. It's a blend of everything from lettuce to laptops, and if your money goes on housing, health care, insurance and electricity rather than imported gadgets and clothing, your real cost of living has probably been running well above what the news is telling you.
 
Today we're going to pull that number apart. We're going to look at who actually suffers the highest inflation in this country, why government policy is doing more damage to your cost of living than any war or supply shock, and why understanding your own personal inflation rate matters just as much to your wealth-building strategy as your choice of property.
 
By the end of this episode you'll know exactly where you sit on what my guest calls the inflation pyramid, which categories of spending are quietly eating your returns, and why housing costs in particular have become one of the clearest examples of government-made inflation in the country.
 
My guest today is Ashley Owen, Principal of Owen Analytics and one of the most respected independent economists and investment analysts in Australia.
 
Takeaways
 
• Official CPI figures hide big differences between household spending patterns and real cost pressures.
• Renters face stronger inflation because more of their budget goes to utilities, taxes, and housing costs.
• Government-driven costs push housing inflation higher through taxes, regulation, and construction bottlenecks.
• Imported goods often offset inflation, but local services keep rising through wage and productivity pressures.
• Insurance, healthcare, and education climb faster because they rely heavily on expensive Australian labour.
• Personal inflation rates matter more than averages when planning retirement withdrawals and long-term cash flow.
• Higher inflation erodes mortgage balances over time, benefiting borrowers who own quality assets.
• Delayed rate cuts and political spending can keep interest rates higher for longer.
• Land scarcity in concentrated cities pushes up property values and construction costs.
• Wealth plans must outperform inflation or purchasing power steadily shrinks over decades.
 
Links and Resources:
 
Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/
•        Win a copy of How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio In Your Spare Time.
•        Every entry receives a copy of a fully updated Michael Yardney Property Report.
 
Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here.
 
 
Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us.

 
Ashley Owen, Director of Owen Analytics https://www.owenanalytics.com.au/
 
Articles mentioned in the podcast:
 
·        Housing inflation higher than CPI
https://www.owenanalytics.com.au/2026jul20-housing-inflation
 
·        What's your personal inflation rate?
https://www.owenanalytics.com.au/2026jul14-infl-categ
 
 
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.
 
About The Michael Yardney Podcast | Property Investment And Wealth Creation Australia
 
The Michael Yardney Podcast is one of Australia's leading property investment podcasts, helping investors understand the Australian property market and build long-term wealth through strategic property investing.
 
Each week we explore:
 
• Australian property market updates
• Property investment strategies in Australia
• Melbourne property market trends
• Sydney property market forecasts
• Brisbane property investment opportunities
• Capital growth property strategies
• Property cycles in Australia
• Negative gearing and tax strategy
• Interest rates and their impact on property
• Buyer's agent insights and investment planning
 
If you're serious about building a high-performance property portfolio and creating financial freedom through real estate, this podcast will give you the clarity and strategy you need.
 
Learn more at:
https://propertyupdate.com.au
https://metropole.com.au

Most investors think the goal is to eventually build a portfolio that throws off enough passive income to live on.
 
It sounds sensible, doesn't it? Buy assets, collect the rent or dividends, and one day replace your salary.
 
But what if that idea is not only outdated, but mathematically inefficient?
 
What if chasing income too early actually leaves you with less wealth, less flexibility, and more risk in retirement?
 
Today I'm joined by Stuart Wemyss who back in 2018, published Investopoly, built around eight golden rules for building wealth.
 
Since then, we've had a property boom, COVID, a lending crunch, a rapid rate-rising cycle, and a very different investment environment.
 
So the obvious question is: which of those rules still hold up? Which ones needed sharpening? And which one did Stuart actually reverse?
 
In this episode I'm speaking with Stuart Wemyss about how he's refined his thinking on building wealth with intention.
 
We unpack the core principles that still matter most when choosing quality assets and setting a long-term strategy.
 
We discuss how cash flow, investment efficiency, and time work together to shape stronger financial outcomes.
 
We explore why buying the right assets at the right price matters more than chasing short-term market noise.
 
We finish by looking at how changing market conditions, tax rules, and longevity risk influence smarter property decisions.
 
Takeaways 
• Wealth building works best when strategy, patience, and discipline all align consistently.
• Quality assets outperform average ones because scarcity supports stronger long-term demand.
• Cash flow strength helps investors stay resilient through interest rate rises and uncertainty.
• Investment efficiency improves returns when capital is directed into assets with growth potential.
• Time amplifies property wealth by allowing compounding to reward long-term holders.
• Buying well matters because entry price strongly shapes eventual capital growth.
• Chasing short-term trends can distract investors from fundamentals that actually build wealth.
• Changing tax and lending rules can alter the best structure for investing.
• Longevity risk means retirees need assets that balance income, growth, and liquidity.
• Future-focused investing means choosing assets that tomorrow's buyers will still want.
 
Links and Resources:
 
Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/
·        Win a hard copy of How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio In Your Spare Time.
·        Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report.
 
Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here
 
Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us.
 
Stuart Wemyss – Prosolution Private Clients
 
Stuart's new book – Wealth by Design: 8 rules for smarter investing and financial freedom
https://www.amazon.com.au/Wealth-Design-smarter-investing-financial/dp/192318654X/
 
Get a bundle of free reports and eBooks: 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.
 
About The Michael Yardney Podcast | Property Investment And Wealth Creation Australia
 
The Michael Yardney Podcast is one of Australia's leading property investment podcasts, helping investors understand the Australian property market and build long-term wealth through strategic property investing.
 
Each week we explore:
• Australian property market updates
• Property investment strategies in Australia
• Melbourne property market trends
• Sydney property market forecasts
• Brisbane property investment opportunities
• Capital growth property strategies
• Property cycles in Australia
• Negative gearing and tax strategy
• Interest rates and their impact on property
• Buyer's agent insights and investment planning
 
If you're serious about building a high-performance property portfolio and creating financial freedom through real estate, this podcast will give you the clarity and strategy you need.
 
Learn more at:
https://propertyupdate.com.au
https://metropole.com.au

Right now, thousands of Australian property investors are being drawn to off-the-plan properties like moths to a flame. And I understand why.
 
After the 2026 Federal Budget changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, new properties are suddenly looking very attractive. The marketing is glossy, the tax benefits sound compelling, and the salespeople are convincing.
 
But here's what those salespeople won't tell you. Signing that contract is the easy part. What happens over the next two years - and at settlement - can financially ruin you.
 
Today, I'm chatting with Dorian Traill, Senior Wealth Strategist at Metropole, who walks us through exactly how the finance side of these deals works, and more importantly, all the ways it can go catastrophically wrong.
 
If you or someone you know is being tempted by an off-the-plan purchase right now, you need to hear this episode before you sign anything. And even if you're not interested in buying off the plan at present, there's going to be some great tips from Dorian to help you as a property investor.
 
In this episode, we discuss the hidden risks of buying off the plan in today's changing market.
 
We unpack why glossy marketing, tax incentives, and pre-sales can make these projects look safer than they really are.
 
We discuss how long settlement timelines expose buyers to finance changes, income shocks, and valuation gaps.
 
We explore why lender caution, oversupply, and shrinking loan ratios can derail a deal at settlement.
 
We also look at how contract clauses, design changes, and delayed builds can leave investors trapped in risky commitments.
 
Takeaways
 
• Off-the-plan sales help developers secure bank funding by proving enough pre-sales.
• Buyers often commit years before completion, increasing exposure to changing circumstances.
• Conditional finance approvals usually expire long before settlement arrives.
• Lenders may reject loans in oversupplied postcodes or high-rise buildings.
• A lower valuation at settlement can force buyers to find extra cash.
• Oversupply can push rents down after temporary rental guarantees end.
• Small apartments often attract fewer buyers and weaker resale competition.
• Contract variation clauses can reduce apartment size or alter finishes materially.
• If a developer fails, buyers may remain trapped in limbo.
• Tax benefits cannot rescue a poorly chosen property or weak location.
 
Links and Resources:
 
Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/
•        Win a hard copy of How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio In Your Spare Time.
•        Every entry receives a copy of a fully updated Michael Yardney Property Report.
 
Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us
 
 
Dorian Traill – Senior Wealth Strategist at Metropole. https://metropole.com.au/expert/dorian-traill/
 
Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here
 
 
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.
 
About The Michael Yardney Podcast | Property Investment And Wealth Creation Australia
 
Success in property investment isn't just about numbers - it's about mindset, behaviour and decision making.
 
In The Michael Yardney Podcast, we explore the psychology of wealth, the habits of successful investors, and how to think strategically during uncertain market conditions.
 
Regular topics include:
• Psychology of money and wealth
• Investor behaviour and market cycles
• Rich habits vs poor habits
• High performance mindset
• Risk management thinking
• Decision making under pressure
• Long-term investing discipline
• Overcoming fear in property markets
• Building wealth through strategy, not speculation
 
If you want to avoid common investor mistakes and develop the mindset required to build lasting wealth in Australia's property market, this podcast is for you.
 
More resources at:
https://propertyupdate.com.au
https://metropole.com.au

Today, I want to share 25, let's call them commandments, for financial wealth and success.
 
And to get the message across best to you, I decided to do something a little different. Normally, I have a guest, but this time it will be just you and me as I share these ideas with you.
 
These aren't property rules, and most of them aren't even investment rules in the traditional sense.
 
They're the broader truths about money and behaviour I've collected over the years, the ones that apply whether you're buying property, building a business, or simply trying to retire with options rather than regrets.
 
In this episode, I discuss that real wealth comes from mindset, patience, and discipline more than from chasing shortcuts or trying to predict the market.
 
I also emphasize that progress should be measured against your own starting point, not against other people's highlight reels.
 
I also remind you that ultimately, the person you become matters just as much as the assets you build.
 
Takeaways 
 
• Wealth is built through patience, consistency, and discipline
• Market volatility is the price of long-term growth
• Measure your progress against your own starting point
• Focus on process, not market predictions
• Quiet accumulation creates real wealth
• Character matters as much as money
• Emotional steadiness helps during uncertainty
• Luck favours those who prepare well
• Reinvest consistently over time and allow compounding to work its magic.
• Avoid chasing shortcuts and quick wins
 
Links and Resources:
 
Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/
·        Win a hard copy of How To Grow A Multi-Million Dollar Property Portfolio In Your Spare Time?
·        Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.
 
Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here
 
 
Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property plan. Click here and have a chat with us
 
 
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.
 
About The Michael Yardney Podcast | Property Investment And Wealth Creation Australia
 
Success in property investment isn't just about numbers - it's about mindset, behaviour and decision making.
 
In The Michael Yardney Podcast, we explore the psychology of wealth, the habits of successful investors, and how to think strategically during uncertain market conditions.
 
Regular topics include:
• Psychology of money and wealth
• Investor behaviour and market cycles
• Rich habits vs poor habits
• High-performance mindset
• Risk management thinking
• Decision-making under pressure
• Long-term investing discipline
• Overcoming fear in property markets
• Building wealth through strategy, not speculation
 
If you want to avoid common investor mistakes and develop the mindset required to build lasting wealth in Australia's property market, this podcast is for you.
 
More resources at:
https://propertyupdate.com.au
https://metropole.com.au

Most of us spend years trying to figure out money - what to do with it, how to invest it, how to make it work harder. But imagine if someone had taught you the fundamentals when you were a child.
 
Because here's what I've seen over the years - the families who build lasting generational wealth don't just accumulate assets. They pass on the mindset, the habits, and the financial literacy that lets the next generation take it even further.
 
So what if we could give our kids that advantage? What if we could raise children who grow up genuinely confident about money, investing, and building wealth - instead of spending their adult years trying to unlearn bad money habits?
 
And don't worry if you don't have children yet or are not planning to have children. There'll be lots in today's show to help you with your money habits.
 
My guest today - Sarah Megginson is one of Australia's most recognised personal finance experts, with over 20 years of experience in property, finance and investment journalism.  Her new book is called "How to Raise Rich Kids: Build Lasting Wealth for Your Children" - and it's a genuinely practical guide for any parent who wants to get this right, whether they feel totally on top of their own finances or are still working it out themselves.
 
In this episode I'm speaking with Sarah Megginson about raising financially confident kids and why money habits start earlier than most parents realise.
 
We unpack how children absorb money attitudes from home, and why your own behaviour shapes their financial future.
 
We discuss practical ways to teach budgeting, saving, and decision-making through everyday moments like shopping and family conversations.
 
We also look at how digital money, credit, and buy now, pay later can confuse young people without proper guidance.
 
Finally, we explore why the real legacy is not just wealth, but financial intelligence, confidence, and family values.
 
Takeaways
 
• Early money lessons at home shape children's habits long before adulthood.
• Open conversations about money reduce fear and build financial confidence.
• Children learn budgeting faster when they help compare real prices.
• Digital spending removes friction, making impulse purchases easier to justify.
• Buy now, pay later can hide debt from young people's awareness.
• Parental stress around money often becomes children's emotional money blueprint.
• Passing on financial intelligence matters more than handing over assets.
• Involving kids in decisions builds responsibility and long-term confidence.
• Reframing "we can't afford that" teaches values, not scarcity.
• Regular family money talks help prevent silence, shame, and poor financial choices.
 
Links and Resources:
 
Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/
•        Win a hard copy of Negotiate Influence Persuade.
•        Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.
 
Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here
 
 
Sarah Megginson's Book How to Raise Rich Kids -  https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Raise-Rich-Kids-Children/dp/1923390244
 
Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au 
 
 
Get the team at Metropole to create a Strategic Property plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us.
 
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.
 
About The Michael Yardney Podcast | Property Investment And Wealth Creation Australia
 
The Michael Yardney Podcast is one of Australia's leading property investment podcasts, helping investors understand the Australian property market and build long-term wealth through strategic property investing.
 
Each week we explore:
• Australian property market updates
• Property investment strategies in Australia
• Melbourne property market trends
• Sydney property market forecasts
• Brisbane property investment opportunities
• Capital growth property strategies
• Property cycles in Australia
• Negative gearing and tax strategy
• Interest rates and their impact on property
• Buyer's agent insights and investment planning
 
If you're serious about building a high-performance property portfolio and creating financial freedom through real estate, this podcast will give you the clarity and strategy you need.
 
Learn more at:
https://propertyupdate.com.au
https://metropole.com.au