Property Investment, Success & Money | The Michael Yardney Podcast

Everywhere you look, people are talking about the Brisbane property market.
 
The Olympics are coming, property prices have surged, and there's this growing belief that Brisbane is the place to be for investors right now.
 
In fact, it's not just Brisbane, but a whole swag of new and let me call them inexperienced buyers agents are suggesting buying in regional areas of northern Queensland.
 
But history tells us something interesting - when everyone's talking about a market, it's often already too late.
 
So, is Brisbane still a smart investment play, or has the boat already sailed?
 
To help unpack that, I'm joined by my business partner and National Director at Metropole, Brett Warren, who's based in Brisbane and has been studying this market for decades.
 
Despite being a proud Brisbanite, Brett's going to share why he believes now might not be the best time to be chasing growth in Brisbane, and he's here to tell us why.
 
In this conversation, we discuss the current state of the Brisbane property market, the implications of the upcoming Olympics, and the importance of strategic investment.
 
The discussion also highlights Melbourne's potential as a new investment opportunity, contrasting it with Brisbane's current market dynamics.
 
The conversation concludes with practical takeaways for investors looking to navigate the property landscape effectively.
 
Takeaways 
·         Brisbane's property market has seen significant growth but may be reaching its peak.
·         Understanding property cycles is crucial for making informed investment decisions.
·         The upcoming Olympics may not significantly impact the property market as expected.
·         Investors should look beyond Brisbane for opportunities, particularly in Melbourne.
·         Melbourne is currently undervalued compared to other major cities in Australia.
·         Quality locations with proven demand are essential for long-term investment success.
·         Investing strategically and based on data is more effective than following trends.
·         The local economy and job growth are key drivers of property demand.
·         Investors should be cautious of inexperienced agents pushing regional properties without solid economic foundations.
 
Chapters 
 
01:47 – Why the Brisbane Boom May Be Peaking 
03:59 – Olympics Hype vs Real Property Cycles 
06:43 – The Risks of Chasing Regional Queensland 
09:03 – Affordability Ceilings and Slowing Momentum 
13:11 – Why Crowd-Chasing Fails and What to Do Instead 
15:48 – Melbourne's Rebound and Sydney Apartment Opportunities
 
Links and Resources:
 
Answer this week's trivia question here - http://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.
 
Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au 
 
Get the team at Metropole to help build your personal Strategic Property Plan. Click here and have a chat with us
 
 
Brett Warren - National Director of Property at Metropole
 
Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here.
 
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. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/

What if the biggest lessons that will shape property investing in 2026 have already happened, and we just need to stop long enough to notice them?
 
Every year leaves clues. Some are obvious in hindsight, others quietly shape the next cycle without anyone paying attention.
 
And 2025 was packed with more of these clues than most years.
 
So today, Brett Warren and I unpack the 25 lessons from 2025 that smart property investors should carry into 2026 – the insights that help you cut through the noise, stay focused, and position yourself to thrive regardless of what the economy throws at us.
 
Takeaways 
·         Every fence in your life has a purpose; understand it before removing it.
·         Media headlines can mislead; focus on long-term strategies instead.
·         Investing is about finance, not just property; have a solid financial plan.
·         Don't follow the crowd; the majority often makes poor investment choices.
·         Diversification is key; don't rely on a single income stream.
·         AI can assist in property research, but human insight is irreplaceable.
·         Demand for property is outstripping supply, creating opportunities.
·         The wealth gap is widening; those who invest will benefit more.
·         Plan for the unexpected; have buffers in place for market fluctuations.
·         2026 is a year of opportunity for strategic investors.
 
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.
·        Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.
 
Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au 
 
Get the team at Metropole Wealth Advisory to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us
 
 
Brett Warren - National Director of Property at Metropole
 
 
Michael Yardney
 
Join Brett Warren and Michael Yardney, plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.
 
 
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.

Whether you're just starting out, deep in your wealth-building years, or nearing retirement, it's only natural to wonder: "How do I stack up compared to others?"
 
In today's show, Simon Kuestenmacher and I look into the fascinating – and sometimes uncomfortable world of generational wealth.
 
We discuss the current financial landscape, highlighting the wealth distribution among baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z.
 
 
Our conversation delves into the challenges faced by each generation, the impact of intergenerational wealth transfer, and the importance of strategic financial planning.
 
So if you're interested in whether you're on the right track financially – whether you're ahead of the average, or still catching up – stay tuned. This conversation might be the benchmark you've been looking for.
 
Takeaways 
 
·         Money only solves money problems, not all life problems.
·         Wealth is built over decades, not overnight.
·         Averages can be misleading; individual circumstances vary widely.
·         Property remains a key asset for wealth accumulation in Australia.
·         Generational wealth transfer is significant, especially from baby boomers to millennials.
·         Millennials face unique challenges in the current economic landscape.
·         Gen Z is just starting their financial journey with high debt levels.
·         Financial strategies should be deliberate and well-planned.
·         Relationships and health are crucial components of true wealth.
·         Understanding demographic trends can inform better financial decisions.
 
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.
 
 
Join Simon Kuestenmacher and Michael Yardney, plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.
 
 
Michael Yardney
 
Get the team at Metropole to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us
 
 
Simon Kuestenmacher: Australia's leading demographer and partner in the Demographics Group
 
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.

At the end of 2025, Australian property investors were hearing two very different stories.
 
On the one hand, we've seen strong price growth across most capital cities; rents were still painfully high for tenants, and auction clearance rates were holding up surprisingly well.
 
On the other hand, we were being warned about rising unemployment, sticky inflation, higher building costs, and plenty of noise about what could go wrong in 2026.
 
So what's really happening beneath the headlines? And more importantly, what does it mean for investors, home buyers and property markets next year?
 
Today, I'm joined by Dr Andrew Wilson to unpack his annual review of our housing markets for 2025 and his forecasts for 2026.
 
Andrew doesn't deal in hype. He deals in data, long-term trends, and the realities of how our housing markets actually work.
 
If you want clarity instead of clickbait, and perspective instead of panic, you'll want to stay with us.
 
Takeaways 
 
·         2025 saw strong property price growth despite economic challenges.
·         Interest rates and economic factors significantly influence housing markets.
·         Building approvals for units increased, but house approvals faced challenges.
·         Rental market showing signs of growth with low vacancies.
·         Auction clearance rates are a positive indicator for future prices.
·         House prices in major cities saw significant increases in 2025.
·         Economic growth and job market stability support housing demand.
·         Rising building costs may constrain new housing supply.
·         2026 is expected to continue the trend of property price growth.
·         Affordability remains a concern, but lending practices ensure market stability.
 
 
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
·        Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.
 
Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au 
 
Get the team at Metropole Wealth Advisory to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us.
 
Michael Yardney – Subscribe to my Property Update newsletter here
 
 
Join Michael Yardney plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.
 
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.

Today Ken Raiss and I zoom out from the noise, unpack what's really going on beneath the surface, and help you make sense of the shifting forces shaping our economy, our property markets, and your long-term wealth.
 
The RBA wrapped up the year with a steady hand, but the tone behind that decision has raised more than a few eyebrows. Sure inflation is easing… except where it's not. Growth is soft… except where it matters. And the Board is hinting that some of these price pressures may be more persistent than we hoped.
 
So the narrative of "rate cuts in 2026" suddenly looks a lot less convincing than some commentators would have us believe.
 
At the same time, the property markets are setting up for another fascinating year. Prices continue to rise despite all the affordability hand-wringing, and that's because the market is being driven not by those who can't afford to buy, but by those who can.
 
And that creates very different conditions for investors, upgraders, downsizers, and the bank of Mum and Dad.
 
Plus, there's a fresh wave of questions about mortgage strategy. Should you fix now? Should you stay variable? Is waiting a mistake? With mixed signals from lenders - some even lifting fixed rates - this decision is far from straightforward.
 
Takeaways 
 
·         The Reserve Bank is navigating a complex economic landscape.
·         Interest rates are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future.
·         Inflation continues to be a significant concern for the economy.
·         The property market is influenced by those with financial capacity.
·         Intergenerational wealth transfer is becoming increasingly important.
·         Mortgage strategies should be tailored to individual circumstances.
·         The bank of mum and dad plays a crucial role in property purchases.
·         Understanding market dynamics is essential for investors.
·         Financial planning should align with long-term goals.
·         A holistic approach to wealth management is necessary.
 
Chapters 
 
00:00 Why inflation risks keep rate cuts further away than expected.
04:00 The RBA's inflation dilemma as growth stays soft.
08:10 Per-capita recession pressures and who rates really hurt.
10:40 Why property prices rise despite affordability stress.
13:40 Equity, downsizers and the Bank of Mum & Dad drive demand.
16:40 Fix or variable: certainty, affordability and smart loan strategy.
 
Links and Resources:
 
Answer this week's trivia question here - https://www.propertytrivia.com.au/
·        Win a hard copy of What Every Property Investor Needs To Know About Finance, Tax And The Law
·        Everyone wins a copy of a fully updated property report – What's ahead for property for 2026 and beyond.
 
Join Ken Raiss and Michael Yardney, plus a team of experts, at Wealth Retreat 2026 on the Gold Coast in May. Find out more about it here and register your interest www.wealthretreat.com.au It's Australia's premier event for successful investors and business people.
https://www.wealthretreat.com.au/
 
Get a bundle of eBooks and Reports at: www.PodcastBonus.com.au
 
 
Michael Yardney
 
Get the team at Metropole Wealth Advisory to create a Strategic Wealth plan for your needs. Click here and have a chat with us
 
 
Ken Raiss, Director of Metropole Wealth Advisory
 
 
 
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. Or click here: https://demographicsdecoded.com.au/