Is Australia's property market really performing the way the headlines suggest?

In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Thompson sits down with independent property economist Cameron Kusher to unpack what's actually happening beneath the surface of today's housing market.

From interest rates and buyer confidence through to property data, sales volumes and long-term housing fundamentals, Cameron explains why the widely reported numbers don't always reflect what's happening on the ground.

They discuss:

✅ Why major property indices can lag reality
✅ Why some markets may be down more than reported
✅ The importance of stock levels, listings and days on market
✅ Why sales volumes matter more than many people realise
✅ The impact of higher interest rates across the broader economy
✅ Whether waiting for prices to recover is a good strategy
✅ Australia's housing shortage and migration trends
✅ Why asset selection will matter more in the years ahead

Because understanding what's really happening in the market is often more valuable than following the headlines.

🏡 Thinking about buying a home?

Watch PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series that helps Australians Prepare, Research and Execute their next property purchase with confidence.

🎥 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase

⏰Timestamps
00:00 Should you wait for property prices to recover?
00:19 Meet Cameron Kusher
01:35 What's driving today's housing market?
02:00 Interest rates, tax changes and buyer confidence
02:48 Why property data may be understating declines
03:40 The market says 5%. Reality says 8-9%
03:59 Why falling sales volumes matter more
04:32 Why buyers behave differently to share investors
04:49 How housing impacts the broader economy
05:08 More rate rises ahead?
05:32 Why Cameron expects future rate cuts
06:04 How to get a real-time read on the market
06:23 The key indicators Cameron watches
06:59 Why buyers may have more opportunity today
07:19 Upgrading in a falling market
07:42 Should you wait for prices to recover?
08:12 Cameron's three key market indicators
08:23 Property, confidence and human behaviour
09:09 The long-term housing fundamentals
09:49 Housing shortages and migration
10:13 Why asset selection matters more than ever
10:47 Final takeaways

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

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What happens when property prices stop going up? 🏠

For buyers, it might feel like an opportunity. For homeowners and investors, it can raise a very different question: what does this mean for my wealth?

But the impact of a property slowdown can reach much further than the Aussies simply buying and selling.

In this week’s episode, Ben is joined by independent property economist Cameron Kusher and economic futurist Evan Lucas to discuss the changing property market, the pressures on Australian households and the economic decisions we can no longer avoid.

They explore why Cameron thinks the next 30 years could look different for property investors, whether Australians are working harder just to stay afloat, and why Evan is watching for a potential “spending cliff” after Christmas.

So, is Australia heading for a property market reckoning?

Let the debate begin…

FREE STUFF MENTIONED

• 📊 HOW MUCH IS YOUR PROPERTY WORTH?
  Explore Moorr’s property research tools, including property value estimates, to better understand your property and the market.
  👉 Explore the new features >>
• 💰 COULD YOU FREE UP MORE HOUSEHOLD CASH FLOW?
  Watch Ben’s Money & Mortgage Management webinar for practical ways to manage your money and create more breathing room.
  👉 Watch the replay >>
• 📱 SEE WHERE YOUR MONEY’S REALLY GOING
  Discover Moorr’s new cash flow breakdown and expense dashboard to compare your budget with actual spending.
  👉 See what’s new in Moorr >>
  🏘️ CONNECT WITH CAMERON KUSHER
  Looking for deeper property market insights? Explore Kusher Consulting’s property research, analysis and commentary.
  👉 Find out more about Kusher Consulting >>
• Guests & Episodes Mentioned:
  • 324 | Property Market Outlook 2021 – Chat With Cameron Kusher

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

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- Make Money Simple Again

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Think back to your very first interaction with money. Not your first job or bank account, but the first time it was physically in your hands.

For most of us, it probably went something like this: you were a toddler, you found a coin, and you put it straight in your mouth. An adult pulled it out and said: Don’t do that. Money is dirty.

Obviously, they were talking about germs. But it’s a fascinating example of how early the language around money begins.

In this week’s Throwback Tuesday snippet, entrepreneur and author Denise Duffield-Thomas explores the money messages we absorb growing up and how these beliefs can sit underneath our decisions for years.

📖 The Money Beliefs You Didn’t Know You Had
🎧 Listen to the original episode

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

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Most people don't avoid insurance because they think it's bad. They avoid it because they'll "get around to it later."

In this episode of Friday Fundamentals, Shane sits down with insurance specialist Don Glendinning to bust some of the biggest myths surrounding life insurance, income protection and personal cover.

They unpack why so many Australians delay getting insurance, what can happen when unexpected events strike, and why even basic cover can be better than having none at all.

Whether you're buying a home, starting a family, building wealth, or simply trying to protect your future, this conversation will help you understand why insurance is a key part of any financial plan.

In this episode:

✅ Why people keep delaying insurance decisions
✅ The risks of relying on luck and good health
✅ What income protection actually does
✅ Insurance through super vs personal cover
✅ Why financial advisers play a critical role
✅ Common misconceptions about insurance costs
✅ The importance of reviewing your cover before major life events

If you've ever thought "I'll sort that out later", this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

🏡 Thinking About Buying A Home?

Check out PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series designed to help Australians buy property with greater confidence.

From creating a property brief through to auctions, negotiations and settlement, each episode tackles a key stage of the buying journey.

🎥 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase

⌛Timestamps

00:00 Why insurance can't always wait
00:25 Introduction to the insurance myth
00:58 The "I'll get around to it later" mindset
01:31 Real stories of insurance regrets
02:25 What happens when income suddenly stops?
02:56 Understanding income protection
03:41 The backup plan most people overlook
03:49 Why you should review your cover today
04:51 Major life events and insurance timing
05:05 Is insurance really too expensive?
06:23 Insurance through advisers, super and direct providers
07:10 Why super insurance may not be enough
08:24 Australia's underinsurance problem
09:08 Industry changes and fewer advisers
09:55 Why professional advice matters
10:04 Pre-Purchase podcast update

#Insurance #LifeInsurance #IncomeProtection #FinancialPlanning #PersonalFinance #MoneyTips #FinancialAdvice #FridayFundamentals #WealthBuilding #PropertyCouch

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

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👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

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What if the property that solves your cash-flow problem today creates a much bigger problem tomorrow? 🚨

With property investors reassessing their next move, high-yield apartments and commercial property are attracting attention. But behind the attractive numbers, are buyers asking enough questions about asset quality, vacancy risk and who will eventually buy the property from them?

In Episode 620, Lachlan Delahunty from Follio returns to join Ben for a post-budget follow-discussion in Episode 601.

🔍 They unpack the risks emerging as investors chase yield, why some regional property owners could struggle to find an exit buyer, and how to review your existing portfolio before committing to another purchase.

📍 Then it’s around the grounds for Melbourne, Sydney and Perth: where Lachlan sees opportunity, where he believes patience is needed, and what could help confidence return.

Listen now!

FREE STUFF MENTIONED

• 🎟️ FREE WEBINAR: Where Does Your Money Go?
  7:30pm AEDT, Tuesday 27 October
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• 🏡 FREE PRE-PURCHASE SERIES: Get Ready Before You Buy
  Thinking of buying? Join Shane and Ben Thompson for practical preparation tips from both sides of the property transaction. 👉 Watch the series >>
• 📊 FREE PROPERTY REPORTS: Look Beyond the Headlines
  Before choosing your next location, dig into the data. Explore Moorr’s free property reports to make a more informed decision.
  👉 Download your free property reports
• 🏘️ CONNECT WITH LACHLAN & FOLLIO
  Find out more about Lachlan and the Follio team.👉 https://follio.com.au/
• 🎙️ REVISIT EPISODE 601: Lachlan’s Previous Appearance
  Go back to Ben and Lachlan’s post-budget conversation for the context behind this week’s follow-up.👉 https://thepropertycouch.com.au/ep-601-lachlan-delahunty/

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

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Ask most people what financial freedom looks like and you’ll get a number. A portfolio size, a passive income figure, a date on the calendar.

Michael Kemp answers it with three words instead: friends, family, freedom.

In this week’s Throwback Tuesday snippet, Michael (author of The Ulysses Contract) explains why he sees money as a pool of capital rather than simply a way to buy things... and why the goal is to live off the harvest, not the farm itself.

Plus: the 2,300-year-old Greek philosopher who was thinking about these same ideas, his mother’s lesson about why owning more makes life more complicated, and the Buffett principle he still holds onto.

📖 What Financial Freedom Actually Looks Like
🎧 Listen to the original episode
📗 How to Retire on $3,000 a Week

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
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👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

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If a property reaches its advertised reserve price... doesn't it have to sell?

Surprisingly, no.

In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Shane Pope is joined by veteran auctioneer Glen Coutinho to unpack Victoria's recent auction rule changes and explain why they may be creating more confusion rather than clarity.

They discuss:

✅ What happens when a reserve price is published
✅ Whether a vendor is actually required to sell
✅ Why buyers may be misunderstanding the new rules
✅ How auctions are changing in response to the legislation
✅ Why some properties may still sell below their advertised reserve
✅ The opportunities that confusion can create for prepared buyers

Because in today's market, not understanding the rules could mean missing the right property altogether.

🏡 Thinking About Buying A Home?

Check out PRE-Purchase, our free 10-part video series designed to help Australians navigate the buying journey with confidence.

From creating a property brief and researching suburbs through to negotiations, auctions and settlement, each episode tackles a key stage of the purchasing process.

🎥 Watch now:
https://thepropertycouch.com.au/prepurchase

⌛Timestamps
0:00 Has the new legislation made auctions harder?
0:24 Why Shane is frustrated
1:11 The reserve price question
1:16 Does a vendor have to sell?
1:53 Why the legislation creates confusion
2:14 Has the policy achieved its goal?
2:34 Alternative selling methods emerge
2:50 Why expressions of interest are increasing
3:14 Why buyers may miss opportunities
3:31 Shane's advice to buyers
4:01 The buyer's agent question
4:20 The key clue buyers miss
4:47 Why you should still attend auctions
5:04 Opportunity in a confusing market
5:23 Some of the best buying opportunities
5:58 PRE-Purchase success stories

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

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Some properties keep attracting buyers. Others need a discount to get their attention.

What separates the two? Is it the renovation? The suburb? The school around the corner? Or could moving just one street over change what you’re really buying?

This week, Glen Coutinho, RT Edgar Sales Manager, returns to The Property Couch almost a decade after his first appearance, joining Ben Kingsley and Shane Pope to unpack the lessons that come from 40 years in real estate.

From Melbourne to Beverly Hills and back, Glen has built his career in what he calls “the rejection business”. Along the way, he’s learned how to spot buyer mistakes, build relationships with competitors, and recognise the properties people keep coming back for.

Tune in for an episode jam-packed with wisdom!

FREE STUFF MENTIONED

• 🎟️ FREE WEBINAR: Where Does Your Money Go?
  7:30pm AEDT, Tuesday 27 October
  Find more money, keep more money and turn spare cash into financial progress with Ben’s practical household finance tips.
  👉 Register free today
• 🎧 FREE PRE-PURCHASE SERIES: Prepare, Research & Execute
  Don’t let your first lesson come after you’ve signed. Get prepared for the research, decisions and negotiations ahead.
  👉 Get ready to buy >>
• 🌳 FREE INFOGRAPHIC: What Makes Some Locations Outperform?
  Love the house? Take a closer look at the land. Explore Ben’s framework for understanding what drives location value over time.
  👉 Explore the Land Value Framework >>
• 🎙️ FINAL SUMMER SERIES CALL-OUT: Someone Could Learn From Your Story
  The turning point. The tough lesson. The years of staying the course. Your experience could help another listener find their way.
  👉 Share your story >>
• 🤝 CONNECT WITH GLEN COUTINHO

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform: https://www.moorr.com.au/

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube