The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate

Property investment has entered dangerous new territory. What used to be about building long-term wealth has become clouded by hype, shortcuts, and unqualified advice. Investors are being drawn into speculative schemes disguised as strategy. In this episode, Veronica and Chris sit down with Ben Kingsley, Founding Managing Director of Empower Wealth and Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA), to unpack the alarming resurgence of speculative, misleading, and unlicensed property advice spreading across Australia.Ben recently authored an open letter to industry associations, warning of “get-rich-quick” operators, social media influencers, and unqualified advisors encouraging investors to buy properties through risky trust structures and self-managed super funds. He reveals how these practices are distorting regional markets, luring naive investors, and potentially triggering a regulatory backlash that could reshape the entire property sector.From “pump and dump” tactics to trust lending loopholes and the rise of volume-driven buyer’s agents buying sight unseen, this conversation exposes the systemic risks emerging from the unregulated fringes of the industry. Ben, Veronica, and Chris also explore how social media hype, FOMO marketing, and easy credit are fueling another wave of short-term speculation that could end in disaster.If you care about the future of Australia’s property market—or just want to protect yourself from being swept up in the next boom-and-bust cycle—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.Episode Highlights00:00 — Why Risky Property Advice Is Back on the Rise01:36 — Speculative Behaviour: The Return of Fast-Money Mindsets02:25 — How Speculation Threatens Consumers and Market Stability03:59 — Unlicensed Advisors and the Power of Social Media Influence06:14 — Regional Market Distortions: When Buyer’s Agents Go Rogue08:21 — Will ASIC Step In? The Push for Property Regulation10:16 — The Role (and Responsibility) of Brokers and Buyer’s Agents13:01 — What Happens Next: Ben’s Call for Industry Reform32:06 — Rising Prices, Rising Pressure: The Human Cost of Property33:51 — Regional Boom or Bubble? Understanding the Market Risks36:41 — Property Prices vs. Fundamentals: When Growth Defies Logic39:47 — Speculation vs. Strategy: The Long-Term Investment Divide42:14 — Economic Viability: The Missing Piece in Modern Investing49:00 — Building a Sustainable Property Business, Not a Hype Machine52:41 — Owning Mistakes and the Power of Industry Accountability54:26 — Final Thoughts: Restoring Trust in Property AdviceLinksArticle: https://pica.asn.au/alarm-unlicensed-advice-market/ About the GuestBen Kingsley is the Founding and Managing Director of Empower Wealth and the inaugural Chair of the Property Investors Council of Australia (PICA). A Qualified Property Investment Advisor (QPIA) and one of Australia’s most respected voices in property, finance, and money management, Ben has spent over two decades advocating for professional standards and consumer protection in the property investment sector.A multi-award-winning advisor and frequent media commentator, Ben co-authored two bestselling books — The Armchair Guide to Property Investing and Make Money Simple Again — and co-hosts The Property Couch, Australia’s #1 property, finance, and money management podcast. Through Empower Wealth, Ben leads an integrated team of experts providing holistic financial advice across property, finance, tax, and wealth management.Driven by his belief that “anyone can improve their financial outcomes, regardless of their starting point,” Ben continues to challenge industry complacency and push for responsible, transparent, and ethical property investment practices across Australia.Connect with BenBen’s LinkedInBen’s EmailBen’s TwitterEmpower Wealth WebsiteEmpower Wealth LinkedInResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3r0nnJrLUu3t1GpO7X3j6E If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

William Laing, Co-founder and CEO of Quiet List, dives into the hidden world of off-market real estate transactions. With a background in luxury real estate, he reveals that nearly 20% of Sydney homes are now sold off-market. Laing clarifies what constitutes off-market vs pre-market listings and discusses how buyer's agents play a pivotal role. He also shares insights on the challenges of verifying off-market transactions and the platform's mission to streamline agent connections while addressing privacy concerns in the property market.

Australia’s strata system was once a clever solution to urban living — a way to share land, lift homeownership, and build communities in growing cities. But decades later, that same framework is struggling to keep up with modern life.What once worked for small, low-rise communities now governs the high-density towers that house millions of Australians. The result? Costs have climbed, decision-making has grown more complex, and owners often find themselves footing bills for problems they didn’t createIn this episode, Prof. Cathy Sherry — Professor at Macquarie Law School and Executive Member of Smart Green Cities — explains how Australia’s outdated strata laws are now out of step with the country’s housing and sustainability goals. A leading international expert in land law and high-density development, Prof. Sherry unpacks how laws written in the 1960s for small walk-ups can’t handle the complexity of modern cities, locking owners into costly contracts, rising levies, and embedded energy networks that limit both choice and progress.From the hidden costs buried in off-the-plan sales to the barriers stopping apartments from going solar, Cathy reveals how a system designed to help Australians share space has instead made it harder to live well, live green, and live fairly.Listen now to learn why reforming strata isn’t just a legal fix — it’s key to building a fairer, more sustainable housing future for everyone.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction01:16 — Meet Prof. Cathy Sherry: Australia’s Leading Expert on Strata Law01:50 — How Shared Living Became Complex: The Challenge of Strata Ownership03:15 — Strata Levies, Legal Layers, and Why Collective Ownership Is Tricky06:37 — The Hidden Dangers of Buying Off-the-Plan Apartments in Australia11:09 — Embedded Networks Explained: The Hidden Costs of Strata Energy Deals20:18 — Can the Law Catch Up? Why Strata Reform Is Urgent for Modern Cities26:00 — Stratum Lots and Mixed-Use Buildings: Understanding Shared Land Titles26:48 — What Strata Management Statements Mean for Building Governance27:32 — Why Prof. Cathy Sherry Advocates for Fairer and Smarter Housing Laws28:54 — High-Density Housing Challenges: When Bigger Doesn’t Mean Better30:11 — Why Home Ownership Still Matters for Stability and Social Equality31:51 — Where Strata Schemes Fail: Issues With Governance and Accountability35:23 — How Investor Incentives Have Shaped Australia’s Housing Market43:27 — Smart Green Cities: Connecting Strata Reform to Sustainability Goals44:42 — Property Dumbo: A Real-World Example of Strata Mismanagement46:20 — Final Reflections and Where to Learn More From Prof. Cathy SherryLinksArticle: Embedded networks in high-density and master-planned housingAbout the GuestCathy Sherry is a Professor in Macquarie Law School and Executive Member of Smart Green Cities. She is a leading international expert in land law, with a particular focus on high density development. Her book Strata Title Property Rights: Private governance of multi-owned properties (Routledge, 2017) is the first academic monograph on Australian strata title. It has been cited by the Privy Council and the New South Wales Court of Appeal. Professor Sherry's research focuses on the complex legal, economic and social relationships created by collectively owned land. Professor Sherry regularly advises governments, domestically and internationally, on the laws governing multi-owned properties. She was a member of the United Kingdom Law Commission Technical Committee for the Reform of Commonhold from 2018-2020, and was engaged by the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) to reform the Fijian Unit Titles Act 1985 in 2021. She has advised governments in Asia, the Pacific and Middle East. In 2012, Professor Sherry was employed by the Administration of Norfolk Island to write a White Paper on the introduction of strata title to the Island, leading to the Community Title Act 2015 (NI).Connect with CathyLinkedInResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXCathy0?si=26cde394fa854765If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

Australia’s housing shortage isn’t just about planning approvals or red tape — it’s about money. In this episode, commercial finance expert Jean-Pierre Gortan, Joint Founder of Simplicity Loans & Advisory, joins Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates to unpack the financial bottlenecks preventing new homes from being built, even in areas crying out for supply.Jean-Pierre draws on more than two decades of experience structuring complex, multi-lender deals to explain why so many developments are stuck in limbo. From Parramatta to Penrith, he reveals how post-COVID construction cost blowouts, tighter lending standards, and broken feasibility models have made many projects impossible to fund — even with demand at record highs.They discuss how non-bank lenders are filling the void left by traditional banks, why build-to-rent projects still struggle to stack up in high-cost cities like Sydney, and what state governments are doing through rezoning, TOD corridors, and density incentives to unlock supply. Jean-Pierre also shares insights into how the market differs between NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, and what policy shifts could finally make housing delivery viable again.This is a candid, ground-level look at the economics of housing supply — and a reminder that Australia’s housing crisis won’t be solved by planning reforms alone, but by rethinking how development is financed.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction02:12 — How COVID Cost Blowouts Crushed Feasibility03:51 — When Projects Don’t Stack Up Financially05:22 — Why Government Fixes Aren’t Solving Supply15:38 — Non-Bank Lenders: Who’s Funding Projects Now18:02 — Developers Adapting to a Tougher Market21:32 — How Finance Shapes Future Housing Supply25:53 — Residential vs Commercial: Shared Challenges26:27 — Why Banks Pulled Back from Construction Loans28:18 — Can Government Programs Reignite Building?29:48 — Pre-Sales Pressure: A Hidden Project Killer31:10 — Quality, Oversight, and Building Regulation Costs32:39 — Red Tape and Rezoning: The Slow Path to Supply36:40 –  Transport Oriented Development (TOD) and LMR Zones43:08 — Property Dumbo: Overconfidence in Feasibility44:45 — Final Thoughts: Funding and the Road AheadLinksJean-Pierre Gortan (website bio)LMR ViewerAbout the GuestJean-Pierre Gortan is the Joint Founder of Simplicity Loans & Advisory and one of Australia’s most respected figures in commercial finance. A back-to-back winner of the Australian Broker of the Year Award by MPA Magazine, Jean-Pierre has built a national reputation for solving some of the country’s most complex funding challenges with creativity, precision, and integrity.With more than two decades of experience across property, business, and development finance, he has been instrumental in steering Simplicity’s growth into one of Australia’s leading independent advisory firms. His expertise lies in structuring sophisticated, multi-lender transactions — from nine-figure refinances to bespoke development facilities — all with a focus on delivering exceptional client outcomes.Beyond finance, Jean-Pierre is a passionate advocate for community causes, having raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through initiatives such as the Larapinta Stage Race, the CEO Sleepout, and his ongoing support for the Women’s Resilience Centre. A proud father of two daughters, he believes true success lies in creating meaningful impact — for clients, colleagues, and the wider community — and in using business as a force for good.Connect with JPLinkedInSimplicity Loans and Advisory (Website)ResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

Property decisions today hinge on interest rates, inflation, and housing demand — but what if the traditional signals we’ve all relied on no longer give the full picture?In this episode, we sit down with Alan Oster, former Chief Economist of NAB and one of Australia’s most respected economic voices, to unpack what really matters in a housing market under stress.Alan explains why GDP, unemployment, and even consumer surveys can mislead investors, and why real-time banking data has changed the game. He shares stories from decades of forecasting — including times when the “headline” numbers pointed in the wrong direction — and highlights the three signals he believes are most useful for understanding where housing is headed.From the rental crisis to the impact of migration and state government land taxes, Alan dives into the structural pressures reshaping demand. He also addresses productivity stagnation, the future role of AI in jobs and housing, and why policy missteps continue to ripple through Australia’s economy.Whether you’re a property investor, policymaker, or simply trying to understand what’s next for interest rates and housing demand, Alan offers candid insights you won’t hear in the headlines. This episode is a rare chance to learn from the economist who has shaped Australia’s forecasting for over three decades.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction00:22 – Meet Alan Oster: NAB’s Former Chief Economist02:01 – Global Headwinds: US Politics, Tariffs & Trade03:01 – Economics as Psychology: Market Reactions Explained04:11 – Real-Time Banking Data Changes Forecasting05:12 – COVID Lessons: Spending Falls by Postcode06:30 – Hidden Stress: Households, Jobs & Policy Gaps13:49 – Australia’s Productivity Problem Unpacked15:35 – AI, Migration & the Future of Work23:36 – Property Choices: Wealth, Debt & Investor Behaviour26:10 – Land Taxes and Why Investors Are Selling27:05 – Migration, Housing Supply & the Rental Crunch28:22 – State Outlooks: Victoria, Adelaide, NSW & QLD29:05 – How Banks View Mortgages & Housing Risk31:45 – Productivity Growth Slows in Australia33:55 – Policy Fixes: Tax Reform & Build-to-Rent36:04 – Housing Market Costs, Supply & Gov’t Guarantees37:34 – Lessons from Past Crises & Recessions44:04 – Property Dumbo: Alan’s Downsizing StoryAbout the GuestAlan Oster is one of Australia’s most trusted economic forecasters, best known for his 33 years as Chief Economist at NAB. During his tenure, he built NAB’s influential Monthly Business Survey and pioneered the use of real-time banking data to track household and business behaviour — insights now shared with the RBA, ABS, and Treasury.Before joining NAB in 1992, Alan spent 15 years at Commonwealth Treasury, including four years in Paris as Australia’s representative at the OECD. Recognised as an authority on economic forecasting, monetary policy, and housing demand, he is a sought-after commentator in both public and private circles.Alan retired from NAB in 2025 but continues to share his expertise, offering a rare blend of sharp economic analysis and practical insights for policymakers, businesses, and property investors alike.Connect with AlanLinkedInResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

What’s really driving property investors in 2025? The latest PIPA Investor Sentiment Survey lays it bare — and the results matter for every investor, renter, and policymaker in Australia.In this episode, we’re joined by Lachlan Vidler, Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA), to unpack the top findings. The survey shows investors are selling under pressure—with debt reduction, compliance costs, and land tax topping the list of reasons. But here’s the kicker: when those properties are sold, only 42% stay in the rental pool, shrinking rental supply and pushing rents higher.Policy risk looms large too. More than half of investors said they’d exit if negative gearing was altered, while others flagged land tax, compliance, and rental caps as breaking points. Yet in the same breath, nearly 60% of investors still believe it’s a good time to buy. That fragile optimism is keeping the market alive even as costs bite.Finally, the survey reveals who investors actually turn to for advice—mostly mortgage brokers and accountants, not property specialists. Why does that matter? Because it explains why investor behaviour often swings between optimism and panic, shaping rental markets and property prices in ways that affect us all.This episode is packed with insights every property investor needs to hear—because the decisions you and your peers make today are reshaping Australia’s housing market for tomorrow.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction02:04 – Why the Rental Market Is Being Reshaped03:11 – Top Reasons Investors Are Selling Properties04:39 – How Rising Costs Erode Investor Confidence07:08 – Pain in Melbourne, Gains in Brisbane08:15 – Federal Reforms Driving Investor Uncertainty12:02 – The Rental Pool Is Shrinking—What It Means14:29 – Supply, Demand, and Speculative Investment22:34 – Why Industry and Government Clash on Reform26:17 – How Politics Shapes Investor Outcomes28:40 – Lobbying, Legislation, and Investor Reaction31:06 – Who Investors Really Trust for Property Advice34:15 – Why Investors Need Holistic Property Guidance38:29 – Fragile Optimism: 60% Still Say It’s Time to Buy47:39 – Property Dumbo: Signing Contracts Too Soon50:01 – Wrap-Up and Where to Find PIPA ResourcesMentionsRental crisis worsens as more investors exit the market – 2025 PIPA Investor SurveyAbout the GuestLachlan Vidler is the Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA), the peak body advocating for higher standards and transparency across the property industry. With deep experience as a property advisor and investor, Lachlan brings unique insight into the data and psychology behind investor behaviour.At PIPA, he works to raise professional standards, educate investors, and shape better policy outcomes for the housing sector. His leadership positions him at the centre of Australia’s most pressing conversations on affordability, rental supply, and the future of property investment.Connect with LachlanLinkedInInstagramResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

Short-term rentals have faced caps, levies, and rising costs. Investors are asking the big question: Does the short-stay model still work?In this episode, Quirin Schwaighofer, co-founder and co-CEO of MadeComfy, joins us to unpack the state of the short-stay market in 2025. We talk about how regulations like NSW’s 180-day cap and Byron Bay’s 60-day limits are reshaping operations, where demand is shifting post-COVID, and why distribution has moved far beyond Airbnb.We also dive into when mid-term furnished rentals can outperform, what investors should track weekly to stay ahead, and the pitfalls that even seasoned owners fall into.If you’re weighing short-term vs mid-term or wondering how to keep income resilient under new rules, this episode is for you.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction01:15 – Meet Quirin Schwaighofer: MadeComfy's Journey01:51 – Acquisition by Prism: A New Chapter04:06 – Post-COVID: a tougher, smarter short-stay market07:11 – NSW rules, caps, and what they really mean11:15 – How other markets handle short-stay caps14:14 – Demand shifts and investor behaviour in 202519:21 – Strategies for short-term rental success25:04 – Where short-stays still shine (and struggle)26:03 – What MadeComfy actually does for owners27:02 – Beyond Airbnb: competing channels and share28:26 – Common short-stay pitfalls (and fixes)31:36 – Supply, yield, and the housing market picture32:58 – Byron Bay: balancing tourism and housing39:16 – What government should fix—and how44:17 – Closing advice for owners and investorsAbout the GuestQuirin Schwaighofer is the Co-CEO & Co-Founder of MadeComfy, the Australian accommodation innovator helping real estate professionals and investors enter and scale in short-term and mid-term rentals with tech-driven operations and a trusted consumer brand. Since 2015, he’s raised $20M+ in growth capital, won multiple Shortyz awards, and led MadeComfy to recognition in AFR BOSS’s Best Places to Work and the AFR Fast 100.In 2025, MadeComfy reached a major milestone with its acquisition by global hospitality platform OYO, marking Australia’s second-largest short-term rental industry exit after Stayz. Prior to MadeComfy, Quirin co-founded a mobile workforce platform (HiKey Resources), led large-scale projects at BHP Billiton Iron Ore, and even launched a hospitality venue while completing a Master in Industrial Engineering and an Executive MBA (AGSM @ UNSW). A German-born entrepreneur and dad of three, he blends strategic vision with hands-on ops across sales, marketing, and market expansion.Connect with QuirinWebsite (MadeComfy): https://www.madecomfy.com.au/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quirin-schwaighofer/ResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

Property management in Australia has been facing challenges for years — tenants feel ignored, landlords are frustrated, and managers are burning out. The question is: is the entire model broken beyond repair?In this episode, we sit down with Scott Bateman, strategist, innovator, and founder of property management platform Kolmeo, to unpack what’s gone wrong and what the future could look like. Scott brings unique insights from running Australia’s largest property management business, where outdated systems, legislative overload, and high staff turnover made clear that incremental fixes weren’t enough.We explore why property management has long been treated as a poor cousin to sales, why one in three managers leave the industry within 11 months, and how fragmented tech solutions have created more problems than they solve. Scott also explains how AI and structured processes could standardise quality, reduce burnout, and make renting a dignified experience rather than a second-class one.Along the way, we tackle the unintended consequences of well-meaning legislation, why institutional investment won’t solve the rental crisis, and whether property managers could evolve into strategic advisors rather than administrators. This conversation isn’t just about real estate — it’s about reimagining an industry at a crossroads.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction: Is Property Management Broken?01:41 – Why the Current Property Management Model Fails05:25 – Tech: Part of the Problem or the Solution?15:52 – Why the Industry Struggles to Embrace Change17:20 – Market Shifts Reshaping Property Management19:52 – How Tenant Behavior Is Changing the Market21:36 – The Future of Property Management Technology22:22 – Shifting Perspectives on Offshoring and Technology23:20 – AI and the Promise of Radical Efficiency25:08 – Challenges in Property Management Compliance25:59 – Tenant Data, Bias, and the Rental Dilemma31:26 – Can Property Managers Become Advisors?36:26 – Balancing the Landlord-Tenant-Manager Triangle41:42 – Why Scaling Property Management Is So Hard42:19 – Lessons Learned: Rethinking the IndustryAbout the GuestScott Bateman has firmly cemented himself as one of Australian real estate’s most influential voices on organisational strategy, technology, and innovation. With a career spanning banking, insurance, and property, Scott spent more than a decade at Westpac and IAG before leading the growth and transformation of Australia’s largest property management business.In 2020, he launched Kolmeo, a game-changing property management platform now embraced by some of the country’s most innovative agencies, including Nelson Alexander, Xceed, Melbourne Real Estate, and Marshall White. Educated at Harvard Business School, Scott blends rigorous academic research with real-world practice, offering a unique perspective on how strategy and technology can reshape industries.Connect with ScottWebsite (Kolmeo): https://kolmeo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/batemanscott/X: https://x.com/batemanscottResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

Australia’s housing market has been facing growing pressures in recent years.Homeowners often sit on millions in equity but can’t easily access it, while aspiring buyers without the “Bank of Mum and Dad” struggle to get into the market. At the same time, investors chase capital growth but face the costly, stressful reality of being landlords.In this episode, we sit down with Evan Thornley, CEO of LongView, to explore a smarter alternative: a residential property fund that unlocks equity for homeowners and delivers strong returns for investors. Through products like HomeFlex and Buying Boost, LongView’s fund allows existing owners to access cash without selling, while helping buyers bridge the deposit gap. For investors, the fund offers exposure to capital growth across a diversified pool of quality homes — without the headaches of tenants, maintenance, or leverage.Evan explains how LongView uses data science and on-the-ground expertise to identify “RODWELLs” (Robust Older Dwellings on Well Located Land), ensuring the fund consistently outperforms the market. We also hear real-world stories: families who avoided selling during divorce, homeowners funding life-changing renovations, and younger buyers who gained a foothold in the market sooner.If you’re a homeowner looking to unlock equity, or an investor seeking a lower-risk, higher-return alternative to landlordism, this conversation reveals why LongView’s fund might be the future of property investing in Australia.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction01:37 – Innovative Property Ownership Models04:02 – HomeFlex: Unlocking Home Equity06:26 – Predicting Capital Growth in Property13:44 – Investment Strategies and Market Insights17:09 – Client and Investor Perspectives26:36 – Diversification and Risk Management28:26 – Portfolio Distribution Across Cities28:46 – Future Fund Plans and Social Purpose30:18 – Challenges in Setting Up Funds31:23 – Clarifying Equity vs. Growth33:23 – Investor Appeal and Market Potential36:07 – Buying Boost and Shared Equity38:03 – Client Success Stories44:26 – Final Thoughts and ConclusionAbout the GuestEvan Thornley is the co-founder and CEO of LongView, a recognised leader in residential property buying and management that is pioneering funds management in Australia’s existing dwelling asset class. A technology and social entrepreneur, Evan has been a property investor for more than 30 years across Australia and the US.Before turning his focus to housing, Evan co-founded LookSmart Ltd, one of the first Australian tech companies to list on NASDAQ, reaching a peak market value of AUD $14.2 billion and returning its investors 100x. He also co-founded GoodStart, Australia’s largest social venture and the world’s largest early childhood education provider. His career has spanned entrepreneurship, social impact, and public policy — including serving as Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation under Premier Steve Bracks, co-founding the think tank Per Capita, and helping launch activist network GetUp!For the past eight years, Evan has been consumed with finding solutions to Australia’s housing challenges. Through LongView, he has built a platform that blends data science, deep property expertise, and innovative financial structures. His mission: to unlock housing wealth in ways that deliver both strong investor returns and better outcomes for Australian homeowners and buyers.Connect with EvanWebsite: https://LongView.com.au/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evan.thornley/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanthornley/ResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris

Australia’s housing crisis isn’t just a social problem — it’s an economic one.In this episode, Robert Pradolin, founder of Housing All Australians, argues that secure, affordable housing must be treated as essential infrastructure for the nation’s prosperity. With over 40 years in residential development, Robert brings both insider knowledge and bold solutions to a system that has been failing for decades.We dig into how the private sector can mobilise unused buildings as “pop-up shelters,” why compassionate capitalism is redefining the role of developers, and how innovative construction methods like lightweight timber can cut costs and carbon emissions. Robert also lays out the staggering numbers behind the crisis: a $290 billion shortfall in social and affordable housing, and the economic risks of inaction — including the threat of civil unrest.The conversation challenges the myth that profit and purpose are mutually exclusive, showing instead how private capital, community land, and government policy could combine to unlock large-scale solutions. We also explore global models like inclusionary zoning, what Australia can learn from them, and the need for a national pipeline of prefabricated housing.If you’ve ever wondered why governments keep stalling, what’s holding back institutional investment, and what it will really take to solve this crisis, this episode is essential listening. The message is clear: housing for all isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of a stable, productive, and fair society.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction01:51 – The Journey and Motivation Behind Housing All Australians03:04 – Compassionate Capitalism and Private Sector Involvement04:10 – Strategies and Initiatives for Affordable Housing05:52 – Success Stories and Case Studies09:51 – Challenges and Economic Imperatives21:23 – Comparing Global Approaches to Affordable Housing26:21 – Innovative Construction Techniques and The Green Project27:57 – The Cost of Urban Growth and Housing Diversity28:51 – Timber Construction and Its Benefits30:43 – Innovations in Construction Techniques33:15 – The Role of Government and Private Sector in Housing35:18 – Addressing Homelessness and Housing Affordability37:30 – Unlocking Empty Bedrooms for Key Workers43:11 – Final Thoughts and RecommendationsAbout the GuestRobert Pradolin is the founder of Housing All Australians, a national for-purpose organisation working to harness the resources of the private sector to deliver housing solutions for vulnerable Australians. With a 40-year career spanning greenfield subdivisions to high-rise towers, Robert has held senior roles in some of the country’s largest property companies.His journey from mainstream development to housing advocacy was sparked by a confronting realisation: while the industry was serving those who could afford it, government had abandoned its responsibility to house society’s most vulnerable. Since then, Robert has become one of the most vocal advocates for treating housing as essential economic infrastructure, not just social welfare.Through Housing All Australians, he has spearheaded projects repurposing vacant buildings into temporary shelter, advanced economic research on the cost-benefit of social housing, and promoted innovative construction methods to reduce costs and emissions. His vision of “compassionate capitalism” challenges the perception of developers as greedy profiteers and instead calls for a business-led response to one of Australia’s most urgent crises.Connect with RobertWebsite: https://housingallaustralians.org.au/about-us/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-pradolin/ResourcesVisit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.auIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.auWork with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcastSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!See you on the inside,Veronica & Chris