🔊 Top Quotes

1. "If you're chasing rate as your number one priority, just go directly to the bank—you'll spin your wheels chasing cheap money instead of the funding stack that actually gets you the deal."
2. "When you're dealing with the same deal type and client type repeatedly, your ability to deliver refined, fast strategies becomes your biggest advantage."
3. "A fixed rate gives you certainty—but over time, you’re paying for that certainty. Flexibility can be far more valuable when you're building a portfolio."

🎧 Episode Synopsis

In this no-fluff solo episode of Finance This, Property That, Dion Fernandez breaks down one of the most asked questions in today’s market: Should you fix, split, or keep your mortgage variable? With rates stabilizing and sharp fixed options returning, the conversation around loan structure is heating up. Dion unpacks the pros and cons of each setup, the hidden traps banks don’t always disclose, and how your choice today impacts refinancing, equity access, and long-term property portfolio growth. Whether you're in acquisition mode or locking down your assets, this episode offers strategic insight tailored for serious investors.

📘 Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Intro & Market Context
Dion introduces the episode and explains the recent surge in questions around fixed vs variable loans due to stabilizing interest rates and new fixed options entering the market.

01:30 – The Core Question: Fix, Variable, or Split?
He dives into what each structure means, what the banks won’t tell you, and how they each impact your cash flow and flexibility.

03:10 – Breaking Down Fixed Rates
Explores the pros (certainty) and cons (less flexibility, higher long-term costs, early repayment penalties). Also touches on the lack of offset accounts and the danger of being stuck with one bank's policy.

04:40 – Why Variable Often Wins for Investors
Dion explains how variable rates allow for flexibility, multiple offsets, debt recycling, and easier access to equity—essential tools for a growing portfolio.

05:30 – When a Fixed Rate Does Make Sense
For those not looking to purchase more property or seeking short-term certainty, a fixed rate (or a split) could be a strategic move—especially when paired with an exit strategy.

06:40 – The Power of the Split
Combining fixed and variable elements can give investors the best of both worlds when used thoughtfully and timed right.

07:15 – How to Choose the Right Setup
Dion emphasizes the importance of personal context: Are you acquiring, holding, or winding down your portfolio? It’s not a one-size-fits-all.

07:45 – Final Thoughts & Contact Info
He wraps up with a reminder that these are general insights and encourages listeners to reach out for tailored advice via Instagram, LinkedIn, or the podcast’s website.

⏱️ Duration

Duration: 8:00

🔊 Top Quotes

1. “If you’re chasing rate as your number one priority, just go directly to the bank — but don’t expect a strategy that actually builds your portfolio.”
2. “Equity isn’t just the increase in value. It’s the value minus usable debt — and knowing how to unlock it properly is where most investors go wrong.”
3. “The smartest investors borrow when they can, not just when they need to. That’s how portfolios get built — with strategy, not luck.”

🎧 Episode Synopsis

In this solo episode of Finance This Property That, Dion unpacks one of the most common yet misunderstood tools in property investing: equity. Drawing directly from real client scenarios, Dion breaks down what equity really is, how to use it effectively without wrecking your loan structure, and the three biggest mistakes investors make when trying to pull equity. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, this short but insight-packed episode will challenge how you think about borrowing, structuring, and building a sustainable property portfolio.

⏱ Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Welcome & Intro: Dion sets the tone with key client questions he’s been fielding lately
• 01:00 – Understanding Equity: What equity actually is (not just rising values) and how banks assess it
• 02:00 – Real Client Example: A $365K purchase now worth $1M — how to calculate usable equity
• 03:00 – Common Mistakes #1: Cross-collateralisation and why it hampers your flexibility
• 04:30 – Common Mistake #2: Pulling out too much or too little — and why timing matters
• 06:00 – Common Mistake #3: Choosing the wrong lender due to convenience over strategy
• 07:00 – Dion’s Approach: How Dion and his team structure equity releases with clarity and purpose
• 08:00 – Keeping It Clean: Why separating owner-occupied and investment debt matters for servicing and tax
• 08:45 – Final Thoughts: Lessons from the field, and how to stay loan-ready the smart way

📌 Duration: 9:00

👤 Guest: Morgan Patrick Wilson

⏱️ Duration: 38:00

🎙️ Top Quotes

📌 Episode Synopsis

In this powerful follow-up episode of Finance This Property, host Dion Fernandez reconnects with property tax and structuring expert Morgan Patrick Wilson for a deep dive into how to strategically structure your property portfolio for sustainable, long-term growth. From trusts and SMSFs to lending strategy and asset protection, they unpack the often-overlooked elements that separate average investors from high-performance wealth builders. If you’re planning to go beyond your next purchase and build out a five-property portfolio (or more), this episode is your masterclass in forward-thinking finance.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Welcome Back: The Double Banger Continues

• Dion and Morgan tee up Part 2 with a focus on tax, lending, and future-proofing your property journey.

03:30 – Rate Chasers vs. Strategic Borrowers

• Why the cheapest interest rate isn’t always the smartest option
• The real cost of chasing “cheap money”

08:00 – Personal Name vs. Trust vs. SMSF

• How structure impacts borrowing power and tax
• Common mistakes investors make with land tax and income splitting

14:20 – Asset Protection 101

• Why this overlooked strategy is essential, especially for self-employed investors
• Real-world examples of how things can go wrong without proper structuring

20:00 – Lending Constraints and Structuring Realities

• How lenders view different structures
• The importance of planning around CGT, land tax, and serviceability

25:30 – Super Strategy: Using SMSFs to Build Wealth

• Why high-income earners should consider SMSFs
• How to leverage super without overcommitting
• Pension phase benefits and key timing considerations

30:00 – Cross-Collateralization Pitfalls

• Why cross-securitizing properties can kill your portfolio growth
• How to uncross loans and regain flexibility
• The importance of using multiple lenders strategically

35:00 – Building a Power Team

• Why you need a strategic broker, accountant, and financial planner
• The difference between transactional thinking and long-term strategy
• Avoiding the echo chamber: why “yes people” won’t get you to 5 properties

37:30 – Final Thoughts & Contact Info

• Morgan and Dion share where to connect for tailored advice
• A reminder: “Be organized. Be strategic. Plan for 5, not just the next.”