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

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

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

Written by: Chris Bates
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Who's really in control when you buy a property? The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about. Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate. Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property. In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session. The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!2025 Veronica Morgan & Chris Bates Economics Personal Finance Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Negative Gearing Is Changing: What Happens Next?

    Negative Gearing Is Changing: What Happens Next?
    May 17 2026
    The end of negative gearing for established property could become one of the biggest turning points in Australia’s housing market—not just because investors may lose tax deductions, but because of the ripple effects it could create across buyer behaviour, borrowing capacity, property values, and the types of housing that get built in the future.But if these changes are designed to improve affordability, who actually benefits—and what could break in the process?In this episode, Veronica and Chris unpack the federal government’s proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, exploring why the real risks may lie in the unintended consequences. From investor pullback in regional markets and apartment-heavy precincts to the growing pressure on first-home buyers and developers, they examine how markets driven by investor demand could respond if the economics of property investing fundamentally change.They also dive into what they call the “secondary market problem” —the possibility that properties built to attract tax-incentivised investors today could struggle to attract buyers once those incentives no longer apply to future owners.The conversation also explores the broader forces already weighing on the market, including inflation, interest rates, lending conditions, and weak consumer confidence. Rather than reacting emotionally to the policy changes, they challenge listeners to think more strategically about asset quality, long-term demand, and what sustainable investing could look like in a post-negative gearing environment.Episode Highlights01:57 – The Negative Gearing Changes Explained04:19 – Why Chris Says “Everything Gets Repriced”06:37 – Who Wins From the Grandfathering Rules?10:40 – The Borrowing Capacity Squeeze Ahead12:21 – Which Regional Markets Are Most at Risk?17:39 – The Mining Boom Mistakes Repeating Again21:22 – Property Changes Meet Economic Headwinds26:04 – Could Investor Sell-Offs Accelerate?28:02 – Why Negative Gearing Created Scarcity32:04 – Could Investors Need Another Bailout?33:27 – The Owner-Occupier Data Nobody Sees37:41 – Rental Demand, Bonds & Market Pressure38:56 – Will First Home Buyers Finally Benefit?41:35 – Why Australians May Need New Wealth Strategies44:22 – Which Property Segments Get Hit Hardest?46:17 – The Tax Structure Problem Few Discuss48:04 – How the Property Industry Will Pivot Next50:37 – Final Warnings for Buyers and InvestorsMentionsInvestopoly (Podcast) with Stuart Wemyss & Campbell WallaceAbout the HostVeronica Morgan is one of Australia’s most respected property experts, with decades of experience spanning property investment, buyer advocacy, market analysis, and consumer education. As the co-host of The Elephant in the Room and co-founder of Homebuyer Academy, Veronica is known for her evidence-based approach to property investing and her ability to cut through industry hype with clear, strategic insights. Having worked through multiple property cycles, she specialises in helping buyers understand the long-term drivers of capital growth, asset selection, and risk management in an increasingly complex housing market.Chris Bates is the founder and CEO of Alcove, an award-winning mortgage broking and property advisory firm that helps Australians make smarter financial and property decisions. With deep expertise in lending strategy, borrowing capacity, debt structuring, and cash flow management, Chris works closely with first-home buyers, owner-occupiers, and investors navigating changing market conditions. He is widely recognised for his analytical approach to property and finance, as well as his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and hype-driven investment narratives.Together, Veronica and Chris bring a rare combination of on-the-ground property expertise and real-world lending insight. Their conversations blend macroeconomic analysis with practical strategy, helping listeners better understand not just what is happening in the Australian property market—but why it matters and how to respond intelligently.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.auEnjoyed 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/...
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    53 mins
  • Melbourne Property in 2026: Opportunity or Overhyped?

    Melbourne Property in 2026: Opportunity or Overhyped?
    May 10 2026
    Melbourne is back in the spotlight, with many buyers and investors asking whether the city now offers one of the best opportunities in the country.But broad market narratives can be misleading—especially in a city where different segments are moving for very different reasons.In this episode, Jarrod McCabe joins us to unpack what’s really happening across Melbourne in 2026. From first home buyers re-entering the market to local investors stepping back and interstate buyers stepping in, the city is being shaped by multiple forces moving in different directions.We explore why Melbourne is no longer a market that can be understood through broad averages alone. Jarrod explains the growing importance of asset selection, why some properties may outperform while others stagnate, and how taxes, policy changes, apartment oversupply, and shifting buyer behaviour are reshaping the investment landscape.If you’re considering Melbourne property, this episode offers a grounded look at where the risks are, where the opportunities may lie, and why buying based on simple narratives could be an expensive mistake.Episode Highlights02:43 — Costly Melbourne Mistakes Interstate Buyers are Making05:36 — Why Melbourne Moves in Different Price Quartiles08:52 — Outer Suburbs Face Major Supply Risks10:20 — Developer Hotspots, Strata and Hidden Risks13:16 — What Properties Still Outperform in Melbourne17:37 — Is There Real Pent-Up Demand in Melbourne?19:45 — Confidence, Rate Cuts and Buyer Hesitation22:06 — Taxes, Investor Sentiment and Market Exits25:25 — Rental Rules and Unintended Consequences28:47 — Are First Home Buyers Getting Stitched Up?33:45 — Infrastructure Booms and Buyer Beware Zones35:48 — Melbourne Livability vs Victoria’s Debt Problem37:43 — Geelong Hype vs Property Price Reality40:42 — Regional Markets and Investor Herding Risks47:30 — Timing the Bottom: Psychology vs Reality50:51 — Upgrade Opportunities vs Job Uncertainty53:48 — Final Thoughts and Listener QuestionsAbout the GuestJarrod McCabe is Director of Wakelin Property Advisory, one of Melbourne’s most respected independent buyer advocacy firms.With more than two decades of experience in Melbourne’s inner and middle-ring markets, Jarrod has helped clients navigate multiple market cycles through a disciplined, research-driven approach focused on long-term asset selection.Known for combining valuation expertise with on-the-ground buyer insights, Jarrod brings a practical view of Melbourne property—cutting through hype to focus on what actually drives performance.Connect with JarrodWebsite | Wakelin Property AdvisoryLinkedIn | Wakelin Property AdvisoryFacebook Page | Wakelin Property AdvisoryLinkedIn | Jarrod McCabe - Wakelin Property Advisory 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.auEnjoyed 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/3r0nnJrLUu3t1GpO7X3j6EIf 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
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    56 mins
  • Mark McCrindle: The Demographic Shifts Breaking Australia's Housing System

    Mark McCrindle: The Demographic Shifts Breaking Australia's Housing System
    May 3 2026
    Australia’s housing challenges are often reduced to a question of supply, but the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we step back to examine the broader forces reshaping housing demand—from rapid population growth and an ageing society to changing household structures. The result is not just a shortage of homes, but a system struggling to keep pace with how Australians live today.We unpack the key forces driving this shift, from record migration levels and declining birth rates to the rise of multi-generational living and internal migration across states. These aren’t short-term trends—they’re structural changes that are already influencing where people live, how they live, and who gets access to housing. Along the way, we also explore the growing divide between those who benefit from family support and those who don’t, and how that’s quietly accelerating inequality.The conversation also touches on the pressure facing key workers, the limits of current housing policies, and why simply building more homes may not be enough to solve the problem. There’s also a broader discussion around education trends, workforce changes, and how technology—particularly AI—is adding another layer of disruption to an already complex system.This episode isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about understanding the underlying drivers so you can make better, more informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment. Because if you’re still looking at housing through a narrow lens, you’re likely missing what’s actually shaping the market.Episode Highlights02:44 — Australia’s Record Population Growth Explained03:47 — The Pressure of an Ageing Population at Home06:35 — Why Australians Are Moving More Than Ever07:58 — Hybrid Work and the Key Worker Housing Gap12:46 — Why Private School Enrolments Keep Rising16:14 — Fewer People Per Home, More Housing Needed18:41 — The Aussie Dream Is Changing Fast20:30 — The Rise of “Giving While Living” Wealth24:30 — The Growing Divide Between Generations26:07 — Retirement Risks Without Financial Buffers26:44 — Why Australians Are Working Longer27:25 — Census Night: What It Reveals About Australia30:42 — What the Census Gets Right (and What It Misses)32:40 — AI Hype vs Reality: Why Sentiment Is Shifting34:54 — The Skills That Will Matter in an AI World37:36 — Living in an Era of Constant Disruption42:04 — Misinformation, Trust, and Modern Democracy44:34 — A More Fragmented Australia Emerges47:01 — What It All Means for PropertyAbout the GuestMark McCrindle is a leading Australian social researcher and demographer, and the founder of McCrindle Research. He specialises in analysing population trends, generational shifts, and the social forces shaping modern Australia.With decades of experience working across government, corporate, and media sectors, Mark is known for translating complex data into clear, actionable insights. His work draws on census data, longitudinal research, and behavioural analysis to help organisations and individuals understand how demographic change impacts everything from housing and education to workforce trends.In this episode, Mark brings a macro lens to the housing conversation—connecting the dots between population growth, aging, migration, and the structural challenges facing Australia today.Connect with MarkLinkedIn - Mark McCrindleWebsite - McCrindle ResearchInstagram - Mark McCrindleResourcesVisit 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.auEnjoyed 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/3r0nnJrLUu3t1GpO7X3j6EIf 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
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    49 mins
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