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The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real EstateWe talk about the things no one wants to talk about in the Property Market Author: Chris Bates
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 Foxtels Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out whats 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. Theyve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in peoples 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 theyre going to uncover whos 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 youll learn from the mistakes of a property dumbo as well as Chris & Veronicas elephant rider bootcamp training session. The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions! Language: en Genres: Business, Business News, Investing, News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Trust Lending, SMSFs, and the New Property Danger Zone
Episode 419
Sunday, 11 January, 2026
Property investing has rarely looked more seductive—or more dangerous. In this episode, Veronica and Chris unpack the growing gap between how property portfolios are being sold and how risk is quietly stacking up beneath the surface. As regulators tighten lending rules and banks pull back, the question isn’t whether the rules are changing—it’s whether investors are paying attention.The conversation dives deep into aggressive lending practices now under scrutiny: trust lending, SMSF borrowing, equity extraction, and the promise of “instant equity” through optimistic bank valuations. Veronica and Chris challenge the idea that buying multiple properties fast is a strategy, exposing how many portfolios are built on valuation certificates rather than fundamentals—and what happens when interest rates rise, rents soften, or lending conditions tighten.They also examine the uncomfortable incentives driving this behaviour: buyer’s agents rewarded for volume, brokers pushed to maximise borrowing capacity, and everyday Australians—often in their late 40s and 50s—being sold complex structures they don’t fully understand. From regional markets distorted by borderless buying to SMSFs loaded with illiquid property, the risks are not theoretical—they’re already unfolding.This episode is a warning shot. If your strategy relies on constant refinancing, rising valuations, or ever-looser lending, this conversation will force you to rethink it. Because when the cycle turns, the consequences won’t be shared evenly—and paper equity won’t save you.Episode Highlights00:00 — Introduction to Property Investing Risks01:11 — Regulatory Crackdown on Risky Lending01:46 — The Role of Buyer's Agents and Brokers03:19 — Trust Lending and Self-Managed Super Funds12:19 — Instant Equity and Market Manipulation18:40 — The Pitfalls of Following Bad Advice24:28 — Questionable Advice from Buyer's Agents25:32 — Judging Awards and Industry Practices26:16 — Vulnerable Investors and Risky Promises27:13 — APRA's Role and Investor Lending Trends29:31 — Superannuation and Property Investments35:32 — Private Lending and Market Risks42:53 — Cross Collateralization and Loan Structuring48:54 — Conclusion and Final WarningsAbout the HostChris Bates is a mortgage broker and co-founder of Alcove, working with clients across Australia to help them navigate complex property and lending decisions. Known for his data-driven approach, Chris specialises in long-term strategy, lending structures, and helping buyers avoid costly financial mistakes.Veronica Morgan is a buyer’s agent and property strategist with nearly two decades of experience advising owner-occupiers and investors. With a background in research, data analysis, and on-the-ground buying, Veronica is widely respected for cutting through market noise and focusing on fundamentals, risk, and long-term outcomes.Together, they bring a practical, evidence-based lens to Australia’s property market — challenging assumptions and unpacking what actually matters.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
