In this episode, self-proclaimed data nerds Arjun Paliwal and Leigh Paliwal don’t pull any punches as they hit the high data spots of today’s market to give us their best analytical take on the latest trends. 

Arjun, head of research at InvestorKit, and Leigh, director of Hills Finance, examine the biggest market trends taking hold of the headlines before taking a deep dive into the data that underpins them. 

With the property market going through a period of change in the wake of the recent rate hike and other major local and international events, the nerds remind investors to cite historical data and connect the dots between correlating data points before making any assumptions about future trends.

They also answer the most-asked questions about the upcoming elections, such as which political party will be more “favourable” for property investors.

Scratching the surface of the latest market trends

In this special episode, self-proclaimed data nerd Arjun Paliwal is joined by another self-labelled data geek, John Foong, to scrutinise what strategy works best in a market downturn.

Arjun, head of research at InvestorKit, sits down with the chief revenue officer at Domain to peruse current market conditions and unpack why a “feast-or-famine” view of the real estate market can result in costly investing mistakes.

Drawing from his extensive experience as an investor across different countries and his established career across several industries, John explains why optimising holding phases and taking advantage of buying windows no matter the phase of the market cycle ultimately trumps the timing-the-market investment strategy.

The duo also give their predictions for the trends that emerged during the pandemic, such as the tree-change and sea-change trends and pore over the data points (both historical and present) to back their belief that the property market’s current downswing will not be as detrimental as pessimists paint it to be.

Stop viewing the property market as ‘feast or famine’

The country is facing a severe housing supply crunch, and investors are needed to contribute to fixing the issue.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit founder Arjun Paliwal and his co-host Leigh Paliwal delve into the factors shaping the nation’s supply crisis, which investors need to know about to make informed purchasing decisions. 

Together, the duo reveal 20 regions highlighted in InvestorKit’s latest research paper that are ripe for investment in the midst of tight markets.

They also discuss how migration will shape the nation’s future housing needs, and go over the many elements that can contribute to healthy market conditions.

Facing supply shortages

The end of the year may be just around the corner, but The Property Nerds are back in full force, just in time for the holidays!


Leigh Paliwal returns to the show after a six-month hiatus, joining fellow property nerd Arjun Paliwal to give a run down on the year that was 2023 from both a finance perspective and a family one, before turning their attention to the opportunities in the year ahead.


And while many people are now at the point of putting off their financial considerations until 2024, the duo stress there’s no better time than the present to get your finances in order, especially in an environment where lenders are actively pivoting to maintain their competitive edge.

A wrap on 2023 and an eye to what’s trending for 2024

Change is afoot for The Property Nerds and the Australian market alike.

In this episode, host and InvestorKit founder Arjun Paliwal shares the exciting news that the show will be doubling its frequency to fortnightly, bringing listeners more of the data-driven insights that help them power their property decisions.

Welcoming Cameron Kusher, executive manager for economic research at REA Group, to the show, the duo discuss how Australia might also be amping up the output this year, as it’s hoped a stabilising interest rate environment will give way to an increase in property listings.

Mr Kusher shares his predictions for prices, while the pair discuss some strategies for overcoming the challenges that might persist this year and which investors will have to navigate to keep their property portfolios in strong standing.

Amping up the output

Interest rates may be at a standstill, but that hasn’t stopped 10 Australian cities from reaching new heights.

In this episode, InvestorKit founder Arjun Paliwal and his co-host Leigh Paliwal spill the beans on Australia’s hottest markets, both large and small.

The duo share why Dubbo is an unlikely hero of NSW property, why finance lending is up over 11 per cent from last year, and what unemployment rates mean for housing.

They also share an exciting development in their own property journey, one that is sure to start the next chapter for themselves and their family.

Australia’s 10 economic powerhouses

With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) still holding firm to the 4.35 per cent cash rate, getting your finance right is more important than ever. 
 
On this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit’s Arjun Paliwal and Hills Finance’s Leigh Paliwal examine how cash rate fluctuations have changed the financial landscape for property investors across Australia. 
 
The pair explore why “undervalued” and “overvalued” markets may not always be what they seem, and how understanding research methodology can give you the upper hand. 
 
The duo also delve into the relationship between wages, inflation and house prices when deciding where and when to buy.

Is your finance up to scratch?

People are living longer than ever, which is good news, but housing may not be keeping up with the change.

In the latest episode of The Property Nerds, host Arjun Paliwal is joined by Simon Kuestenmacher of The Demographics Group to discuss the profound implications of demographic shifts on the property market.

Simon explains how the preferences and needs of an older population influence housing demand and investment strategies. The duo delve into the role of migration in buffering the effects of an ageing population, and what opportunities it presents in the housing market.

Arjun and Simon also examine the barriers to downsizing for older Australians, and cover some of the policy shifts that could potentially bring more movement into the market by encouraging rightsizing.

Australia’s population is ageing, and it’s impacting property

For maxed-out property investors who are struggling to get a loan, investing in an SMSF can provide you with a second wind.

In the latest episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal and Leigh Paliwal delve into the increasingly popular and ever-complex world of SMSF property investing.

Arjun and Leigh discuss the pros and cons of investing via a self-managed super fund, from turnaround times, to minimum account balances and loan-to-value ratio.

They explore the importance of building a strong professional relationship with your accountant and financial planner to ensure that every investment decision you make works for your individual needs.

Is SMSF investing right for you?

When it comes to affordability as well as choice, one state is leading the way.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, the Sunshine State takes centre stage as co-hosts Arjun Paliwal and Leigh Paliwal discuss the latest InvestorKit report, shining a light on Queensland’s investment potential.

The duo break down the methodology that helped the firm identify the top five regions in Queensland where property prices are under $500,000, and future prospects that suggest significant growth and investment opportunities. Leigh explains why, in this current financial environment, the $500,000 price point is important, while Arjun shares insight into rental trends impacting the areas in focus.

Together, they also discuss big-picture thinking when selecting investment locations, and how metrics like infrastructure spending and job availability can be important factors for investors.

Uncovering Qld’s investment potential

While pursuing an aggressive strategy of building wealth, it’s important not to lose sight of the important things in life, and to take time out to enjoy what you’ve built.

On this episode of The Property Nerds, host Arjun Paliwal shares some personal news and reflects on the importance of getting your priorities in order. He reminds listeners that health is a crucial part of building and protecting wealth.

With this in mind, the investment expert delves into InvestorKit’s strategy for scaling portfolios, which follows the simple cycle of: acquire, optimise, and consolidate. He explains what this looks like from a practical perspective, and also discusses how investors might find the space in this aggressive approach to ensure that they’re able to enjoy the important things without sacrificing financial goals.
Arjun gives a snapshot into what the next few episodes will look like, and some of the exciting data that the InvestorKit team will be bringing to listeners.

Acquire, optimise, and consolidate

Does the market determine the news or can news impact the market? 

In this episode of The Property Nerds, Junge Ma, senior research analyst at InvestorKit, is joined by Dr Sunny Nguyen, who most recently served as an economist and analyst at the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and has now joined Moody’s analytics as assistant director for APAC.

The duo delve into the world of data, with Sunny explaining methods that she used at the RBA to quantify factors previously thought unquantifiable. She unpacks how economists can measure things such as popular sentiment towards housing by analysing the language used in media reports. 

Sunny and Junge also talk about how the stories in the news can impact consumers’ decisions, and discuss the way that such data can be used to inform forecasts of likely behavioural shifts among buyers and sellers.

Unpacking the media-market cycle

Rental rates are surging across the country, and some regions are tipped to see higher growth than others.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, Smart Property Investment’s Grace Ormsby sits down with Junge Ma, senior research analyst at InvestorKit, about the state of Australia’s rental market.

Junge explains why extremely low vacancy rates are fuelling strong rental growth in regional towns and capital cities alike. She unpacks how post-COVID-19 migration trends are creating new patterns of demand across the country’s diverse rental market.

The pair also chat about the sudden rise of Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide as Australia’s hottest rental markets, with some suburbs seeing rental increases of up to 20 per cent in the past 12 months.

What’s the deal with Australia’s rental market?

With property prices climbing high, many investors worry the nation’s housing market may crumble overnight. Are these fears founded?

On this episode of The Property Nerds, host Grace Ormsby sits down with InvestorKit’s Junge Ma to discuss the macroeconomic context that will shape Australia’s investment landscape over the coming financial year.

Junge explains why the widespread financial stress individuals are currently facing doesn’t necessarily equate to an unhealthy broader property market, and expounds on why strong housing fundamentals have the power to combat low sentiment.

Jumping over to the West Coast, Junge and Grace discuss whether Perth can expect a cooldown in the next 12 months, after a year of extraordinary growth.

Is Australia in a housing bubble?

It always pays to do extra checks.

On this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit founder and CEO Arjun Paliwal returns after a stint away from hosting duties to focus on his health. Stressing the importance of always getting your check-ups, Paliwal turns his attention from exercising care on a personal level to an investment one, delving into the world of due diligence.

The investment expert catalogues some of the common and not-so common elements that should be considered as part of due diligence, and helps property buyers assess what they need to think about before entering into a contract.

He also explains how to weigh up the risks of a potential acquisition, and shares why a checklist can be an investor’s best friend.

What does due diligence really mean?

From passive income to infinite rental growth, the property investment space is full of grand promises – but the maths does not always add up.

On this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit founder and CEO Arjun Paliwal has a tough conversation about learning how to distinguish daydream from reality.

Stressing the importance of getting your numbers right, he warns investors about common data pitfalls that can lead to unrealistic financial projections.

Arjun also drops hints about a change coming to The Property Nerds in the months to come, as his family gets ready for an exciting new chapter.

When investing sounds too good to be true

There are a lot of common perceptions about buying property in Australia, and they don’t all hold true.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit founder and CEO Arjun Paliwal wades through the overload of information to help investors understand what data and trends they really need to pay attention to when considering a purchase.

Arjun traces the origin of some of the biggest myths in Australian property investing and tries to discover the truth of the matter. He unpacks what’s happening in the economy right now, and how conventional wisdom about the current climate may or may not hold true.

Looking at the importance of mentorship, Arjun also discusses lifelong learning, and shares insight into how he approaches upskilling.

Busting the myths about property investing

Whatever the timing, interest rates will come down. When they do, the market impacts won’t necessarily be evenly spread.

On this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit founder and CEO Arjun Paliwal is joined by Jack Fouracre, partnership manager at Fouracre Financial and the show’s new cohost, to discuss the relationship between interest rates and home prices.

The duo unpack why interest rate cuts can have varying market impacts depending on the location and other economic factors at play.

Arjun shares the top 10 cities that he believes will benefit most once the Reserve Bank of Australia moves to lower the cash rate, and Jack looks into some recent lending trends that are impacting investors’ choices.

Where interest rate cuts will deliver the best bang for buck

Few property investors are making purchases in cash. For the majority, building a property portfolio relies on playing the game of finance.

On this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit’s Arjun Paliwal and Fouracre Financial’s Jack Fouracre unpack different approaches to financing property assets. The duo highlight three predominant strategies, weighing the pros and cons of each.

Arjun and Jack explain how these strategies work by using real-world examples that can help investors visualise their investment journeys. They emphasise the need for investors to tailor their investment approaches to their own specific needs, and seek advice from trusted professionals.

3 finance strategies for building a strong portfolio

With negative gearing and capital gains tax reform once again making headlines, how can investors develop a bespoke investment strategy?

On this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit’s Arjun Paliwal and Fouracre Financial’s Jack Fouracre examine the intricate world of finance strategy, ensuring listeners understand that property investment is not merely about acquiring real estate, but mastering the financial game that underpins it.

During the podcast, the pair examine the implication of negative gearing and capital gains tax on the market, and how changes would necessitate adjustments for trusts resulting in complications for existing structures, and how changes will reduce the borrowing capacity of investors.

They then unpack the importance of personalised finance strategies, going beyond just interest rates and loan amounts, and why investors need to understand loan structures, bank affiliations and effective use of offset accounts.

Mastering the financial game behind property investment

While negative gearing makes the headlines, positive cash flow seems like a dream scenario leaving extra cash in your pockets, but is it really achievable?

On this episode of The Property Nerds, InvestorKit’s Arjun Paliwal and Fouracre Financial’s Jack Fouracre are flipping the script on negative gearing to positive cash flow, giving listeners all the knowledge they need to understand how to reach the “holy grail” of investment.

During the podcast, the duo gives the big picture of positive cash flow as well as more details on the allure, the pitfalls, and the real impact on investors’ lending capacity and investment strategy.

Through real-world examples and recent data, Arjun and Jack explain how positive cash flow should be viewed as a part of a broader investment strategy rather than the sole objective, and that it is important to remain patient when it comes to building a healthy portfolio.

Understanding what positive cash flow really means

While more and more Australians are jumping onto the SMSF train to boost their property portfolio, many remain reluctant to make the switch.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial explore the ins and outs of SMSF, as well as its role in property investment and financial freedom.

Supported by the research paper, titled The Evolution of SMSF Property Investing, the duo examine the changing landscape of SMSF in Australia when it comes to property investing, superannuation contributions, and the impact of SMSFs on retirement planning.

The co-hosts also discuss the rising enthusiasm for SMSF – which appears to give more flexibility, autonomy and greater borrowing capacity for investors – its limitations, including why some people are still reluctant to switch their super funds, and the importance of building a trusted financial team.

They then unpack the differences between residential and commercial property investments within an SMSF, and how your next property should be aligned with your long-term goals.

Understanding the ins and outs of SMSF

While new investors often think they need more properties to maximise their future incomes, Arjun and Jack urge them first to clarify their vision of financial freedom and invest in properties that align with their long-term goals.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial discuss the importance of strategy planning rather than simply buying more and more properties when building a portfolio.

While he knows that thinking ahead can be daunting, Arjun advocates for a 20-plus-year strategy to ensure investors have a portfolio that will suit their retirement spending. This includes the need to understand one’s retirement needs and planning ahead.

The duo then shift towards “trading up” assets, which involves moving from residential to commercial properties to maximise the rental yields and, subsequently, the investors’ income potential.

Maximising your income potential

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial discuss recent research into the most undersupplied housing markets in Australia, and what this might mean for investors.

They begin the podcast reflecting on the success of their businesses throughout 2024, following the launch of Fouracre Financial and the ongoing success of Investigate Buyers Agency which has been recognised as Australia’s Buyers Agency of the Year for two consecutive years.

They then discuss a research paper that examines Australia’s most undersupplied housing markets, identifying 25 regions with significant supply shortages.

The podcast delves into the methodology behind the Supply Shortage Score (SSS), a metric developed to assess housing supply conditions. This score considers various factors, including future supply, established supply, price pressure, rental pressure, housing availability, and people movement.

The pair then wrap up looking at some of the challenges facing housing affordability, from transaction costs such as stamp duty and capital gains tax, through to problems facing the building sector, including construction costs and labour shortages.

Exploring Australia’s most undersupplied housing markets

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to reset your investment strategies, refocus, learn from the past, set new goals, and work out a fresh budget.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial share strategies for improving borrowing power and paying down debt sooner.

The duo discuss the importance of examining monthly spending on private health insurance, income protection, life insurance, credit card debt and personal loans, which can limit borrowing capacity and potentially curb spending habits.

The co-hosts emphasise the need to be financially ready to invest, as the upcoming interest rate cuts will prompt more buyers to enter the market.

Optimising your financial strategies in 2025

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial discuss the key trends shaping the 2025 Australian property market.

Drawing from their latest research report, 7 Trends That Shape Australia’s Property Market for 2025, Arjun and Jack highlight the key factors influencing the property landscape.

The first major trend concerns the anticipated decline in interest rates, which the pair said is expected to boost consumer sentiment significantly.

The co-hosts then discuss housing affordability and demand before moving towards supply shortages, which continue to drive price growth nationwide.

The podcast also touches on broader issues, such as tax policies and population distribution.

Interest rates, housing affordability, supply shortages: What are the key trends of 2025?

As the first Reserve Bank of Australia meeting draws to a close, the anticipated rate cut is forecast to impact the real estate market across the country, giving investors more opportunities to build their portfolios.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial discuss the ever-changing landscape of interest rates and its impact on the property market.

The duo discuss misconceptions about interest rate cuts and borrowing capacity, various borrowing strategies, and the pitfalls of cross-securitisation, in which multiple properties are used as collateral for a single loan.

Arjun and Jack then emphasise the importance of timing in property purchases, stressing that savvy investors should act before interest rates drop rather than wait for a cut to make a move.

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How will the interest rate cut impact Australian investors?

The interest rate cut announcement sparked a flurry of activity among investors, pushing them to review borrowing capacities, market dynamics, and future financial strategies.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit and Jack Fouracre from Fouracre Financial discuss the latest RBA rate cut announcement and its impact on the property market.

While modest in its immediate financial impact, the rate cut is expected to influence consumer sentiment and open new opportunities for property investors, with the duo pointing out the importance of having a clear strategy to navigate the upcoming changes in the market.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the rate cut for investors with substantial debt, and how lenders’ flexibility in assessing income has increased, allowing more self-employed investors to secure a loan.

The co-hosts said that while further cuts could increase investment, borrowers must remain cautious and not rely solely on rate cuts for financial relief.

Navigating the property market frenzy after RBA’s rate cut

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal, founder and CEO of InvestorKit, and Jack Fouracre, partnership manager at Fouracre Financial, explore the growing role of self-managed super funds (SMSF) in property investment in Australia.

The duo discuss the increasing popularity of SMSF, which they believe is driven by investors reaching borrowing limits outside superannuation and seeking new avenues for property investment.

Jack explains how SMSF borrowing differs from traditional loans, focusing on super contributions and rental income instead of personal income, which creates a separate borrowing capacity for property purchases.

The co-host also shares how younger investors can benefit from going through SMSF to build their portfolio, starting with residential properties before transitioning to commercial properties.

Additionally, they delve into the diversification that SMSF offers, including shares, cash, or business premises, supporting both retirement savings and business needs.

How investors use SMSF to build their portfolio

In this episode of The Property Nerds, co-hosts Arjun Paliwal, founder and CEO of InvestorKit, and Jack Fouracre, partnership manager at Fouracre Financial, discuss the three key traits of a booming property market in Australia.

According to the co-hosts, smart investors who want to grow their portfolio must understand the property markets and recognise the three key factors that allow them to make data-driven decisions.

Arjun and Jack said that the primary key criterion is the number of days a property stays on the market (DOM), with a reduction in DOM indicating a hot market where properties sell quickly, enhancing buyer urgency and seller confidence.

The second trait is tight rental markets, as shown by low vacancy rates, which indicate strong demand and drive up property values.

Finally, the third trait is inverse growth rates, where markets that underperformed in the past, like Sydney and Perth, are poised for a rebound.

Using Townsville as an example, the co-hosts share strategies on identifying the three key factors that signal a growth cycle and a good property investment.

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