On the latest episode of The Property Nerds podcast, self-proclaimed data nerd Arjun Paliwal take a deep-dive into the latest media headlines, using data to give listeners a more complete picture of what is actually happening in the property market.

Arjun, head of research at InvestorKit, discusses the tightening inventory levels in the national capital, tipping that the ACT may actually have the potential to pip Sydney for prices in just 18 months.

He explains the importance of looking beyond “median house prices” and why using robust data is key to fully grasp how a region will likely perform.

Will Canberra be Australia’s most expensive city?

On the latest episode of The Property Nerds podcast, self-proclaimed data nerds Arjun Paliwal and Kent Lardner help bring property data to life by taking a thorough look at the facts and figures and what they mean for you.

Arjun, head of research at InvestorKit, and Kent, director of Suburbtrends, discuss the tools investors need to spot heating markets, as well as how to buy properties in these regions without cashing out a fortune. 

The duo scan the country for early adopter SA3 regions and their favourites.

How to pick the next hotspot

On the latest episode of The Property Nerds podcast, self-proclaimed data nerds Arjun Paliwal and Leigh Paliwal deep-dive into property data and unpack what the biggest trends in Australia’s housing markets mean for investors.

Arjun, head of research at InvestorKit, and Leigh, director of Hills Finance, discuss popular property and finance “myths” and whether they actually affect one’s journey into real estate investment or not. Can population growth translate to capital growth? Is that really the max cap of your borrowing capacity or can you get more? Should you always go for the “best rate”?

The nerds also talk through the difference between buying new and old properties, the value of understanding (and being critical of) historical trends, and the importance of smart financial strategies and a good team of professionals in today’s ever-changing landscape.

Busting the biggest property and finance myths

On the first episode of The Property Nerds for 2022, self-proclaimed data nerds Arjun Paliwal and Leigh Paliwal look at the top five places that investors should consider if they want to buy in NSW for under $650,000.

They dig into the methodology they used to identify these locations and pull the curtain back on what makes these cities and towns primed for growth.

The duo also look at the December 2021 lending indicators and the substantial difference we’re seeing over the same period in the previous year.

Investors are definitely back in action, setting a record with $10.3 billion worth of new borrower-accepted loan commitments. The pair foresee that rising in the first months of 2022, reporting that investor activity has been strong in the market at large as well as in their business, InvestorKit, at the start of the year.

Investing in NSW for under $650k

In this very special episode, self-proclaimed data nerds Arjun Paliwal and Leigh Paliwal welcome fellow nerd Simon Kuestenmacher to pick his brain about how the different demographic trends are reshaping the market. 

Arjun, head of research at InvestorKit, and Leigh, director of Hills Finance, sit down with the director and co-founder of The Demographics Group to peruse how the aspirations, lifestyles and current life stages of the different age groups are affecting trends in different housing markets. 

With Millennials now being the largest adult cohort in Australia, Simon explains how this generation is now dictating market fundamentals and how other generations are coping with these shifts in market dynamics. 

The nerds also talk about how the pandemic has changed buyer behaviour, discuss why the rebound in international migration will give central business districts their pre-pandemic shine, and dig deeper into how cultural and social influences of migrants are inevitably woven into the country’s housing market tapestry. They also touch on the latest lending data and what it spells for the investors.

This is how Millennials are shaping the real estate market

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

With the ceiling to the Reserve Bank’s interest rate hike cycle still out of plain sight, data nerds Arjun Paliwal and Leigh Paliwal say it’s more important than ever for investors to be proactive in improving their financial positions.

Arjun, founder of InvestorKit, and Leigh, director at Hills Finance, unpack the rising trend of refinancing among mortgage holders and present different financing strategies that can help investors continue scaling their portfolios despite the increasing pressure on borrowing capacity.

They also warned against getting caught up with predictions in the market and instead urged market players to “focus on the chain of events” that can set up the stage for a forecasted scenario so they can accordingly improvise and adapt their strategies.

Lastly, they talk about Australia’s ongoing infrastructure boom and explain its potential impact on the property market.

How to find the ‘X Factor’ scenario for your borrowing capacity

In this episode, data nerd Arjun Paliwal is joined by Nerida Conisbee to make sense of the different housing data indicators and work out what it means for future property trends.

Arjun, head of research at InvestorKit, sits down with Ray White’s chief economist to talk about how the market is beginning to show signs of recovery before analysing which areas are poised to lead the rebound.

For investors looking to “make a call” in their investment strategy, the duo underlines the importance of not only taking into account housing data but also economic indicators, demographic trends and other market-shaping factors.

They also address the different challenges in today’s market, including the ongoing rental crisis, escalating construction costs, and supply shortages before unpacking the short, medium and long-term indicators that investors need to keep track of to make informed and data-driven investing decisions.

The data sets investors must keep track of

Long-term planning is an important step, albeit one many might miss at the outset of their investment journey.

Bushy Martin, author, podcaster and founder of KnowHow Property Finance, joins host, Arjun Paliwal, to discuss the planning patience that it takes to build a property portfolio and approach to investing that’s able to withstand the test of time.

Bushy, whose sizeable portfolio spans the world, reveals some of the key numbers and metrics that he believes investors should be using to determine what their investment journey will look like during the design phase.

Arjun and Bushy also discuss the importance of setting clear lifestyle goals to power your investment journey, both as motivation and so that you can tailor your approach to get what you really want out of life.

Designing a portfolio to deliver your ideal lifestyle

Analyst John Lindeman joins host Arjun Paliwal to unpack 25 core housing fundamentals across the country in 2023 as they compare to 2022.

The Property Power Partners CEO and Arjun then turn their attention to market pressure, highlighting the impact felt by population growth and movement, before explaining why rising unaffordability isn’t the most accurate measure of market performance.  

They also examine the most common mistakes made by economists who are predicting housing market trends, before John divulges his three favourite pieces of property data for the benefit of listeners.

Core housing fundamentals and common mistakes

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

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

Australia’s top auctioneer shares insider tips for blitzing the big day.

In this episode, host and Hills Finance director Leigh Paliwal sits down with Andy Reid, a leading Melbourne auctioneer and straight-talking property pro.

Andy reveals why knowing your state legislation can give a savvy buyer the upper hand and put you in a strong position to negotiate.

He weighs up the benefits of lowballing bids versus coming in strong, and shares why vying with the auctioneer for the “alpha” position can shoot a buyer in the foot.

Becoming an auction whizz

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

Whether you’re in an early adopter market or a second wind market, knowing which stage you’re at is vital for optimising investment success.

On this episode of The Property Nerds, host Arjun Paliwal goes solo to discuss the three key phases that all housing markets go through, and the key indicators that set each phase apart from the others.

He breaks down the three major stages in a market cycle – early adopter, hotspot and second wind – and explains how knowing the signs can help investors predict when a market is about to boom.

Arjun also identifies five clues that investors can follow to discover which market stage they are in, using open-access market data.

The lowdown on market cycles

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

On the second episode of The Property Nerds podcast, property guru and self-proclaimed data nerd Arjun Paliwal deep-dive into the latest headlines before unveiling the six must-know indicators when researching your next investment property.

Arjun, head of research at InvestorKit, discusses the predicted 30 per cent lift in property prices and where this forecast may materialise.

He touches on the regional appeal and Darwin’s sudden rise to fame.

The property expert also discloses six tricks that could help you research your next investment property, helping you separate the plums from the lemons.

The Property Nerds

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