Spring is here, and so is the heat in Australia’s property market. In this month’s episode, we are joined by Cate Bakos and Cameron Kusher to unpack the impact of the new First Home Buyer Scheme, the surge in investor activity, and the market movements across every capital city — from Darwin’s double-digit growth to Melbourne’s quiet comeback.

Plus, Aussie Home Loans joins the conversation for the first time, with mortgage broker Anya sharing what’s really happening with borrower behaviour, refinancing, and lending policies on the ground.

Will the mix of incentives, sentiment, and stability push prices higher as we head into summer? Tune in for the data, the debate, and the insights you need to stay ahead of the market.

🎧 Presented by REIP and Aussie Home Loans.

 

PIPA 2025 Report 

Spring is here, and so is the heat in Australia&rsquo;s property market. In this month&rsquo;s episode, we are joined by Cate Bakos and Cameron Kusher to unpack the impact of the new First Home Buyer Scheme, the surge in investor activity, and the market movements across every capital city &mdash; from Darwin&rsquo;s double-digit growth to Melbourne&rsquo;s quiet comeback.
Plus, Aussie Home Loans joins the conversation for the first time, with mortgage broker Anya sharing what&rsquo;s really happening with borrower behaviour, refinancing, and lending policies on the ground.
Will the mix of incentives, sentiment, and stability push prices higher as we head into summer? Tune in for the data, the debate, and the insights you need to stay ahead of the market.
🎧 Presented by REIP and Aussie Home Loans.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.pipa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/PIPA_Investor-Survey-Report_2025.pdf">PIPA 2025 Report </a>

Welcome to Behind the Numbers, the podcast that helps you make sense of the Australian real estate market. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or working as an agent, we break down the latest trends and insights to help you navigate the property landscape with confidence.

I’m your host, Sadhana Smiles, and with over 30 years in real estate, I’ve seen how tricky it can be to keep up with fluctuating prices, clearance rates, and market shifts. That’s why we’re here—to cut through the noise and give you clear, actionable insights.

So, whether you’re planning your next move or just curious about what’s driving the market - let’s dive into the numbers shaping Australian property with a team of experts in the know.

Reach out at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/ 

Welcome to&nbsp;Behind the Numbers, the podcast that helps you make sense of the Australian real estate market. Whether you&rsquo;re buying, selling, investing, or working as an agent, we break down the latest trends and insights to help you navigate the property landscape with confidence.
I&rsquo;m your host, Sadhana Smiles, and with over 30 years in real estate, I&rsquo;ve seen how tricky it can be to keep up with fluctuating prices, clearance rates, and market shifts. That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re here&mdash;to cut through the noise and give you clear, actionable insights.
So, whether you&rsquo;re planning your next move or just curious about what&rsquo;s driving the market - let&rsquo;s dive into the numbers shaping Australian property with a team of experts in the know.
Reach out at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasmiles/</a>&nbsp;

Behind The Numbers: Property Wrap

 “ September Property Market Surge - Buyers, Borrowers and the Spring Rebound: What’s Really Driving the Market?”

November delivered one of the clearest market signals of the year, and in this episode we break it all down with three experts who see the market from every angle.

National home values continued to rise, but the pace has started to shift. Affordability is now at record levels. Auction volumes surged then fell away. Lending remains tight. And buyer behaviour is changing as conditions become more complex.

I’m joined by economist Cameron Kusher, lending specialist Alya Manji, and buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos to unpack what the November numbers really mean for buyers, sellers, investors and agents heading into 2026.

We cover the markets that are still running hot, where the slowdowns are emerging, how credit tightening will shape the year ahead, why first home buyers are feeling the squeeze, and what to make of the Victorian Government’s proposal for sellers to disclose their auction reserve a week out.

If you want a clear, grounded view of the property market as we close out the year, this episode takes you inside the data and the decisions shaping the road ahead.

November delivered one of the clearest market signals of the year, and in this episode we break it all down with three experts who see the market from every angle.
National home values continued to rise, but the pace has started to shift. Affordability is now at record levels. Auction volumes surged then fell away. Lending remains tight. And buyer behaviour is changing as conditions become more complex.
I&rsquo;m joined by economist Cameron Kusher, lending specialist Alya Manji, and buyer&rsquo;s advocate Cate Bakos to unpack what the November numbers really mean for buyers, sellers, investors and agents heading into 2026.
We cover the markets that are still running hot, where the slowdowns are emerging, how credit tightening will shape the year ahead, why first home buyers are feeling the squeeze, and what to make of the Victorian Government&rsquo;s proposal for sellers to disclose their auction reserve a week out.
If you want a clear, grounded view of the property market as we close out the year, this episode takes you inside the data and the decisions shaping the road ahead.

Navigating High Prices, Uncertain Rates and Policy Surprises - Nov Property Market Update

Australia’s housing market just won’t sit still. Prices are climbing, listings are thin, and the race to buy is getting fierce. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind October’s numbers on why low supply is keeping pressure on prices, why we’re not building the homes we actually need, and what it means as we head into the final stretch of the year.

Economist Cameron Kusher, buyer’s advocate Cate Bakos, and mortgage expert Alya Manji join Sadhana Smiles to explore the national picture from the rise of lone households to shifting investor activity, the growing demand for smaller homes, and the changing balance of power between buyers and sellers.

It’s a candid, grounded look at what’s driving Australia’s “housing paradox” and what to expect as the market charges toward 2026.

Australia&rsquo;s housing market just won&rsquo;t sit still. Prices are climbing, listings are thin, and the race to buy is getting fierce. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind October&rsquo;s numbers on why low supply is keeping pressure on prices, why we&rsquo;re not building the homes we actually need, and what it means as we head into the final stretch of the year.
Economist Cameron Kusher, buyer&rsquo;s advocate Cate Bakos, and mortgage expert Alya Manji&nbsp;join Sadhana Smiles to explore the national picture from the rise of lone households to shifting investor activity, the growing demand for smaller homes, and the changing balance of power between buyers and sellers.
It&rsquo;s a candid, grounded look at what&rsquo;s driving Australia&rsquo;s &ldquo;housing paradox&rdquo; and what to expect as the market charges toward 2026.

Australia's Property Paradox: Low Listings, High Demand and What's Next - October Update 

August felt like someone flicked the market’s light switch. A fresh RBA cut lit the fuse, values nudged higher across almost every city, and Melbourne strapped on a jet pack as tight listings stirred real FOMO. We unpack where prices rose, why interstate investors are eyeing Victoria, and why units under 950k are suddenly the hottest ticket. We also look at rents creeping up while vacancies hover near 1 per cent, plus the First Home Buyer Guarantee expanding on 1 October and what that could do to entry-level stock. Cameron Kusher and Cate Bakos join Sadhana Smiles to map the next moves, including whether there may be only one more cut in the tank, and how to buy or sell smart as spring gathers pace.

August felt like someone flicked the market&rsquo;s light switch. A fresh RBA cut lit the fuse, values nudged higher across almost every city, and Melbourne strapped on a jet pack as tight listings stirred real FOMO. We unpack where prices rose, why interstate investors are eyeing Victoria, and why units under 950k are suddenly the hottest ticket. We also look at rents creeping up while vacancies hover near 1 per cent, plus the First Home Buyer Guarantee expanding on 1 October and what that could do to entry-level stock. Cameron Kusher and Cate Bakos join Sadhana Smiles to map the next moves, including whether there may be only one more cut in the tank, and how to buy or sell smart as spring gathers pace.

“ September Property Market Surge - Buyers, Borrowers and the Spring Rebound: What’s Really Driving the Market?”

In 1 playlist(s)

Behind The Numbers: Property Wrap

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips