Meet Helen Tarrant: Commercial Property Expert

Differences Between Residential and Commercial

Understanding Commercial Property Fundamentals

Evaluating Commercial Property Investments

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Identifying the Right Commercial Property

Navigating the Commercial Property Market

Price Points and Investment Strategies

Understanding Syndication in Real Estate

Securing High-Value Properties

Mechanics of Shareholding in Syndicates

Mistakes in Commercial Property Investment

Strategies for Flipping Commercial Properties

Identifying and Fixing Problematic Properties

The Importance of Due Diligence

Case Study: Rescuing a Client's Investment

Final Thoughts and Advice

Commercial property isn’t just “resi with higher yields” — it’s a whole different game with its own language, rules, and risks.

In this episode, we sit down with Helen Tarrant, founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, to unpack what investors really need to know before making the leap.

Helen reveals why mindset is the first hurdle when moving from residential to commercial, and why too many investors skip the education that could save them from costly mistakes. We explore the key levers that drive a property’s value — lease term, location, tenant quality, and asset type — and why small changes in these can mean big shifts in price and yield. She also shares hard truths on price points, explaining where the “rats and mice” risks live, and why under $1.5 million can be a danger zone for serious investors.

From syndicates that give smaller investors access to multimillion-dollar assets, to practical strategies for tenant risk management and value uplift, Helen covers the nuts and bolts of building what she calls a “unicorn portfolio” — one that balances cashflow, growth, and uplift potential. She doesn’t shy away from the mistakes she’s seen (and fixed), giving listeners a forthright look at what can go wrong and how to protect yourself.

Whether you’re an experienced property buyer ready to diversify, or a first-time commercial investor keen to start smart, this conversation will equip you with the insights, questions, and strategies to play the commercial game — and win.


Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome

01:07 – Meet Helen Tarrant: Commercial Property Expert

01:44 – Differences Between Residential and Commercial Investing

02:21 – Understanding Commercial Property Fundamentals

04:50 – Evaluating Commercial Property Investments

08:23 – Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

12:30 – Identifying the Right Commercial Property

16:47 – Navigating the Commercial Property Market

25:09 – Price Points and Investment Strategies

28:36 – Understanding Syndication in Real Estate

29:16 – Securing High-Value Properties

30:10 – Mechanics of Shareholding in Syndicates

31:42 – Common Mistakes in Commercial Property Investment

34:22 – Strategies for Flipping Commercial Properties

38:00 – Identifying and Fixing Problematic Properties

41:24 – The Importance of Due Diligence

45:32 – Case Study: Rescuing a Client's Investment

50:51 – Final Thoughts and Advice

 

About the Guest

Helen Tarrant is the Founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, a specialist buyer’s agency helping everyday Australians access and succeed in the commercial property market. With a background in commerce and law, and over a decade of firsthand experience as both an investor and advisor, Helen has built a reputation for turning complex deals into strategic, high-performing investments.

Known for her candid, straight-talking approach, she has educated thousands through free webinars, content, and in-person events, demystifying an asset class often seen as too risky or opaque. Her expertise spans portfolio strategy, tenant risk assessment, syndicate structures, and value-add opportunities, with a focus on creating balanced portfolios that deliver both income and growth. Passionate about investor education, Helen is committed to helping clients avoid the costly mistakes she’s seen too often in the industry, and to empowering them to think — and act — like seasoned commercial players.


Connect with Helen
Website: https://unikorn.com.au/
Website: https://helentarrant.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helentarrantcommercial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty/

Resources
Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
If 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.au
Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
Looking for a Mortgage Broker? alcove.com.au
Work with Chris: chrisbates@alcove.com.au 

Enjoyed 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-podcast
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719
Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765

If 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

 

Commercial property isn&rsquo;t just &ldquo;resi with higher yields&rdquo; &mdash; it&rsquo;s a whole different game with its own language, rules, and risks.
In this episode, we sit down with Helen Tarrant, founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, to unpack what investors really need to know before making the leap.
Helen reveals why mindset is the first hurdle when moving from residential to commercial, and why too many investors skip the education that could save them from costly mistakes. We explore the key levers that drive a property&rsquo;s value &mdash; lease term, location, tenant quality, and asset type &mdash; and why small changes in these can mean big shifts in price and yield. She also shares hard truths on price points, explaining where the &ldquo;rats and mice&rdquo; risks live, and why under $1.5 million can be a danger zone for serious investors.
From syndicates that give smaller investors access to multimillion-dollar assets, to practical strategies for tenant risk management and value uplift, Helen covers the nuts and bolts of building what she calls a &ldquo;unicorn portfolio&rdquo; &mdash; one that balances cashflow, growth, and uplift potential. She doesn&rsquo;t shy away from the mistakes she&rsquo;s seen (and fixed), giving listeners a forthright look at what can go wrong and how to protect yourself.
Whether you&rsquo;re an experienced property buyer ready to diversify, or a first-time commercial investor keen to start smart, this conversation will equip you with the insights, questions, and strategies to play the commercial game &mdash; and win.
 Episode Highlights
00:00 &ndash; Welcome
01:07 &ndash; Meet Helen Tarrant: Commercial Property Expert
01:44 &ndash; Differences Between Residential and Commercial Investing
02:21 &ndash; Understanding Commercial Property Fundamentals
04:50 &ndash; Evaluating Commercial Property Investments
08:23 &ndash; Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
12:30 &ndash; Identifying the Right Commercial Property
16:47 &ndash; Navigating the Commercial Property Market
25:09 &ndash; Price Points and Investment Strategies
28:36 &ndash; Understanding Syndication in Real Estate
29:16 &ndash; Securing High-Value Properties
30:10 &ndash; Mechanics of Shareholding in Syndicates
31:42 &ndash; Common Mistakes in Commercial Property Investment
34:22 &ndash; Strategies for Flipping Commercial Properties
38:00 &ndash; Identifying and Fixing Problematic Properties
41:24 &ndash; The Importance of Due Diligence
45:32 &ndash; Case Study: Rescuing a Client's Investment
50:51 &ndash; Final Thoughts and Advice
&nbsp;
About the Guest
Helen Tarrant is the Founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, a specialist buyer&rsquo;s agency helping everyday Australians access and succeed in the commercial property market. With a background in commerce and law, and over a decade of firsthand experience as both an investor and advisor, Helen has built a reputation for turning complex deals into strategic, high-performing investments.
Known for her candid, straight-talking approach, she has educated thousands through free webinars, content, and in-person events, demystifying an asset class often seen as too risky or opaque. Her expertise spans portfolio strategy, tenant risk assessment, syndicate structures, and value-add opportunities, with a focus on creating balanced portfolios that deliver both income and growth. Passionate about investor education, Helen is committed to helping clients avoid the costly mistakes she&rsquo;s seen too often in the industry, and to empowering them to think &mdash; and act &mdash; like seasoned commercial players.
 Connect with Helen
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Website: <a href="https://unikorn.com.au/">https://unikorn.com.au/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Website: <a href="https://helentarrant.com/">https://helentarrant.com/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@helentarrantcommercial">https://www.youtube.com/@helentarrantcommercial</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty/">https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty/</a></li>
</ul>
Resources
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Visit our website: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au</li>
<li aria-level="1">If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at:</li>
<ul>
<li aria-level="2">The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - <a href="mailto:questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au">questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au</a></li>
</ul>
<li aria-level="1">Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? <a href="http://www.gooddeeds.com.au/">https://www.gooddeeds.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Work with Veronica: <a href="http://www.veronicamorgan.com.au">https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Looking for a Mortgage Broker? <a href="http://alcove.com.au">alcove.com.au</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Work with Chris: <a href="mailto:chrisbates@alcove.com.au">chrisbates@alcove.com.au</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Enjoyed 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!
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast">https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719">https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Subscribe on Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765">https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765</a></li>
</ul>
If you enjoyed today&rsquo;s podcast, don&rsquo;t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There&rsquo;s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!
See you on the inside,
Veronica &amp; Chris
&nbsp;

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!

We talk about the things no one wants to talk about in the Property Market

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

Commercial Property 101: The Rules, Risks & Rewards

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