In this episode of How I Met My Broker, hosts Liam Garman and Strategic Brokers director Hung Chuy are joined by REB Buyer's Agent of the Year Dawn Fouhy from Future Proof Property Advisory to unpack strategies for investing in 2026.

The trio discuss the fast start to the year and the importance of timing, asset selection, and working with advisers who are active investors themselves.

Fouhy outlines her philosophy of buying for the future owner-occupier, while Chuy emphasises the value of brokers who understand investing firsthand.

They debate rentvesting versus owning a principal place of residence, agreeing that the right choice depends on life stage and market conditions.

The conversation also explores buying through trusts, borrowing capacity, and the need for coordinated advice from brokers and accountants.

Melbourne is flagged as a market with strong upside, particularly in growth corridors offering relative affordability.

Fouhy and Chuy argue that investors should focus on fundamentals and timing rather than prestige, warning about the opportunity cost of overpriced blue-chip assets.

They conclude that adaptability, research, and the right team are critical to navigating changing market conditions and building long-term wealth.

In the second part of their discussion on The Smart Property Investment Show, host Liam Garman and Paul Mollica from Wealthkey Property explore the mindset, education, and strategies required to scale a property portfolio and achieve financial freedom.

The episode emphasises maintaining perspective, encouraging investors to focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term setbacks.

Drawing on lessons from the book Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, the conversation highlights how quality assets may start cash negative but can evolve into strong income performers over time.

Mollica says that overcoming fear, addressing misinformation, maintaining a coachable attitude, and seeking expert guidance are the keys to success.

The duo stresses that proactive property managers are vital to protecting assets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and addressing maintenance issues before they escalate.

They also outline the importance of structuring finance effectively to support multiple acquisitions while remaining flexible as market conditions shift.

Mollica says that investors also need a solid understanding of property cycles by blending data, local insights, and professional analysis, as no single source guarantees accurate market predictions.

Despite uncertainties such as tax reform, interest rates, and labour shortages, the episode concludes that informed, adaptable investors who prioritise the right assets are best positioned to build long-term wealth.

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In this episode of The Property Nerds podcast, hosts Arjun Paliwal and Jack Fouracre sit down with Ramon Raneal from The Agency to discuss why the culture-rich Inner West of Sydney has become a magnet for property buyers and investors alike.

Raneal, a real estate specialist in the Inner West, shares his journey from the US property market to Sydney and explains why the Inner West offers identity, culture, and community to owners and investors alike.

He unpacks the unique dynamics of the Inner West market, where small blocks of land can fetch premium prices, and where educated, savvy buyers are prepared to pay for lifestyle, convenience, and community.

Listeners learn how post-COVID-19 trends have shifted buyer demographics, with young families and downsizers moving from the eastern suburbs and Lower North Shore to the Inner West. Ramon also reveals practical tips for sellers, from minimising buyer objections to maximising light and space to attract competitive offers.

Raneal highlights how location within a street can dramatically affect resale value, and how creative use of smaller land parcels, such as adding a second dwelling or reconfiguring layouts, can unlock significant long-term gains in an otherwise compact market.