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In this episode, Stuart challenges the idea that Melbourne property has been a poor performer by digging beneath the median data and uncovering what actually drives outperformance.

While headline figures suggest modest growth since 2010, a deeper look reveals many individual properties have significantly exceeded the average. Stuart walks through 10 real case studies across investment-grade Melbourne suburbs, highlighting the common characteristics that contributed to stronger long-term results even during relatively flat market conditions.

The discussion focuses on key drivers of outperformance, including structural scarcity, walkable lifestyle appeal, strong local demographics, and positioning within tightly held pockets. He also explains why factors like land size and heritage overlays may matter less than investors assume, and how well-executed renovations can enhance both value and buyer demand.

Importantly, Stuart emphasises that property investing is both art and science data can guide decisions, but nuance and local expertise often make the difference.

The episode reinforces a critical message: you don’t need a booming market to achieve strong results. By focusing on high-quality assets with enduring fundamentals, investors can outperform the median and harness the real power of long-term compounding.

My new book out in 2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: http://www.investopoly.com.au/book

Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au.

If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe to my weekly blog: http://www.investopoly.com.au/email

Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

In this episode, Stuart unpacks a complex and relatable dilemma: what happens when your long-term wealth strategy collides with a major lifestyle goal.

A Sydney-based investor with a substantial property portfolio is aiming to retire at 60 with a high passive income. Still, a recent PPOR upgrade and plans for an $800k–$1M knockdown rebuild have put that goal under pressure. With borrowing capacity already stretched and income likely to fall, the question becomes clear: is it possible to fund the build without selling assets, or is compromise unavoidable?

Stuart explores the trade-offs between holding investment-grade property for long-term compounding versus freeing up capital to fund lifestyle decisions today. He also discusses the realities of serviceability constraints, the risks of overextending, and why sometimes even strong portfolios require strategic simplification.

The episode also touches on broader themes, including how to optimise concessional super contributions in retirement, how risk tolerance should evolve as wealth grows, and a fascinating case study involving a farmer weighing up a $11M lump sum versus long-term income from a solar lease.

A thoughtful discussion on balancing ambition, lifestyle, and financial reality when not everything can be optimised at once.

My new book out in 2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: http://www.investopoly.com.au/book

Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au.

If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe to my weekly blog: http://www.investopoly.com.au/email

Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart breaks down the growing political debate around capital gains tax (CGT) and what potential changes could mean for Australian property investors.

Following a Senate committee review, policymakers are now discussing the possibility of reducing the CGT discount and even limiting negative gearing to a small number of properties. Stuart examines the claims behind these proposals, including whether investor tax incentives are really responsible for rising house prices, and why housing supply remains the dominant driver of affordability.

He then walks through modelling that compares three potential CGT systems: the current 50% discount, a reduced 33% discount, and the original inflation indexation model used when CGT was first introduced. Using a 30-year property investment example, Stuart shows how reducing the discount would affect after-tax returns, internal rate of return (IRR), and the overall profit investors might expect from a leveraged property strategy.

The episode also explores how these tax changes could alter the investment landscape. If property tax advantages are reduced, borrowing to invest in shares, particularly tax-efficient global equity portfolios, may become comparatively more attractive.

Finally, Stuart discusses lessons from the UK, where investor-focused tax reforms reduced landlord participation and tightened rental supply, contributing to rising rents.

My new book out in 2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: http://www.investopoly.com.au/book

Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au.

If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe to my weekly blog: http://www.investopoly.com.au/email

Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this Q&A episode, Stuart tackles three complex retirement planning scenarios involving superannuation strategy, debt reduction, and financial independence.

First, a Melbourne couple in their 50s asks whether surplus cash should be prioritised toward their large PPOR mortgage offset or contributed to their SMSF. With significant property exposure and relatively low super balances, Stuart explores how to think about the trade-off between liquidity, tax efficiency, and retirement readiness.

Next, a Sydney couple in their late 40s wonder if it’s still possible to pay off their home loan and retire within 15 years. Stuart examines whether buying an investment property for growth ahead of the Brisbane Olympics is a sensible strategy, or whether a more conservative path, boosting concessional super contributions while paying down their mortgage, may provide a stronger outcome.

Finally, a FIRE-oriented listener asks how to bridge the gap between early retirement and super preservation age when most wealth already sits inside super. Stuart discusses withdrawal rates, sequence-of-returns risk, and how to determine the appropriate level of investments required outside super.

A thoughtful episode on balancing flexibility, tax efficiency, and risk when planning for retirement across different life stages.

My new book out in 2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: http://www.investopoly.com.au/book

Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au.

If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe to my weekly blog: http://www.investopoly.com.au/email

Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this episode, Stuart explores what he believes is the single most important principle in long-term investing: choosing assets that are most likely to deliver the highest average return over the next 20–30+ years, and ideally much longer.

He explains why successful investors focus on lifetime compounding rather than short-term market noise, and how the real power of compounding only becomes obvious after decades of patience. Stuart walks through why investment decisions should always be framed around the question: Would I be comfortable owning this asset forever?

The discussion also covers the practical levers investors can control to maximise long-term outcomes. That includes minimising fees and tax drag so more returns can compound, selecting assets where growth is driven largely by unrealised capital appreciation, and structuring ownership correctly from the beginning.

Stuart also highlights the often-overlooked behavioural side of investing. The best investments are not just those with strong fundamentals; they are the ones that require minimal time, emotional energy, and decision-making so investors can stick with them through market cycles.

Finally, he explains how this principle applies across asset classes from ETFs built around durable indexes to investment-grade property in supply-constrained locations, and why resisting short-term “shiny object” strategies is essential for building meaningful wealth over time.

My new book out in 2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: http://www.investopoly.com.au/book

Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au.

If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe to my weekly blog: http://www.investopoly.com.au/email

Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

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In this wide-ranging Q&A episode, Stuart tackles advanced strategy questions across crypto, capital gains tax, debt recycling, super structuring, and long-term portfolio design.

First, he unpacks the tax realities of holding Bitcoin via an ETF versus direct ownership, including whether using Bitcoin as a future currency actually avoids CGT (spoiler: the tax system doesn’t work that way). He also explores custody risk and what “safest” really means when holding digital assets directly.

The episode then shifts to a couple crystallising a large capital gain and weighing up debt recycling, super contributions, and leveraging through NAB Equity Builder. Stuart breaks down the maths of deductible versus non-deductible debt, Div 293 considerations, and how to balance tax efficiency with flexibility and early financial independence.

He also revisits the six-year rule for CGT on former principal residences, clarifying eligibility, deductibility during exemption periods, valuation strategies, and whether banks need to be notified when occupancy changes.

Finally, for a defined benefit member building wealth outside super, Stuart explores portfolio diversification beyond property and how defined benefit interests interact with the $2 million transfer balance cap.

A technical but practical episode focused on sequencing, structure, and preserving optionality on the path to financial freedom.

My new book out in 2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: http://www.investopoly.com.au/book

Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au.

If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe to my weekly blog: http://www.investopoly.com.au/email

Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

Read Full Blog Here

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The lending landscape has changed dramatically over the past two decades, and the gap between traditional banks and non-bank lenders has never been wider. In this episode, Stuart breaks down the key differences between authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and non-bank lenders regulated primarily by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) under the NCCP framework.

You’ll learn how banks fund loans using customer deposits protected by the Financial Claims Scheme, while non-banks typically rely on securitisation and bond markets. Stuart explains why non-banks aren’t subject to APRA’s macroprudential limits, including serviceability buffers and debt-to-income caps, and how this can translate into materially higher borrowing capacity.

He also unpacks the important nuances around offset account structures with non-banks, potential risks in a lender failure scenario, and why funding costs can shift independently of the RBA cash rate.

Most importantly, Stuart explores how using a non-bank lender strategically can accelerate wealth creation, particularly in property investing, where access to finance often matters more than marginal differences in interest rates.

My new book out in 2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: http://www.investopoly.com.au/book

Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au.

If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe to my weekly blog: http://www.investopoly.com.au/email

Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.

In this strategic Q&A episode, Stuart explores two thoughtful listener scenarios centred on structure, leverage, and long-term optionality.

First, a high-earning couple in their late 30s with significant cash, shares, super, and a lowly geared investment property wrestle with how much to spend on a future family home. Should they stay underleveraged and preserve their income-producing assets, or sell shares and property to secure a higher-quality principal residence? Stuart unpacks how to think about asset quality, sequencing, tax efficiency, and the hidden opportunity cost of “putting all your eggs” into the family home.

Then, a financially literate PAYG professional navigating redundancy, career reset, and decision fatigue asks the big structural questions: When does a family trust actually make sense? Is there a trigger point for setting up an SMSF? And how do you assess whether financial advice is worth the cost? Stuart walks through the practical thresholds, behavioural considerations, and regulatory realities that should inform those decisions, particularly for single professionals rebuilding momentum.

This episode is about clarity over complexity, understanding when to introduce new structures, when to simplify, and how to align wealth-building decisions with lifestyle, risk tolerance, and long-term independence.

My new book out in 2026: To join the pre-order waitlist and get a bonus. More info go to: http://www.investopoly.com.au/book

Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us at questions@investopoly.com.au.

If you're interested in working with my team and me, discover how we can work together here: https://prosolution.com.au/prospective-client/

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe to my weekly blog: http://www.investopoly.com.au/email

Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog: https://prosolution.com.au/books/

IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.