In this episode of Inside Commercial Property, Scott O'Neill and Phil Tarrant break down one of the most critical yet misunderstood aspects of commercial property investing: due diligence.

Drawing from thousands of transactions completed through Rethink Investing, Scott explains how a structured and independent due diligence process can safeguard investors from financial risk and strengthen long-term portfolio performance.

Listeners will gain practical insights into:

• How to conduct commercial property due diligence that goes beyond the surface numbers.
• The importance of separating acquisition and due diligence to avoid bias.
• Key lease, tenant and legal checks every investor should understand.
  Common red flags hidden in contracts and rent statements.
• Why detailed financial verification can be the difference between a good deal and a costly mistake.

From analysing outgoings and tenant ledgers to understanding lease terms and market-based yields, Scott shares how Rethink Investing's due diligence framework ensures every property is thoroughly assessed before purchase.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about commercial property investment. You'll learn how to approach due diligence like a professional, with structure, objectivity, and the right data to make confident investment decisions.

In this episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, host Emilie Lauer is joined by Eva Loisance from Finni Mortgages to discuss Macquarie Bank's recent freeze on lending to trusts and companies and its impact on property investors.

They explore how trusts and company structures have become increasingly popular, even among first-time investors, due to perceived benefits such as asset protection, tax advantages, and the ability to bypass traditional lending limits.

Loisance explains that while these strategies can enable portfolio growth, they carry significant risks, especially in a high-interest, low-yield environment where properties may not be positively geared.

The discussion highlights concerns about aggressive lending strategies promoted on social media and the potential for overextension, which partly motivated Macquarie's decision.

Lauer and Loisance emphasise that while the freeze affects investors relying on trusts, it may also lead other banks to tighten lending scrutiny and standards.

They stress the importance of reassessing investment strategies, seeking professional advice, and focusing on sustainable, positively geared properties.

Despite the challenges, trusts remain as viable options for well-informed investors who engage accountants, financial planners, and brokers to guide decisions.

If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

If you would like to get in touch with our team, email editor@smartpropertyinvestment.com.au for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.

In this episode of The Property Nerds, host Arjun Paliwal from InvestorKit speaks with Tim Biason, an Australian expat in Dubai, about navigating the challenges of investing in property back home.

Tim, who moved to Dubai to advance his aviation career, has continued to grow his property portfolio while living overseas.

Having already owned a couple of investment properties in Australia, he faced the challenges of managing overseas investments until he enlisted the help of a buyer's agent to provide local expertise and support.

The agent helped him navigate market trends, financing, and legal processes, turning complex decisions into informed strategies.

Leveraging his tax-free earnings in Dubai and his knowledge of the Australian market, Tim was able to expand and diversify his investments effectively.

His properties, first in Blacktown and more recently in Melbourne, have appreciated, demonstrating how strategic planning and a coordinated team can make remote property investment both feasible and profitable for expats.