Read Full Blog Here In this episode, Stuart pulls apart the perennial “REITs vs direct property” debate and shows why they’re not substitutes but tools for different jobs. He explains how A-REITs work (structures, stapled securities, payout rules, typical 30–40% gearing) and why their liquidity and ~5% income appeal can be offset by equity-like volatility and index concentration (think one or two giants driving returns). He contrasts this with direct residential property: full control, the ab...

In this Q&A episode, Stuart tackles a wide mix of real-world scenarios that highlight a consistent theme: asset quality and long-term strategy matter far more than short-term market noise. We start with a listener holding an underperforming one-bedroom apartment and work through why some assets simply never recover, regardless of broader market conditions. From there, we explore whether trading two good properties for a single premium home makes sense, and why “levelling up” often outperf...

Read Full Blog Here In this episode, Stuart tackles the perennial question: should you fix your mortgage rate—if not now, when? He reframes “normal” using the RBA’s neutral rate (roughly 3–3.5%) and shows why today’s home loan ranges of ~5–6% (P&I) and ~5.5–6.5% (IO) are sustainable. Drawing on three decades of data, he explains why fixing has left borrowers worse off about two-thirds of the time, and why flexibility (offsets, extra repayments, refinancing, equity access) usually beats ch...

In this Q&A, Stuart tackles six real-world dilemmas listeners are wrestling with. He opens with superannuation, weighing Hostplus High Growth vs Indexed High Growth and why fees (0.80% vs 0.04%) and an evidence-based tilt often beat glossy promises. For a Brisbane surgeon in training, he maps a “maximum optionality” plan, prioritising cash buffers, offsets, and low-friction, rules-based ETFs while big life variables (city, role, renovation) settle. He then explores whether to buy an “inve...

Read Full Blog Here In this episode of Investopoly, Stuart unpacks why relying solely on property sales data, no matter how comprehensive, can lead investors astray. While compound annual growth rate (CAGR) calculations are useful, Stuart explains that interpreting them without context can result in serious misjudgements. He walks through the three core attributes of investment-grade property and focuses on why “runs on the board” must be considered alongside timing, capital improvements, zon...

In this episode of Investopoly, Stuart dives into a diverse and thoughtful mix of listener questions, spanning early-stage investing to high-net-worth wealth structuring. He compares Hostplus High Growth vs Indexed High Growth super options, unpacking whether the significantly higher fees are worth it. Stuart also offers strategic guidance to a young couple earning modest incomes but saving aggressively, weighing up whether it’s the right time to jump into property via the First Home Buyer Sc...

Read Full Blog Here In this week’s episode, Campbell tackles a variety of complex and timely superannuation and wealth-building questions, starting with the government’s revised $3 million super cap, also known as Division 296. He breaks down what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and why the new rules are far more balanced than the initial proposal. Campbell also explores what high-balance super fund holders should consider, especially those with illiquid assets, such as property. Listeners...

In this week’s Q&A episode of Investopoly, Stuart tackles a wide range of insightful listener questions. Julianne kicks things off by asking for Stuart’s thoughts on the Canberra property market. Shelly seeks guidance on whether to subdivide and sell land to pay down debt or wait until retirement to reduce capital gains tax. Bay raises the question of when (or whether) it makes sense to shift from low-cost index investing to more actively managed super options, especially with internation...

Read Full Blog Here In this episode, Stuart unpacks why PAYG employees need to approach tax planning differently and why the system is stacked against them. While company owners and investors enjoy structural advantages and deductions, employees often face limited options. Stuart explains why the two main ways for PAYG earners to reduce tax—super contributions and borrowing to invest should be used as part of a long-term wealth strategy, not short-term tax minimisation. He also explores more ...

>> Register here to join the session. << In this Q&A episode, Stuart tackles a wide range of strategic questions from listeners navigating big financial decisions. Alex (pseudonym Ace) asks whether it’s smarter to upgrade to a forever home now, invest in shares and super, or pursue an investment property first. Stuart explains why securing your long-term home earlier often pays off. Gavin, recently divorced, wants to know how best to prioritise home upgrades, property co...

Read Full Blog Here In this episode, Stuart explains why property investors need to be cautious when relying on the last five years of price data. He outlines how this period has been shaped by a series of unique, disruptive events: surging construction costs, extreme interest rate movements, volatile migration patterns, and the rise of working from home. While these factors have significantly impacted prices, they don’t reflect long-term fundamentals and may not be repeated. Stuart explores ...

In this episode, Campbell addresses a wide range of thoughtful listener questions covering retirement planning, property strategy, superannuation structuring, and the real cost of working with brokers. “Fred” runs through a detailed retirement plan with over $5M in super, trust, and cash assets and seeks a sanity check on his 3.25% spending rate and family gifting strategy. Campbell provides perspective on sequence risk, cash buffers, and longevity planning. Kayt asks whether using a financia...

Read Full Blog Here In this episode, Stuart unpacks what it really means to construct an evidence-based investment portfolio and why portfolio construction is arguably the most important decision an investor can make. He explains how diversification across shares and property helps smooth returns, not because it eliminates volatility, but because it helps investors stay the course and adapt to life’s inevitable curveballs. Stuart takes a deep dive into factor-based investing, highlighting the...

In this episode, Stuart answers a wide range of listener questions on property strategy, superannuation, and capital gains tax, each offering a unique perspective on wealth management across different life stages. Jim and his wife are considering whether to upgrade their home now, invest in ETFs, or continue expanding their portfolio through a trust structure. Stuart weighs the options and long-term implications of each. Kayt asks whether a low-fee option like a Vanguard retirement product is...

Read Full Blog Here In this episode, Stuart takes a deep dive into momentum investing, what it is, how it works in theory, and whether it holds up in practice when applied to shares and property. Momentum is a factor strategy that involves buying assets that have performed strongly over the past 6–12 months. While it sounds compelling, Stuart explains why real-world results often fall short due to high trading costs, tax drag, and dilution when trying to reduce turnover. He also shares why th...

In this episode, Stuart tackles one of the most frequently asked investing questions: property vs. shares, but through a sharper lens: how leverage, gearing levels, and borrowing constraints impact the comparison. Sam asks at what point property stops outperforming shares if you can't borrow 100% of the purchase price. Stuart explains the inflection points and when ETFs might offer a better return for your capital. Bob, planning for retirement abroad, outlines a sophisticated strategy involvi...

Read Full Blog Here In this data-driven episode, Stuart explores what really predicts property price movements, beyond the headlines about population growth. Using lending volume data across major Australian cities, Stuart shows why borrowing activity is one of the most reliable indicators of short-term property price trends. He compares trends in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, highlighting how lending volumes often correlate far more strongly with price growth than populat...

In this packed Q&A episode, Stuart answers listener questions from all stages of life and wealth, covering everything from young families building momentum to seasoned investors managing multi-million-dollar portfolios. Amit asks whether to sell a newly built property in Beveridge and reinvest closer to Melbourne, like Frankston, for long-term compounding, and weighs up whether to redevelop or sell his current home before buying into a better school zone. Ron from Brisbane wants to know i...

Read Full Blog Here In this episode, Stuart examines whether being a wholesale investor truly unlocks better investment opportunities or is merely a more sophisticated marketing pitch. He explains what qualifies someone as a wholesale investor under Australian law, what protections are lost when switching from retail, and whether exclusive access to private equity, hedge funds, and unlisted property trusts is truly worth the trade-off. Stuart also breaks down the core risks of wholesale inves...

In this Q&A-packed episode, Stuart tackles a broad range of listener questions covering everything from starting in your 30s to optimising a $5 million property portfolio. Zach, a new parent with a $1M home and solid income, asks what to focus on over the next 5–10 years and whether topping up the offset or investing in shares makes more sense. Stuart also addresses whether Zach's discretionary trust setup is a smart long-term move. Rob asks about private banking services, what they offer...