Own It Property Podcast

Most buyers waste time focusing on the wrong things when purchasing a property — shiny kitchens, new bathrooms, trendy finishes — and completely ignore what actually drives long-term value. In this episode of the Own It Podcast, Dion breaks down the 80/20 Rule for Property Buying and explains why just 20% of a property determines 80% of its long-term performance. You’ll learn: What the non-negotiables are when buying property Why location, land, asset type, and floorplan matter more than renovations Which compromises are safe to make — and which ones can cost you hundreds of thousands Why cosmetic features depreciate while fundamentals drive growth How buyers get trapped chasing “perfect” properties that underperform Why off-the-plan apartments are a classic example of focusing on the wrong 80% This episode is essential listening for first-home buyers, upgraders, and anyone feeling stuck trying to choose between properties. If you want to buy with confidence — not emotion — this framework will change how you look at property forever.

Buying near a busy road, train line, school, or powerlines is one of the most common dilemmas buyers face — and the advice online is confusing at best. In this episode, Dion breaks down the real impact these compromises have on property value, future resale, and your day-to-day living. Using real examples and buyer behaviour insights from the market, Dion explains: Which compromises are fixable and which ones never change Why busy roads and train lines usually mean a 5%–20% discount How these “discounts” work — and why you’ll also sell for less The biggest red flag of all: buying under powerlines How buyer psychology shapes demand around schools, roads and transport When buying a compromised property can be a smart move When the risk is simply not worth it If you're considering a home on a main road, near a train line, across from a school, or anywhere close to powerlines, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make the right call.

Choosing what to buy is just as important as choosing where to buy — and yet most buyers get it wrong. In this episode, Dion breaks down asset selection and explains the real differences between houses, townhouses, units, and apartments. Using fresh CoreLogic data and real buyer stories, he ranks these property types based on long-term performance, land value, demand, and risk. You’ll learn: Why houses consistently outperform other property types The difference between a good townhouse/unit and a bad one Why land value is the number one driver of capital growth The biggest risks of buying brand-new or off-the-plan Which types of apartments can perform — and which never do How lifestyle vs investment goals change what the “best” asset looks like for you Whether you're a first-home buyer, investor, or upgrading, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and choose the property type with the strongest long-term upside.

It looks shiny, brand-new, and full of promise — but buying off-the-plan could be one of the riskiest moves a buyer can make. In this episode, Dion breaks down why most off-the-plan apartments don’t perform, what really drives value in property, and how government incentives can actually mask serious financial risks. You’ll learn: Why more than half of Melbourne’s apartments resell for a loss How developers “bake in” incentives to inflate prices The danger of buying something that doesn’t yet exist Why land is the only thing that truly drives long-term value The few rare cases when buying off-the-plan can still make sense If you’ve ever been tempted by a brand-new apartment with stamp duty savings, listen to this first — it could save you years of regret.

Overpaying for a property is every buyer’s worst nightmare — but it’s also completely avoidable if you know what signs to look for. In this episode, Dion breaks down exactly how to recognise when a property is overpriced, what data actually matters, and how to separate real value from emotional hype. You’ll learn: The red flags that a property is struggling (and overpriced) How to use average days on market as your biggest pricing clue Why social proof — the number of buyers inspecting — is more powerful than the price guide How to read an agent’s confidence and use it to your advantage Why emotion is the number one reason buyers overpay This episode gives you a clear, data-driven strategy so you can buy with confidence — not panic — and finally stop worrying about paying too much.