Podcast: Budget fallout, SMSF lending ban, & the property-versus-shares debate

Australian Property Podcast

Here's what we covered on the podcast this week:

In this episode of Australian Property Podcast, Pete Wargent and Chris Bates break down the latest property-market shake-up and what it means for buyers, investors and borrowers. The conversation centres on the Federal Budget fallout, the ban on SMSF lending into property, weaker auction conditions and the way sentiment has turned across key housing markets.

Pete and Chris unpack why Sydney and Melbourne were already softening before the policy changes, how investor demand is fading in the established market, and why rental yields and mortgage rates still matter more than headlines. They also explain where they are still seeing activity, from first-home buyers and upgraders to smaller renovation projects, while caution remains high around leveraged property investing.

The episode finishes with two practical listener questions: whether to sell a negatively geared investment property when cash flow is tight, and when property can still make sense versus shares in 2026. Along the way, Pete and Chris explore refinancing dynamics, the role of super, the trade-offs between liquidity and leverage, and how to think about risk when conditions are changing fast. If you want a grounded weekly read on the Australian housing market, mortgage trends and investing decisions, this episode is a useful snapshot of where the market stands right now.

Tune in here (or click on the image below):

You can also watch the YouTube version here:

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