loader from loading.io

Rent Confusion

Hotspotting

Release Date: 01/17/2025

Exposing Self-Proclaimed Property Experts on Social Media show art Exposing Self-Proclaimed Property Experts on Social Media

Hotspotting

Social media is packed with self-proclaimed property gurus promising the “secret” suburbs set to boom in 2026. But how much of it can you actually trust? In this episode, we cut through the hype, exposing the telltale signs of fake property experts and showing you how to make smarter decisions when investing in Australian real estate. If you want to avoid costly mistakes and understand what really drives property growth, this is the guide you need. Tune in and learn why there are no shortcuts, no secrets, just proven strategies backed by real experience.

info_outline
The Hard Truth About Australia’s Record High Rents and Prices show art The Hard Truth About Australia’s Record High Rents and Prices

Hotspotting

Australia’s housing crisis is at record highs, but why aren’t things improving? In this episode, we break down how government policies, constant law changes, and supply shortages are driving up house prices and rents. We explore why state and federal actions often make the problem worse, who really bears the cost, and what could actually help fix the affordability crisis. Tune in to get a clear, no-nonsense explanation of why homes are so expensive and what it means for renters, buyers, and investors across Australia.

info_outline
Why 2026 Could Be a Breakthrough Year for Australian Property show art Why 2026 Could Be a Breakthrough Year for Australian Property

Hotspotting

Australia’s property markets are moving like never before. From Darwin to Melbourne, buyer demand and prices are rising across almost every major city and regional market. In this episode, we unpack the latest Price Predictor Index, reveal which markets are leading the charge, and explore why affordable housing is driving nationwide momentum. Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or property enthusiast, these insights will help you understand the unusual trends shaping Australian real estate as we head into 2026.

info_outline
The Property Forecasts From 2022 That Paid Off Big show art The Property Forecasts From 2022 That Paid Off Big

Hotspotting

Three years ago, the National Top 10 Best Buys report highlighted Australian property locations expected to outperform over the long term. Now, the data shows just how powerful those location calls turned out to be. In this episode, we unpack how some investors achieved capital growth above $200,000 and in some cases close to $300,000 in just three years. You will hear why eight of the ten recommended locations delivered price growth of 50 percent or more, which suburbs surged by over 70 percent, and what separated the standout markets from the rest. We also discuss what these results reveal...

info_outline
Reflections & Projections Webinar Replay 2025 | What the Data Says About Property in 2026 show art Reflections & Projections Webinar Replay 2025 | What the Data Says About Property in 2026

Hotspotting

Each year, this is our most anticipated session — and for good reason. In this Annual Reflections & Projections Webinar, Hotspotting Founder Terry Ryder and Managing Director Tim Graham review how Australia’s property market actually performed in 2025, then use those insights to map what’s ahead for 2026 and beyond. This session cuts through the noise and headlines to focus on real data, real cycles, and real opportunities. 🔍 What we cover in this webinar: • A scorecard review of past National Top 10 Best Buys and how those markets performed • Why some markets surged — and...

info_outline
Sunshine Coast Property Growth Claims Exposed show art Sunshine Coast Property Growth Claims Exposed

Hotspotting

Think the top growth suburbs on the Sunshine Coast are what they seem? Most lists you see are misleading, based on tiny sales samples and distorted data. In reality, six of the top seven suburbs on a recent list were farcical nonsense. Don’t make property decisions based on bad data. Watch the full breakdown now and get the real story.

info_outline
Regional Victoria Property Market is Booming Again show art Regional Victoria Property Market is Booming Again

Hotspotting

Regional Victoria is on the rise, and property investors are paying attention. After years of high taxes and strict real estate rules, sales activity is surging across towns like Bendigo, Geelong, Ballarat, Shepparton and the Latrobe Valley. In this episode, we break down the latest Price Predictor Index data and ABS property finance figures to reveal which markets are thriving, why investors are returning, and where home buyers are finding real value. If you’re curious about the strongest regional property markets since 2021, this episode is a must-listen.

info_outline
The Truth About Property Investing and Why So Many Fail show art The Truth About Property Investing and Why So Many Fail

Hotspotting

Millions of Australians dive into property investment aiming for financial freedom or a secure retirement, but most never achieve it. In this episode, we explore why so many fall short and what separates the 1% who build sizeable property portfolios. Based on my new book Why Property Values Rise, we uncover the 12 rookie mistakes that slow investors down, from following the herd to ignoring expert advice. If you’re serious about property wealth, understanding these pitfalls could transform the way you invest. Tune in to discover practical strategies, insider tips, and the key mindset shifts...

info_outline
Inside Australia’s Housing Crisis show art Inside Australia’s Housing Crisis

Hotspotting

Almost everyone agrees Australia is in a housing crisis — but why can’t we agree on what’s causing it? In this episode, we unpack a revealing Macquarie University study that shows the nation is united on the problem, yet divided on the reasons behind it. We dive into what Australians think is driving the crisis — from population growth and interest rates to housing supply and taxes — and why the usual media scapegoats like foreign buyers and investor tax breaks don’t rank as highly as you’d expect. You’ll also hear why misinformation, mixed messaging and a lack of political...

info_outline
Price Growth Differences show art Price Growth Differences

Hotspotting

Property prices are rising… or falling… depending on who you ask. With major data sources reporting completely different results, it’s no wonder Australians are confused about what’s really happening in the market. In this episode, we break down the latest numbers from PropTrack and Cotality to uncover where the data aligns, where it clashes, and why “official” figures aren’t always as solid as they seem. From Darwin’s conflicting unit prices to the quiet strength of regional markets, we dig into the rubbery numbers shaping big investment decisions. If you want a clearer,...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

If you’re confused about what’s happening with rents in Australia, you can be forgiven.

 

That’s especially so if you use news media as your main source of information about residential real estate.

 

The information – or perhaps more correctly, misinformation – in news media is highly confusing and in many cases contradictory, with one headline saying the complete opposite to another.

 

Here are two headlines that appeared on the same day, the 10th of January:

 

The worst is over: slowest rise in rents in four years

Affordability crisis: tenants feel the pinch as rents surge

 

So, as usual, Australian real estate consumers need to look elsewhere, somewhere other than mainstream media, to find out what’s really happening in housing markets.

 

One of the strange things about residential rents, which pops up regularly in news media, is the bizarre notion that if the latest stats suggest that the rate of growth in rents is slowing, then tenants across the nation are celebrating. 

 

They’re apparently popping champagne corks because the rate of rental growth currently is less than it was last year.

 

Let’s be clear: the greatest wish of tenants is NOT slower growth in rents. It’s NOT for rents to stop growing. And contrary to the apparent belief of The Greens, they don’t want a rental cap. What they want is for rents to FALL.

 

People who rent in Australia, about a third of households, want to see a bigger choice of places to live in – in other words, they want higher vacancies. And they want rents to come down.

 

There are two main reasons why that isn’t happening and cannot happen: 

(1) because vacancies are at historic lows, as they have been now for three years, and there are no remedies in sight; and 

(2) because interest rates are persistently high and the owners of rental properties need high rents to cover their costs.

 

Having said that, it’s clear that - in some locations - rents have reached a ceiling and are unlikely to go much higher in the short term. Tenants cannot keep paying higher and higher rents – and higher and higher proportions of their incomes – on rental accommodation.

 

That is why the rate of growth in rents has slowed in SOME – but certainly not all – locations across Australia.

 

But the true wish among tenants – for rents to decline – is highly unlikely to happen any time soon.

 

SNIPPET:

 

There’s a lot of confusing and conflicting information in mainstream media about what’s happening with residential rents.

 

Some headlines have declared that the worst is over for tenants because the rate of growth in rents is slowing down – as a national average.

 

But other headlines have claimed that rents continue to surge higher and tenants continue to be in a world of pain.

 

The reality is that rents are still rising, although in SOME locations the rate of growth is slowing down.

 

But with vacancy rates continuing to be at historic lows in most places across Australia, and interest rates stubbornly high, we don’t have the conditions for rents to fall any time soon – particularly as there are no solutions in sight for the shortage which is causing rents to be high and rising.