Most buyers freak out when they get their first building and pest report — but that long list of “defects” usually isn’t a deal breaker.
In this episode, Frank and Adrian reveal the truth about building reports — what actually matters, what doesn’t, and how to use a report to save money instead of walking away.
You’ll learn how to tell the difference between real structural issues and cosmetic problems, how to negotiate repairs with confidence, and why “a bit of rust” isn’t the end of the world.
Perfect for first-home buyers and investors who want to buy smart and avoid rookie mistakes.
Not all data is created equal and these five metrics prove it.
In this episode, Adrian reveals the exact research framework Fresh Start Advisory uses to find property markets before they boom. From infrastructure jobs per 1,000 residents to GDP per capita growth, you’ll learn how to spot regions that are about to explode in value.
We break down:
How to rank infrastructure projects and job creation
The internal migration formula that predicted Rockhampton’s 90% rise
Why affordability ratios and job diversity are the keys to resilience
The GDP metric that shows when an economy is truly expanding
If you want to understand the data that separates good investors from great ones — this is your blueprint.
Follow Fresh Start Advisory for weekly episodes on property investing, data, and strategy.
Everyone’s talking about a recession. But what if it’s not even real?
Frank and Adrian break down the truth behind Australia’s economy — GDP, inflation, jobs, and interest rates — and show why fear is the biggest thing holding investors back. You’ll learn how the right mindset (and solid data) can help you keep moving forward while everyone else hesitates.
Whether you’re just starting your investing journey or looking to build long-term wealth, this episode will give you clarity and confidence to act instead of wait.
In this episode:
• Is the “recession” real — or just a mindset?
• What falling interest rates really mean for investors
• How to read Australia’s economic signals
• Why fence-sitters miss the best opportunities
• Four data points every investor should track
Follow Fresh Start Advisory for weekly insights on property, finance, and mindset from Australia’s most active buyers’ agents.
What’s the real difference between a $400k house and a $600k one?
In this episode, Frank and Adrian unpack what those price points actually buy you in today’s market — from older fixer-uppers to fully renovated homes ready for tenants or owner-occupiers.
They break down:
• What $400k, $500k, $600k and $700k homes really look like
• How much work each price point usually needs
• Why renovation can still be a winning strategy
• The investor mindset for taking on older assets
• Which level suits your experience and risk tolerance
If you’re trying to decide how much to spend — or what “value” really means in 2025 — this chat will help you see the property market with fresh eyes.
Most Australians don’t realise they can use their super to buy property — and financial planners often cringe when they hear it. In this episode, we unpack the truth about property inside super (SMSFs), why many advisors steer clients away, and how the right strategy could set you up for retirement.
We cover:
Why planners push shares over property
The pros and cons of SMSFs
A client’s costly off-the-plan mistake
Property vs shares: which really builds wealth
How fees stack up and what to watch for
If you’ve ever wondered whether property in super is worth it, this conversation could change how you see your retirement.
When is it too late to buy into a property market? In this episode, Frank and Adrian reveal the signs that tell you when to jump in—and when to stay out. They break down boom cycles, economic profiles, supply constraints, and the red flags that show a market is overheating. With real examples from Brisbane, Perth, Hobart and Townsville, you’ll learn how to spot opportunities early and avoid costly mistakes. Perfect for anyone wanting to grow their property portfolio with confidence.
The Property Bubble No One Wants to Talk About
Is Australia really heading for a property bubble, or is it just fear-mongering? In this episode we unpack decades of housing cycles — from the 90s recession to the GFC and COVID — to reveal what’s really driving prices up (or down).
We cover:
Why some markets crash while others boom
How lending rules, migration and supply shape housing values
What a real bubble would actually look like in Australia
Why fundamentals matter more than headlines
If you’ve ever wondered whether the housing market is about to burst, this one’s for you.
Regional towns or capital cities — which is the smarter play for property investors? In this episode we uncover the data, bust the myths, and reveal why diversifying across Australia’s 15,000+ markets could be the key to building lasting wealth.
Is it smarter to invest in regional towns or stick with the big capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne?
In this episode, we break down the myths, data, and real numbers behind Australia’s property markets. You’ll learn why property should be treated like the stock market—with 15,000+ opportunities across the country—and why putting all your money into one market can be risky.
We dive into:
The history of booms and busts across Australian property
How Perth went from 150% growth to one of the worst performers
Why regional cities like Bendigo, Newcastle, and Townsville have quietly outperformed capitals
A Sydney vs Townsville case study comparing growth, cashflow, and risk
The “Blue Chip” myth and why diversification matters more than ever
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your portfolio, this episode will challenge the way you think about regional vs capital investment and show you how to reduce risk while still building long-term wealth.
Downloads: https://freshstartadvisory.com.au/resources/
Is Australia really in a housing crisis — or is it actually a spending crisis?
In this episode, we cut through the noise and expose the truth behind property affordability, why so many people are making the wrong moves, and how strategies like rentvesting can completely change your financial future.
From comparing wages to house prices across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, to sharing real client case studies that prove this works, we’ll show you how to think differently, take accountability, and build wealth without falling into the trap of buying the “dream home” too soon.
If you’re tired of the old advice, family pressure, or social media judgment — this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on property, investing, and financial freedom.
Is diversification the safest path to wealth… or just a myth holding you back? In this episode, we unpack the Great Myth of Diversification and debate whether you should focus on one asset or spread across many.
From property and stocks to gold, silver and crypto, we share our personal wins, mistakes, and the hard lessons learned. You’ll hear why some investors swear by putting everything into property, while others find freedom and security in stocks.
We also cover real returns, leverage, emotional investing, and why Warren Buffett’s approach might just change the way you think about your own strategy.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Should I diversify or go all in?” — this is the episode for you.
Tools mentioned in this podcast:https://freshstartadvisory.com.au/resources/
The Best & Worst Places to Buy Property in 2025 (EOFY Wrap)
In this episode, we reveal the suburbs and regions that soared in 2025 — and the ones that sank. From Geraldton’s huge 31% growth to the declines in parts of Victoria, we break down the data, the timing, and the lessons for smart investors.
You’ll hear:
The top 10 property markets of 2025 and why they outperformed
The worst-performing regions (and whether that means opportunity or danger)
How to know when to exit a market before the growth stops
Real client case studies showing 10%–28% growth in just months
Why most investors get it wrong — and how to think differently
Stick around to the end for a special free tool: our 72-step research process to help you analyse markets and grow your portfolio with confidence.
If you want to know where investors actually made money in 2025 and what’s next, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Most people were never taught how money actually works and that’s by design.
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the financial system. From the gold standard to fiat currency, interest rates to inflation, and how money is really created, we break it down in simple terms so you can use the system to your advantage.
Host Frank Ambesi is joined by CFO Sebastian Mattei to explain:
Why financial education was kept out of schools
How interest rates actually work (and who sets them)
The truth about the cash rate and inflation targets
How money is created through debt
The tools the rich use to get richer
If you’ve ever wondered why the rich seem to play a different game and win this is your playbook.
🎙️ In this episode, Adrian opens up about his entire property journey — the good, the bad, and the brutally honest.
From losing money on his first three properties to building a $6 million portfolio across multiple states, we break down:
The early mistakes (and what he learned)
Why strategy matters more than speed
How he turned things around with research, planning, and the right team
The goal: $200–250K in passive income
Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your property investing journey, this episode is packed with real insights from the trenches.
Hit a Wall After 1 or 2 Properties? You’re Not Alone.
In this episode, we’re joined by mortgage strategist Sebastian Mantello from Integrity Finance Brokers (IFB) to unpack how investors can keep growing their portfolio — even after the banks say “no.” We explore the difference between transactional and strategic brokers, and break down how to use structures like trusts, companies, and even super funds to keep buying, reduce tax, and avoid getting stuck.
Whether you're just starting out or already own a few properties, this episode is packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and the strategies smart investors use to scale.
Free Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fBSaJNPYPdR0CpQG5CGoas-d7IIMfey2/copy
Got $1.5M in borrowing power and $200K in cash?
In this episode, we break down a 10-year strategy that could turn that into a $5.5M property portfolio with $44K in annual cash flow — and $1.5M in usable equity.
We walk through the numbers, the renovations, and the principles behind building serious wealth, even covering how the rich live off equity tax-free.
Plus, we’re giving away the exact spreadsheet we use with clients (link above).
🎧 In This Episode: Is the Property Market on the Brink of Collapse?
Are foreign investors pulling out of Australia? Is the government making it harder to build new homes? And what does all this mean for you as a property investor?
In Episode 53, we break down the real impact of Australia’s foreign investment restrictions, rising stamp duty and land tax, and why 2,800+ construction companies have gone bust in just two years.
We also reveal:
Why rental demand is skyrocketing 🚨
How to spot oversupply before it kills growth
The markets we're buying in (and avoiding)
Why not all foreign investment is bad for Aussies
Tactical advice for investors in 2025 and beyond
Whether you're a first-time investor or building your portfolio, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smarter decisions in a volatile market.
Apartments, units, houses, duplexes, blocks, rooming houses, commercials — what’s actually worth buying in 2025?
In this episode, Frank and Adrian walk you through every major property asset class and how they perform in today’s market. Backed by real client examples and personal portfolio plays, this is your no-BS breakdown of what to buy and what to steer clear of.
💡 You’ll learn:
Why cheap apartments often underperform — and what to buy instead
How ground-level units and duplexes can protect your cash flow
When to add granny flats or strata blocks to boost value
Why commercial property is the end game (but only if you do it right)
🎯 Want to get expert help choosing the right assets for your goals?
Book a free strategy call: https://freshstartadvisory.com.au/book-a-consultation/
Why is housing so expensive—and where does the money actually go? In this episode, we unpack the real cost drivers behind Australia's housing crisis with expert insights from Frank. From skyrocketing land values and construction costs to government levies and foreign investor taxes, we dig deep into the numbers and the policies behind the price tags.
We cover:
The breakdown of land vs. construction vs. taxes
How government charges quietly add 50% to home prices
Shrinking builder margins and what it means for quality and supply
The impact of foreign investor taxes on apartment supply
Fringe vs. inner-city land costs and where developers are building
Practical reforms that could lower end-user costs by 10–20%
What’s really moving the housing market—interest rates or taxes?
A must-listen for anyone trying to understand (or survive) the Australian property market.
It’s Episode 50 and we’re going big.
For the first time ever, Frank breaks down his entire property portfolio — the numbers, the suburbs, the equity, and the strategy.
In this episode, we cover:
🏡 Frank’s properties across QLD, WA, and beyond
📊 His current LVR and borrowing power
💡 How he’s using the rentvesting strategy to build wealth
👨👩👧 His beliefs around owning a family home (and how he’s planning to buy it)
🧠 The mindset shifts that helped him grow fast
🔑 His next moves — and how you can apply the same framework
Whether you're just starting out or already own a few properties, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what a real, working strategy looks like in action.
In this episode, Frank & Adrian dive deep into the current investing landscape and answer the big questions everyone’s asking:
Are QLD and WA still the places to invest?
Is Frank selling his properties?
Are we moving into commercial?
How interest rate drops will impact your strategy
Rental shortage data & why it's only getting worse
Population growth, VIC land tax, and why we’re avoiding Melbourne (for now)
Where we’re buying right now — and the regions you should have on your radar
They also unpack Frank’s recent duplex deal, break down the mindset around taxes, and highlight how to make smart property moves based on data, not emotion.
👉 Whether you're just getting started or already building a portfolio, this episode gives you clarity, strategy, and specific locations to act on.
📞 Book a strategy session: https://freshstartadvisory.com.au/book-a-consultation/
📲 Follow us for daily tips: https://instagram.com/freshstart_advisory
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