The Elephant in the Room
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Episode 405: The Investor Pulse Check: PIPA’s Survey Reveals Market Shifts

Investors are bailing out of the market—yet nearly 60% still say it’s a great time to buy. That contradiction sits at the heart of the latest PIPA Investor Sentiment Survey, and it’s shaping the conversation around Australian property market trends 2025.

In this episode, we sit down with Lachlan Vidler, Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA), to unpack what the survey data really says. We explore the major pressure points—debt reduction, compliance costs, land tax, and the shrinking rental pool—as well as the bigger risks like negative gearing reforms, rental caps, and tenancy legislation. Along the way, we touch on investor psychology, state-by-state differences, and who investors actually trust for advice.

Here are the must-hear takeaways from this episode:

  • The real reasons for the sell-off → debt stress, compliance costs, and land tax are forcing investor decisions.

  • The rental stock shock → just 42% of sold properties remain available to tenants, tightening supply fast.

  • Policy risk on a knife’s edge → more than half would walk away if negative gearing rules were changed.

  • Optimism in the chaos → nearly 60% still believe it’s a good time to buy, raising the question: is now a good time to invest in property in Australia?

  • Who’s whispering in investors’ ears → brokers and accountants dominate the advice game, for better or worse.

If you’ve been asking yourself “Are investment properties still worth it in 2025?”, this episode is essential listening. It’s a rare look into real investor sentiment, the latest investment trends, and the strategies shaping property investment and strategy today. 

Whether you’re already investing in a rental property or considering your next move, this conversation is a reality check on how investor behaviour will shape tomorrow’s housing market.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction

02:04 – Why the Rental Market Is Being Reshaped

03:11 – Top Reasons Investors Are Selling Properties

04:39 – How Rising Costs Erode Investor Confidence

07:08 – Pain in Melbourne, Gains in Brisbane

08:15 – Federal Reforms Driving Investor Uncertainty

12:02 – The Rental Pool Is Shrinking—What It Means

14:29 – Supply, Demand, and Speculative Investment

22:34 – Why Industry and Government Clash on Reform

26:17 – How Politics Shapes Investor Outcomes

28:40 – Lobbying, Legislation, and Investor Reaction

31:06 – Who Investors Really Trust for Property Advice

34:15 – Why Investors Need Holistic Property Guidance

38:29 – Fragile Optimism: 60% Still Say It’s Time to Buy

47:39 – Property Dumbo: Signing Contracts Too Soon

50:01 – Wrap-Up and Where to Find PIPA Resources

About our Guest:

Lachlan Vidler is the Chair of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA), the peak body advocating for higher standards and transparency across the property industry. With deep experience as a property advisor and investor, Lachlan brings unique insight into the data and psychology behind investor behaviour.

At PIPA, he works to raise professional standards, educate investors, and shape better policy outcomes for the housing sector. His leadership positions him at the centre of Australia’s most pressing conversations on affordability, rental supply, and the future of property investment.

Connect with Lachlan

Resources:

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Chris Bates