Are first home buyers really locked out of the Australian property market or is that just a headline-driven myth?

In this episode, we unpack the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and reveal what is actually happening on the ground. The numbers show first home buyers are not only active, they are a major force shaping demand and influencing property prices.

We cut through the noise to examine the real issue driving affordability pressures: constrained housing supply. With low listings, underbuilding, and intense competition at the entry level, first home buyers are adapting by borrowing more, adjusting expectations, and targeting different property types and locations.

This is a clear, data-driven analysis of Australian real estate that challenges the mainstream narrative and delivers practical insight into market dynamics.

In this episode:
• What the latest ABS data reveals about first home buyer activity
• Why the "locked out" narrative is misleading
• The real impact of supply shortages on affordability
• How first home buyers are adapting to enter the market
• What it means for future property prices and demand

Subscribe for expert insights on Australian property trends, housing supply, and market performance.

Are you looking for the next property hotspot — but tired of backward-looking reports that tell you what's already happened?

In this episode, we reveal the Empirical Formula, a fact-based method I've developed over decades to identify locations poised for genuine future growth. From diverse local economies to major infrastructure projects and affordability, we break down the key factors that make certain suburbs stand out.

Learn how Hotspotting cuts through the hype and helps investors make smarter, forward-looking property decisions. Whether you're a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, understanding these principles can change the way you approach the market.

📖 For a deeper dive into the Empirical Formula and how to spot growth areas, explore my book "Why Property Values Rise", available at bookstores and online via Booktopia and Amazon.

In this special founder interview, Terry Ryder shares the story behind Hotspotting — from launching the business in a garage in Maleny in 2006 to becoming one of Australia's most respected independent real estate research platforms.

What sparked the idea?

Why did Terry believe there needed to be a better way to identify property hotspots? And what has been the core principle behind Hotspotting's success for two decades?

Over the past 20 years, Hotspotting has built its reputation on something simple but powerful: We don't just report what has happened — we identify what's likely to happen next. In this conversation,

Terry reflects on:

• The origin of Hotspotting
• The philosophy behind forward-looking indicators Being told the business wouldn't work
• The turning point that proved it would
• The importance of independence and integrity
• And why the next chapter is even more exciting than the first
• While we're celebrating 20 years in business, this isn't a look backward.

As Terry says at the end of this interview: "We're only just getting started." If you've followed Hotspotting over the years — thank you. If you're new here — welcome to the next chapter.