Ep 20. The Property Mistakes Even Smart Buyers Make

In this episode of the Investment by Design Podcast, I sit down with Natasha Whalley‑Thompson — one of Cairns’ leading real estate agents who has sold over 130 properties in the past 12 months and consistently ranks among the top Ray White agents in Australia.

Natasha shares what she’s seeing on the ground in the Cairns property market right now — from first home buyers turning to units, to auction strategies that actually work, and the big mistakes buyers make when purchasing real estate.

If you're wondering whether units or houses will perform better in the next property cycle, this conversation breaks down the real dynamics shaping the market in 2026.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why units are gaining attention from first home buyers

• Whether units could outperform houses in the next property cycle

• The biggest mistakes home buyers make when purchasing property

• The advantages of buying at auction

• Why many buyers overpay or miss opportunities

• The reality of the Cairns property market in 2026

• The psychology of buyers and sellers in competitive markets

Topics Covered:

Property investing Australia

Buying units vs houses

First home buyer advice Australia

How to win at auction

Property market predictions 2026

Cairns real estate market insights

Real estate investing strategy

Property mistakes to avoid

If you're interested in:

• Property investing Australia

• Market trends and strategy

• Real estate buying tips

• Building long-term wealth through property

Subscribe to the channel and join us each week for conversations with investors, economists, developers and real estate professionals.

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