Sam Black Sessions

Money Chats - Ep 43

Sam Black is joined by Brendan Lowridge for a deep dive into what’s really happening with interest rates, inflation, and buyer sentiment right now. They unpack the RBA’s recent rate moves, why the market has shifted so quickly in just a couple of weeks, and how government spending and global conflict are feeding into the uncertainty. Brendan breaks down why modelling your repayments at different rate scenarios is the smartest thing you can do right now instead of sitting on the sidelines paralysed by fear. They also get into why construction costs aren’t coming down anytime soon, what that means for housing supply at the entry level, and why the buyers who moved during the last period of uncertainty came out on top. If you’re a first home buyer or investor wondering whether now is the right time to act, this one’s for you.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Development Insight Ep 51

In this episode of Development Insights, we discuss the risks and realities of engaging builders for new builds and developments, including fixed-price vs cost-plus contracts, hidden variations, and why turnkey quotes matter. We also unpack granny flat strategies, valuation risks, and how the right site selection can improve cash flow, resale value, and long-term growth. A practical conversation on avoiding costly mistakes and building smarter developments.

Money Chats - Ep 42

In this episode, Sam sits down with Brendan Lowbridge to unpack real-life deals where valuations nearly killed the project. From off-market purchases coming in tens of thousands under value, to properties being classed as boarding houses due to multiple leases, the conversation dives into how lender panels, valuation types, and property use can make or break formal approval.They discuss desktop vs full valuations, why non-bank lenders can struggle in regional markets, and how the right strategy, evidence, and broker guidance can turn a declined deal into an approved one.A must-listen for investors navigating finance, development, and real-world property risk.

Development Insight Ep 50

Subdivision sites can look like gold on paper, but not every deal stacks up. In this episode of Development Insights, Sam and Ryan break down the reality behind corner blocks, battle-axe blocks, granny flats, and small developments, and explain why feasibility is everything. They discuss when it makes sense to keep the existing house, when to knock down and rebuild, and how build costs, buyer demand, and council rules can completely change the numbers. The guys also share real project examples, joint-venture stories, and creative deal structures that show how developers are still making projects work in today’s market.

Development Insight - Ep 49

In this episode of Development Insights, Sam and Ryan dive into the different types of developers in today’s market and how risk appetite, strategy, and timing can completely change the way a project stacks up. From quick-turn developments to long-term land banking, they discuss why some buyers are willing to pay more, how rising prices in Newcastle are unlocking new opportunities, and the dangers of relying on over-inflated end values. The guys also talk about profit risk margins, why feasibility numbers must be realistic, and how one wrong deal can set you back years if you’re not careful with your assumptions.