Ep. 341: The Truth About “Higher Than Average Growth” Locations, with Dr. Mat Djolic

In this episode of Geared for Growth, Mike Mortlock is joined by Dr. Mat Djolic, co-founder of HtAG Analytics, a SaaS platform helping investors and property professionals identify Higher Than Average Growth locations using data-driven insights. With major policy changes creating uncertainty across the Australian property landscape, Mat unpacks what’s really happening beneath the surface and why, despite all the noise, the fundamentals that drive growth haven’t changed. As investors and buyers’ agents scramble to adjust their strategies, this conversation cuts through the speculation and highlights what actually matters: risk-adjusted decision-making, market fundamentals, and understanding the deeper story behind the data. From affordability shifts to renter-to-owner dynamics, and from new build incentives to behavioral psychology, Mat shares a framework for thinking about property investing in a way that goes beyond headlines and hype. What we cover in this episode: Why the recent policy changes created uncertainty but not a structural market shift How investor behavior is evolving (and why many are already returning to “normal”) The real drivers of property growth and why they haven’t changed How affordability is relative and why that matters more than price points The hidden risks in investor-heavy markets (and when they can actually be an advantage) Why speculation is being squeezed out and why that’s a good thing The difference between fundamentals vs “secondary” data points How renter-to-owner transitions can drive unexpected growth The truth about new builds and why not all are created equal How to think in probabilities, not certainties, when investing LISTEN TO THE EPISODE: Spotify: sptfy.in/0fuw Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4v55kDE Website: https://gearedforgrowth.com.au/ Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that could revolutionise your investment journey! 🚀 If you're enjoying the show, subscribe and leave a review to share your feedback and insights. Let's grow together!