Ep. 299: Regional Gems, Risky Bets & The 2025 Investor Playbook, with Matt Sharp

In this episode of Geared for Growth, Mike Mortlock is joined by Matt Sharp, Founder & Director of Sharp Property Buyers and The Central Coast’s Most Highly Rated Buyers Agent. Fresh from winning two prestigious PIPA awards, Matt shares his expertise on identifying high-performing regional markets and the fundamentals that separate a great buy from a risky bet.

When investors talk about hotspots, the conversation often centres on capital cities or headline-grabbing growth regions. But Matt’s track record, picking Toowoomba and Townsville before their recent booms proves that the real gems are often hiding in plain sight. He explains why owner-occupier demand is a critical driver of sustained performance and how certain “value” markets, like Victoria, may be poised for a resurgence despite broader economic headwinds.

Matt also unpacks the difference between promising and speculative regional plays, why some locations are better suited to seasoned investors, and the one type of infrastructure project that can transform a local economy. From scarcity factors to market fundamentals, this conversation is a masterclass in strategic property selection for 2025–26.

What we cover in this episode:
-How Toowoomba and Townsville became standout performers
-Why owner-occupier demand drives sustained growth
-Risks in markets like Darwin, Mackay, and Rockhampton
-Victoria’s value proposition and where to tread carefully
-The “gold standard” infrastructure for regional performance
-Key principles to guide your investment decisions in 2025–26

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:

Spotify: https://bit.ly/4lls9hD
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3JxzkG8
Website: https://gearedforgrowth.com.au/

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