Q&A: Where to Buy, What to Buy & How to Win in a Fear-Driven Market (2026 Property Strategy)

What should you actually buy in 2026… and what should you ignore?

In this Q&A episode of Future Proof Property, Dawn breaks down the biggest questions investors are asking right now from where to buy with a $650K budget, to whether war, inflation, and rising interest rates will impact property prices.

Because the reality is simple:Most people aren’t losing because of the market.They’re losing because they’re reacting to noise instead of making strong decisions.

This episode dives deep into how to invest in today’s uncertain property market.

Dawn explains why fear is creating opportunity, how to identify areas before they grow, and what actually matters when building a scalable property portfolio.

From Melbourne strategy to land value myths, from residential vs commercial returns to long-term wealth planning this is a practical, no-fluff breakdown of how to think like a serious investor in 2026.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to buy next, this episode will reset your thinking.

Dawn answers real investor questions, including: What to buy with a $650K budget in Melbourne

The best asset types in a rising interest rate environment

The #1 metric used to identify growth suburbs (ARSAD explained)

Thoughts on Albury-Wodonga and second-surge markets

Will property prices drop due to war, inflation, or global uncertainty?

Why affordability drives long-term capital growth

Land vs asset ratio — and why it’s not everything

How much property you need to generate $150K passive income

Why residential builds wealth but doesn’t create cash flow

Mistakes to avoid if starting your portfolio again

The truth about land tax in Victoria

Whether current conditions mirror COVID-era opportunities

Melton land supply concerns and how to assess real risk

Future Proof’s long-term vision and investing philosophy

00:00 Why fear is making investors miss opportunities 02:00 What to buy with $650K in Melbourne 04:39 The #1 growth metric: Affordability & ARSAD 07:00 Suburb analysis: Doreen example 08:00 Albury-Wodonga breakdown 10:00 Will property drop due to war and inflation? 13:48 Inflation, debt and long-term strategy 16:04 Land vs asset ratio explained 18:26 Can units outperform houses? 20:41 Residential vs commercial investing 23:07 Mistakes Dawn would avoid starting again 25:22 Land tax myths in Victoria 26:00 COVID vs current market conditions 27:42 Melton land supply explained 30:01 Future Proof’s long-term mission