Who Are We
Our Vision and Mission
VISION
Deliver leading-edge property planning and strategic mortgage broking advice, supported by first class service.
MISSION
Educate and empower you to create your ideal lifestyle
Mortgage Strategy
We understand that a mortgage is so much more than an interest rate.
That is why our multi-award–winning Strategic Mortgage Broking service focuses on how your mortgage can help you create wealth and manage risk.
Property Planning Advice
With our exclusive Property Planning Platform, you’ll receive lifetime access with no ongoing fee.
Our software puts you in control of developing multiple Property Plan pathways, based on your existing financial position, for you to contrast and compare.
The software also allows you to update your situation in real time and ongoing, through to a successful retirement.
Fiercely Independent
The only company in Australia to offer independent property advice without selling or buying property, insurance or investment products.
We are free from location bias, because we do not buy or sell property.
This makes our property advice squarely in your best interests, without any vested interests.
We are the original Property Planners
Net Promoter Score
Our average ‘Net Promoter Score’ response from clients since 2019, based on the likelihood to refer friends and family, is 9.7 out of 10.
Our clients feedback and thoughts is ultimately the greatest reflection on the team. Life is imperfect and no one gets it right all the time, but we strive for excellence with our service always and ongoing.
Our team of over 20 staff will save you time, energy and stress, so you can spend more time with friends and family and focus on what is most important to you in life.
Multi award-winning team
We are thrilled to have been recognised with dozens of awards since 2004 for the company and team.
Winners of Best Mortgage Business & Best Customer Service at the MFAA Excellence Awards
Last year we were recognised as the Best Mortgage Broking Business and the Best Customer Service in Victoria and Tasmania by the peak industry body, at the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) Excellence Awards.
Our values are lived out by the 15 actions in our Game Plan
1. Evolution – challenge the norm
We are on a quest to find a better way for every process and everything we do. This obsession never ends; it’s our passion, its’ part of our DNA. If it’s ‘good’, make it ‘great’. If it’s ‘great’, take it to a higher level! We take responsibility for our own actions as well as actions we see others take. This means questioning every process and each other and boldly ‘thinking outside the square’.
2. Respond NOW
A sense of urgency is our inner sense of responsibility to do the right thing by others. Responding ‘now’ reflects quality of character – and we are of the highest character. Our commitment to exceed expectations ensures we provide timely – yet thoughtful – replies to clients, teammates and business partners alike. All calls and emails are answered the same day – even if it’s to say, ‘I don’t know – but I will find out’ or ‘I’ll have a solution for you by …’ Immediacy differentiates. It sends a strong message that we value our clients and their time.
3. Over-communicate
We provide clients with comprehensive explanations and thoughtfully seek confirmation of understanding. On our team, we develop rapport with clients, so they feel comfortable asking for clarification or raising concerns. It’s important to explain what we’ve been doing behind the scenes, especially in regards to all the hard work involved with the lenders. Thoughtful communication is our point of difference and something we excel at. Listening intently is where great communication starts. It also shows we care.
We consider the best method for each communication. Would a verbal conversation be most effective? Does the client prefer to absorb written information? Maybe it needs both – a phone call followed by an email to reiterate the key points?
4. We care
Our team members genuinely have our client’s best interests at heart. We are highly responsive and endeavour to provide peace of mind with all communication. Purchasing and borrowing large sums of money is often a stressful time. This is why we always strive to exceed expectations. People only care how much you know, after you show them how much you care!
5. Proactive – be aware of what’s ahead
We are always thinking and planning ahead – trying to anticipate what we can do to make things easier or better for our clients. We are switched on and alert to discover solutions and open up future opportunities. We put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and have their end goal in mind. We ask ‘how can we make this easier for our client?’
6. We get it right, first time
Families, couples and singles making their most important life decisions are relying on us, so we can’t tolerate time – or cost-wasting internally or with business partners. Our team is highly organised and super skilful. Spot-on attention to detail means we deliver service with professionalism. We dot the I’s and cross the T’s’ before approaching lenders. We strive for everyone that we do business with to see us as a preferred partner.
Why kick into the wind from the boundary 50 metres from goal when you could kick a drop punt 10 metres out directly in front of the goal posts (with the howling wind at your back)? We get it – we choose the smartest option to score the goal on the first attempt!
7. Solution hunters – we find the ‘how’
We strive to give the answer ‘yes’ – even if this means putting in extra time and effort to find a solution that’s not immediately in front of us. Rather than pointing out difficulties and obstacles, we get cracking on exploring different possibilities to work out how we can make things happen. We always lean to the ‘yes’ side of life. No-one wants to work with naysayers. Inquiring minds look for a ‘yes’ solution. If not today, how and when can it be done? We never give up!
8. We are finishers - execute and implement
Ideas are important, but rewards only come when ideas are put into action. We finish the job, leaving no loose ends – and our clients and teammates love it! Every day we identify and implement solutions to benefit our clients and evolve our great service.
9. Manage and exceed expectations
Client satisfaction is our top priority – and this can only be earned through responding ‘now’ with useful advice, information, positive interactions (be it face-to-face, phone or email) and being attentive to client needs. We build lasting relationships with our clients by investing extra time getting to know them, asking questions, listening and then ‘over-communicating’ solutions. The best way to manage client expectations is to exceed their expectations. Client goodwill is the key to what we do. Exceeding expectations is the fastest way to ensure we get more than our fair share of referrals!
10. We are team players
A supportive and sharing mindset is fundamental to teamwork. Sharing knowledge brings an abundance of good will and positive outcomes. The law of reciprocity is powerful. On our team, there are no spectators. Everyone is an active and valuable player who understands their role is equally important as their colleagues. We are ‘doers’, solution hunters and we execute and implement our innovative ideas. If we can see a problem, we are part of the problem unless we first consider the solution. The essence of teamwork is thinking about others first. Our ‘team’ encompasses employees, clients and business partners. We are all experts and thrive on what we do. Attitude and effort are paramount. We regard our clients as part of the extended team (or PPA family).
11. It’s the little things that make the difference
We realise that opportunities to make a difference are everywhere. They are usually found in the little things all around us. These are the small, but imperative, details that we take care of when no one is watching. We strive to identify the fine details that others miss. This expertise can’t be copied by our competitors. It is the little things that make a big difference. We keep doing all the little things with greatness.
12. Simplicity is genius
We aim to make processes as clear and simple as possible, while retaining the necessary detail to properly inform our clients and meet compliance requirements. We get rid of the distracting ‘noise’ that doesn’t add value.
13. We listen first and second, and then ask more questions
The most successful service providers ask seven times more questions than the average. This goes to the heart of knowing your clients, understanding the situation and ‘reading the play’. We have two ears and one mouth – we strive to use them in that order.
14. Be the best we can be
The things we most want in life are often outside of our comfort zone. We are committed to uncompromising quality and growing and developing ourselves through a never-ending quest to be the best we can be as a team and as individuals.
15. Do the right thing
PPA’s team members follow their moral compass. We set the benchmark for principled behaviour; we are the example of exemplary conduct in our industry. The principles of our ‘Game Plan’ give us absolute permission to showcase our character over and over again. Sometimes doing the right thing means going into battle on our clients’ behalf. As long as we are following our ethical instincts, we can be fearless in our pursuit of great service.
Media we have worked with
Hear from our clients
Gwenda
Thomastown, VIC
Andrew
North Rocks, NSW
My partner and I engaged Property Planning Australia after being told about the benefits of property planning more generally. We’ve been incredibly happy with their service up to this point. They’re informed, responsive, thorough, and consistently professional. We’re on the start of our property journey and, frankly, find it incredible that more people don’t engage firms like Property Planning Australia given the costs of purchasing in Australia—and the costs of overlooking seemingly ‘minor’ details when deciding what to purchase, where to purchase, and when to sell, etc. They’ve been an invaluable partner to us as we navigate Sydney’s crazy housing market and couldn’t recommend them more.
Jesse
Southport, QLD
Property planning Australia helped us get our first mortgage for our new family home. The whole process right from the start to the very end was incredible. Everyone who we dealt with were always so helpful and were able to answer any questions we had, they always kept us up to date with what was happening. Even after we had purchased & settled on our home they contacted us to make sure everything was going well with the home. I would highly recommended Property planning Australia to everyone. 10/10 experience.
Philip
Malvern East, VIC
Dave & the team at Property Planning helped me into my first house in Malvern East almost 15 years ago & have done it again in 2020. The experience was excellent with regular communication all the way through. Now, almost 3 months after settlement we are still getting follow ups ensuring that everything is as expected. 5 stars & strongly recommend PPA as a friendly & professional broker for anybody looking to buy!
Charlie
O'Connor, ACT
David Johnston and the Property Planning Australia team have been fantastic. They have helped us with our longer term property planning and helped us developed an informed strategy for our next property decision. Plus they made our home loan application simple and easy.
Their ongoing service and support we received was another added extra and they offer more than a traditional Mortgage Broker would. I would highly recommend using their services.
Angelina
West End, QLD
I’ve been using the mortgage brokers at Property Planning Australia for almost 10 years (refinancing and mortgage for new investment properties). I’m now searching for a home hence, needed help with using equity from my existing properties and a new loan. Andrew Edmonds has been awesome in providing me with the best options for my situation and getting the equity for my deposit loan approved + a better home loan rate :-). I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own.
Andrew
Hawthorn, VIC
The whole process from my first contact, to receiving the completed plans this week has been fantastic and I feel much more confident in my decisions now. You have both helped me increase my knowledge and view of property investment to levels I never would have thought possible six months ago! So again thank you!
Steve
Hamilton, QLD
Paul
Wahroonga, NSW
We recently settled on our first property in Australia after relocating from Hong Kong . The crew at Property Planning Australia have been awesome helping to educate us on the buying process and then secure financing for our purchase . A special thank you to Michael Hulston, Richard White and their teams who made what can be a stressful process very straightforward . We hope to continue to work with the team as we look to expand on our property investments in the years to come.
Rachel
Flemington, VIC
David Johnston and his team have been an incredible resource and asset to my husband and I. Their guidance and assistance with Property Planning and Mortgage Strategy has been invaluable. As a young couple ready to take the first steps to buying our first home we feel like we couldn’t be in better hands. No question is too big or too small and they’re always willing to have a chat and re-explain things, at no point did I feel embarrassed about ‘not getting it.’ I didn’t know the first thing about property before working with David and his team. Buying my first home is a big step in my life and I’m glad I have David in my corner. Would highly recommend!
Marlene
Woodford, NSW
I have negotiated 3 investment home loans via Richard and the team at Property Planning Australia over time and thoroughly recommend PPA with regards to respectful service, prompt communications and range of mortgage products.
Esteban
Mascot, NSW
They have helped us to better understand and properly set up our money management, and are helping us to establish the best pathway for a family home and investment property
Mojtaba
Doncaster, VIC
Buying my property is the most important and most expensive investment of my life. I needed my investment strategy and plan to be perfect; therefore, I started searching for the prefect adviser. I talked to more than 50 buyers’ agents and companies across Australia. I believe the property planning Australia is the best company in Australia. This is mainly because their business model is free of conflict of interest (They don’t accept kickbacks, which is very rare in their business). Importantly, they try to empower their clients so they can understand all complexity of property market and decide the best course of actions themselves. Their staff are kind, caring, and supportive. Throughout my journey, I learnt a lot about the property market and how we can make money in this market. I really appreciate Property Australia for this.
Lucy
Glen Waverley VIC
Lorraine
Warradale SA
Warrick
Waverton, NSW
PPA provides an excellent service – extremely knowledgeable, efficient, and responsive, with great communication and a ‘can do’ attitude.
Samantha
Richmond, VIC
Ryan & the team at Property Planning Australia were extremely helpful during what can be a pretty stressful time buying your first home! He was always available to chat and answer and questions and it made the process so much easier than it could have been! Highly recommend Ryan & the team!
Steve
Bronte, NSW
I have had the immense pleasure of being on the receiving end of Property Planning’s amazing services. I would highly recommend the team here from many years of being a client. Thank you
Jess
Glandore, SA
Highly recommend Property Planning Australia. Ryan and the team understood what we were looking at, helped refine our decisions and came up with a few solutions to maximise our position. Fast and accurate.
Georgina
Surrey Hills, VIC
We’ve been with PPA for over 8 years, and have found the team to be very proactive, communicative and professional. Highly recommend PPA for selecting a property and also as mortgage brokers.
Lincoln
Annerly, QLD
I have worked with PPA for over 10 years and maintained relationships with the same people the whole way. Its a familiar experience that i trust and would recommend to anyone looking for unbiased expert information. I will continue to be a customer for a long time to come.
Our Team
We have over 20 team members dedicated to providing you with great service and advice, including some who have been part of the team since 2007.
Their roles include:
- Strategic Mortgage Broker
- Property Planner
- Credit Analyst
- Private Banking – Loan Processing
- Private Banking – Post Settlement Service
- Operations Support
- Executive Assistant to the MD
- Chief Operating Officer
- Managing Director
And many more, we are all here to support you to Create Your Ideal Lifetsyle!
Happy Birthday!
Please be mindful that you won’t be able to reach anyone on their birthday.
Everyone gets their birthday off, on top of their annual leave.
Because at Property Planning Australia our values are: Fiercely Independent, Committed, Courageous, Ahead of the Curve and ENJOY LIFE!
Community Support
At Property Planning Australia, we believe in supporting local initiatives that make a positive impact on our community.
We understand that sports (whether professional or just for fun) have a unique ability to inspire individuals, unite communities, and foster personal and social development. We recognise the profound impact that sporting organisations have on society, and it is our honour to support them in achieving their goals.
We also emphasise the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive sporting environment. Our sponsorships support initiatives that promote equality, diversity, and opportunities for underrepresented groups. We firmly believe that everyone should have equal access to participate in and enjoy sports, regardless of their gender, race, or socio-economic background.
We invite you to explore and learn more about our sponsorship initiatives and the incredible organisations that we support.
How to Succeed with Property to Create your Ideal Lifestyle
Property for Life: Using Property to Plan Your Financial Future
The Property Planning journey so far…
Property Planning Australia began in 2004 as the first company to provide mortgage broking and fee-for-service buyers advocacy under the one roof.
Mortgage brokers were now emerging as a growing force for consumers, though many were blissfully unaware of the services of a buyer’s agent.
We quickly realised that people wanted a tailored Property Plan, that considered the now and what’s next, all in the context of a long-term property pathway towards achieving their lifestyle and retirement goals.
Throughout the years the Property Planning services have evolved, including providing genuine fee-for-service Financial Planning for almost a decade and refunding product related commissions.
Property Education
In 2007, we partnered with Victoria University and Peter Koulizos, Australia’s most respected University and Tafe Property Lecturer.
Together, we ran the only university endorsed property education course.
That education is infused into the Property Planning service.
David and Peter have continued to partner for a number of years producing The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor podcast.
Upon Peter’s retirement, this has morphed into The Property Trio, and all the original episodes can still be heard.
Finally, we narrowed our focus down to:
- The Property Planning service
- Strategic Mortgage Broking service
Property Planning Australia is fiercely independent, free of vested interests and now putting the Property Planning platform tool in your hands to create your own Property Plan.
At its essence, the Property Planning service is dedicated to educate and empower you to make life’s most expensive and emotional decisions with clarity.
Enabling you to accumulate wealth through property and create your ideal lifestyle.
David and Sarah Johnston
Founder & Chief Operations Officer
David is the founder of Property Planning Australia, and Sarah runs the business operations.
David and Sarah are the parents of three chlidren.
Family has always been their driving force, and they believe this is common for most of us, which is why they are passionate about Property Planning and Mortgage Strategy.
Property is the only asset class we live in, it is where we raise our families, and yet it can also create wealth as an investment.
They have a passionate belief that independence from selling property and investment products focuses the advice squarely on you and your family.
David is also the author of How to Succeed with Property to Create your Ideal Lifestyle; and Property for Life – Using Property to Plan Your Financial Future published by Wiley.
Professional Membership
We are members of leading industry bodies :
- Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA)
- Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA)
- Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA)
- ASIC authorised Australian Credit Licensee
We have been recognised for our dedication and sense of responsibility to consumers and our clients.
Listen to Our Podcast
Listen to Our Podcast
180+ 5 star Reviews, Over 400,000+ Downloads
Join the Property Planner, David Johnston, The Property Buyer, Cate Bakos and the Quantity Surveyor, Mike Mortlock as they take you on a journey of discovery through the maze of property, mortgage, and money decisions to empower you to create your ideal lifestyle!
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Make the fewest number of property decisions to achieve your goals