Residential vs Commercial Property in 2026: Where to Invest as the Rules Change

Residential or commercial, where should your next property dollar go in 2026? Following the biggest property policy changes of 2026, many investors are reassessing where property fits in their long-term strategy. In this episode of The Buy-In, residential specialist Trent Cripps is joined by Nick Selbie, Director of Commercial & Advisory, to compare notes on what's driving the "pause" in residential, why commercial is drawing so much interest, and exactly how investors can diversify or move from resi into commercial if it's right for them. In this episode: \- Why residential buyers have hit pause, and why the headlines are overblown \- How the 2026 changes (negative gearing, SMSF, CGT) are reshaping strategy \- The market read: soft Sydney & Melbourne vs resilient Brisbane & Perth \- Where commercial fits; cash flow, leases, sectors and the cycle lag \- A full worked example: what it really costs to buy a $1M commercial property (and why a headline 7% yield isn't the whole story.) \- Secure income vs value-add: two ways to buy commercial \- The exact questions to ask before moving from resi to commercial Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: two experts, one shifting market 01:00 – Why residential buyers have hit pause 03:00 – Negative gearing, SMSF & the 2026 policy shake-up 05:30 – Property is cyclical: what history says happens next 08:00 – Sydney & Melbourne vs Perth & Brisbane 12:00 – Where commercial fits: cash flow, leases & the cycle lag 17:00 – The $1M example: deposit, real costs & the "7% yield" myth 23:00 – Secure income vs value-add: two ways to buy commercial 28:00 – Moving from resi to commercial: the questions that matter 34:00 – Don't panic-sell: holding (and finding opportunity) in a soft market 40:00 – How much do you actually need to get started? 45:00 – Get your whole team around the strategy + wrap-up Hosted by Trent Cripps, Director of Property Strategy, and Nick Selbie, Director of Commercial & Advisory, Sevenfold Property Group. General information only. This information should not be relied upon as legal, financial or tax advice. Obtain professional advice relevant to your circumstances before making any decisions. Figures are illustrative examples, not a guarantee of returns. Want to map out your own strategy? Get in touch.