Balancing business, fitness, and family life is no easy feat, but Matt and Hanna Cunliffe make it look effortless. As the power couple behind Mortgage Choice Brisbane City & Newstead and The Proper Group, they’ve built a thriving business while keeping health and family at the centre of everything they do. Their journey—from a chance meeting on the Gold Coast in 2011 to running multiple ventures and raising two kids—proves that success is about more than just hard work; it’s about the right mindset, the right team, and the right training environment. Teneriffe Athletic Club has become their go-to for staying physically and mentally sharp, ensuring they bring their A-game to both the boardroom and the gym.

Get to know TAC members Matt and Hanna and their approach to business, fitness, and finding balance in the chaos—juggling multiple businesses, family life, and a commitment to staying strong both in and out of the gym. Along the way, they share valuable insights into the property market, the keys to owning your first home, and why having the right financial strategy can make all the difference.
Q: How long have you been working together? We’ve been working together since 2015, initially in mortgage broking. We then branched out into property management and founded The Proper Group, based in Newstead, in 2020. Matt now heads up the mortgage brokerage business and its expansion whilst Hanna leads the charge in The Proper Group. HOWEVER we both play roles across both businesses meaning we are working even closer together even with the different businesses.

Q: What sets your mortgage brokerage apart? At Mortgage Choice in Brisbane City and Newstead, we're not just about crunching numbers; we're about building relationships. We understand that every client's financial situation is unique, so we take the time to truly understand their goals and tailor a solution that fits. Our deep roots in the local community mean we have insider knowledge of the market and a genuine passion for helping our clients achieve their homeownership dreams. We also have a strong focus on culture within our business and the importance of our staff wellbeing is paramount. We find that having this extra level of focus on their wellbeing allows them to provide an even greater experience to our customers.
Q: What inspired you to become mortgage brokers, and what do you love most about helping people achieve their homeownership dreams? Matt has been involved in the banking and finance sector since 2004. He joined Mortgage Choice in 2008 and then in 2015 we purchased the business for which Matt worked. We both believe that owning a home is more than just a financial investment; it's a place where memories are made and futures are built. Seeing the joy and excitement on our clients' faces when they receive their keys makes all the hard work worthwhile. We're passionate about guiding people through the mortgage process and making homeownership a reality, not just a dream.
Q: You also own a music production studio in Fortitude Valley. Can you share how that venture began and what services you provide?
Although we're not musically gifted ourselves, we've always had a passion for music. A chance encounter with a group of talented musicians looking for a creative base in Brisbane sparked an idea. We fell in love with the concept and became partners, using our mortgage expertise to secure funding and our property management skills to run the day-to-day operations. Today, 4000 Studios is a thriving hub with 14 production suites, providing a space for local artists to hone their craft and collaborate with many world-class performers having graced the hallways.
Q: What trends are you currently seeing in the local housing market, and how can buyers take advantage of them?
The Brisbane market continues to show resilience, with strong demand and limited supply keeping prices competitive. We're seeing increased interest from interstate buyers, a growing preference for townhouses and units due to affordability, and investors re-entering the market as rental yields remain high.
For buyers, the key advantage is being finance-ready—knowing your borrowing capacity and getting pre-approved (this is where having a broker, like us, on your team makes all the difference) so you can move quickly when the right property pops up. Also, don’t sleep on off-market opportunities—letting agents in your preferred areas know you’re actively looking and considering options with buyers' agents can open doors before a property even hits the market.
Q: For first-time buyers, what are the key things to consider before applying for a mortgage?
✅ Know your numbers. Your borrowing power isn’t just what the bank says you can afford—it’s what fits comfortably within your lifestyle. ✅ Understand your true upfront costs. It’s not just about the deposit; think stamp duty, legal fees, and building inspections. ✅ Get pre-approved. It’s like having VIP access when house-hunting—you can move faster and negotiate better.
✅ Be strategic with grants and schemes. Queensland has some great first-home buyer incentives, but they come with conditions—make sure they align with your plans.
✅ Don’t just chase the lowest rate. Features like offset accounts and flexibility can be just as important as interest rates over the long term.
Q: How can individuals prepare financially to increase their chances of getting approved for a home loan?
💳 Sort out your spending habits. Lenders love consistency, so try not to surprise them with Uber Eats five times a week or a last-minute Afterpay spree.
💰 Minimise debts. If you have credit cards, even with zero balance, their limits count against your borrowing power—reduce or cancel unused ones.
🏦 Save like you mean it. A solid savings history shows banks you can handle mortgage repayments.
💼 Be mindful of job stability. A six-month-old startup might sound exciting, but lenders prefer stable employment. If you are employed full-time, then length of time isn’t a major factor (although if you were a butcher and now a candlestick maker, they may want some time in the role first) and if you are self employed, then you need to have at least one tax years worth of financials available. 🤝 Engage a broker early. Shameless plug, but we can help you structure your finances and set you up for the best outcome.
Q: What are some common misconceptions people have about mortgages, and how would you debunk them?
❌ "I need a 20% deposit to buy a home." Nope. With government schemes and Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), many buyers can get in with as little as 5%.
❌ "Lowest rate = best loan." A cheap rate with zero flexibility can cost more in the long run. The right loan is one that aligns with your goals.
❌ "Once I’m pre-approved, I’m set." Pre-approvals can expire, and banks reassess before settlement—so don’t buy a car or quit your job in the meantime.
❌ "Investing is only for the wealthy." The right property strategy can help everyday Australians build wealth through real estate—it’s all about getting the right advice early.
Q: Are there any hidden gems in the local market that you think buyers should know about?
Absolutely—though if we tell you, they won’t stay hidden for long! Suburbs just outside Brisbane’s inner ring, like Keperra, Everton Park, and Stafford Heights, are seeing great growth but still offer value compared to the blue-chip suburbs. For unit buyers, areas like Woolloongabba and Albion have some overlooked opportunities with infrastructure projects set to boost long-term value. And for those who love a fixer-upper, there are still some undercapitalised post-war homes in Brisbane’s middle-ring suburbs that could be a goldmine with the right renovation strategy.
*The above is personal opinion and general information- not financial advice.
Q: What initially drew you to train at Teneriffe Athletic Club, and how has it become part of your routine?
We were looking for a gym that was more than just treadmills and mirrors (though there are still plenty of those!)—somewhere with a strong community, expert coaching, and an environment that pushes you to improve. After nearly seven years training in a CrossFit gym, we wanted a place that still challenged us but allowed for more focused strength and conditioning work. TAC ticked all the boxes. Plus, it’s the perfect way to balance out our love for food and wine! Now, it’s a non-negotiable part of our weekly routine—and for the record, we never skip leg day.

Q: How has training at TAC impacted your physical and mental performance, both in your personal lives and your business?
In March 2024, we made fitness a bigger priority—especially Matt, who felt like he’d lost his edge and was determined to get it back. He started training at TAC first, and after just a couple of workouts together, Hanna quickly realised why Matt was spending so much time there. Sure enough, she became a member quick smart—there was no way she was missing out on this. Physically, we’re stronger, faster, and less likely to pull a muscle reaching for a wine glass. Mentally, training keeps us sharp and helps manage stress—because running multiple businesses and raising a family requires serious endurance. We see so much value in it that once a fortnight, we bring our whole team in for an hour-long training session led by a coach at TAC (usually Kev). A healthy body fuels a healthy mind, and we know that when we feel our best, we perform our best—meaning our clients get the best experience possible.
Q: What’s your favorite aspect of the TAC, and how does it contribute to your overall fitness journey?
The people and the environment. There are never any dickheads in the gym, which is a rare and beautiful thing. The equipment is world-class, and the layout—from machines to functional fitness areas, and even the pickleball court on Sundays—just makes you want to be there. It’s not uncommon to find us at all hours because, honestly, it just feels like a second home. TAC has been the perfect place to push ourselves, stay committed, and make fitness an integral part of our lives—both inside and outside the gym.

Q: How do you manage a busy work-life schedule while staying motivated and consistent with your training at the gym?
We treat training like any other important meeting—it goes in the calendar, and it happens. Plus, we keep each other accountable. If one of us is slacking, the other one is there to remind them (gently, of course). And on particularly hectic days, knowing there’s coffee nearby at The Woolshed helps.
Q: Do you have any specific fitness goals you’re working toward together this year?
Our main goal is just overall health—getting stronger, fitter, and feeling our best. There’s been some talk of Hyrox... but let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet! We’re also keen to tackle some of the great walks around Australia, so staying in top shape means we can jump on those opportunities whenever they fit into our calendar. Luckily, we’ve got an incredible team in our businesses that keeps everything running smoothly, making these last minute trips possible!

Q: If buying a home were like a workout, which exercise would represent the most challenging part of the process?
Deadlifts. It looks simple—just pick up the weight (or in this case, the keys)—but getting there requires perfect form, patience, and a solid foundation. Also, one wrong move and your bank account might feel the pain for a while.
Q: What’s the most memorable mortgage situation you’ve encountered in your career?
About 15 years ago, I visited a client at their home to discuss their refinance. While we chatted, their kids were playing with their toys, completely oblivious to the world of interest rates and loan structures. Fast forward to today, and we’ve now helped those same kids finance their first homes.
I still like to think of myself as young (not quite 40 yet!), but experiences like this are a real thrill. It’s what we love most about this job—being an integral part of our clients’ property ownership journey, building long-term relationships, and knowing they can count on us not just for one transaction, but for generations. Q: Favourite things to do outside of work and training?
We're passionate about wining, dining, and exploring the world (and our own backyard!). Spending time with our kids is always a priority, and Matt has a knack for collecting hobbies like they're going out of style.

Q: What’s something unique about your working dynamic or background that people might not know?
Together, we make high-pressure decisions very quickly - it's a combination of Hanna's savvy and thoughtfulness and Matt's future thinking and intellect. Let's just say Matt's educational journey has been anything but conventional; he has a rebellious streak when it comes to traditional schooling - dropping out of High School, still gaining University entrance but then leaving behind an incomplete degree to join the workforce. Yet, in 2023, became a Harvard Business School Alum when he graduated from the OPM Program - go figure.

Q: Finally, who trains harder in the gym?
Hanna would say her. Matt would say him. The truth? The competition keeps us both on our toes. We almost always train together—so really, it’s just another opportunity to spend more time talking about business, the kids, and where we’re going on holiday next. Who lifts heavier? Well, Matt might have the numbers, but let’s be honest—Hanna looks better doing it!
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