So Gareth, tell us about your journey into property…

I’ve always been drawn to property—not just for the bricks and mortar, but for what it represents: the potential for wealth creation and financial freedom. From a young age, I knew this was a path I wanted to pursue, so I made it my focus at university. Earning my degree and real estate license wasn’t just about qualifications; it was about unlocking the doors to a future built on strategy, research, and a deep understanding of the market. However, it was my own fascination with property and a need to understand how the market works that really guided me.

The property landscape is always changing, and that’s what keeps me excited. I’ve seen the rise of DIY and renovation properties, only for preferences to shift toward fully complete, move-in-ready homes. More recently, co-living spaces have emerged as a powerful trend, offering both community and affordability. It’s this constant evolution that fuels my passion.

Always Strategy First

When it comes to property investment, I live by one rule: always be led by strategy and research. There’s so much noise out there, especially from mainstream media, but I’ve learned that chasing short-term fads is a recipe for disaster. Success in this space is about staying grounded, focusing on the long term, and making decisions based on solid analysis.

Balancing risk and reward is crucial. For me, it’s about ensuring that any property can be held for the long term, allowing for capital growth. This means taking a conservative approach, understanding the numbers inside and out, and never overextending.

If there’s one piece of advice I could give to someone just starting out, it would be this: spend time developing your strategy before you even start looking at properties. So many people rush in without a plan, yet the real power lies in preparation.

Looking Ahead

The future of property investment is fascinating to think about. Over the next five to ten years, I expect the supply of investment properties to dwindle, as more owner-occupiers take over. Meanwhile, affordability issues will continue, as wage growth lags behind rising costs. Investors will need to be more strategic, focusing on quality over quantity. I foresee a shift toward smaller, more focused portfolios that can weather changes in lending and economic conditions.

Co-living is a trend I’m watching closely. It offers higher yields without sacrificing growth potential, especially in high-demand areas. For investors willing to embrace this model, there’s real opportunity.

Of course, property is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving financial freedom. It needs to be part of a holistic strategy that includes diversification into other asset classes. But there’s no denying that property plays a key role in wealth accumulation and passive income generation.

Motivation & Balance – What Keeps You Going?

It’s simple: watching clients execute their strategies and achieve their goals. Seeing someone reach financial freedom because of a plan we built together is incredibly rewarding.

As for work-life balance… well, I don’t really believe in the traditional idea of balance. Some of us thrive on the hustle, and I’m one of those people. I’m driven by the success of my clients and the satisfaction that comes from seeing their dreams come to life.

Having said that, when I do wind down, there’s nothing better than a long lunch with a great bottle of wine. It’s the perfect way to reflect on the week and recharge for whatever comes next.

This journey into property has been everything I hoped for—and more. It’s not just a career; it’s a passion, a constant challenge, and a way to make a real difference in people’s lives. And that’s what drives me every day.