Trent Cripps
DIRECTOR - PROPERTY STRATEGY
Trent is our Director of Property Strategy and has been with Your Future Strategy since the beginning. Skilled in market analysis and investment strategies with a keen eye for emerging trends, Trent excels in identifying outstanding opportunities that help our clients achieve their financial goals.
Qualifications:
- Dip FP,
- Dip FMBM
Insider Insights:
Tell us about your journey into property investment. What inspired you to pursue this career path?
My property investment journey began 20 years ago with my first investment property. Within three years, I acquired six more. This shift allowed me to leave a career that no longer fulfilled me, despite working for a large global company.
Property had always fascinated me, but it was achieving my own financial security that gave me the vision and confidence to pivot my career. Helping others build wealth through property and take control of their financial futures has been incredibly rewarding.
What pivotal moments or challenges shaped your career in investment property?
Starting Your Future Strategy (our financial advisory firm, where it all began) was a challenging but rewarding journey. We had to define who we were, what we stood for, and how we wanted to serve our clients. In the early days, it was tough without all the systems in place. However, staying true to our core values—delivering exceptional service, working hard, and valuing relationships—helped us build trust and grow through client referrals.
Oddly enough, the COVID-19 pandemic was another defining moment. We proactively reached out to our clients, offering reassurance and support. It was gratifying to see them follow our guidance and emerge in stronger financial positions, especially in property investments.
Who or what has influenced your approach to property investment?
I’ve drawn insights from various mentors, experiences, and resources over the years. My approach combines this collective wisdom with my own research and strategies to create tailored, well-considered advice for each client. Every client is unique, and their personalied strategies reflect their goals, risk profiles, and capacities.
What excites you most about today’s property investment landscape?
The property market is always evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities. It’s exciting to help clients navigate these cycles, achieve financial freedom, and witness the wealth we’ve helped them create.
I’m also enthusiastic about developing innovative strategies to support new investors, with plans to roll out these concepts in 2025.
What is the key to long-term success in property investment?
Patience! And clarity in what you’re trying to achieve is essential. We work closely with clients to define their goals and create bespoke strategies. A good strategy is only effective if acted upon, and property investment is a long-term game.
As a mentor once told me, “You’ll overestimate what you can do in the short term and underestimate what you can achieve in the long term.” I believe this wholeheartedly in property. True wealth comes from compounding growth over time.
How do you balance risk and reward in property investment strategies?
Balancing risk and reward starts with understanding our clients’ comfort levels. We take the time to develop strategies aligned with their risk profiles, ensuring they feel confident and secure with each decision. This process helps them sleep well at night, knowing they’ve made sound, educated choices.
What advice would you give to someone starting their property investment journey?
Seek advice from a professional. Avoid relying on part time BBQ experts and instead work with someone who understands the complexities of property investment and can tailor a strategy to your needs.
What emerging trends should investors watch for?
Emerging trends include innovative housing solutions to address affordability challenges, such as co-living and rooming accommodations. We’re also seeing a rise in “rentvesting,” where individuals rent where they want to live while investing elsewhere to build wealth.
How do you see the property market evolving in the next 5-10 years?
We’ll likely see more high-density living as land availability decreases in major cities. This shift will drive innovative home ownership models, including co-ownership and fractional ownership. Energy efficiency will also play a bigger role in property values.
What motivates you in your work, and how do you stay ahead in such a dynamic field?
This isn’t just a job for me—it’s a passion. Helping people achieve their financial goals and transform their lives is incredibly fulfilling. Staying ahead means continuously learning, researching, and adapting to changes in the market.
How do you manage work-life balance in such a fast-paced industry?
Balance is a work in progress! I prioritise being present for family milestones and my son’s activities. However, property opportunities often require immediate action, which can disrupt personal time, so I’m truly grateful for our fantastic team that helps keep things running smoothly.
How do you unwind after a busy week?
Unwinding is not my strong suit! But I enjoy tennis, the gym, or beach walks with my dogs. When possible, I prefer getting away for a short break. Otherwise, it has to be a nice meal followed by binge-watching a good crime series with my wife.