How to set yourself up for long-term success in the Australian property market

Property has long been one of Australia’s most dependable ways to grow wealth and create a
more secure future. But investing wisely takes more than luck — it requires a clear plan, smart
decisions and the right support.

If you’re thinking about buying your first investment property or planning to grow your
portfolio, here are five smart moves to help you make confident and informed choices.

1. Start with a Strategy, Not Just a Suburb

It’s easy to get caught up in headlines about booming suburbs or “must-buy” postcodes. But
smart investors always start with a clear strategy — not location.

What are you trying to achieve with your investment?

• Are you aiming for long-term capital growth or strong rental returns?
• Are you focused on early retirement, passive income, or building future wealth?

Smart Move: Have a well-defined investment strategy that’s tailored to your goals, timeframe
and capacity to invest. Let that guide your property selection — not hype.

2. Let the Numbers Do the Talking

Buying an investment property is not the same as buying a home to live in. You’re not looking
for lifestyle appeal — you’re looking for performance.

You need to consider:

• Rental yield
• Vacancy rates
• Capital growth trends
• Costs like rates, insurance, maintenance and strata

Smart Move: Treat it like a business decision. The numbers must stack up now and in the long
term.

3. Build a Team That Understands Property Investment

You wouldn’t build a house without tradies — so don’t build your portfolio without the right
experts. Property investing involves multiple moving parts, so having a support team can make
or break your results.

At a minimum, you’ll want:

• A property strategist or buyer’s agent
• A mortgage broker who knows investment lending
• A property-focused accountant
• A quality property manager
• A conveyancer or solicitor

Smart Move: Surround yourself with professionals who understand how to structure deals, loans
and strategies for long-term success.

4. Use Your Finance Wisely

One of the biggest advantages in property investing is leverage — using borrowed money to
grow your asset base. But borrowing without a plan can be risky.

It’s crucial to:

• Understand your borrowing capacity
• Choose the right loan structure
• Keep a buffer for unexpected expenses
• Know when (and how) to use equity for your next purchase

Smart Move: Use your finance strategically to build, not just buy. Always plan two steps ahead.

5. Think Portfolio, Not One-Off Purchase

Many investors stop after buying their first property, thinking that’s enough. But in most cases,
one property alone won’t create the lifestyle or income you’re aiming for.

Every smart investor knows that the first property should be a foundation — something that
supports and enables future growth.

Smart Move: Make decisions today that will open doors tomorrow. The right property, finance
and structure can pave the way for a strong portfolio.

Property Investment Is a Long Game — So Start Smart

The smartest investors aren’t chasing trends or “perfect timing” — they’re following a plan,
using reliable data and working with people they trust.

At Mirren, we help everyday Australians invest with purpose — no guesswork, no pressure, just
clear steps towards real results.