In Episode 9 of the Buyers Edge Property podcast, one of our directors, Tas Demos, sits down with host Jason Titus for a grounded, myth‑busting conversation about how everyday Australians can build wealth through property – without getting lost in hype, shortcuts or social‑media “advice”.
Tas brings 30 years of accounting, property development and investment experience to the table, drawing on decades of advising builders, developers and families across Australia. As he puts it, “I’ve been an accountant for thirty years… and a lot of my clients are property developers… it was exciting to watch them create and build.”
1. The Duplex Myth: Do the Numbers, Not the Daydream
Tas and Jason tackle one of the most common misconceptions in the Shire and beyond – that building a duplex is an easy path to a quick million.
Tas is blunt: it’s a roller‑coaster, not a turnkey project. “People think you just give the keys to someone and say, here’s my duplex, build it… No.” He highlights the real considerations: holding costs, variations, delays, GST, income tax, and the emotional load that most mum‑and‑dad investors underestimate.
2. Deploying $100k–$200k: Why Leverage Matters
For families with $150k–$200k in “lazy capital”, Tas explains why property can outperform shares over time – not because of returns alone, but because of leverage.
As he notes, “If you’re buying a property, you’re not investing one hundred thousand… you’re actually investing half a million dollars.” This is the foundation of long‑term wealth creation: using a modest deposit to control a much larger asset base.
3. Structure Confusion: Keep It Simple (At First)
Tas’ advice is refreshingly simple: “Start off in the personal name. Let’s not complicate your life.” He outlines the real costs of setting up structures ($3k–$3.5k upfront, ~$2.5k annually), the land‑tax implications of trusts, and the tax traps of companies. Structures matter – but only once you’ve grown into them.
4. SMSFs: Why More Australians Are Using Super to Invest
The episode dives deep into SMSFs, with Tas explaining why more clients are using super to buy property.
With contribution caps limiting how fast super can grow, leverage becomes a powerful tool. “If I want a $100,000 lifestyle in retirement… I’m going to need two million dollars in my super fund.” For many, buying a well‑selected property inside an SMSF – and paying it down through rent plus contributions – is the only realistic path to that goal.
5. Property Is a Long Game – Not a One‑Year Flip
Tas repeatedly reinforces that property is not a quick win. Global events, interest rates, supply constraints and local market cycles all play a role. “You can’t go into the property market and think you can make a quick hundred grand in a year. It’s a long‑term play.”
6. The Real Advantage: Having the Right Team
Tas says it plainly: “People balk at picking up the phone… but it’s a ten‑minute conversation.”
The right accountant, advisor and buyer’s agent can prevent costly mistakes – and help investors graduate from simple structures to more sophisticated strategies as their portfolio grows.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast on Spotify: From $180K Super to $400K in 2 Years – The SMSF Strategy that Most People Miss
This episode is a must‑listen for anyone navigating their first investment, planning an SMSF purchase, or trying to understand the real mechanics behind long‑term wealth creation.
The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice, and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.
