Case study: Building a high-growth portfolio for financial independence and future relocation

Elliot and Julia, a hardworking couple based in the Pilbara region with two children, had a clear vision for their future: to build a strong investment property portfolio that would support their long-term financial goals. With both working in the mining sector, their immediate objective was to create the financial foundation that would allow them to eventually relocate to Perth for better schooling opportunities and secure a long-term home for their family.

They also wanted to build a portfolio that could one day provide residual income into retirement, allowing them to be self-sufficient and not reliant on superannuation.

Starting with a capital growth strategy

In June 2024, Elliot and Julia secured their first investment property through Momentum Wealth, working closely with our property investment strategy and finance teams to tailor a strategy that aligned with their ‘Active Add Value’ investor profile. This strategy focused on acquiring high-quality assets in growth-focused locations to serve as the foundation of their long-term property portfolio.

The first property, purchased off-market in Greenwood through one of our property acquisition specialists, ticked all the right boxes: a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home on a generous 703sqm block, with 212sqm of internal living space. Not only was the location desirable for capital growth, but the strong land component made it an ideal starting point for their portfolio.

To finance the purchase, our credit advisor worked strategically with the clients’ existing bank to retain a competitive fixed interest rate, while also securing favourable terms from another lender in their current loan to value ratio (LVR) bracket utilising lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).

Laying the groundwork for the second investment

By early 2025, Elliot and Julia were ready to expand their portfolio. With the fixed rate on their original home loan due to expire, it was the perfect time to revisit their lending structure.

Their existing lender’s valuation on their Dampier and Greenwood properties was conservative, and their rates were no longer competitive. We used this refinancing opportunity to:

• Secure more favourable interest rates,
• Reallocate funds (including proceeds from the sale of their caravan) to pay down non-deductible owner-occupied debt, and
• Free up borrowing capacity to pursue their next investment.

This improved structure significantly boosted their purchase power, opening the door for their second property acquisition.

Capitalising on off-market growth opportunities

The couple’s second investment was another off-market opportunity using our buyer’s agency division: a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Joondalup on a large 837sqm block, with 238sqm of internal living space. The asset was secured below market value in April 2025 and, like their Greenwood property, was chosen for its capital growth potential.

The couple was able to improve their negotiating leverage with a delayed settlement on the property, providing the seller with the flexibility they needed while enabling them to lock in the purchase price. This arrangement allowed them to benefit from six months of capital growth without having to outlay any funds during that period, adding immediate value to their portfolio.

Both acquisitions now serve as foundational assets in their portfolio, strategically selected for land value, suburb growth trends, and long-term upside.

Outstanding results in through strategic property acquisitions

Elliot and Julia’s property portfolio is off to an exceptional start, with both purchases delivering impressive early capital growth:

• Greenwood: Purchased 15 months ago for $850,000, now appraised at $1.2 million – delivering an increase of 41.17% since acquisition.
• Joondalup: Purchased five months ago for $987,500, now bank-valued at $1,113,000 – achieving growth of 12.70% in a much shorter time frame.

Both properties are now leased through our in-house property management team, generating strong rental yields and outperforming broader WA market trends.

With the uplift in valuations, we were also able to renegotiate their interest rates, resulting in significant savings:

• $4,000 per year saved in interest from the recent Joondalup revaluation.
• $2,500 per year saved following Greenwood’s valuation six months ago in addition to savings from recent RBA rate cuts.

Looking ahead: Preparing for their next big move

With two high-performing investment properties in place, Elliot and Julia are now preparing to secure their third – a purchase that may double as their future family home once they move to Perth. This strategic flexibility ensures their portfolio not only grows their wealth but also supports their lifestyle and family goals.

Summary

• Properties acquired: Two in Greenwood and Joondalup
• Growth performance: Greenwood +41.17% since June 2024, Joondalup +12.70% since April 2025
• Savings secured: $6,500 per year in interest savings through revaluations and negotiation without the need to refinance
• Strategy: Capital growth through high-land-value assets, refinance optimisation, off-market acquisitions
• Next steps: Third investment with potential for owner-occupation upon relocation to Perth

Elliot and Julia’s journey is a clear example of how a well-structured, research-driven property strategy can yield strong results in a short time. With expert support and a clear vision, they are well on their way to achieving long-term financial freedom on their terms.

*Client names have been changed for privacy.

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