Ep. 314: The Property Strategy That Quietly Builds Real Wealth, with Oliver Jackson

In this episode of Geared for Growth, Mike Mortlock is joined by Oliver Jackson, Director of Living Property.

Oliver brings years of hands-on experience in sourcing, renovating, and transforming undervalued properties in competitive markets and he joins Mike for a brutally honest conversation about the real economics behind flipping versus renovating and holding.

In a market where social media “gurus” and TV renovation shows glamorise fast profits, Oliver explains the truths that investors rarely hear: the hidden costs, the tax consequences, the trade shortages, and why most flips don't come close to the returns people expect. He contrasts this with the long-term wealth acceleration that comes from renovating strategically and holding for growth, equity, and yield uplift.

This episode reframes how investors think about opportunity. Instead of chasing quick wins, Oliver and Mike explore the simplicity and power of building a portfolio methodically buying well, renovating smart, and letting compounding and equity recycling, do the heavy lifting. They also unpack market conditions, supply issues, area selection, renovation budgeting, and the secret ingredient: deep agent and tradie relationships that ordinary buyers simply can’t replicate.

What we cover in this episode:
Why most people who want to “do a flip” are wildly unprepared
How buying well contributes more to profit than the renovation itself
The cost traps first-timers miss — from trades to CGT to selling fees
Why renovating and holding can outperform flipping over time
How to identify “ugly duckling” properties with real upside
What a realistic reno budget looks like in today’s environment
The role of market timing, suburb fundamentals, and growth drivers
How agent relationships actually produce off-market deals
Why tradie availability is now a bigger issue than material costs
How holding avoids lifestyle creep and builds long-term wealth

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE:
Spotify: https://sptfy.in/vpou
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3XiGNwz
Website: https://gearedforgrowth.com.au/

Don't miss out on this enriching discussion that could revolutionise your investment journey! 🚀 If you're enjoying the show, subscribe and leave a review to share your feedback and insights. Let's grow together!

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