Building Wealth While Raising Teens: How One VIC Family Is Turning Property Into Income

For Mark and Linda, a couple in their early 50s living in regional Victoria, life is a juggling act. Two teenagers, aging parents, and full-time work don’t leave much downtime. But instead of coasting, they’re investing—with focus and intention. This year, they’re adding their fourth property to their growing portfolio.

“We want more than long-term capital gains,” Linda says. “We want real income—now.”

Their solution? A high-yield, dual-key investment property that delivers both short-term cash flow and long-term growth.

From Equity-Only to Income-First

Their first three investments focused on capital growth. But as life evolved, so did their strategy. With rising household expenses and university costs on the horizon, they decided to rebalance.

“We had three properties that looked good on paper,” Mark says, “but they weren’t giving us cash flow in the future and eventually retirement.”

Why a Dual-Key in Regional Queensland?

After seeking advice and running feasibility numbers, they locked in a dual-key property in Pittsworth, QLD. The build is fully turnkey—ready to rent from day one, no renovations or add-ons required. With a combined rent of $980 per week and a gross yield of 6.34%, it stood out as the income generator their portfolio needed.

📌 Feasibility Summary: Fully Debt-Funded Investment

Property Details

• Dual-Key Detached Home in Pittsworth, QLD

• 800 m² land, 208.56 m² floor area

• Fixed price: $803,867 turnkey package

Funding Structure

• 2-Part contract (land and build separately)

• Land: $215,500 | Construction: $588,367

• Additional purchase costs: $13,000

• Total funded with 100% debt (interest-only loan at 6%)

• Full loan amount: $816,867

Rental & Yield

• Combined weekly rent: $980

• Annual rent: $50,960

• Estimated gross yield: 6.34%

Operating Assumptions

• Property management: 7%

• Annual rates: $2,500

• Maintenance: $1,000

• 2-week letting fee and 1-week vacancy allowance per year

• Depreciation starts at $21,000 and declines 10% yearly

• Rent grows at 5% annually; expenses at 2.5%

• Assumes 37% marginal tax rate

  
  

What the Cash Flow Looks Like

Under the fully debt-funded model, the first year breaks about even after tax benefits. By year five, income has grown to over $6,000 annually, and by year ten, it’s exceeding $18,000 in net returns after all costs and interest.

What If They Used a Different Strategy?

Scenario A: 80% LVR (Less Debt, More Equity)By contributing 20% upfront, Mark and Linda reduce interest costs, significantly improving returns:

• Year 1: $9,357 net income

• Year 5: $15,901 net income

• Year 10: $28,234 net income

Scenario B: 1% Lower Interest (After Construction)If interest drops from 6% to 5%, their income improves across the board:

• Year 1: $7,880 net income

• Year 5: $14,424 net income

• Year 10: (Projected to be in the $23,000+ range)

The Long-Term Picture: Capital Growth Over Decades

While income is their short-term priority, the property also delivers long-term gains. With an expected capital growth rate of 7%, here’s how the property’s value plays out:

• Year 10: ~$1.58 million

• Year 20: ~$3.11 million

• Year 30: ~$6.12 million

That’s the power of compounding—and a big part of their retirement plan.

What This Means for Their Family

This investment isn’t just about profit. It’s about flexibility. Mark and Linda want to reduce work hours in a few years, help their kids buy their first homes, and maybe even travel more. This property gives them options, not obligations.

“We don’t want to wait until 70 to enjoy our life,” says Linda. “We want a passive income stream that grows with us.”

Final Advice: Think Beyond the Next Deal

Their message to others?

“It’s never too late to start,” Mark says. “But don’t just buy what everyone else is buying. Think about your stage of life, your goals, and make every property count.”

For them, this fourth property isn’t just another asset—it’s a pivot point. A move from growth-only to income-plus-wealth. A foundation for choice, control, and a more flexible future.