Money & Mindset - Book of the Month October 2025
- meliaprojectsau
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
I’m a big believer that the best investors are lifelong learners. Each month, I’ll share a book that’s made me stop and think, whether it’s a new strategy, a fresh perspective, or just a better way to look at money and investing.
My goal? To help you learn from the wins (and mistakes) of others so you can invest smarter, with more confidence. Think of this as your shortcut to sharper thinking and better decision-making, one book at a time.
The Armchair Guide to Property Investing: Building Wealth the Smart, Sustainable Way
When it comes to property investing, many Australians assume they need to own a huge portfolio to achieve financial freedom. But in The Armchair Guide to Property Investing, Ben Kingsley and Bryce Holdaway show that wealth through property doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Their message is refreshingly simple: you don’t need ten properties to retire comfortably. With the right strategy and mindset, even a modest portfolio can deliver an impressive income in retirement of around $2,000 per week, according to their model.
The Overview
Kingsley and Holdaway, both respected property advisors and co-hosts of The Property Couch podcast, draw on decades of experience helping everyday Australians build portfolios designed for lifestyle freedom, not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
The book walks readers through the complete journey, from getting your finances in order to understanding what makes a property investment-worthy and how to structure a portfolio for long-term growth. It’s backed by 18 proven investment strategies and several real-life case studies showing how different types of investors (from singles to couples and families) have achieved success with different strategies for starting early, starting late or being on a single income.
The tone is practical and grounded. You won’t find hype about “get-rich-quick” strategies, instead it focuses on how to make smart, informed decisions and create a sustainable, low-maintenance path to wealth.
Key Lessons
1. You Don’t Need a Huge Portfolio to Retire Comfortably
Rather than chasing quantity, Ben & Bryce advocate for quality. A few well-chosen properties in the right locations can outperform a large, poorly structured portfolio.
2. Time is a Critical Resource
Their “armchair” approach recognises that most investors are busy professionals with limited spare time. Once set up correctly, a property portfolio can take as little as 10 hours per property per year to manage.
3. Property Investing is About Strategy, Not Speculation
Kingsley and Holdaway emphasise that successful investing is driven by planning not luck. Clear goals, strong cash flow management, and understanding market fundamentals are what make the difference to long term success.
4. It’s About Financial Freedom, Not Property for Property’s Sake
The end goal isn’t to collect properties, it’s to build a portfolio that supports the lifestyle you want at the end of the day.
How You Can Apply These Lessons
If you’re looking to build wealth without sacrificing your time or sanity, the key takeaway is to focus on intentional investing.
Start with your financial base. Ensure your cash flow and lending structure are solid before buying.
Choose quality assets. Look for properties that perform across market cycles, not just “hotspots.”
Think long-term. Property is a slow-burn investment. The compounding benefits come from time in the market, not timing the market.
Lean on experts. A good buyer’s agent, mortgage broker and accountant can help you structure your investment plan efficiently and sustainably.
The principles in The Armchair Guide to Property Investing have formed the basis of my approach to property. Smart property investing is about having a plan, being patient, and buying assets that will quietly do the work for you over time.
Final Thoughts
This book is an excellent read for anyone who wants to build wealth through property but doesn’t want it to take over their life. Kingsley and Holdaway give a super clear, evidence-based approach that prioritises quality, structure and sustainability with plenty of practical examples and case studies to really inspire any investor.
Whether you’re just starting out or reviewing your existing portfolio, The Armchair Guide to Property Investing reminds us that property is not about how much you own... it’s about what you own, why you own it and how it serves your bigger financial picture.
Have you read this one already? Tell me what you think!
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