Higher rates, smarter moves: How Australia’s best property investors are staying ahead

Australia’s property market has entered a new era. Cheap money is gone, lending standards have tightened, and investors can no longer rely on rising prices alone to build wealth.

But according to Right Property Group’s Victor and Reshmi Kumar, that’s far from bad news.

Instead, today’s market is rewarding strategy over speculation.

Strategy beats speculation

“Interest rates have changed the way people invest, but they haven’t removed opportunity,” Victor Kumar says. “The investors who continue to grow are the ones who understand how to structure their finances, borrow strategically and think long term.”

It’s a timely reminder in a market where many would-be buyers have been scared to the sidelines.

While higher borrowing costs have forced investors to become more selective, Victor argues that disciplined decision-making is creating better outcomes than the easy-money era ever did.

Finding tomorrow’s hotspots

Location remains the biggest driver of long-term performance, but Reshmi Kumar says successful investors know it’s about much more than chasing the latest headlines.

“We’re always looking for the indicators that point to sustainable growth,” she says. “Employment, infrastructure, population growth and affordability all play a role. The best opportunities often emerge before everyone else notices.”

Rather than following market hype, Reshmi believes investors should focus on the underlying economic fundamentals that consistently create long-term capital growth.

Regional or capital city?

The pair also tackle one of Australia’s biggest property debates: regional houses versus capital city units.

Instead of declaring one superior, Victor and Reshmi say the answer depends on an investor’s financial position, investment goals and appetite for risk.

Every market cycle creates different opportunities, making a tailored strategy far more valuable than following popular opinion.

Building wealth for the long term

For experienced investors, success is increasingly about building a resilient portfolio rather than chasing quick wins. That means avoiding costly mistakes, understanding finance structures and making decisions that can withstand changing market conditions.

As Australia’s property market continues to evolve, the Kumars believe one principle remains constant: investors who plan carefully, stay disciplined and think long term will continue to uncover opportunities—even when conditions become more challenging.