I’m going to start this article about property investing in an unusual way. I’m going to talk about mindset.
You might be thinking, “What’s mindset got to do with property investing?” I think it’s got everything to do with it.
The cost of living is high and rising. I’ve been noticing that people who haven’t yet gotten onto the property ladder are feeling dejected. I hear things like:
“What’s the point in trying to save for a house? There’s nothing I can afford anyway. I’m going to spend what I have and at least enjoy the present moment.”
I want you to cast your mind 30 years ahead and imagine the kind of life you want to have. The fact is, if you don’t own appreciating assets, you may find it harder to live the life you imagine.
Let’s break that down. Think about the cost of living now. The reality is, an apple is no longer just an apple. What cost 50 cents not that long ago is now $1.50, sometimes more. That’s inflation. It’s the gradual rise in prices that quietly erodes what your money can buy. Even if you’re saving, cash on its own tends to fall behind.
Then there’s currency debasement. Again, it sounds technical, but you live it every day. As more money is created in the system, each dollar loses a bit of its strength. You don’t notice it all at once. You notice it in rent increases, grocery bills, insurance premiums. Life gets more expensive, faster than wages grow.
Here’s where I want to pause and say something important, because the messaging out there is loud and often unkind: it is not too late for you. Despite what headlines and social media suggest, the door is not closed. The rules have changed, yes – but that doesn’t mean the game is over.
Appreciating assets matter because they help you move with the system instead of being crushed by it. Property isn’t about overnight wins or perfection. It’s about starting where you are, buying thoughtfully, and giving time a chance to work in your favour.
So if you’ve been feeling like you missed the boat, let me reassure you: boats keep coming. The biggest risk isn’t starting “late.” It’s believing the story that you can’t start at all.