Property with She’s on the Money

She's on the Money

by Victoria Devine

Smash your property goals with Victoria Devine’ s informative guide – whether you’ re getting your first foot on the ladder, hunting for your dream home or planning for an investment property Even with the challenges involved (interest rates and crazy-high house prices, we’ re looking at you!), so many of us still really want to own property. Whether it’ s the security and financial perks of owning your home or the benefits of having an investment property, the appeal and rewards are many. But buying a property can also be one of the biggest decisions you’ ll ever make, so you want to get it right – right? Luckily, Victoria Devine has written Property with She’ s on the Money to equip you for the whole process – from establishing your property values and truly understanding why you want to buy a home, to saving for the all-important deposit, which key experts to speak to, all things mortgages, what to buy and when, and how to make every stage of the process as smooth as possible – right through to renovating and selling.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Self Help, Audiobook, Money

272 pages, Paperback

Published February 3, 2024

Reviews

[amy]

a little life is no longer the most depressing book i’ve read!

[Sammy Mylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is perfectly dumbed down for lil ol me

[Kyla Davie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found it very useful to get me thinking about why and what I want in a property:
Outlines a lot of the hidden costs and factors and helped prepare me for having a conversation with a mortgage broker.
Definitely recommend for anyone like me who has no idea what they are doing or where to start. An empowering read while still presented in easy to understand layman’s terms.

The decoding of real estate jargon was particularly helpful:

Convenient = So close to the train station you’ll get a free massage every time one rolls by
Cosy/intimate = so small you can’t swing a cat
Cute/adorable = Kitsch decoration and tiny to boot
Harbour views = Glimpses of blue that could be mistaken for sky; maybe is sky?
Has character = it’s really ugly
An ‘opportunity not to be missed’ = you’re probably going to have to knock it down
Waterfront = street occasionally floods
Investment opportunity = you probably won’t want to live here

[Sarah Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and made me realise I cannot afford property anytime in the next decade

[Rosie Carbery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic info, but still a decent summary for a first home buyer

[Tennille Cox]

Definitely helpful but equally depressing

[Taka Tajiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very basic material book about stepping into property market. But I also cannot ignore the feelings that she might not like the idea of having an investment property or being in property market unless you want to live in.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

espresso depresso about buying in Sydney

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

I didn’t get a crazy amount of new info from this but it would be a good intro for people that didn’t have any knowledge of looking for property or the processes involved. A few handy checklists and stepped ways to organise your house search.

Not sure why so many people are mad about it not being for investment properties - that’s clearly not the purpose of this book. This is targeted to first home owners that want to occupy but aren’t sure how or what is involved.
If you want an investment property, you would likely already know this stuff.

[Mina Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much for a privileged population & NSW focused without a disclaimer that each state has different land titles legislation and regulations..

[Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 30-year-old hoping to buy my first property, this book has been an absolute lifesaver in guiding me on what the hell to do (seriously, why aren't we taught this in school?). The idea of diving into the property market has been so daunting that I put it off for a few years until Melbourne rental prices pushed (forced) me to take a leap. I appreciate that VD doesn't just jump straight into the buying process but rather takes an in depth and balanced approach to what taking on a mortgage actually means. Once it is established that purchasing a property is the correct choice for your personal circumstances, the explanations of the buying process are detailed yet easy to understand. I feel so much more equipped to tackle the property journey after reading this book. Thank you, Victoria!

[Dayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read guide to the property process, with a bunch of helpful reflection points, strategies and exercises. I appreciate that Devine spends time encouraging readers to explore the why for property purchase, and question the cultural narrative. I felt a bit frustrated in the rentvesting sections where it felt like there was a lack of acknowledgement of rental crises and how people who own multiple properties are pricing renters out… but Devine’s mandate is to help people increase their wealth so I guess that’s her motivation.
Overall, a quick read that I’m glad to have absorbed as it’s given me some insights and steps to take on this property odyssey.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

DNF: Not because I didn't enjoy it but because I already purchased my first home prior to this book. I thought it would be useful anyway in regards to an investment property but didn't give me any information I didn't already know.

HOWEVER, this is a FANTASTIC book for those wanting to enter the property market. I'll be regifting this book to a friend - I will suggest any of SOTM books and podcast to any women (or man) looking to take control of their finances and have more information about the finance world. Victoria Devine educates without all the confusing jargon that comes with it.

[Charli Hanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book very informative. I think as I already have my house and used to work in finance, I didn’t get as much out of this one as I did her first two books. I had expected a bit more on investment properties and strategies to build a portfolio. This is more of a very basic beginner guide to getting your first house. As I said it was informative so I will be giving my copy to a friend who is looking to get into the market, I think she’ll definitely get lots out of it.

[Kezia Somerville-Petch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, I had a lot of questions going into this book especially around the government schemes that didn’t really get answer due to different states having different plans. There were a few repeated point and sections though overall I enjoyed the book and felt as though everything was very early laid out and explained

[Rose Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book as a quick ‘zero to hero’ guide for aspiring property owners. There are lots of practical tips and explanations that make home owning seem more achievable for younger generations, and it’s a great starting point. Will definitely be checking out the other books in the ‘She’s On The Money’ series!

[Mikaela San Giorgio · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved her first book but I really didn’t enjoy reading this. I think she is more into shares and you could tell by the negative spin on property in a lot of the chapters. I thought the book was to tell us the benefits and “how to’s” - to get people educated and hyped about property. The definitions and explanations were good however it didn’t inspire me to want to buy property. If this was the first property book I had ever read before investing it would have made me way too nervous to even bother trying! I’m glad I have read other books before my investment journey

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great resource for first home buyers (wish I had something like this in my late teens/early 20’s). Probably not relevant for those of us already well into the property game but still a nice change from my normal reads. Thanks Victoria, well thought out and executed. 👏🏼

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really comprehensive guide for deciding whether purchasing property is the move you really want to make, and if so what kinds of challenges and supports are available for the different property types. I found it really easy to understand as I grapple with understanding my finances better.

[Kat Petrellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super useful book for those in the process or beginning the process of purchasing their first property.
The book is written in simple, easy to understand language, with definitions littered throughout.
Would recommend for anyone wanting some additional guidance during this overwhelming time!

[smai · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re in Australia looking to buy ur first home this answers so many questions. Definitely recommend to get your head around the terminology and concepts of property. Will certainly save you simple mistakes that could cost you $$$

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

very easy read putting everything I didn’t know about property into layman’s terms which I could understand. Repetitive and could do without all the unnecessary other book plugs, but otherwise a really good tool to help me get my head around the property market especially as a first home buyer.

[tahliareadstoomuch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 ⭐️

A good overview of what the best way to get into property for you personally might be (goes through quite a few circumstances). Buuuut it’s a little outdated for the 2026 market and a few of those strategies are just genuinely not viable anymore even a couple years later.

[astrid bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can’t wait to be a home owner girly

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 not super relevant from non- Aussies but interesting just the same.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[Elle Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A help read to understanding the many complexities and things to consider before owning property.
*audiobook

[Deonie Hammond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really holistic approach to property buying,
which provides a lot of food for thought. I feel much more prepared to go through the home buying process for the first time.

[Cornzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING !! Every future homeowner must read.

[Phoebe Yelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful! This book gave me lots to consider. Definitely going to use the tips on how to prepare yourself for buying and selling property.