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The Armchair Guide to Property Investing: How to Retire on $2,000 a Week
You may be surprised to learn that according to property experts Ben Kingsley and Bryce Holdaway, you don't need to accumulate a 10+ property portfolio to create a $2,000 passive income in your retirement. And you'll only need to spend approximately 10 hours per property a year managing your portfolio when you have everything in place. Sound easy? Well that's why it's the 'armchair' guide.
The Armchair Guide to Property Investing is a comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of money management, risk assessment, and picking a winning property that gives readers a full toolkit to be a successful property investor. The authors also share 18 investment strategies that in their vast experience have worked for hundreds of their clients - and themselves - over the years.
There are insightful case studies where you will discover how six very different investors - a young single, a couple who started investing early, a couple who left it a bit late, a single parent and a couple with no kids - all built portfolios which will deliver $2,000 a week in retirement income!
The Armchair Guide to Property Investing is a comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of money management, risk assessment, and picking a winning property that gives readers a full toolkit to be a successful property investor. The authors also share 18 investment strategies that in their vast experience have worked for hundreds of their clients - and themselves - over the years.
There are insightful case studies where you will discover how six very different investors - a young single, a couple who started investing early, a couple who left it a bit late, a single parent and a couple with no kids - all built portfolios which will deliver $2,000 a week in retirement income!
- GenresFinanceNonfictionMoney
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2015
52 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 22, 2021
Rounded down from 1.5/5.
All I want is to take back the time I wasted reading this book.
Kingsley and Holdaway have good intentions behind writing this book (or so I hope). Their qualifications are impressive and their experiences are broader than most others'.
Having said that, the first 50% of this book is entirely dedicated to the most fundamental money management rules (surplus = income - expenditure) and mindset towards wealth creation, littered with clickbait-style acronyms. Of course, a solid understanding of both of these factors are critical - but in pitching their book as one dedicated towards real estate on the cover, is this really the right place to discuss these at such length?
The next 40% of this book discusses real estate "strategies" which are highly repetitive, yet so shallow; and seemed for the most part like a sales pitch on why the reader should depend on financial advisers, property managers, real estate agents, etc. such as the authors. When a finance book tells you "you can't do this or that without the right team of advisors", that's an immediate red flag for me.
I continued on with the book in the hopes that it would redeem itself in its later pages - and to be fair, it almost did. The last chapter of the book was the only interesting chapter for me as Kingsley and Holdaway look at case studies to "analyse" real estate strategies in practice. These analyses, however, are shallow and done with borderline unrealistic assumptions.
For example, I would have really liked to see the book present a monthly budget surplus after the additional mortgage repayments - I could not wrap my head around how the personas in the case studies would be able to afford the mortgages (nor how they would get them approved in the first place!)
If you are completely new to finance, turn to better "fundamental" books like Scott Pape's 'The Barefoot Investor'. If you are looking for a deep dive into property investing, this really isn't the book you're looking for.
All I want is to take back the time I wasted reading this book.
Kingsley and Holdaway have good intentions behind writing this book (or so I hope). Their qualifications are impressive and their experiences are broader than most others'.
Having said that, the first 50% of this book is entirely dedicated to the most fundamental money management rules (surplus = income - expenditure) and mindset towards wealth creation, littered with clickbait-style acronyms. Of course, a solid understanding of both of these factors are critical - but in pitching their book as one dedicated towards real estate on the cover, is this really the right place to discuss these at such length?
The next 40% of this book discusses real estate "strategies" which are highly repetitive, yet so shallow; and seemed for the most part like a sales pitch on why the reader should depend on financial advisers, property managers, real estate agents, etc. such as the authors. When a finance book tells you "you can't do this or that without the right team of advisors", that's an immediate red flag for me.
I continued on with the book in the hopes that it would redeem itself in its later pages - and to be fair, it almost did. The last chapter of the book was the only interesting chapter for me as Kingsley and Holdaway look at case studies to "analyse" real estate strategies in practice. These analyses, however, are shallow and done with borderline unrealistic assumptions.
For example, I would have really liked to see the book present a monthly budget surplus after the additional mortgage repayments - I could not wrap my head around how the personas in the case studies would be able to afford the mortgages (nor how they would get them approved in the first place!)
If you are completely new to finance, turn to better "fundamental" books like Scott Pape's 'The Barefoot Investor'. If you are looking for a deep dive into property investing, this really isn't the book you're looking for.
December 31, 2021
Great property investment tips for beginners!
March 25, 2022
A great introduction to property investment (and the basic money management required to get there). Kingsley and Holdaway write in a relatable way and I like how they do not try to sell their own business/strategy too much compared to other writers. They provide models that the reader can use to avoid big property mistakes when strategising, executing on and managing property. The case studies and high level strategies at the end are very informative, I only wish there was slightly more detail on those!
June 14, 2017
Excellent detail on property investment strategies
The book provide great advice on property investment. Structuring is as a business and stepping through the process from start to finish i.e. action plan. It also provide good sources for research as well as what to look for. Recommend reading it with Australian Property Finance Made Simple by Konrad Bobilak to structure loans and finance to support investments.
The book provide great advice on property investment. Structuring is as a business and stepping through the process from start to finish i.e. action plan. It also provide good sources for research as well as what to look for. Recommend reading it with Australian Property Finance Made Simple by Konrad Bobilak to structure loans and finance to support investments.
September 1, 2017
Great book! Even for a person who has read a few property books and invested in a few, it really hammers home the fundamentals, along with offering practical tips and advice on how to achieve your property goals.
Bryce and Ben bring all this to you in an easy and concise manner
Bryce and Ben bring all this to you in an easy and concise manner
September 3, 2022
Written in a simplified format that would appeal to newcomers and beginner investors. Provides basic entry level content on financial management and includes an introduction into developing the right mindset generally overlooked in other books. I found the first half of the book was too basic and at times repetitive. The information started becoming more relevant to property investment around Chapter 6, but once again seemed to be entry level and glossed over without any real substance.
Unfortunately it does come across as more an introductory financial literacy book and not so much a property investment strategy book. Included is content about investment trends and the authors go over some of the variables you should consider researching but provides no guidance on how to action these trends for identifying investment grade properties. eg. What % clearance rates, acceptable timeframes for stock on market, etc.
This is very much a feel good resource on how you can achieve property success but not really instruct the reader as to how as the more specific details simply aren’t included in this book. Not really suitable for intermediate or advanced investors looking to build up their knowledge base or enhance their existing portfolio.
Unfortunately it does come across as more an introductory financial literacy book and not so much a property investment strategy book. Included is content about investment trends and the authors go over some of the variables you should consider researching but provides no guidance on how to action these trends for identifying investment grade properties. eg. What % clearance rates, acceptable timeframes for stock on market, etc.
This is very much a feel good resource on how you can achieve property success but not really instruct the reader as to how as the more specific details simply aren’t included in this book. Not really suitable for intermediate or advanced investors looking to build up their knowledge base or enhance their existing portfolio.
January 16, 2018
One of the best property investing books I've read
This is one of the best books on residential property investing I have read!
Unlike so many other real estate investing books, which are filled with hype and not much technical how to, this book is practical, with simple but thorough explanations of many components of the property investment process, supported by realistic case studies.
It doesn't just focus on the property or investment strategies either. A reasonable portion of this book is devoted to money management, finance and overall investment planning.
While reading this book alone will not make you an expert in real estate investing, it will give you a good foundation and more than enough knowledge to get started.
This is one of the best books on residential property investing I have read!
Unlike so many other real estate investing books, which are filled with hype and not much technical how to, this book is practical, with simple but thorough explanations of many components of the property investment process, supported by realistic case studies.
It doesn't just focus on the property or investment strategies either. A reasonable portion of this book is devoted to money management, finance and overall investment planning.
While reading this book alone will not make you an expert in real estate investing, it will give you a good foundation and more than enough knowledge to get started.
November 19, 2023
Surprisingly informative somehow
July 31, 2020
Rating 3.5/5
I believe that I entered into reading this book under the wrong pretenses. I thought the book would delve a bit more into the intricacies of property investing, distinguishing between investment stock and investment grade to a closer degree.
I find that this book suffers from what I believe a lot of finance/budgeting books do, and that is a lack of specificity. Jack of all trades style. If this is your first foray into financial books, then it's an OK start. As a prospective first home buyer and having done a fair bit of research prior to reading this book, I finished it with little further knowledge. A large proportion of the book is dedicated to cash flow management and budgeting. These are probably one, if not the most important aspects of finance management, but something I have read in numerous other books.
Put it this way, I would be far more interested had the authors separated the book into two. The first 2/3rds being a separate budgeting book. The last 1/3 expanded in a far more specific book outlining the intricacies of asset selection, to which I think a lot of reader bought this book under the pretense of learning more about.
I believe that I entered into reading this book under the wrong pretenses. I thought the book would delve a bit more into the intricacies of property investing, distinguishing between investment stock and investment grade to a closer degree.
I find that this book suffers from what I believe a lot of finance/budgeting books do, and that is a lack of specificity. Jack of all trades style. If this is your first foray into financial books, then it's an OK start. As a prospective first home buyer and having done a fair bit of research prior to reading this book, I finished it with little further knowledge. A large proportion of the book is dedicated to cash flow management and budgeting. These are probably one, if not the most important aspects of finance management, but something I have read in numerous other books.
Put it this way, I would be far more interested had the authors separated the book into two. The first 2/3rds being a separate budgeting book. The last 1/3 expanded in a far more specific book outlining the intricacies of asset selection, to which I think a lot of reader bought this book under the pretense of learning more about.
October 12, 2017
This is a great book to read as part of a wider property investing self-education process. Read alone, it contains a great deal of information for the novice and amateur investor (such as myself) and is never too heavy in its content. The authors are grounded and understand the challenges of the average person and their advice is peppered throughout the pages in standout sections across all chapters. I never found them arrogant or unrelatable, which can happen with these types of books. In the second last chapter, they cover off 18 specific strategies that are suitable for various people depending on their situation, but there is sure to be a few that apply to everyone. I would, however, strongly recommend reading this along with other titles including Margaret Lomas' excellent title How To Achieve Property Success which goes into a lot of tactical detail of managing properties, loans and tax outcomes. This book, while it did cover all of those, did so in a different capacity. Highly recommended reading.
January 8, 2020
Reads like a Noel Whittaker piece crossed with the Barefoot Investor with limited relevance following the Banking Royal Commission. You Reckon a 25yo on $55k after tax is gonna have enough borrowing power to start negatively gearing property within 8 years with no assets to initially secure a loan? Yet alone a $800k loan on a single income? Riggghhht....
(If it’s possible please point me to your broker who can make it happen for me. Please)
(If it’s possible please point me to your broker who can make it happen for me. Please)
July 4, 2021
No nonsense guide to property investing. The author gets the fundamentals right first about why we need to invest and what our goals are, before diving into property investments.
I learnt that there's a few strategies involved and each have their own level of difficulty. It's of course best to engage the professionals to help one if one isn't skilled enough in that area.
Good read for starters. After that, go engage the professionals to understand more.
I learnt that there's a few strategies involved and each have their own level of difficulty. It's of course best to engage the professionals to help one if one isn't skilled enough in that area.
Good read for starters. After that, go engage the professionals to understand more.
July 27, 2022
This book was great at providing the fundamentals for those wishing to get into property investing. So far the best book I’ve read to start our journey. The provide key takeaways form money management, basics around mortgages and using equity.
I really thought this was good for first time readers on the topic. They also provide a lot of free information on their podcast, for more in depth details.
I really thought this was good for first time readers on the topic. They also provide a lot of free information on their podcast, for more in depth details.
March 9, 2017
This book is very interesting and taught me a lot, but I still have a LOT of questions. I certainly won't be buying more properties anytime soon, as it raised more questions than it answered! I am hoping listening to their podcast as well, alongside a couple of other books will help.
August 18, 2017
Informative Australian focused guide
An informative guide to property investment in Australia with a realistic and achievable focus. The author's try to avoid hype, instead they look at developing a realistic guide to planning a property based investment portfolio.
An informative guide to property investment in Australia with a realistic and achievable focus. The author's try to avoid hype, instead they look at developing a realistic guide to planning a property based investment portfolio.
March 2, 2019
Good insight
I found this book is useful in term of helping property investor to get into the planning of investment for the longer term, although some of the strategies may not be as useful in the current environment - a few years after it was published.
I found this book is useful in term of helping property investor to get into the planning of investment for the longer term, although some of the strategies may not be as useful in the current environment - a few years after it was published.
February 14, 2021
Good overview of traditional buy and hold property investing in Australia. Be aware that first half of the book is much more about personal finance rather than property investing, if you're purely after property investing information it's only really the 2nd half of the book which is relevant.
January 3, 2023
Very informative - good direction given to those who are looking directly into the topic of property investing.
Does not delve far from that (for instance if you were thinking about buying your first property, there aren’t any pointers for this)
Does not delve far from that (for instance if you were thinking about buying your first property, there aren’t any pointers for this)
March 7, 2023
Practical way to understanding property investing with no hidden agenda. The outstanding part of the book is the different scenarios taking into account for different people’s circumstances and how each would be able to build a realistic investment portfolio over your lifetime!
April 25, 2024
Similar to most other Australian books on the topic. Quite well written, easy to understand, and a few good tips and ideas that I haven't seen in other books on the topic. I particularly like that there was a relatively good focus on money management to start the book.
November 20, 2025
I think this is a good book for what I needed which was a comprehensive intro to the property investment space. I think for people who know what they’re doing this would be a waste of time. But I really enjoyed it and think I have more foundation knowledge now
August 21, 2017
Great read! Highly recommended!!
Full of great insight, examples and very motivating!! Easy to follow and relate. So much gold in one book! Thank you
Full of great insight, examples and very motivating!! Easy to follow and relate. So much gold in one book! Thank you
August 30, 2020
Not yet 100% sold on the dream, but it's still a good book regardless if you're looking to buy 1 property or 100 properties.
October 15, 2020
Easy to read but bit fluffy
May 30, 2021
Easy to follow, good introduction to Australian property investment, starting from the most fundamental concepts.
April 9, 2023
It was an ok read but a bit to much promotion of the authors other businesses instead of telling you what you wanted to know.
August 22, 2022
Ben and Bryce are extremely knowledgeable in the area of Property Investments. I was expecting a lot more out of this book when I picked it up for reading.
The first part of the book was not useful to me as it starts with the basics of money management.
The later part of the book lists a few strategies that are good but I failed to find any key takeaways from these strategies.
Overall, a good starting point if you think about investing in Australian Property Market
The first part of the book was not useful to me as it starts with the basics of money management.
The later part of the book lists a few strategies that are good but I failed to find any key takeaways from these strategies.
Overall, a good starting point if you think about investing in Australian Property Market
July 29, 2016
This is a must read for anyone starting off in property investment and also a great refresher for the more experienced investor.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews