How I got onto the property market as a middle-income earner – and you can too

June 16, 2026 — 3:31pm

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I was a tenant for a decade, managing to transition to a buyer about 20 years ago.

That first house was a renovator’s delight. A 1950s original with mid-century orange, brown and green swirly carpet and an outside toilet.

For two years, my husband and I worked our fingers to the bone every weekend. When we finally put the last paintbrush down, we decided to sell, move interstate and buy our second home. We still miss that place though.

Now, as I stand behind the white picket fence looking out at the property market, I’m genuinely terrified.

I’m regularly analysing property data and looking for gaps in the market. I’ll be honest. There aren’t many.

It’s hopeless out there. While nation values have flat lined more recently, it’s still going to cost the commitment of a lifetime of fluctuating mortgage repayments to get into your first home.

But for the 1.6 million Australians forking out hundreds in rent every week, maybe they could save money by purchasing their first home instead. Hear me out.

As it stands, Aussie renters are spending a record share of their........

© Brisbane Times