‘Property investing isn’t dead’: PK Gupta reveals regional strategy to build wealth

Property investor PK Gupta, 36, has built a debt-free portfolio of 13 properties.

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Despite another interest rate rise, controversial property tax changes and a cost of living crisis, a $27m property investor with 13 homes says investing isn’t dead.

But PK Gupta warns the rules have changed – and the suburb he’d buy into wouldn’t be in one of Australia’s booming capital-city markets.

The hotspots property investor PK Gupta would target in 2026 aren’t where most Australians are looking.

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Mr Gupta, 36, said he would begin with an established property priced between $300,000 and $500,000 in an affordable, high-yield location such as Launceston, Burnie or Romaine in Tasmania, Mildura in Victoria, or selected regional centres including Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga.

“Property investing isn’t dead, but the old strategy of buying an expensive property in Sydney or Melbourne and assuming it will carry you towards retirement no longer works for most people,” Mr Gupta said.

“If I were starting again in 2026, I’d buy an affordable property with a rental yield above five per cent and the ability to add value.

“That could mean renovating it, adding a granny flat or creating another income stream that helps the property cover its own costs.”

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16/12 Thomas Street, Wagga Wagga is on the market at $420,000.

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By 35, the Australian strategist and property investor had built a debt-free portfolio of 13 properties.

Today, it is worth more than $27m and generates over $300,000 in net passive income a year.

Through Realta With PK, he has taught thousands of Aussies how to use data to research property markets, assess investments and make their own buying decisions, without paying hefty buyer’s agent fees.

23 Frankland Street, Launceston in Tasmania is listed for sale at offers over $495,000. Source: realestate.com.au

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Mr Gupta identified Launceston as one of the most compelling markets for investors to investigate, arguing the regional city’s long-term performance challenges the belief that capital cities automatically produce superior returns.

“Over the past 20 years, Launceston has performed better than Sydney for capital growth and its rental yields have also been stronger,” he said.

After a strong decade, Launceston underperformed many other Australian markets during the past two to three years.

PK Gupta said Launceston in Tasmania as one of the most compelling markets for investors to investigate.

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Mr Gupta said he believed that period of weaker growth may now be creating an opportunity.

“We’re seeing days on market fall, the number of properties available for sale tighten and vacancy rates drop significantly,” he said.

“In some Launceston suburbs there’s almost nothing available to buy or rent.

“When rents are rising, tenants begin considering whether they should buy, and that adds another source of demand to an already tight market.”

2 Regent Street, Burnie in Tasmania is on the market at $490,000.

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Mr Gupta warned buyers against treating Australia as a single property market or attempting to pick the bottom of a falling capital-city market.

“There are approximately 15,000 suburbs in Australia,” he said.

“Some expensive parts of Sydney may be falling, while areas including Launceston, Burnie, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga and parts of regional Western Australia may be moving in the opposite direction.

“There has never been an Australian downturn in which every suburb fell at the same time.

“I wouldn’t try to catch a falling knife.

“I would look for affordable markets where prices are already rising and where that rate of growth is consistent or accelerating.”

316 Ontario Ave, Mildura in Victoria is on the market with a price guide of $470,000 – $510,000. Source: realestate.com.au

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Mr Gupta said someone starting in 2026 could still build a portfolio capable of producing $100,000 in annual passive income, but it would require patience, steady earnings and a strategic approach to finance.

He said his pathway would be buying an affordable established property for between $300,000 and $500,000, ideally one with value-adding potential, such as space for a granny flat or an opportunity for renovation.

23 Frankland Street, Launceston in Tasmania is listed for sale at offers over $495,000. Source: realestate.com.au

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He said to target a rental yield of at least five per cent to reduce the annual holding cost and allow time for the property to grow in value or manufacture equity before purchasing again.

Then combine that equity with further savings to fund the next deposit and repeat the strategy.

“There’s no need to buy five properties in five months,” Mr Gupta said.

Mr Gupta started investing in 2011 with about $60,000 to $70,000.

While he believed a similar amount could still allow someone to enter an affordable market, he said borrowing capacity had become a much greater obstacle.

“You don’t need to be wealthy before you begin, but you do need a reliable income,” he said.

“For a household earning between $150,000 and $250,000, building a portfolio that eventually replaces employment income is still possible.

PK Gupta says there has never been an Australian downturn in which every suburb fell at the same time. Source: realestate.com.au

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“It’s more difficult for lower-income households because serviceability and borrowing capacity are tighter than they were when I started.

“The opportunity is still there, but investors must be more resourceful.

“The people who succeed from 2026 will not necessarily be those with the most money.

“They will be the ones who buy in the right markets, add value, protect their borrowing capacity and remain patient.”