Five Key Property Lessons from Allan Mason’s

Property Secrets of the Rich

Investing in property is rarely about luck. It’s about discipline, strategy and knowing what the high-performers do differently. In his latest book Property Secrets of the Rich, chartered accountant and long-standing property adviser Allan Mason distills decades of experience into a practical roadmap for Australian investors. If you’re thinking of buying your first asset, growing a rental portfolio or exiting to create retirement income, this book deserves a place on your shelf (or e-reader).

Mason positions the book as: “From your first investment to a property empire: mastering the Australian tax system to build property wealth.The appeal is clear: real-world case studies, age-specific strategies (from your 20s through to retirement) and a focus on compounding wealth through property rather than just buying a house and hoping.

Here are five clear lessons from the book that property investors can apply now, especially in Paddington, Darlinghurst, Woollahra and surrounding markets. ential tenancy agreement template here, and refer to Fair Trading NSW for more detailed information.

Lesson 1: View property as a wealth-generator, not just a home

Mason emphasises that the wealthy treat property as a business asset, not simply a roof over their head. Whether you’re buying your first place or your tenth, asking “How will this asset generate cash-flow, capital growth and tax benefits?” sets you apart. The key takeaway: from day one, consider your property transaction in terms of return, not just appreciation. That mindset shift helps in structuring deals, negotiating price and selecting the right suburb/asset class.

Lesson 2: Use leverage and tax rules to your advantage

One of the standout themes is tax-efficiency and smart financing. Mason explains how the rich use borrowing, depreciation, and compounding to super-charge growth. For example: buy a property that is cash-positive or at least neutral once you factor in interest, tax and expenses; claim depreciation and other legitimate deductions and reinvest gains to build scale. If you’re in Sydney – where entry prices are higher – being clever with structure and finance is especially important.

Lesson 3: Don’t wait to “have enough” – start with what you have

A recurring motivator in the book is that you don’t need a massive deposit or perfect conditions to begin. Mason outlines strategies for starting with a relatively modest deposit and building into a portfolio. Whether it’s buying with a partner, focusing on a “starter” investment in a growth suburb or using refinancing to fund the next acquisition, the message is clear: the biggest cost is time lost. Starting earlier gives you more runway for compounding.

Lesson 4: Choose the right asset type and structure for your life stage

Mason provides age-specific advice, for people in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. For example, someone in their early working life may prioritise rental yield and capital growth in a growth-corridor suburb. Someone nearing retirement might optimise for passive income, minimal management and risk mitigation. The book encourages investors to align their property strategy with where they are in life, rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all model.

Lesson 5: Growth doesn’t always mean higher price – value matters

In a high-price city like Sydney, it’s easy to assume the most expensive postcode equals the best growth. Mason reminds us that value, timing and structure often matter more than headline price. He points to case studies where investors found undervalued or off-market opportunities, leveraged better structures and optimised tax to outperform simply buying the “nice suburb” at top price. For local investors, this is a wake-up call: look for value-adding upgrades, smart zoning/suburb shifts and properties that give you optionality (e.g. dual occupancy, subdivision potential or growth in infrastructure).

For a deeper dive into this topic, read our blog on Small Upgrades for a Big Impact, where Fraser explores how subtle improvements, dual-occupancy opportunities and subdivision potential can dramatically increase property value.

Conclusion
Property Secrets of the Rich isn’t about get-rich-quick tactics. It’s a grounded, intelligent approach to building wealth through discipline, structure and strategic decision-making. For Australian investors, especially those navigating competitive inner-city markets, Mason’s insights offer a clear framework for growth at any stage of life.

Whether you’re buying your first apartment, growing your portfolio or preparing for retirement, the key is finding the right property for the right phase of your journey. That’s where Fraser Turvey can help — combining decades of real-estate experience with a background in architecture and design to identify properties that align with your goals, lifestyle and long-term wealth strategy. You can get it now from Amazon or Booktopia. 

Ready to take your next step in property? Explore our latest listings and get in touch with Fraser today.