You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!

Most people talk about wanting to invest in property, but few take real action. For Lauren Chapple, what began as curiosity and a few hours spent listening to The Australian Property Investment Podcast turned into something far bigger: a full-time career in mortgage broking and a four-property portfolio before the age of 30.

Her story is a reminder that success in property isn’t reserved for the lucky. It’s built on courage, commitment, and the willingness to move forward even when things feel uncomfortable.

From Central Coast to Career Pivot

Lauren grew up on the NSW Central Coast, living what she describes as a “normal” upbringing: school, uni, and a few detours while trying to find her path. She studied exercise and sport science, meteorology, even considered joining the police force, but none of it quite clicked.

In the background, though, something else was brewing.

Money and property were always part of the conversation at home. Her parents owned an investment property nearby and often talked about saving and long-term security. Without realising it, Lauren was being primed for a career in finance.

She began downloading property research reports, reading investment blogs, and listening to podcasts. One of them, The Australian Property Investment Podcast, eventually changed her life.

Taking the Leap

When Lauren first met Atelier Wealth Director Aaron Christie-David at an industry event, she introduced herself, mentioned she was an avid listener of the podcast, and asked about opportunities.

A few weeks later, she packed up her life on the Central Coast, relocated closer to the Atelier Wealth office, and joined the team as a Loan Strategist.

“Moving down was a big decision,” she says. “But I knew I’d be learning from the best. If I wanted to grow both as an investor and professionally, this was the place to do it.”

That single decision set off a chain reaction that transformed not only her career but also her personal finances.

Entering the Property Game

Lauren and her partner Chris had been saving diligently while renting. Like many young Australians, they felt buying their own home was out of reach. Instead of giving up, they shifted their mindset: if they couldn’t buy where they lived, they’d buy where they could afford.

In 2022, they purchased their first investment property in Ipswich, Queensland for $450,000, a four-bedroom home on a large block. They rolled up their sleeves, made a few simple improvements, and watched the property nearly double in value within three years.

“It’s now worth around $850,000,” Lauren explains. “It’s crazy to think how much growth can happen in such a short time when you take action.”

Behind the Curtain of Mortgage Broking

Before joining Atelier Wealth, Lauren worked for a local brokerage. She admits that even then, she didn’t fully understand how much work goes into structuring and approving a loan.

“People think brokers just send applications to banks and wait for a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. In reality, it’s a constant back and forth,” she says. “Policies change overnight, banks move the goalposts, and our job is to advocate for the client every step of the way.”

That experience deepened her understanding of what makes a great broker: the ability to think strategically, anticipate challenges, and see the bigger financial picture.

Building Momentum: Three Properties in Three Years

After their first property’s strong performance, Lauren and Chris leveraged their equity to buy two more investment properties, one in Darwin and another in regional Victoria, plus a block of land.

Within three years, they’d built a four-property portfolio spread across three states.

But it wasn’t easy.

“We’re very negatively geared right now,” Lauren admits. “There are weeks when we’re putting $1,000 into the portfolio. It’s not comfortable, but we know what we’re working towards. We couldn’t have saved this much equity on our own.”

That level of commitment, being willing to sacrifice short-term comfort for long-term gain, is what sets serious investors apart from the rest.

The Sacrifices Behind Success

For Lauren and Chris, investing has meant saying no to short-term luxuries.

They meal prep instead of eating out, skip new clothes for months at a time, and run a small side business to keep cash flow healthy. Chris works FIFO, and Lauren focuses on maximising every dollar.

“It’s not a right to be able to invest; it’s something you earn through discipline,” she says. “We know the rewards will come later.”

This mindset, focusing on the long game, mirrors what many successful Atelier Wealth clients practice. The short-term sacrifices eventually compound into life-changing results.

Lessons from Inside the Industry

Working with hundreds of investors each year, Lauren has seen patterns emerge among those who build real wealth:

  • They build a team. Successful investors don’t try to do everything themselves. They collaborate with brokers, accountants, and buyers’ agents who share the same goals.
  • They think ahead. Strategic investors plan two or three purchases in advance, not just the next one.
  • They focus on strategy, not rates. As Lauren puts it, “You’re not buying loans, you’re buying homes.” Interest rates change, but good strategy doesn’t.
  • They value expertise. DIY investors often chase the cheapest deal, only to buy in restricted postcodes or poor-growth areas. Professional guidance prevents costly mistakes.

Building Wealth Through Community

Lauren now helps facilitate The Australian Property Investment Podcast Accelerator, a monthly community session where investors share wins, ask questions, and learn from each other.

“For many of us, our friends don’t understand what we’re doing,” she says. “The accelerator gives people a space to celebrate their progress without judgement.”

It’s also a reminder that property investing is rarely a solo journey. Surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference, whether it’s expert mentors or peers on the same path.

What’s Next for Lauren and Chris

With three investment properties and a block of land, Lauren and Chris are now turning their focus to balance, seeking higher-yielding assets to offset their negatively geared properties.

They’re also keeping an eye on future opportunities, whether that’s leveraging equity, diversifying across markets, or one day purchasing their dream home.

“If you told me three years ago we’d be here, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Lauren says. “But once you start, the fear disappears. It’s just repetition and consistency from there.”

Key Takeaways

  • Start before you feel ready; momentum builds confidence.
  • Focus on long-term growth over short-term comfort.
  • Surround yourself with professionals who think strategically.
  • Sacrifice now to create freedom later.

If you’re ready to take your first or next step toward building wealth through property, our team at Atelier Wealth can help you design a smart, sustainable mortgage strategy that supports your goals.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on The Australian Property Investment Podcast.

💬 Book a free strategy session: Chat with one of our experienced mortgage brokers about how to grow your portfolio with confidence.