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Stephanie, 35, has built an impressive real estate portfolio, owning three properties and selling two, but rising interest rates have hit her hard. Her real estate journey began in 2018, when she feared homeownership was slipping out of reach. After struggling to save over $20,000, she took on several side hustles alongside her full-time job to save enough for a deposit.
Her first break came when she purchased a Melbourne property during a rain-soaked auction on what was reportedly the busiest auction day in the city’s history. “It was a bank repossession, and I doubt I would have gotten it for such a good price otherwise,” she said. That initial buy gave her a solid equity foundation, enabling her to invest in additional properties. “That’s what allowed me to buy a second property the next year. I’ve bought a property every year since.”
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However, like many homeowners, Stephanie has felt the sting of rising interest rates, which currently stand at 4.35% in Australia. “The high interest rates didn’t allow me to hold all my properties, as rent wasn’t covering the mortgages once rates went above 4%,” she admitted.
Stephanie’s motivation for real estate investment stemmed from a belief that working a full-time job alone wouldn’t allow her to get ahead financially. She’s also taken a hands-on approach, sharing her DIY renovation projects on TikTok, where she hopes to inspire other women to enter the property market confidently. “I’ve always enjoyed being hands-on, so buying places that needed work never scared me,” she said.
Stephanie is passionate about empowering women, especially those who may feel intimidated by the property market or DIY renovations. “It’s hard enough to save for a deposit, and a lot of women don’t have money left for repairs. The cost of trades is so high, which is pushing many women toward DIY,” she explained. Her goal is to create a supportive community where women can share renovation tips and experiences.
She wants to empower women. Picture: TikTok/stephadiy
Her inspiration to create more how-to content for women arose from her own frustrations. “Every time I looked up how to do something, all the videos were men. I want to change that.”
Despite her success, Stephanie’s journey hasn’t been easy. Early on, she faced challenges as a single woman trying to buy property. Real estate agents often dismissed her, assuming her male friends were the buyers. “At auctions, they would only ask my male friend if he was going to bid, even though I was the one buying,” she shared.
Fortunately, Stephanie’s financial savvy helped her navigate these challenges and be taken seriously. She advises others to secure unconditional finance and be flexible with settlement periods to appeal to sellers.
She said real estate agents wouldn’t even look at her. Picture: TikTok/stephadiy
Despite the hurdles, Stephanie continues to thrive, even in the face of online criticism. While she receives support from many men, others are quick to belittle her accomplishments. “I get hate from men in the comments of my renovation videos, accusing me of needing a man’s help,” she revealed. But Stephanie knows she’s proven her doubters wrong, having built her property empire on her own.
Stephanie has demonstrated that with determination, knowledge, and resilience, women can succeed in the property market. Her journey is an inspiring reminder that anyone, regardless of gender, can achieve financial independence and success in real estate.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU