Kayla Roger

PHOTO: Kayla Roger

In the face of Sydney’s soaring housing prices, Kayla Rogers, a 24-year-old weight-loss coach, has taken an alternative route to homeownership by purchasing her first property in Queensland. Moving to the Gold Coast earlier this year, Kayla acquired a three-bedroom home in Toowoomba for $550,000, with rental income covering a large portion of her mortgage. Kayla’s strategic choice illustrates a growing trend of young Australians investing in more affordable interstate properties to build equity before eventually buying in their ideal locations.

With a strong work ethic, Kayla saved her 20% deposit by working seven days a week through university, managing to buy independently. Her story aligns with broader patterns in Australia’s property market, where high Sydney prices are driving young buyers toward investment-friendly locations like Queensland. Industry experts highlight the appeal of Queensland’s real estate for strong rental yields, affordable entry points, and the long-term appeal of Brisbane’s upcoming 2032 Olympics.

Kayla Roger, 25, (pictured) bought her first home in Toowoomba, Queensland, after being priced out of her home city of Sydney

Kayla Roger, 25, (pictured) bought her first home in Toowoomba, Queensland, after being priced out of her home city of Sydney

The fitness coach purchased the $550,000 three-bedroom, one bathroom brick house that has substantial front and backyards (pictured) in February this year when she was 24. She was able to get tenants straight away and the value of the property has already increased by seven per cent

The fitness coach purchased the $550,000 three-bedroom, one bathroom brick house that has substantial front and backyards (pictured) in February this year when she was 24. She was able to get tenants straight away and the value of the property has already increased by seven per cent

By establishing her real estate portfolio with an affordable, high-yield property, Kayla plans to continue acquiring investment properties over the next decade. Her focus on affordable markets offers a model for young buyers priced out of major cities, leveraging regional property to build a pathway toward future homeownership in higher-value areas.

The coach said she was able to save her 20 per cent deposit by working seven days a week throughout university

The coach said she was able to save her 20 per cent deposit by working seven days a week throughout university

SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL