Melbourne rentvestors Rob Bright and Siobhan Freeman live in Hampton but bought in Ripley, QLD — where prices have more than doubled in a decade. Picture: David Caird
Smart buyers aren’t choosing between super and property, and this Melbourne couple proves the most successful investors aren’t picking between super and property, they’re doing both.
And Rob Bright and Siobhan Freeman are living proof.
The Melbourne couple, who rent in Hampton but own in booming Ripley, Queensland, say they’ve already seen the pay-off of thinking differently, and they’re not done yet.
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“We live in Hampton and own in Ripley in South East Queensland,” they said.
“We bought in Ripley as a rentvestment in March 2021 and have lived in Hampton the whole time.”
According to PropTrack data, Ripley house prices have jumped from $320,000 to $749,900 over the past decade, an average annual increase of 8.9 per cent, beating the 5.7 per cent average return delivered by Australia’s top-performing super funds in the same period, according to SuperRatings.
Their $320k Ripley home is now worth $749,900, proving some investors can beat super returns with the right growth corridor strategy. Picture: David Caird
And with Melbourne’s market rebounding, the couple said they could now be eyeing suburbs like Cobblebank, 11 per cent, Weir Views, 10.9 per cent, Aintree, 10.4 per cent, and Mickleham 9.9 per cent for their next investment.
“We definitely feel the market has changed and we are eager to get back in,” they said.
“We love where we live, and we’re building equity somewhere else,” the couple said, as they could eye booming suburbs like Cobblebank and Mickleham with Melbourne’s market resurgence. Picture: David Caird
For the couple, the strategy has always been about flexibility and smart planning, not chasing the status quo.
“Rentvesting was always part of our plan. It works for us.”
OpenCorp chief executive Cam McLellan said the most successful investors weren’t choosing between superannuation and property they were combining both.
Rob Bright and Siobhan Freeman say rentvesting gave them flexibility and financial growth, without compromising on lifestyle in sought-after Hampton. Picture: David Caird
“You don’t have to choose super or property. Smart investors are doing both,” Mr McLellan said.
“That’s how you future-proof, multiple levers working together.”
Mr McLellan added that many buyers underestimated the leverage and tax benefits of owning strategically, especially in growth corridors.
For Rob and Siobhan, the focus is on what works, not what looks good on paper.
OpenCorp chief executive Cam McLellan says savvy buyers aren’t choosing between superannuation and property, they’re using both to build long-term wealth.
“We’ve just found that rentvesting gives us the best of both worlds,” they said.
“We love where we live, and we’re building equity somewhere with strong returns.”
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