Property expert and author James Fitzgerald shares the deeply personal story behind the investment that changed both his life - and his mum’s.
In this first-person account, the managing director of Custodian and author of ‘Bulletproof Investing: Gaining Financial Control in Uncertain Times’ reveals how a struggling property dream turned into a second chance for his family.
JAMES FITZGERALD
Two years into my property journey, I was going backwards. On paper, I was down $30,000. No growth. No momentum. And a lot of noise from people around me telling me I’d made a mistake.
I was close to walking away. Then my mum stepped in - not with advice, but an opportunity.
James Fitzgerald went on to develop a multimillion-dollar portfolio, including the creation of over 350 residential lots in the past two years.at Logan Reserve, Yamanto and Holmview. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail
After an injury payout, she had $80,000. But after a recent bankruptcy, she couldn’t borrow a cent.
I had borrowing power - but no deposit.
Hannah and James Fitzgerald, James' mum Leane, his sister Simone Neilson and her husband Tom, and Bridget Fitzgerald. Picture: Supplied
Individually, we were stuck. Together, we were a solution. So, we backed each other.
In 2013, we bought a 1,000 sqm block in Tingalpa for $506,000.
What’s happened since is the part most people focus on: The property has more than doubled in value. We subdivided the block. Built two homes. Created over $1 million in equity each.
But that’s not the story I tell on Mother’s Day.
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The real story is my mum - who spent years putting her kids first, who lost her home, and who had to start again - now owns her own place. Again.
She lives five minutes from her children and grandchildren. And for the first time in 15 years, she has security.
That deal didn’t just change my financial future. It changed hers. It also reshaped how I think about wealth.
James Fitzgerald recognises that without his mum’s intervention his life could have been different.
Property isn’t just about portfolios and percentages. At its best, it’s about giving people - especially our parents - the stability they sacrificed for us.
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The lesson? My first property didn’t suddenly improve. The market didn’t magically turn. What changed was the decision to keep going - and to recognise that sometimes the best opportunities aren’t solo plays.
They’re built with the people who backed you first.
James Fitzgerald (far right) with his wife Hannah (far left), mum Leane, and sister Bridget. Picture: Supplied
This Mother’s Day, it’s worth asking this - what would it look like to build something with your mum - not just for yourself?
*James Fitzgerald is managing director of Custodian and author of ‘Bulletproof Investing: Gaining Financial Control in Uncertain Times’. He is a leading voice on Australian property markets, monetary policy, and long-term wealth strategy.
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