Matthew’s journey from property investment client to consultant

At Capital Properties, we pride ourselves on not only helping Australian Defence Force (ADF) members achieve their property investment goals but also on nurturing and supporting our clients beyond their service years.

Matthew Bondarczuk’ s journey is a testament to this commitment. Starting out as a client of Capital Properties, Matthew has transitioned to a pivotal role as a Property Consultant within our expert team. Looks like he saw something in us, just as we did in him! This is his story.

Our free Capital Properties Discovery Session is designed to help you make informed investment choices and take advantage of the various entitlements for Defence members.

You can click on the link to book, visit our website, or call 1300 653 352 to speak to Matthew or another Capital Properties expert.

On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs:

• Matthew Bondarczuk served 10 years in the Royal Australian Navy.
• He acquired qualifications in Leadership, Business, Engineering, & Risk Management & is completing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in property & development.
• Matthew received the Navy Innovation Award for the research study: “Financial Education – A Critical Retention Tool for the Royal Australian Navy”.
• Matthew became a client of Capital Properties between 2016 & 2017, then transitioned to a role as Property Consultant in 2024.
• His passion for property investment & dedication to helping others achieve financial stability make him a valuable asset to the Capital Properties team.

Keep reading >>

Meet Matthew Bondarczuk

Matthew grew up in sunny Perth, Western Australia, At the age of 17, he pursued his dream of joining the Australian Defence Force, fulfilling that ambition with distinction by serving for 10 years in the Royal Australian Navy as both a sailor and an officer.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Matthew pursued extensive education in the Navy, completing multiple engineering qualifications and associated diplomas in leadership and project management. He was awarded the Navy Innovation Award for his paper submission and research study titled “Financial Education – A Critical Retention Tool for the Royal Australian Navy.” 

The Former Chief of Navy Michael Noonan testified that “Matt is a dedicated, highly respected, and widely experienced Naval Officer. With qualifications in Leadership, Business, Engineering, and Risk Management, he is a very versatile leader and Defence professional. Matt is driven and conscientious and goes out of his way to help others.”

What drives Matthew

Matthew is an avid traveller and 4WD enthusiast. But giving back is where he finds true satisfaction.  He dedicates his spare time to volunteering, assisting veterans, and representing the Australian Veteran Alliance in the DVA Young Veterans Contemporary Needs Forums.

Not one to shy away from challenges, Matthew will admit that one of his most onerous experiences was completing the clearance diver assessment in the winter of 2018. This rigorous process tested his physical and mental limits, but it also solidified his resilience and determination. And it’s that same grit that impressed us here at Capital Properties when we first had the pleasure of meeting him.

Transitioning to Capital Properties

Matthew became a client of Capital Properties between 2016 and 2017 when he sought out the guidance of our strategic property investment services. Matthew’s first impression of Marcus Westnedge (Owner of Capital Properties) was that he was easy-going, switched-on property expert, whose expertise and approachable nature made a lasting impression.

And Marcus could see that Matthew had a very similar vision to his own when it came to building a brighter future for himself and his family, as well as a drive to help others in the ADF achieve their future financial success.

From Client to Consultant

Matthew believes that serving our nation is crucial and often undervalued. He saw the potential of leveraging Australian property as a growth asset to provide financial stability post-service. His own successful property transactions ignited a passion for property investment, leading him to dedicate himself to helping others achieve similar success. To ensure his proficiency, he’s currently three-quarters of the way through a Bachelor of Business, majoring in property and development.

So, when Matthew joined the Capital Properties team as a Property Consultant in 2024, we knew his firsthand experience as a client meant he had a clear understanding of Capital Properties operations, values, and dedication to our clients’ success. And his experience and education give him unique insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by ADF members choosing to invest in property. All of which meant his transition into the Property Consultant role at Capital Properties was seamless.

Matthew’s property investment success

Capital Properties helped Matthew achieve his goals through strategic investment planning and emphasising the importance of time in the market rather than trying to time the market.

Together with his wife Brehanna, they’ve built a substantial portfolio while maintaining a healthy lifestyle balance. This personal success story is a testament to the effectiveness of Capital Properties’ property investment strategies. And it’s meant that Matthew has been able to enjoy a successful balance between professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Matthew highlights three key elements that make Capital Properties stand out:

1. The widely experienced and personable Capital Properties team
2. The new Capital Properties office in Coolum
3. Making a positive impact on the ADF/veteran community

Matthew’s property advice for ADF Members

Matthew believes that property investment in Australia can be incredibly empowering as a growth asset, and he emphasises the importance of diversifying your strategy to include a balance of cash flow and capital growth.

But, before you do anything, book in for a FREE Discovery Session. Matthew agrees that it really is the best place to start your property investment journey. Then, he advises establishing a savings goal and setting up a locked (two-to-sign) savings account with someone you trust. This discipline can significantly accelerate your savings and investment journey.

When it comes to making that all-important property investment purchase, Matthew advises removing emotion from the buying process and engaging a professional. Emotional decisions can lead to overpaying, while data-driven decisions ensure informed investments.

And get to know your entitlements. ADF members benefit from a low-cost living lifestyle, housing subsidies, corporate partnerships with lenders for preferential rates, and significant concessions in certain states/territories, which can save up to $50,000 in some cases. These advantages make property investment an especially beneficial strategy for ADF members. Check out Defence Force loans and entitlements here.

On a personal level, Matthew, his wife Brehanna, and their daughter Morgan plan to travel around Australia over the next few years. The plan is to settle down in the NSW alpine region while continuing their property investment journey to build generational wealth. And we wouldn’t be surprised if one of his investments included a winery as he’s been itching to learn winemaking.

Right now though, Matthew aims to assist others in unlocking their financial futures through strategic property investment, helping them achieve long-term financial freedom.

Matthew’s passion for property investment and dedication to helping others achieve financial stability make him a valuable asset to our team. We are proud to have Matthew on board and look forward to the continued success of our clients, guided by his expertise and experience.

Matthew Bondarczuk’s journey from client to consultant at Capital Properties exemplifies the transformative power of strategic property investment. You can enjoy the same success and the best place to start is with our FREE Discovery Session.

Managing your investments is made easier and more efficient with our Capital Properties free online tools and apps.

What’s happening in the Australian property market?

If you’re considering investing in the Australian property market, then it’s important that you’re aware of current housing trends. From the ongoing effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing interest rates and the housing crisis, navigating the evolving landscape of real estate in 2024 is best done with the help of property market experts.

In this blog, the Capital Properties team take a look at the key housing trends that have emerged over the past few years and what they mean for property investors across different states and territories.

At Capital Properties, we’re committed to helping ADF members invest their disposable income wisely to achieve long-term financial freedom. That means staying up-to-date with housing trends and navigating the property market to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.

Our free Capital Properties Discovery Session is a great place to examine current housing trends and start your well-informed property investment journey.

On the go? Here’s 30 seconds of take outs:

• The Australian property market is still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• There was a 16% increase in capital-to-regional movement since 2019.
• Property values in combined capital cities rose by 10.2% in over the last year.
• Almost each state & territory experienced record high property values in early 2022 & even though they’ve since fallen, property prices in most areas are still higher than pre-pandemic.
• High interest rates & rising living costs have put pressure on the property market.
• Rental vacancies are at their lowest since 2018.
• The national median rent is $600 per week.
• The government’s promise to deliver 2 million new properties by 2029 is falling short of its target & shows no sign of relieving the housing crisis.

Keep reading >>

Post COVID housing trends – prioritising lifestyle

I know we all want to forget it ever happened, but the reality is that the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the Australian property market and we’re still feeling the effects.

In the early days of lockdowns Aussies sought out tree and sea-changes for a better work-life balance in unprecedented numbers. Access to remote work resulted in an increase in demand for larger homes with dedicated office spaces, outdoor areas, and proximity to essential amenities. We’ve talked about this in our blog “The big shift towards the ideal Australian Lifestyle”. Even now, the latest Regional Movers Index shows a 16% increase in capital-to-regional movement since 2019. But that trend doesn’t mean that cities are missing out, with an increase in value by 10.2% in property values over the last year in the combined capital cities.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in each state and territory.

State and territory housing trends:

– New South Wales (NSW) & Victoria 

The demand for city living stayed strong in Sydney and Melbourne, despite the challenges posed by high interest rates and the cost of living. NSW house prices grew to record highs in January 2022, climbing to 27% but have since fallen by 12%. Victoria hit its peak of 17.3% in February 2022 but has experienced a 9% fall. The current city market looks stable, but there’s an increased demand for more affordable housing options in outer suburbs and regional areas.

– Queensland 

Sunny Queensland had a huge surge in demand for lifestyle properties, particularly in coastal regions like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Brisbane experienced an overall growth of 42.7% in property values by June 2022 and only a 10.9% fall.

And this housing trend looks set to continue as Queensland continues to attract both owner-occupiers and investors seeking the ultimate Aussie lifestyle.

– South Australia, Tasmania & Northern Territory (NT) 

These regions have seen a mix of housing trends, with some areas experiencing significant growth due to the increased desire for space and relaxed lifestyle. However, some others struggled with affordability issues and limited supply. Adelaide had a growth of 44.7% in house values post pandemic and the market has remained strong with a fall of only 2.4%.

NT prices grew just over 31% during COVID with only a 2% fall, whereas Hobart saw a boom of 37.7% growth with a sharp fall of 12.9% in less than a year.

– Western Australia (WA)

Perth and other regional centres in WA experienced strong growth as remote work opportunities increased. The market peaked in July 2022 at 25.9% and has only dropped by 0.4%.

The state’s relative affordability compared to its eastern counterparts made it an attractive option for property investment. And a relatively high average salary in WA (approx. $1988 per week) means that the increased interest rates and cost of living seem to not have had the same detrimental effect as seen in other states.

High interest rates & the cost of living

The current high interest rates and rising cost of living have certainly put pressure on the property market, making affordability a concern for some potential investors. However, while these factors present challenges, they also create opportunities for many savvy investors.

With interest rates expected to stabilise in the coming months, it’s a great time for ADF members to explore property investment strategies that align with their long-term financial goals.

Rental prices

Although many homeowners are feeling the pinch and some prospective homebuyers might feel their dream of home ownership is getting further and further away, many renters are also having a tough time.

Right now, rental vacancies are at their lowest since 2018. Renters are battling in a highly competitive market, with the obvious outcome of increased rents.

Every Australian city has experienced an increase in the median price for rentals, for both units and houses. At the end of the March 2024 quarter, the national median rent advertised on realestate.com.au reached $600 per week. That’s an increase of 3.4% over the quarter and a 9.1% increase from the year prior. And with the current housing crisis, this shows no sign of letting up.

Navigating the housing crisis

With Australia’s population continuing to grow at a rapid pace, there’s no sign of relief for housing shortages and low rental stock. The national population increased by a record 659,795 people from September 2022 to the same month in 2023.

548,770 individuals migrated here from overseas, so as they’re unlikely to own their own property, they’ll be relying on rental accommodation – at least for the short term. Even the Federal Government’s Housing Accord goal to build 1.2 million new properties over five financial years from mid 2024 is looking like it’s too little, too late. In fact, Australia needs to approve about 80,000 more homes every year in order to meet the new dwellings target and we’re falling woefully behind. This chronic housing shortage is likely to keep driving up property prices and rents throughout 2024.

Again, this presents both challenges and opportunities for potential property investors. By leveraging expert advice and focusing on emerging growth areas, investors can navigate the housing crisis and continue to build a robust property portfolio.

What’s next for the Australian Property Market?

Economists and property experts will all have varying opinions on what the current housing trends means for the future of the Australian property market. From predictions of the market stabilising – along with interest rates, to the possibility of a surge in the market due to ongoing demand and supply, the team at Capital Properties will be keeping our fingers on the pulse of the housing market.

As always, the Capital Properties team are here to support ADF members to become informed investors by providing expert advice, personalised strategies, and access to premium investment opportunities across Australia.

The best place to start is our FREE Capital Properties Discovery Session which will help you identify what you need to start investing and give you an idea of what we bring to the table as property investment specialists. Then our follow up Strategy Sessions will help you create a plan to find your perfect investment and work towards achieving your goals.

You can also click the following links to access our monthly Australian Property Market Report and our free online Property Investment Tools and Apps.