By Michael Yardney November 21, 2025

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Are Property Investors Really Greedy? Let’s Set the Record Straight

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Are Property Investors Really Greedy? Let’s Set the Record Straight

Key takeaways

Investors are being painted as greedy or unethical, supposedly locking out first-home buyers.

These arguments are often emotionally charged and based on flawed logic.

Investors face real costs: debt, maintenance, insurance, land tax, compliance, vacancies, and more.

It’s not passive wealth accumulation—it’s active financial and legal responsibility.

Have you noticed how property investors have become a convenient target lately?

We’re being painted as greedy and unethical, and we're even being blamed for locking first-home buyers out of the market.

You may have heard it too:

“Is it really fair for you to own multiple properties?”

“Aren’t you just taking advantage of the system?”

These are emotionally loaded questions.

But when we dig a little deeper, we find they’re not only unfair, but they're based on flawed logic.

Let’s unpack what’s really going on and reveal the truth most people don’t want to hear…

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What is greed, really?

By definition, greed is an excessive and selfish desire for more wealth than one needs, often driven by a destructive motive.

But is that what’s happening when someone chooses to invest in real estate?

Let’s run a thought experiment: if your critic earns $60,000 a year, they’re already in the top 1% of income earners globally.

Should they give half their income to Senegal to balance things out?

If they own a car, have more than one bathroom, or buy takeaway coffee each morning, are they being greedy?

Of course not.

Because greed isn’t about what you have—it’s about your attitude and intent.

And for most property investors, there’s no Machiavellian agenda here.

It’s simply about building financial security for the future, often after years of hard work and sacrifice.

The real costs and commitments investors shoulder

What many critics don’t understand is just how much responsibility real estate investors take on:

Significant debt and interest rate exposure
Ongoing property maintenance and repairs
Insurance, land tax, council rates, and compliance obligations
Vacancy risk, market volatility, and tenant management

Investors don’t just “own property” - they carry the financial and legal responsibility for keeping housing stock liveable, safe, and compliant.

And, over the last few years, multiple changes to residential tenancy legislation have turned the tables heavily in favour of tenants.

Australia relies on private investors to house its population

Here’s a stat that surprises most people:

90% of Australia’s rental accommodation is provided by private investors, not government housing, and not big institutions. And these aren’t tycoons or corporations.
92% of Aussie property investors own just one or two investment properties. They’re mums and dads. Teachers, nurses, tradies, and small business owners. They're not lighting cigars with $100 bills—they’re trying to secure a retirement in an era where pensions are uncertain, and inflation is eroding savings.

For most, their investment property is their superannuation strategy.

Why the “Evil Landlord” narrative misses the mark

Let’s be honest—there are bad landlords out there, just like there are bad tenants, bad bosses, and bad drivers.

But most investors take pride in offering clean, safe, functional homes.

They want good tenants and long-term relationships.

After all, vacancy and damage cost money.

The truth is, property investors are providing an essential service—housing millions of Australians at a time when supply is critically low.

And when the government isn’t building enough social or affordable housing, who steps in to fill the gap?

We do.

What tenants often don’t see

Many tenants have never owned a property.

That’s not a criticism—it’s just a reality.

So they don’t see the hidden costs investors manage behind the scenes.

They see a rent payment going out—but not the mortgage, land tax, strata fees, or emergency plumber on Christmas Eve.

Questions Previous Landlord Maryland Tenant

Let’s be real: if they could, they’d likely do the same

People often criticise what they don’t understand, or what they wish they had done themselves.

The irony?

If many of your critics had the knowledge, courage, or financial discipline to invest, they’d probably do it too.

Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: financial security, freedom, and peace of mind.

So why shame someone for playing the game a little smarter?

Bottom line

Real estate investors aren’t greedy.

They’re not hoarding homes or locking people out of the market.

They’re taking financial risks, maintaining housing stock, and offering homes to millions of Australians who either can’t, or don’t want to buy.

They’re regular people, doing what they can to build a better future in an uncertain world.

Are you Ready to build a financial life raft of your own?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Maybe I should be doing more with my money,” you’re not alone.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, having the right strategy is critical.

And that’s where Metropole can help.

We’re much more than a buyer’s agent - we help Australians like you grow, protect, and pass on intergenerational wealth through time-tested property and wealth strategies.

Why not book your complimentary Wealth Discovery Chat with one of our experienced Wealth Strategists?

No sales pitch - just personalised advice based on decades of experience.

🔗 Click here to reserve your spot now

About Michael Yardney Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He's once again been voted Australia's leading property investment adviser and one of Australia's 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.