Gen Z Aussie of Greek Heritage Builds $5M Property Empire Before 30

In a time when homeownership feels unattainable for many young Australians, one Gen Z visionary of Greek heritage is defying the odds with ambition, hustle, and a razor-sharp strategy. Meet Zach Hristodoulopoulos, a former semi-professional soccer player who, before turning 30, has built a remarkable $5 million property portfolio. His journey offers not just inspiration but a practical roadmap for those aiming to outpace their paycheck.

From the Pitch to Property

Zach’s story began on the soccer field, not in a corporate office. “My first job was playing soccer at a semi-professional level for six to seven years,” he shares, having played for clubs like West Adelaide Soccer Club and Adelaide Comets FC in the National Premier League South Australia. Alongside his athletic career, Zach, proudly carrying his Greek heritage, honed his skills in sales, a role he credits for building transferable life skills. “Sales teaches you skills that apply to any aspect of life,” he says.

Between ages 18 and 23, Zach’s life was a whirlwind of discipline. “I was working full-time, studying for a finance degree, and playing semi-professional soccer,” he recalls. His daily grind—work, soccer training, and studies—left little downtime. Yet, he turned his long commutes into a classroom, devouring property investment podcasts. “I spent hours driving to meet customers, listening to property podcasts every day. Over five years, that knowledge compounded,” he explains.

The First Move: Betting on Land

At just 22, Zach made his first property purchase in Gilles Plains, Adelaide—a $400,000 older home on a 700+ square meter block with a 24m frontage. “I believe in buying properties with land attached,” he says, noting that land appreciates while buildings depreciate. That first home, bought with his partner, is now worth $2.1 million after subdividing and building two new homes on the block.

Undeterred by the COVID-19 pandemic’s uncertainty, Zach struck again. “Everyone was predicting a property crash, but we ignored the noise and bought in Camden Park, near Glenelg,” he says. This property, another subdividable gem, was followed by a third purchase in Woodville West for $717,000 in 2022, now valued at $1.15 million.

The “Ugly Duckling” Strategy

Zach’s approach is straightforward but powerful: buy undervalued properties in prime locations. “We target the ugly houses on the best streets,” he says. “The bones are strong, but the aesthetics—like wall colors—don’t matter. I focus on fundamentals and location, which do 90% of the work.”

His long-term strategy involves renting properties for four to five years, saving capital, and then demolishing to build multiple dwellings. With guidance from his town planner father-in-law, Zach has maximized the potential of his land-rich blocks. His portfolio now boasts five properties worth $5 million, with two more subdivisions in progress.

Zach’s Rules for Success

Now the founder of buyer’s agency HRISTO, Zach is helping others replicate his success. His advice is practical and battle-tested:

• Forget the “perfect time”: “There’s never an ideal moment to invest,” Zach says. Waiting for low interest rates, easy borrowing, or cheap prices is futile. High interest rates can mean less competition and better deals.
• Tune out the noise: Economic fearmongering can paralyze action. “If you’re holding a property for 5, 10, or 15 years, short-term fluctuations don’t matter,” he advises.
• Start early, go hard: The compounding effect of investing in your 20s is massive. “I was told to push hard early, and it’s paid off,” he says.
• Know your market: Zach sticks to Adelaide, where his deep local knowledge gives him an edge. “I know the best streets and suburbs, so I don’t need to diversify.”
• Leverage support: Whether it’s a partner, friend, or parental guarantors, don’t shy away from help. “Parents helping with deposits is common now and can make all the difference,” he notes.

A New Play for the Aussie Dream

Zach’s journey, infused with the resilience of his Greek heritage, proves the Australian property dream isn’t dead—it just demands strategy, learning, and boldness. From soccer fields to a $5 million empire, his story shows what’s possible with the right mindset. If a semi-pro athlete can become a property mogul before 30, what’s stopping you?

Follow Zach’s tips and journey at @hristo.property.

Originally published on www.realestate.com.au.