What's the smarter investment - property or shares? Beyond the raw numbers lies a complex story about leveraging, risk, and long-term wealth creation that most advisors won't fully explain.

We tackle the investment question that burns in every first-time buyer's mind when they've saved that hard-earned deposit. The ASX might show impressive 71.4% five-year returns versus property's 46.7% growth, but these figures don't tell the whole story. The game-changer? Leverage.

For every $100,000 you invest in property, banks will typically lend you another $400,000. Unlike stocks, this residential property loan won't trigger margin calls if values temporarily dip. You'll enjoy both capital growth and rental income on the full $500,000 asset while only putting down a fraction of that value. This compounding effect accelerates wealth creation in ways stock market investments simply can't match.

Property also offers something shares never will - tangible value. There's profound psychological comfort in driving past your investment, seeing it, touching it. Plus, when you eventually sell your owner-occupied property, you won't pay a cent in capital gains tax - a unique advantage the Australian tax system grants to homeowners.

Ready to make smarter investment choices? Listen now to understand how banks view these investment classes differently and why timing matters less for property than having time in the market. Whether you're starting with $10,000 or $100,000, this episode will transform how you think about building lasting financial security.