From Banker to Buyer’s Agent: How Arjun Paliwal Built a Multi-Million Dollar Portfolio with Data

We’re proud to share a special highlight from a recent Smart Property Investment Show Roundtable, where InvestorKit’s Founder and Head of Research, Arjun Paliwal, sat down with SPI’s Phil Tarrant in front of a live investor audience.

This candid, value-packed conversation traces Arjun’s path from being one of CBA’s youngest branch managers to building an award-winning property business—and portfolio—using nothing but data, discipline and vision.

From Banking to Property: The Curiosity That Sparked It All

Arjun’s career began at just 19, managing CBA branches across Sydney’s Inner West. It was here that he gained an insider’s view of Australian households’ financial decisions—and became hooked on understanding what separated successful investors from the rest.

He credits this time in banking with giving him the ultimate research edge: real-time exposure to thousands of financial stories. This curiosity, combined with a love for data, drove him to start investing himself.

The $365K Decision That Proved the Power of Data

In 2017, while most investors chased hotspots in Sydney and Melbourne, Arjun bought a block of four units in Tasmania for $365,000. Today, it’s worth over $1.2 million and generates $1,300/week in rent.

That single move became the proof point for Arjun’s core belief: data-backed decisions outperform emotion-driven ones.

Australia’s $11.4 Trillion Market: What Really Drives Growth?

During the roundtable, Arjun broke down why Australia’s property market remains solid despite macro noise like interest rates and elections:

• National loan-to-value ratios remain under 30%

• Market cycles vary state by state—local supply and demand is key

• Interest rate sentiment is shifting, with three waves of buyers: early movers, mid-cycle joiners, and capacity-limited buyers entering late

He explained how suburbs across Perth, Adelaide, and Far North QLD surged even while rates were rising—because of their local fundamentals, not national headlines.

The InvestorKit Strategy: Categorise Markets, Sequence Your Moves

Arjun shared his team’s data framework, which categorises suburbs into:

• Early Adopter Markets (starting growth, low awareness)

• Hotspots (tight stock, bidding wars, FOMO-driven)

• Second-Wind Zones (cooled-off post-boom, ripe for entry)

He also outlined how InvestorKit helps clients move from foundation properties, to momentum assets, to passive income through commercial and unit blocks, all while spreading risk across 5+ states to reduce taxes and maximise growth.

Rentvestors, Downsizers & SMSFs: Don’t Miss the Window

Whether you’re a rentvestor stuck in analysis paralysis or a downsizer sitting on millions in equity, Arjun urges investors to commit to a path, run their numbers, and stay focused.

He also revealed a surge in SMSF-related property enquiries, as Australians look to regain control of their financial future. With some lenders now offering up to 90% LVR inside super, it’s becoming a powerful tool for extending borrowing capacity—with the right professional advice.

A Final Word on Mindset

“You can always catch up on your home. But you can’t catch up on your retirement.”

That’s Arjun’s key message to those torn between buying a home and building a portfolio. Make data-led, future-focused decisions—and start sooner rather than later.