He bought 14 properties in 12 months. Here's why his strategy is more relevant now than ever

The COVID-19 property boom rewarded almost everyone. But today's market is separating investors from speculators. So what does it actually take to build wealth in 2026? On this week's episode of The Smart Property Investment Show, Liam Garman sits down with Pinnacle Buyers Agents founder Michael Lezaja to unpack why the post-COVID-19 property market demands a very different investment strategy, and what successful investors are doing to stay ahead. With borrowing capacity under pressure and tax incentives becoming less generous, Lezaja argues the biggest opportunities lie in buying property below its intrinsic value – not simply "below market value". It's a strategy he believes many investors abandoned during the COVID-19 boom. He explains why blue-chip property isn't the answer for most Australians, why a 3 per cent rental yield can stall your portfolio, and why the off-the-plan sales pitch is no more convincing today than it was a decade ago. The conversation also explores practical strategies to accelerate portfolio growth, including adding granny flats, converting three-bedroom homes into four-bedroom properties, deliberately targeting "inferior" homes with upside, and why a $6,000 Bunnings kitchen renovation could deliver one of the highest returns on investment available. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and by following Smart Property Investment on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. If you would like to get in touch with our team, email [email protected] for more insights, or hear your voice on the show by recording a question below.