Investor Series - Housing Commission To Million Dollar Portfolio with Axel Vérité

Axel's journey from Paris housing commission to owning a multi-million dollar Australian property portfolio is proof that background doesn't determine destiny. Arriving in 2014 with no English and $5,000, he started a landscaping business with borrowed equipment and built it into Sydney's premier garden service with Australia's first subscription model.But this isn't just a business success story. In five years, Axel went from pushing a mower to owning three Australian investment properties plus a Spanish apartment for his mum - all while working 80-hour weeks in the garden industry, where cash is king and property investing seems impossible.In this conversation, Axel reveals why he rejected cash jobs to show bank-worthy numbers, how he used 10% deposits and LMI strategically when everyone said don't, and why he bought properties he's never inspected while flying to Spain to sign papers in person. From listening to audiobooks while mowing lawns to understanding equity release and compounding growth, his self-education transformed a tradesman's income into a portfolio heading toward $100 million.Axel shares the brutal mortgage broker rejection after year one, the tax mistake that delayed his second purchase, and why cutting expenses and eating hot dogs on footpaths was his secret to rapid portfolio growth. His goal isn't just wealth - it's giving back to young people trapped in environments like the one he escaped.(11:00) Arriving in Australia with no English and three "whats"(21:00) The crushing mortgage broker rejection after year one(29:00) The 10% deposit LMI strategy most investors avoid(33:00) First property: $520k to $900k in three years(47:00) Hot dogs on footpaths: the real cost of wealth buildingAbout Axel:Axel Verite is an entrepreneur and innovator with a remarkable journey. He is the founder of Gardenlust, Sydney’s number one landscape company specialising in horticulture. In 2019, he not only launched and scaled the business quickly but also pioneered the industry’s first subscription model, securing over $1 million in subscribed customers in less than a year. Beyond business, Axel is also a multi-property investor across Europe. His story of building a thriving company while growing a property portfolio is a powerful example of how vision, determination, and smart investing can create long-term wealth. What makes Axel’s journey so inspiring is that he’s achieved success across very different industries, showing that the principles of discipline and innovation apply everywhere. Today, we’ll unpack not just his business journey, but also his property journey, and the lessons listeners can take away for their own investing path. Connect with Axel:Visit the website: https://www.gardenlust.com.au/Follow Axel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axel.verite/Follow Gardenlust on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardenlust.au/Follow Axel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/axel-v%C3%A9rit%C3%A9-7046a9aa/ About Julian:Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.  Connect with Julian:Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/ Follow Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/ Follow Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/ Follow Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/ Follow Julian on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@investsmartergrowfaster If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom book a time here: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/free-investment-roadmap-session/ DisclaimerInvest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.