Why Interest Rates Kill Investment Strategies with Romesh Jayasundara

Romesh's journey from NAB customer service phones to becoming a 2024 MPA Top 40 Under 35 broker reveals why finance strategy matters more than interest rates. Growing up watching his mum work 24/7 without financial literacy shaped his mission to ensure no one faces retirement unprepared.From mastering mortgage retention to navigating complaints, Romesh built expertise that helps clients avoid over-leveraging across multiple lenders. He shares the brutal $50K lesson from a family development deal, why he sold his home in winter against conventional wisdom, and how timing Melbourne's market secured his upgrade.Romesh reveals why interest rate focus kills strategies, how 73% of investors get stuck after one property, and why stepping stones need growth potential. His approach combines technical bank knowledge with genuine care shaped by watching his mum's financial challenges.(0:00) The early lessons(5:00) From customer service phones to NAB mortgage retention(12:00) Why leverage is the key to building wealth(18:00) First home buyers: stepping stones vs smart investments(25:00) Why interest rates shouldn't be your main focus(30:00) The $50K lesson: family development deal gone wrong(35:00) Selling in winter to buy the upgrade property(40:00) Balancing high performance with family priorities 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/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent 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 with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min 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.