HOW I BUILT A PROPERTY PORTFOLIO USING THE LESSONS FROM THESE 6 BOOKS
If you’re serious about building long-term wealth through property, the best way to fast-track your journey is to learn from those who have already walked the road. Property investing isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about mindset, strategy, discipline, and financial literacy.
Over the years, I’ve read countless books, but there are six that stand out. These books have shaped my approach to real estate and continue to influence how I invest, grow, and manage my property portfolio.
Here are the six must-read books that every property investor should add to their reading list—plus one that has been a complete game-changer for me personally.
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Let’s start with the book that changed it all for me—and for millions of others. Rich Dad Poor Dad isn’t just a book about money; it’s a book about how the wealthy think about money.
Kiyosaki draws a powerful contrast between two father figures: one who follows the traditional “work hard, save money, buy a house” mindset, and another who focuses on acquiring income-generating assets like real estate. The big idea? Your house is not an asset unless it puts money in your pocket.
Watch our YouTube video, Properties That Can Generate Positive Cash Flow From Day One.
Key lessons include:
- Understanding the difference between assets and liabilities
- The importance of cash flow and passive income
- Why the rich invest in real estate
This book helped me realise that financial freedom comes from owning assets that generate income while you sleep—and property is the perfect vehicle for that.
2. Real Estate Riches by Dolf de Roos
If Rich Dad Poor Dad opened my eyes to the why, Real Estate Riches gave me the how. Dolf de Roos delivers practical, experience-based wisdom on finding and acquiring high-performing investment properties.
This book dives into topics like:
- How to spot opportunities others miss
- Why market timing isn’t as important as buying the right property
- The power of using other people’s money (leverage) to grow your portfolio
One of my favourite lessons from De Roos is this: “You don’t wait for the market—you create the market.” If you want to develop the instincts of a professional investor, this book is a goldmine.
3. The Tao of Warren Buffett by Mary Buffett and David Clark
While this isn’t a real estate book per se, the principles in The Tao of Warren Buffett are universally applicable to investment success. Buffett’s legendary approach to buying undervalued assets, thinking long term, and avoiding emotional decision-making translates beautifully into the world of property.
Watch our YouTube video, Top Lessons Learned from Warren Buffet that can be Applied to Property Investment.
Highlights include:
- Why patience is a superpower
- The importance of buying quality assets at a good price
- Long-term thinking beats short-term speculation
As Buffett famously said, “The stock market is designed to transfer money from the active to the patient.” Replace “stock market” with “property market,” and the principle still stands.
4. The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
This classic may have been written nearly a century ago, but its lessons are as relevant as ever. Through simple parables, The Richest Man in Babylon teaches timeless financial principles that form the foundation of all wealth-building—including in property.
Top takeaways:
- The 10% Rule: Always pay yourself first
- Let your money work for you by investing it wisely
- Avoid bad investments by seeking wise counsel
The book reminds us that it’s not how much you earn that matters—it’s how much you keep and grow. This is exactly the kind of mindset you need as a disciplined property investor.
5. Expert Landlord by David Beattie
Owning property is only half the journey. Managing it well is what separates profitable investors from frustrated ones. Expert Landlord by David Beattie is a must-read for anyone who owns or plans to own rental property.
It’s full of practical strategies, including:
How to screen tenants and avoid problematic leases
Techniques to reduce vacancies and keep rental income consistent
How to treat your rental property like a business
This book has helped me avoid countless headaches and maximise the returns on my rental properties.
6. Prosperity Through Property by Jaco Grobbelaar
This one is especially close to my heart because I wrote it. After years of investing, structuring, financing, and scaling property portfolios, I wanted to create a clear, step-by-step guide for investors who are serious about building real, sustainable wealth through property.
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Inside Prosperity Through Property, you’ll find:
- A practical guide to building a property portfolio from scratch
- Strategies for structuring deals using trusts and companies
- How to optimise tax and cash flow for long-term growth
This book is the blueprint I wish I had when I started. It brings together years of learning, mistakes, successes, and insights into one resource that can help you leap forward—fast.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—six powerful books that have shaped my thinking, built my business, and helped thousands of clients through Prosperity Enterprises do the same. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your portfolio, these books offer wisdom that can save you time, money, and sleepless nights.
Remember, knowledge is only powerful when you apply it. So pick up one of these books, start reading, and more importantly—start doing. You’re not just investing in property; you’re investing in yourself.
And if you’re ready to dive deeper into smart property investing, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Prosperity Through Property. It might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
Read the entire article in the July 2025 Edition of Real Estate Investor Magazine.