110: How this Ex-NRL player built a 16 Property Portfolio - Matt Srama

May 8, 2025

Matt Srama, an ex-NRL player turned buyer's agent, shares his remarkable journey of building a 16-property portfolio after early retirement due to injuries. He discusses the financial lessons learned from his upbringing and his transition from athlete to entrepreneur. Matt dives into the significance of strategic location and market research in property investments. He also reflects on how his career shaped his business philosophy and personal definitions of success, providing insights for aspiring investors navigating their own property journeys.

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ANECDOTE

Immigrant Upbringing Shaped Discipline

Matt Srama grew up with immigrant parents who worked hard and modelled discipline.
That upbringing made him frugal and focused, which later influenced his saving and investing habits.

ANECDOTE

From Warehouse Shifts To NRL Debut

Matt described the grind of part-time footy contracts, working mornings then training on the Gold Coast.
He made his NRL debut at 20, saved most of his pay, and bought his first home at 23.

ANECDOTE

First Home: Palm Beach Duplex

His first owner-occupier purchase was a duplex opposite Palm Beach for about $600k.
He still lives there and values owner-occupier appeal as a driver of long-term capital growth.

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In this episode we are joined by Ex-NRL player Matt Srama to chat a little bit about his playing career but mainly about how he has managed to build a 16 property portfolio and his own successful business after retiring early due to injuries.

In this chat we discuss the following:
- Matt's early playing career, NRL debut and the money he made.
- How Matt's childhood shaped his trajectory and how he needed to re-learn money and investing habits.
- The first few initial property purchases and Matt's decision around why and how he bought them.
- The struggle with transitioning from an NRL player to starting a career all from scratch.
- How Matt was able to build and grow his property portfolio.
- The structure and lending of Matt's portfolio and how he managed to get to such a large portfolio size.
- Matt's learnings from growing a business and a portfolio and what he would recommend for people on a similar journey.
- Why the asset selection and investing philosophy has changed over the years.
- What he's planning to buy in 2025 and beyond!
- Plus much more!

To check out more about Matt or if you're looking to buy on the Gold Coast, visit:
https://www.thesramagroup.com/about-us

Looking to invest in property? Why not join a team of 9 experts who have experience across 35,000 property transactions over a combined 135 years in the field. We've put together the Property Investment Course for people who want to learn how to buy and build a portfolio, without paying $25k for buyers agents. To learn more, checkout:
www.everythingproperty.au

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Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. Everything Property and its associates recommend that you always engage in independent financial advice before making any investment or purchasing decision.