Real estate is increasingly becoming a central pillar in financial independence strategies, particularly among younger investors. Research indicates that individuals aged 40 and under are nearly 10% more likely to choose alternative property types compared to their older counterparts. This shift highlights a growing trend where property investing is reshaping how many view their long-term financial planning.
Changing Investment Preferences
The renewed interest in property investing stems from various factors including economic variability, diversification needs, and changing investor attitudes. As traditional retirement accounts face scrutiny, many are looking towards real estate as a viable option. Notably, firms such as PREFER Access are emerging, focusing on acquisition, renovation, and resale instead of conventional passive ownership models.
Co-founders Michael Mathe and Abby Broyles bring complementary expertise to the table. Mathe’s background encompasses decades of real estate investment, while Broyles specializes in legal structuring and analytical evaluation. Together, they emphasize that real estate should not be seen as a guaranteed path to wealth but rather as a component that requires careful evaluation within a long-term financial strategy.
“When structured thoughtfully, real estate can function as one component of a diversified retirement approach,” Broyles states. She notes that successful outcomes hinge on acquisition discipline and holding strategy, key factors that can significantly influence investment performance.
Real Estate as an Alternative Investment
Broyles points out that property assets are increasingly categorized within alternative investments, particularly by those diversifying beyond public market securities. “While allocation strategies can differ from one portfolio to another, real estate has tended to maintain a place within long-horizon portfolio construction models,” she explains.
The perception of property investing has shifted considerably over recent years. Historically, many viewed it as an arena requiring specialized knowledge. However, with the rise of structured partnerships and professionally managed projects, the barriers to entry are diminishing. Broyles observes that greater visibility into these opportunities has expanded awareness regarding how property can be integrated with more traditional financial vehicles.
Macroeconomic factors also play a crucial role in shaping investor focus. Current research highlights ongoing residential demand driven by changing migration patterns, demographic shifts, and regional inventory constraints. These dynamics contribute to real estate’s status as a supply-sensitive asset class, distinct from market-linked securities.
Broyles emphasizes that successful investment outcomes rely heavily on acquisition fundamentals rather than market momentum alone. “The long-term trajectory of any property investment begins with how the asset is sourced and structured,” she explains. Key considerations such as purchase basis, renovation scope, financing costs, and exit timing are pivotal in aligning the investment with broader financial objectives.
PREFER Access operates by acquiring residential properties and implementing renovation strategies aimed at repositioning these homes for evolving buyer markets. Unlike stabilized rental ownership, redevelopment requires a more active investment approach. Broyles highlights that effective design execution not only influences market reception but also plays a critical role in resale positioning.
“The renovation process isn’t just structural,” she notes. “It also involves understanding how buyers engage with space, layout, and finishing details.”
Integrating Property into Retirement Planning
Retirement planning frameworks now account for various factors beyond simple appreciation, such as income durability and asset diversification. Broyles suggests that individuals are increasingly recognizing the value of income streams linked to tangible assets, especially in light of longer life expectancies that are changing how retirement timelines are assessed.
“There’s a different sense of connection when individuals can see and understand the asset supporting their portfolio,” she adds. This visibility can complement traditional retirement vehicles without replacing them.
Both Mathe and Broyles believe that property exposure is best viewed as one layer within a diversified financial strategy. As they look to the future, they anticipate that real estate will remain a key topic in discussions surrounding long-term financial independence.
While they expect continued participation in the market, they stress the importance of a measured approach. The pace of growth for redevelopment firms will depend on factors such as market selection, acquisition discipline, and operational infrastructure.
“Real estate is not universally suited to every investor or every strategy,” Broyles concludes. “But when evaluated within the right time horizon and risk framework, it can serve as a complementary component within broader retirement and wealth planning structures.”
