Title: Financial freedom through property
Author: Laurens Boel
Publisher: Zebra Press
ISBN: 9781776392148
Financial freedom through property: a step-by-step guide to wealth creation by Laurens Boel is a new, updated edition of the original bestseller. Beginners and seasoned investors will find this blueprint to build lasting wealth through real estate a worthwhile and very interesting read. I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who is serious about learning strategies for property investment.
When I reviewed the first edition of this inspirational book for LitNet in 2020, I wrote: “The book is […] described as a ‘step-by-step, practical guide on how to purchase your first investment property, written in easy-to-understand, conversational language that explains complex concepts simply.’ This piqued my interest as a property virgin – not that I have the guts to venture into property deals, but I love to learn and keep an open mind, for I believe opportunity knocks when you least expect it.”
Boel writes: “This book isn’t about handing you a magic formula for wealth. It’s about showing you how to take control of your finances, your time and your life. It’s about equipping you with the tools, mindset and strategies you need to escape the grind and build a life of freedom – freedom in time, location and finances.”
But does the book deliver what Boel promises? I think, yes, though he warns, “I won’t lie to you. It’s not easy. It requires sacrifice, discipline and a willingness to fail forward. But if you’re ready to take that leap, I can promise you that it’s worth it.”
I applaud Boel for the manner in which he patiently and eloquently (and at times humorously) unpacks a challenging topic. His writing is clear, easy to understand and to the point. It is laced with lots of practical, relevant and actionable tools, real-life case studies and examples, checklists, formulas and templates. I do not get the idea that he tries to impress his readers with difficult financial jargon. He keeps his explanations simple, covers basics and essentials, and also pinpoints risks and common pitfalls to stay away from.
Boel gives “clear steps for raising capital, analysing and securing high-yield deals, structuring investments for maximum tax benefits, and manage property profitably”. He has even coached mentees who have come from townships and started out with absolutely nothing. His advice is straightforward and proven. He writes: “One of my mentees from the Eastern Cape raised funds by networking, pitching his deal to everyone who would listen and delivering a professional investor proposal. Today, he’s done eight deals – all using OPM (other people’s money)” (230).
Jason Lee, a legal and corporate advisor as well as a property investor and developer, writes in the Foreword: “Writing a book on the complexities of property investing is a formidable task, and I would like to commend Laurens on a job well done.” He also states: “I was delighted to find that this book was filled, cover to cover, with real deals, real examples, real numbers and, most importantly, real opportunities for anyone willing to take the first steps to financial freedom through property.”
In the 2026 version of this book I especially value the chapter on several online tools at hand for doing research and deal analysis informative. Jason Lee remarks: “These online tools not only save the investor hours of time, they can also produce analyses, reports and even investment proposals, based on the relevant input information.”
This 236-page book has 12 chapters, namely “Sweaty palms and big dreams”, “Ten principles to rule your wallet”, “Economics 101”, “Property basics that don’t suck”, “Three property pillars”, “The art of raising finance”, “Crunching the numbers”, “Sealing the deal”, “Structuring like a boss”, “From side hustler to empire builder”, “Don’t put all your eggs in one portfolio”, and “Make your dreams less dreamy”.
More about the author: Boel is a South African property investor with an honours degree in computer science. He is a serial entrepreneur and financial freedom advocate who runs a successful consultancy and has multiple online businesses. Boel owns more than 200 rental units across the country and an R80 million property portfolio. According to the press release by PRHSA he has completed over 70 property transactions and helped hundreds of amateur investors achieve their own property goals. He is also an author. The titles of two of his books are Millionaire in the making and Finance options for beginners. Read more about Laurens Boel – author, investor and coach – here.
See also:
The essence of success deur Greg Mills en Emanuele Pirro: ’n resensie