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Brisbane-based, buying Australia-wide
Most portfolios that stall got stuck in one of a few ways: too much paid going in, the wrong market, or a purchase that boxed in the next one. We work out what each property has to do before we look at listings, and you pay one fixed fee, agreed before we start.
Licensed buyers agent · Fixed fee, agreed upfront · No developer referral fees
“The professionals who put their clients’ needs ahead of their own cannot be understated. James Nelis is one of these true professionals.” Michael D., mortgage broker and four-time client
Recognised in 2026
Australian Buyers Agent Awards finalist: Buyers Agent of the Year, Buyers Agency of the Year and Referral Network of the Year. REB Rising Star finalist.
“James doesn't work FOR you, he works WITH you, to make sure you understand why we're choosing the path we take.”
Jack R. · First investment property
“I was really nervous this would be a daunting experience. I reached out to James 3 months ago, and today I’ve settled on 3 bedroom townhouse.”
Ryan B. · First home buyer
“From the outset, James helped me build a clear plan alongside my broker and accountant, and guided me in identifying areas that aligned with my goals and budget.”
Aaron H. · Three purchases, back to back
For first-time and experienced investors who want each purchase to set up the next one. We do the research, so your weekends stay yours.
Buyers agent for investorsLive where you want and buy where the numbers stack up. James rentvests himself, so he can walk you through what you give up by not owning where you live.
Rentvesting buyers agentPlaying income is real, but it's uneven and it ends. We help current and retiring athletes buy what they could still hold if the next contract didn't come.
Buyers agent for athletesFor professionals buying a home in South East Queensland who can't spend every Saturday at open homes. We find the right place and back the price with comparable sales.
Owner-occupier buyers agentHow we model
If a property only works when rates fall and rents climb, it's a bet. Before we recommend anything, it has to pass three tests.
These tests knock out some properties that look fine on paper. Sometimes they show the better move is to wait and build your buffer, and we'll tell you if that's the case.
Run your own numbers in the free Holding Power Check
We run the numbers at the top of your borrowing, not the figure you're hoping to pay.
If a deal needs a tax offset to stack up, we pass. Tax and structure are your accountant's call, not ours.
We assume rent grows slowly, not at this year's pace. It's a planning assumption, not a forecast.
About James
I played 200 games for the Aspley Hornets in QLD between 2009 and 2023, across the NEAFL, VFL and QAFL. We lost three grand finals between 2012 and 2015 before I captained the side to the 2022 QAFL premiership. Fifteen seasons taught me to stick to the plan, especially when a shortcut looks tempting.
Property taught me what happens without one. I bought my first place in Kallangur in 2014, and nobody asked what it was meant to do next, including me. Over the next decade I learnt about cross-securitised loans, unlocking equity and market swings in my own portfolio, and some of those lessons cost me time and money.
I started The Nelis Group in July 2024 to give professionals and athletes the kind of structured, research-led process I wish I'd had at the start. I still rentvest, and I buy to the same rules I give clients.
James Nelis, Director and Lead Buyers Agent
Interview clips from Pizza and Property and Smart Property Investment Shows.
We map your goal, borrowing, buffer and timeline, then define the role this purchase has to play.
We pick markets that suit that role, looking at vacancy, supply, local jobs and where the market sits in its cycle. We cross-check the data across several providers, and you make the final call.
We source on and off market, and every property we show you comes with a manual comparable sales analysis.
We negotiate on evidence, coordinate building and pest, and work with your broker and conveyancer through to unconditional.
We manage the run to settlement and help you choose a property manager on the questions that matter: caseload and days vacant.
We sit down with you at one month, mid-year and twelve months to check the plan is on track and talk about when the next move makes sense.
See how long you could hold a property through a rate rise, an empty month or a flat year, before you make an offer. It takes about five minutes.
One decision rule a day, in the order you'll face them. After that, one idea every Sunday and Thursday. Unsubscribe whenever you like.
FAQ
We help busy professionals and athletes buy residential property that fits a longer plan. We choose the market, find and check the property, negotiate with comparable sales behind us and run due diligence through to settlement. After you get the keys, we keep reviewing the plan with you.
A fixed fee agreed upfront, split equally between engagement and unconditional exchange. It doesn't change with the purchase price.
We're based in Brisbane and buy across multiple Australian states, in metro and regional markets chosen to fit your plan.
No. You pay us to represent you independently. Any referral arrangement with other professionals is disclosed in writing at engagement.
Yes. Lending and structure decisions sit with them, and we bring the market context so everyone is working to the same plan. If you don't have a broker, we can introduce you to one.
Yes. If your buffer, income or timing doesn't support a purchase yet, we'll say so and tell you what to fix first.
Book a 15-minute call. We'll look at where you are, what the next step could be, and whether we're the right fit. If you're not ready to buy yet, we'll say so.
The information on this website is general in nature and doesn't take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It isn't financial, legal or tax advice. Seek independent advice from a licensed professional before making a decision.
Property insights
One idea every Sunday and Thursday.
Short emails on what's moving in the market and how I'm thinking about it. Structured thinking, no hype. Unsubscribe any time.
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