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About James
Founder and Lead Buyers Agent, The Nelis Group
I help business athletes build a property portfolio they can actually hold. Business athletes are high-performing professionals and athletes with strong incomes and not much spare time.
Most investors don't go wrong because they picked a bad house. They go wrong because they overpaid, bought in the wrong market, or bought something that blocked their next purchase. My job is to stop that happening.
Licensed buyers agent, buying across multiple Australian states
My story
I learnt the value of process in footy. Between 2012 and 2015 I played in three losing grand finals. In 2022 we finally won the QAFL premiership against the reigning premiers.
Property taught me the same thing. I bought my first place in Kallangur in 2014, and nobody asked what it was meant to do next, including me. My manager at AFL SportsReady showed me how equity can fund the next deposit. Along the way I worked through cross-securitisation, unlocking equity and market swings in my own portfolio, and those lessons shape every plan I build.
After more than 13 years across the corporate and non-profit sectors, and time at a well renowned buyers agency. I launched The Nelis Group in July 2024 to give time-poor professionals and athletes the structured, research-led process I wish I'd had at the start.
How I work
We start with where you want to be and work back to the right market and the right asset.
I run holding costs at your full pre-approval, leave tax benefits out of the model, and plan rent growth at a conservative 4%.
Every market goes through multiple data providers, cross-checked before I rely on a number.
I test my assumptions in my own portfolio first. I rentvest myself and still buy to the same rules I give clients.
Who I help
First-time and experienced investors who want a plan that goes beyond one or two properties, without spending every weekend on research.
Live where you want to live and own where the numbers work. I do it myself, so I know where the trade-offs sit.
Income in sport is real but uneven. I help current and transitioning athletes turn playing years into assets that hold after the final siren.
Recognition
What clients say
“As a mortgage broker working in the real estate industry, the professionals who put their clients’ needs ahead of their own cannot be understated. James Nelis is one of these true professionals.”
Michael D. · Experienced investor, 4th purchase with The Nelis Group
“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
“James went above and beyond for us with our SMSF property purchase. From day one, he assembled a team around us that we could genuinely trust.”
Nat S. · SMSF purchase
“As two people with limited time to dedicate to property hunting, we are incredibly grateful for James' proactive approach. He managed the entire search process, including liaising with agents.”
Noah & Macy · Investment purchase
“I’m a 23 year old, who was looking to purchase a first home, and 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
“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
Read every review: Google reviews · BuyersAgents.com.au
Start here
Common questions
I'm based in Brisbane and licensed to buy across multiple Australian states. The market is chosen to fit your plan, not the other way round, so clients buy in metro and regional markets where the numbers hold up.
Time-poor professionals, athletes, rentvestors, and first-time and experienced investors, including SMSF purchases.
A fixed fee, agreed upfront and split equally between engagement and unconditional exchange. It doesn't change with the purchase price, so I have no reason to push you to spend more, and you know the full cost from day one. We don't discount to win business. Why we charge this way.
Yes. I've been building my own portfolio since 2014 and I test my assumptions there before I apply them to clients.
We don't disappear. Post-settlement support covers working with your property manager, tenant quality, and keeping your plan on track for the next purchase.
Book a 15-minute call. We'll look at where you are, where you want to be, and whether we're the right fit.
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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