Real estate is increasingly reshaping retirement strategies, particularly among younger investors. Recent research indicates that individuals aged 40 and under are gravitating toward alternative property types nearly 10% more often than their older counterparts. This shift reflects broader economic variability and a desire for diversification within financial planning frameworks.
As interest in property investing grows, firms like PREFER Access are carving out a niche in the market. Founded by Michael Mathe and Abby Broyles, the company focuses on acquisition, renovation, and resale rather than traditional passive ownership. Their complementary backgrounds—Mathe’s extensive experience in real estate investment and Broyles’ expertise in legal structuring—allow them to approach property as a strategic asset.
Broyles emphasizes that real estate should not be viewed as a guaranteed route to wealth. Instead, it is an asset class that can contribute to long-term financial planning when evaluated carefully. “When structured thoughtfully, real estate can function as one component of a diversified retirement approach,” she says. “Outcomes often depend heavily on acquisition discipline and holding strategy.”
Investors are increasingly considering property as part of their portfolios, especially as they seek options beyond public market securities. Broyles notes that real estate has maintained a significant role within long-horizon portfolio construction models, rather than being treated as a short-term performance vehicle. This trend is partly influenced by changing perceptions of accessibility in property investing.
Historically, many viewed real estate investing as requiring specialized expertise. However, the rise of structured partnerships and professionally managed projects has shifted these perceptions, making property investments more approachable for a broader audience. Broyles explains that this evolution has enhanced awareness of how real estate can complement traditional financial vehicles.
Macroeconomic factors also play a significant role in property investment dynamics. Ongoing residential demand, driven by migration patterns and demographic shifts, continues to attract investor attention. Although these factors can fluctuate, they highlight the unique positioning of real estate as a supply-sensitive asset class, influenced by different drivers than those affecting market-linked securities.
“The long-term trajectory of any property investment begins with how the asset is sourced and structured,” Broyles asserts. Key factors such as purchase basis, renovation scope, financing costs, and exit timing are critical in determining whether an investment aligns with an investor’s broader financial objectives. PREFER Access adopts an active investment approach by acquiring residential properties and implementing renovation strategies aimed at repositioning homes for evolving buyer markets.
While redevelopment represents a more hands-on investment strategy compared to stabilized rental ownership, the execution of design can significantly impact market reception. “Renovation is not only structural,” Broyles explains. “It also involves understanding how buyers engage with space, layout, and finish environments.”
Broyles highlights that retirement planning encompasses various considerations beyond appreciation, including income durability, asset diversification, and sensitivity to inflation. Individuals are increasingly exploring income streams linked to tangible assets. This shift is particularly relevant as longer life expectancies continue to influence retirement planning timelines.
The visibility of physical assets can also play a crucial role in investor psychology. “There’s a different sense of connection when individuals can see and understand the asset supporting their portfolio,” Broyles states. This transparency can enhance the appeal of property investments, integrating them as one layer within a diversified planning approach.
Looking ahead, Mathe and Broyles anticipate that real estate will continue to be a topic of discussion in long-term financial independence strategies. They stress the importance of measured participation over rapid expansion. Key factors such as market selection, acquisition discipline, and operational infrastructure will guide how redevelopment firms pace their growth.
“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.” This perspective underscores the potential of property investing as a vital element of a well-rounded financial strategy for future generations.
