THIRTEEN year old Bradley Johnson took his first step on the property ladder at the weekend — on his way to a soccer game.

The Collaroy youngster went to his first auction on Saturday, watched his parents buy an investment unit and already has plans to buy it from them when he grows up.

media_camera The crowd at the one-bedroom unit auction on Saturday. The unit sold for $655,000.

“He’s a good little investor and has put his name on the apartment already,” dad Tony said.

Mr Johnson said Bradley has picked up some property pointers listening to his parents and could see the potential of the original Freshwater unit just 500m from the beach.

“He said he doesn’t mind helping with the renovation either,” Mr Johnson said.

media_camera Inside the one-bedroom unit in the heart of Freshwater.

The Collaroy family have three children aged between 13 and 18 and already have a couple of investment units in Dee Why.

“We are wanting to give them to the kids so they don’t end up out west,” Mr Johnson said.

“We will rent them out to the kids and they can pay off the property from us,” he added.

media_camera Bradley, 13, has already helped his dad renovate the apartment.

That way the teenagers can stay on the northern beaches close to mum and dad and long-term acquire real estate.

Tony Johnson is a property developer and Vanessa is a property stylist. The couple grew up on the northern beaches and are keen to help their children stay in the area.

Six parties registered to buy the one-bedroom Freshwater unit at 6/68 Albert St, three of them were investors.

media_camera The bathroom/laundry was ripe for renovation.

Agent Matt Nicastri, of Cunninghams Property, said the guide for the first-floor apartment was $575,000, the opening bid was $600,000 and the hammer fell at $655,000.

“Freshwater is one of the most competitive rental markets in Australia,” Mr Nicastri said.

He said the 55sq m unit could be rented out at $475-$495 per week in its current state and as much as $560 per week once renovated.

The Johnsons intend to upgrade the unit and rent it out until Bradley is old enough to move in himself and start paying rent.

“It faces north, has a garage and once renovated could rent out to a corporate couple,” Mr Johnson said.