How to build a $500,000 ASX share portfolio from scratch

Getting rich in the share market isn't as hard as you might think.

young people celebrating at a gold party

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Building a $500,000 ASX share portfolio may seem like an impossible goal, but with patience, consistency, and the power of compounding, it could be more achievable than you might think.

One of the best ways to grow wealth in the stock market is through regular investing.

By committing to investing $750 per month in a mix of quality ASX shares and ASX ETFs, you could build a half-million-dollar portfolio in just under 20 years.

The power of consistency and compounding with ASX shares

Investing isn't necessarily about finding the next hot stock or timing the market perfectly—it is about consistency and time in the market. History has shown that the ASX has delivered average annual returns of around 10%.

And while there is no guarantee that this will continue in the future, I feel it is a fair return to target.

With that in mind, starting from scratch and investing $750 per month would turn into $500,000 in just under 20 years.

What to invest in?

To build a well-rounded portfolio, it could be a good idea to invest in a mix of individual ASX shares and ASX ETFs that offer broad market exposure.

In respect to ASX shares, investors may want to consider companies with sustainable competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and long-term growth prospects.

Companies such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Life360 Inc. (ASX: 360), ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), and Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) are names that come immediately to mind and could be worth further investigation.

Diversifying with ETFs

To reduce risk and gain exposure to global megatrends, a selection of ETFs can provide diversification across sectors and geographies.

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) could be a good option. It invests in high-quality U.S. companies with strong competitive advantages.

There's also the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) to consider. It provides exposure to top U.S. tech companies like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

And the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) is another to consider. It targets the booming cybersecurity industry with companies like Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) and CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD).

Foolish takeaway

Building a $500,000 portfolio doesn't require a huge lump sum—just consistent investing, patience, and smart asset allocation.

By sticking to a disciplined monthly investment plan and focusing on high-quality ASX shares and ETFs, you could set yourself up for significant long-term wealth.

Start today, stick to your plan, and let the power of compounding work for you.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, Life360, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, CrowdStrike, Life360, Microsoft, Nvidia, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, ResMed, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, CSL, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Nvidia, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on How to invest

A man with his back to the camera holds his hands to his head as he looks to a jagged red line trending sharply downward.
How to invest

What's the likelihood of a stock market crash before the end of 2026?

Market volatility feels uncomfortable, but history shows it’s often the price of long-term returns rather than a warning sign.

Read more »

Portrait of a boy with the map of the world painted on his face.
How to invest

3 ASX stocks with global revenue to diversify your portfolio

Boost your global exposure without leaving the ASX.

Read more »

Woman relaxing at home on a chair with hands behind back and feet in the air.
How to invest

How to build a bullet-proof monthly passive income portfolio with just $20,000

With the right structure, even a modest amount of capital can deliver steady monthly cash flow.

Read more »

A girl lies on her bed in her room while using laptop and listening to headphones.
How to invest

I'm listening to Warren Buffett and buying cheap ASX shares

When markets turn volatile, I find Buffett’s focus on patience and quality especially useful.

Read more »

A young couple hug each other and smile at the camera, standing in front of their brand new luxury car.
How to invest

Why buy and hold investing with ASX shares could make you rich

Here is the easy way to build wealth on the share market.

Read more »

Happy young woman saving money in a piggy bank.
How to invest

How to turn $250 a month into a $500,000 ASX share portfolio

Let's look at how sticking to a simple plan and investing every month can build serious wealth without stress.

Read more »

share buyers, investors, happy investors
How to invest

An easy and effective ASX portfolio with just 3 investments

This is the easy way to try and build a winning portfolio.

Read more »

A young couple hug each other and smile at the camera, standing in front of their brand new luxury car.
How to invest

How a beginner investor could build a $250,000 ASX share portfolio

Want to start investing? Here's one way to do it.

Read more »