Top 3 Mistakes Investors Make When Buying Investment Property
Reading Time: 1 minute
Investing in property can be a game-changer for building wealth - if done right. However, small mistakes can lead to big consequences. Here are the top three mistakes investors often make and how to avoid them.
1. Area Selection Mistakes
BBQ Advice Gone Wrong:
Ever heard someone rave about their incredible capital gains at a backyard BBQ and rushed to invest in the same area?
Why this fails: Markets evolve, and areas that performed well years ago might already have peaked.
How to identify red flags: Look at the growth rate over the last 3 - 5 years. If the area has already surged, you’ve likely missed the capital gains opportunity.Ignoring Supply and Demand Dynamics:
Investing in areas with high supply, such as those with ongoing subdivisions, can stagnate growth.
Why this fails: When supply outweighs demand, price appreciation slows significantly.
How to assess supply and demand:Stock on Market %: A high ratio of sales listings indicates oversupply in the area.
Building Approvals: A rise in building approvals suggests incoming supply, which can dilute demand.
2. Property Selection Pitfalls
Buying for Personal Taste, Not Market Demand:
Choosing a property that suits your personal preferences rather than aligning with market needs can backfire.
Why this fails: If most households in the area are small families, investing in a large 5-bedroom property might make renting or selling more difficult.
How to align with market needs:Research the most common property configurations (number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and car spaces etc.).
Analyse the average household size in the area.
Chasing Cosmetic Perfection:
Focusing on aesthetics rather than fundamentals is a common trap.
Why this fails: While cosmetic upgrades can be done later, poor fundamentals like location, layout, or market fit cannot be fixed easily.
3. Over-reliance on Price Estimates
Trusting Online Valuations Blindly:
Many investors rely on algorithm-generated price estimates, thinking they’re accurate.
Why this fails: Price estimates from tools like REA, APM or RP Data often differ by six figures and may not factor in renovations or nuances like the exact property location.
What to do instead: Verify price estimates using recent comparable sales for like-for-like properties and local expert insights.
Takeaway
Avoiding these mistakes can save you from costly missteps and set you up for long-term success. The key is to base your decisions on thorough research, data, and market trends - not assumptions or hearsay.
What do you think is the biggest mistake investors make?
We’re Here to Help
Ready to Make Your Next Move?
If you're like many property investors, you may be wondering what the right decision is in the current market. Should you buy, sell, or hold off for now? Whatever your property goals, we’re here to guide you.
Let us help you secure your next investment-grade property with confidence. Book an obligation-free consultation today and take the first step toward smarter investing.
Other helpful articles for your property journey that a buyer’s agent can assist you
Is Perth’s Property Boom Running Out of Steam? 4 Charts You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Is Axing Negative Gearing the Fix for Australia’s Housing Crisis?
Most Common Mistakes Investors Make When Buying Property
Top 5 tips for selecting the right suburb to invest in
Guide to finding the right investment property
Buying an investment property through SMSF
Essential Tips for New Investors After Purchasing a Property
The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, Premier Buyers recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and engage qualified professionals.