Property investment can be one of the most rewarding financial decisions you make — but too often, I speak with investors who come to me after they’ve made costly missteps that could have been avoided with the right support from day one.
If you’re thinking of buying, already mid-search, or just landed your first investment, here’s what to watch out for — and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Buying Without a Rental Strategy
The problem:
Many investors fall in love with the property, not the numbers. They buy based on emotion or a slick sales pitch — without a clear understanding of how the property will perform as a rental.
Why it matters:
A great-looking home doesn’t always make a great investment. Poor rental return, limited tenant demand, or high ongoing costs can turn a “dream buy” into a drain.
What to do instead:
Get a rental appraisal before you buy. This should include market rent, vacancy risk, likely tenant profile, and maintenance expectations. Bonus points if your agent helps you shortlist smart buys based on performance, not just presentation.
Want help evaluating a property before you commit? I offer no-obligation pre-purchase rental advice — just ask.
Mistake #2: Overlooking Compliance (Until It’s Too Late)
The problem:
Smoke alarms, water efficiency, safety switches, pool fencing, blinds cords… the compliance list is long. Miss one item, and you might delay leasing or open yourself up to liability.
Why it matters:
Non-compliance can delay marketing, put tenants at risk, and cost you in urgent repairs or legal risk. And when you’re not local, it’s easy to miss the finer details.
What to do instead:
Partner with a property manager before settlement. We can line up compliance checks, organise required upgrades, and ensure you’re ready to lease on day one.
Not sure what’s needed? View our Landlord Onboarding Checklist.
Mistake #3: Waiting Until Settlement to Organise Management
The problem:
Some investors wait until the ink is dry before thinking about tenants or management. That often leads to delays in advertising, missed income, and rushed decisions.
Why it matters:
Every week your property sits empty post-settlement is money lost. The sooner you’re prepared to lease, the sooner your investment starts working for you.
What to do instead:
We can start the onboarding process before you settle — including rental appraisal, compliance, and management agreement — so your property hits the market the day it’s yours.
Thinking ahead? We’re happy to prepare everything behind the scenes so your property is market-ready from day one.
Final Thought: Be the Investor Who Plans, Not Regrets
Smart investing isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy. And the best time to set up for success is before the keys change hands.
Whether you’re still looking or already under contract, we are here to help you buy with confidence and lease with clarity.