The 10 Commandments of Successful Property Investment
The 10 Commandments of Successful Property Investment
Buying property and investing — it seems to be what everyone in Australia is talking about these days!
I thought I would put together the article below in a simple Q&A format to share a few insights and tips that might help you on your own property journey.
The ideas come from the book: The 10 Commandments of Successful Property Investment,
I hope you enjoy the read and find it useful
Ever feel confused about property investing?
One day you hear the market is booming, the next it is about to crash.
Interest rates, inflation, population growth — it is a lot to keep up with, right?
But here is the interesting part: while most people get lost in the noise, a few investors seem to always get it right — no matter what the market does.
So, what is their secret?
They follow a few timeless rules that keep them safe in bad times and growing strong in good times.
Below are the Ten Commandments of Property Investment.
1️⃣ Should I take big risks and hope for the best?
Nope! Property is not a gamble — it is about strategy, not luck.
Successful investors focus on fundamentals: population growth, local infrastructure, rental demand, and limited supply.
If you don’t know your advantage, you are not investing — you are guessing.
2️⃣ Can I trust the headlines and market forecasts?
Not really.
The media loves drama — “booms” and “busts” make great stories, but they won’t make you wealthy.
Ignore the noise. Think long-term — where will the market be in 10 years, not next month?
Real wealth is built on fundamentals, not forecasts.
3️⃣ What does “doing my due diligence” mean?
It means doing your homework — properly.
Know what you are buying, understand the risks, and plan for the worst-case scenario.
Ask yourself: What could go wrong?
And remember — “Plan for your plan not to go to plan.”
4️⃣ Is time in the market better than timing the market?
Absolutely.
Compounding is your best friend.
Buy well, hold for the long term, reinvest your gains, and let time do its magic.
Wealth in property is not built overnight — it is built through years of growth and compounding returns.
5️⃣ How many properties should I own?
It is not about how many — it is about how good.
Diversify smartly, but don’t go overboard.
A few high-quality properties in strong locations will outperform a dozen average ones.
Over-diversifying just for the sake of it can hurt you — or as it is called, “di-worse-ification.”
6️⃣ How do I protect myself if things go bad?
Think defensively.
Always have financial buffers, don’t over-borrow, and make sure you have proper insurance.
Your first goal as an investor? Survive the downturns.
Because if you can hold on during the tough times, the good times will reward you.
7️⃣ When should I go on the offense?
Once your safety nets are in place.
That is when you can start being proactive — renovate, add value, maybe even develop.
Don’t just wait for the market to grow; create your own growth.
Defensive and offensive investing work together — one keeps you safe, the other builds your wealth.
8️⃣ What if I need to sell or access cash quickly?
Always have a plan.
Property is not as liquid as shares, so think ahead — can you refinance if needed? Could you sell fast without losing too much?
The best investors always know how they will get out before they get in.
9️⃣ Should I save money by doing everything myself?
Be careful here.
Cutting costs is not always smart investing.
I have seen people lose more money avoiding taxes or refusing professional advice.
A good property manager, buyer’s agent, or strategist is an investment — not an expense — if they deliver more value than they cost.
🔟 What is the most important investment of all?
Yourself.
Your knowledge and mindset are your greatest assets.
Markets will change, but what you learn will always stay with you.
Keep reading, listening, and surrounding yourself with smart people.
Because the investor you become will shape the portfolio you build.
Final Note
I hope you enjoyed reading this and picked up a few helpful tips along the way.
If you would like to chat about your own property goals or need some guidance on where to start, I am always happy to help.
Feel free to reach out anytime — I would love to hear from you and see how we can make your property journey a successful one.