Not starting: By far the biggest mistake in property is simply not starting. Whether this is through excessive worrying about purchasing properties at the wrong time or something else, this leads to the biggest regret of property investors that do get going – that they didn’t start sooner. Solution: start!

Overleveraging: Taking on too much debt or relying heavily on leverage to finance property acquisitions, which can increase financial risk and vulnerability to market downturns. Solution: 75% is fairly normal level of leverage for residential property, 60% for commercial property. Also, for long-term stability, you may consider using the rule of thumb that your age + average LTV of your portfolio don’t exceed 100. For example, if you are aged 30, then the ideal LTV on average would be 70%. This is not a hard and fast rule – and may be somewhat controversial amongst investors. However it’s just one way to gradually decrease your exposure as you get older.

Poor Due Diligence: Failing to conduct thorough due diligence on properties, including market research, property inspections and financial analysis that then lead to unexpected expenses, issues, or asset underperformance. Solution: get as educated as possible by listening to podcasts for example, or speaking with those who are further in the journey than you. But remember that at some point, you just need to learn through experience and go for it.

Underestimating Expenses: Underestimating the true costs of property ownership, including maintenance, repairs, property management fees, taxes, and insurance, leading to financial strain or reduced returns. Solution: again, just pluck up the courage to speak with someone more experienced and ask them to detail the costs they had for some of their property purchases.

Lack of Diversification: Concentrating investments in a single market, property type, or geographic area, without diversifying to spread risk and maximise opportunities for growth. Solution: don’t put all your eggs in 1 basket. You can diversify in many ways. Also, it doesn’t all have to be property!

Married2Property Partners are a property company that aims to do social good through property.