The biggest property mistake professionals keep making

Property investing often starts with one question: What can I afford?

But according to Victor Kumar and Rashmi Kumar from Right Property Group, that’s the wrong place to begin.

On the first episode of Buying Power, the pair argued that lasting wealth isn’t built by chasing market trends or buying the next available property.

It’s built by designing a long-term strategy.

Think beyond today’s market

Their philosophy, “Design Your Decade,” encourages investors to think in ten-year blocks rather than reacting to short-term headlines.

While markets, interest rates and government policies will inevitably change, a clear long-term plan helps investors stay focused on the bigger picture.

As Victor Kumar explained, many people overestimate what they can achieve in one year but underestimate what they can accomplish over a decade.

Time—not timing—is often the greatest advantage an investor has.

Don’t buy for comfort

For many professionals, one of the biggest mistakes is buying property based on familiarity rather than strategy.

Whether it’s purchasing close to home or following what friends are doing,

Rashmi Kumar says too many investors enter the market without a clear vision for where they want to be ten years from now.

Instead, she recommends building the right team around you, including experienced finance brokers and property advisers who understand long-term portfolio building—not simply helping you purchase a property.

Cash flow over tax breaks

The pair also warned against relying too heavily on tax incentives such as negative gearing.

While these can provide benefits, Victor says successful investing should always be built on strong fundamentals, sustainable cash flow and realistic long-term growth.

Rashmi believes maintaining healthy cash flow is essential, allowing investors to comfortably hold quality assets through changing market conditions and give capital growth time to work.

Start sooner, not later

While affordability remains a challenge and higher interest rates have increased holding costs, Victor argues that waiting for the “perfect” time to buy often means paying more in the future.

For professionals in their thirties and forties—typically their peak earning years—the message is clear: start with your goals, surround yourself with the right experts and invest with purpose rather than emotion.

The bottom line

The smartest property decision isn’t simply buying your next investment.

It’s designing the next decade before you do.