Is Property Investment Still “Safe as Houses”?

If you want to travel by investing in property let’s do the maths.

The Initial Investment

Property investment requires significant upfront capital. Here’s what you’re looking at:

• Deposit: 20–40% of the property’s value.
• Stamp Duty/Taxes: Often tens of thousands per property.
• Renovation & Maintenance: To make properties tenant-ready.
• Mortgage Costs: Ongoing monthly payments.

For example, buying a property worth £250,000 would need £50,000–£100,000 upfront just to get started.

What It Takes to Earn £10,000/Month

Let’s assume you earn £500/month in net rental income per property after expenses (a realistic average in today’s market). To generate £10,000/month, you would need:

• 20 Properties generating £500/month each.
• Capital Investment: £1 million+ for deposits and purchasing costs.
• Time & Effort: Years to acquire, renovate, and rent out that many properties.

And this assumes full occupancy, no major repairs, and no unexpected expenses like tenant turnover or market dips.

The Long Wait for Real Profit

Even with a portfolio this large, it can take decades to recoup your initial investment and start seeing substantial profits. Meanwhile, your capital is tied up, leaving little room to pivot or explore other opportunities.

A Changing Landscape and Its Impact on Society

Rising interest rates, stricter regulations, and fluctuating property values are reshaping the property market, making it increasingly challenging for investors and society alike.

In many ways, it’s like playing a high-stakes game of Monopoly. The rush to invest in property has driven home prices far beyond their intrinsic value—after all, bricks and mortar aren’t inherently worth that much. This artificial inflation has turned housing into a commodity, leaving starter homes for families further out of reach.

As property prices and interest rates climb, landlords are often left with two choices: pass rising costs onto renters or face financial strain themselves. Either way, the societal impact is significant:

• Families are squeezed out of homeownership.
• Renters face escalating costs, sometimes forcing them to compromise on basic living standards.
• Communities see increased inequality as housing becomes a privilege rather than a right.

The dream of property investment as a guaranteed path to wealth is increasingly fraught, not just for individuals but for the broader society we all share.

Is There a Better Way?

If you’re looking for faster, more flexible ways to generate income—without the six-figure upfront costs—there are alternative strategies that could deliver better returns and greater freedom.

Curious to learn more? Let’s explore how your time, money, and energy can work harder for you.

Warm regards,
The ALMO family