Property advice is everywhere; social media, YouTube, podcasts, even from your Uber driver. But with so many opinions, strategies, and self-proclaimed experts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Some advice works. Some is outdated. And some could steer you into costly mistakes.
In this article, we unpack:
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Red flags that often show up in property investment advice
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The smart questions most people forget to ask
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How to choose guidance that actually suits your goals
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upgrading your home, or planning your next investment, getting the right support is more than just Googling suburbs. It’s about knowing who to trust, what to ask, and where to find real insight.
That’s where a qualified property consultancy like AbodeFinder can help.
Social Media Property Advice Is Everywhere, But Should You Trust It?
The rise of free property education on social media has changed how Australians approach investing. From TikTok tips to Instagram reels and YouTube breakdowns, buyers now have endless advice just a scroll away.
Some of this content is helpful — it introduces key ideas like borrowing power or positive cash flow. But without proper context, it can also mislead.
Many Australians are now making six- or seven-figure decisions based on:
- One-size-fits-all property advice on social media
- Trending “hotspot” lists with no long-term analysis
- Tips from influencers with no responsibility for your outcomes
The biggest risk? Following advice that sounds good online but doesn’t align with your income, risk profile, or goals.
At AbodeFinder, we encourage learning, but we back it with real data, personalised advice, and suburb-level insights that actually suit your strategy.
7 Red Flags When Taking Property Advice
Online videos, TikToks, and podcasts can make property investment look easy, but a lot of advice out there skips the hard parts. Before following someone’s tips, check for these warning signs:
1. “Set and Forget” Promises
Some educators or influencers talk about buying a property and letting it grow without effort. But real results come from smart suburb selection, proper upkeep, and regular review. Property is not passive; ignoring repairs, market shifts, or rent changes can cost you in the long run.
2. Overemphasis on Tax Benefits
Tax terms like “negative gearing” sound appealing, but saving on tax doesn’t mean you’re building wealth. If the property’s value isn’t growing or rent isn’t covering your costs, you’re just delaying pain. A proper strategy looks beyond tax and focuses on long-term outcomes.
3. Generic Suburb Picks
You’ve probably seen “Top 10 suburb” videos or charts floating around. While they get clicks, they miss the mark for real buyers. Your income, borrowing power, and goals should shape where you invest. A suburb that suits one buyer could be a mistake for another.
4. Fear Tactics or Urgency
Scare-based advice sells fast. Lines like “buy now or miss out forever” pressure people into rushing. But timing the market rarely works. What matters is getting the right deal, in the right area, with a plan that suits your situation, not beating someone else to the punch.
5. No Clear Strategy Behind the Advice
If someone’s advice starts with “just buy” and ends with “trust me”, that’s a red flag. Good advice should include cash flow projections, finance options, and an exit plan. You should understand how the deal fits into your bigger financial picture.
6. Advisors with No Personal Experience
Would you take driving lessons from someone who’s never driven? It’s the same with property. Always ask if your advisor has invested themselves, what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d change. Experience builds better judgement.
7. No Ongoing Support
Property investment is not a one-step process. You’ll need support across inspections, finance, negotiations, tenant management, and even unexpected challenges. If someone vanishes once the property settles, you’re left to figure it all out alone.
What Makes Advice Trustworthy?
With so many voices in property, how can you tell who’s worth listening to? Reliable advice isn’t loud or flashy. It’s based on listening, tailoring, and honesty.
They ask more than they tell
A real expert won’t rush to give you answers. They’ll spend more time understanding your financial position, lifestyle goals, and risk tolerance before suggesting anything.
They tailor the advice to your goals, not their commission
Genuine consultants will recommend what suits you, not what pays them more. That means different advice for first-home buyers, upsizers, investors, or downsizers.
They’re open about risks, timelines, and trade-offs
No deal is perfect. Trusted professionals walk you through possible downsides and the time it might take to see results. They don’t promise fast wins; they focus on sustainable decisions.
How AbodeFinder Helps You Cut Through the Noise
When advice feels overwhelming, AbodeFinder makes the process simpler, smarter, and more aligned with your goals.
We act as your property team
You don’t just get one agent. You get suburb-level research, property strategy, and data-backed recommendations, built around your buying goals, not someone else’s sales target.
No commissions, no kickbacks
Our advice is clean. We don’t accept hidden payments from sellers, developers, or agents. Everything we recommend is based on what’s right for you.
Smart tools powered by generative AI
We use advanced tech to scan thousands of listings, price changes, growth patterns, and rental trends so you see where the real value is, not just what’s being advertised.
Conclusion: Make Informed Choices
Property is too expensive for guesswork
One wrong move can cost you thousands. Smart buyers take the time to question advice and validate the strategy behind it.
Seek help that prioritises your needs
The right advisor listens more than they pitch. You deserve guidance that’s tailored to your situation, not just what’s trending online.
AbodeFinder offers strategy-first guidance for buyers ready to invest smart
We’re not here to sell you hype. We offer real insights, data-backed suburb analysis, and AI-powered tools to help you buy with confidence.
