In this episode, Meighan Wells and Veronica Morgan unpack some of the most common property rules for first home buyers and explain why following them blindly can actually make the buying process harder. Instead of empowering buyers, rigid rules often contribute to confusion, hesitation, and costly delays. This is where many first time home buyer mistakes begin—not from bad intentions, but from trying to follow advice that doesn't fully apply.
This conversation is especially important in an environment filled with property advice that often contradicts itself. One person says never buy an apartment. Another says never buy a house. Someone else insists the only safe option is brand new. When first home buyers try to follow every rule at once, they end up second-guessing every decision—or worse, doing nothing at all.
Below, we break down the key common property buying rules discussed in this episode, explain why they exist, and show you how to think about them more strategically.
🚦 Never buy on a main road
"Never buy on a main road" is one of the most repeated warnings in first home buyer property advice. The concern is understandable. Buying property on a main road can come with higher noise levels, safety considerations, and buyer resistance when it comes time to sell.
However, Meighan and Veronica explain why context matters. Not all main roads function the same way. A high-speed arterial road with constant truck traffic is very different from a wide, well-designed boulevard near transport, shops, and amenities. Understanding traffic patterns, property orientation, noise mitigation, and local buyer demand can completely change the risk profile.
This is a clear example of property myths—the rule exists to reduce risk, but applying it without nuance can unnecessarily rule out good opportunities.
🏢 Never buy a one-bedroom apartment
Another strong rule is "never buy a one-bedroom apartment." This advice is often linked to genuine risks. Buying a one bedroom apartment can involve tighter lending conditions, limited buyer demand, and resale challenges, especially for first home buyers who may outgrow it quickly and need flexibility later.
That said, the episode highlights why this rule still needs context. Location, building quality, scarcity, and buyer profile all matter. While a one-bedroom apartment is rarely ideal as a first purchase, understanding why it can be risky helps buyers avoid emotional decisions. Many first time home buyer mistakes happen when buyers assume cheaper automatically means safer, without considering long-term outcomes.
🏗 Never buy off the plan
Buying off the plan is often marketed as simple, organised, and beginner-friendly. Glossy brochures, small deposits, and brand-new finishes can make it feel like a safe choice. In reality, many of the risks don't appear until much later.
Meighan and Veronica break down why buying off the plan can be risky for first home buyers. Valuation shortfalls, lending policy changes, construction delays, sunset clauses, and limited capital growth can all derail a buyer's plans. This rule exists because first home buyers often have limited buffers if something changes.
This discussion also overlaps with broader property myths and is highly relevant for anyone researching investment property advice or advice on property investment. A property can look appealing on paper, but strategy matters far more than marketing.
🏡 Never buy a house and land package
Buying a house and land package is another area where advice can feel contradictory. These properties are often promoted as affordable entry points, but large greenfield developments can struggle with long-term capital growth due to oversupply and lack of scarcity.
In this episode, the hosts explain how value is actually created in property and why land quality and location matter more than brand-new finishes. They also discuss when smaller developments or infill locations may be exceptions to the rule.
This is where property advice and investment advice often blur, and why buyers need to understand what suits their personal goals.
👥 Never buy with someone else (without protection)
With affordability pressures rising, more buyers are asking should you buy property with friends, siblings, or parents? The episode makes it clear: buying a house with someone else isn't wrong—but doing it casually is risky.
Whether you're buying with friends or family, legal advice, clear agreements, and exit strategies are essential. Many buyers plan carefully for purchase day but fail to plan for what happens if circumstances change. Without structure, shared ownership can quickly become a source of stress and financial risk.
Why property advice feels so confusing
A recurring theme throughout this episode is why property advice feels overwhelming in the first place. Rules are often shared without explanation, and different voices prioritise different outcomes. When buyers aren't taught how to filter advice, they're left overwhelmed instead of empowered.
🎯 By the end of this episode, you'll understand how to approach property rules with critical thinking, ask better questions, and learn how to choose the right property as a first home buyer—with confidence and clarity.
This is Part One of a two-part series. In the next episode, Meighan and Veronica unpack more property rules that sound sensible, but still catch first home buyers out.
